Development of an Ice Plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FOR THE PROPOSED

CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF

ICE PLANT AT FEEALI, FAAFU ATOLL

Doc Number: EIA-MIFCO-02-1

April 2021

Prepared for

MIFCO

Maldives

EIA Consultant

CDE Consulting, Maldives

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

ހިންގުމުގެ ތަރައްޤީކޮށް ޕްލާންޓެއް އައިސް ފީއަލީގައި ފ. ބަޔާންކުރާ މިންވަރު އަސަރުކުރާނެ ތިމާވެއްޓަށް މަޝްރޫޢުއިން ރިޕޯޓު

2021 2021 އެޕްރިލް

: އެދިޔާރު މަޝްރޫޢުގެ

މިފްކޯ

: ކޮންސަލްޓަންޓް އޭ . އައި .އީ މަޝްރޫޢުގެ

ކޮންސަލްޓިންގް އީ .ޑީ .ސީ

ii EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... I

LIST OF FIGURES ...... VI

LIST OF TABLES ...... VII

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...... VIII

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... X

LEAD CONSULTANT’S DECLARATION ...... XI

PROPONENT’S DECLARATION ...... XII

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... XIII

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 17

1.1 GENERAL ...... 17 1.2 OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...... 17 1.3 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT ...... 17

1.4 NEEDS AND JUSTIFICATION ...... 17 1.5 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA ...... 18 1.6 PROJECT PROPONENT ...... 19

1.7 PROJECT SITE ...... 19 1.8 PROJECT FINANCING ...... 24 1.9 DISCLAIMER ON INFORMATION ...... 24 1.10 SCOPE OF THE EIA ...... 24

1.11 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEAM ...... 24

2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 26

2.1 GENERAL APPROACH ...... 26 2.2 EIA PROCESS ...... 26

2.3 SCOPING MEETING ...... 27 2.4 LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 27 2.5 FIELD SURVEYS ...... 27 2.5.1 Noise ...... 27 2.5.2 Ground Water Quality ...... 28 2.5.3 Marine Water Quality ...... 28 2.5.4 Depth Spot Readings ...... 28 2.5.5 Currents ...... 29

i EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

2.6 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ...... 29 2.7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 29 2.7.1 Cumulative Impact Assessment ...... 34 2.8 POTENTIAL DATA GAPS AND LIMITATIONS OF STUDY ...... 35

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 37

3.1 GENERAL PROJECT OUTLINE ...... 37

3.2 LEGAL STATUS OF LAND ...... 37 3.3 PROPOSED DESIGN OF THE ICE PLANT ...... 37 3.3.1 Ice Plant Design ...... 38 3.3.2 Concept Approval ...... 39 3.3.3 Power Supply for Ice Plant ...... 39 3.3.4 Refrigerants used ...... 39 3.3.5 Transportation of Ice to Fishing Vessel ...... 39 3.3.6 Water Supply for Ice plant ...... 40 3.3.7 Output Water ...... 40 3.4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT ...... 40 3.4.1 Contracting ...... 40 3.4.2 Target Dates and Project Duration ...... 40 3.4.3 Tasks Already Completed ...... 41 3.4.4 Workforce ...... 41 3.4.5 Work Hours ...... 41 3.4.6 Labour Accommodation Camps ...... 41 3.4.7 Access to Site ...... 41 3.4.8 Potential Accidents and Hazards ...... 41 3.4.9 Safety ...... 42 3.4.10 Fuel Handling Procedure ...... 44 3.4.11 Land Clearing ...... 44 3.4.12 Procurement ...... 46 3.4.13 Temporary Project Site ...... 46 3.4.14 Mobilisation ...... 46 3.4.15 List of materials ...... 46 3.4.16 Material Storage ...... 47 3.4.17 Machineries ...... 49 3.4.18 Water Supply ...... 49 3.4.19 Power and Fuel Supply for Construction ...... 49 3.4.20 Sewage Management ...... 49 3.4.21 Work Sequence and Methodology ...... 49 3.4.21.1 Foundation ...... 49

ii EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

3.4.21.2 Construction of building structure ...... 50 3.4.22 Intake Water ...... 50 3.4.23 Outfall ...... 50 3.4.24 Flake Ice Maker ...... 52 3.4.25 Ice Store ...... 52 3.4.26 Demobilization ...... 52 3.4.27 Waste Management ...... 52 3.4.28 Labour Camp Closure ...... 53 3.5 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ICE PLANT ...... 53

3.6 SUMMARY OF PROJECT INPUTS AND OUTPUTS ...... 54

4 POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...... 57

4.1 IDENTIFICATION OF RISKS AND IMPACTS ...... 57 4.1.1 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act ...... 57 4.1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation ...... 58 4.1.3 Decentralized Decision Making ...... 59 4.1.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure ...... 59 4.1.5 Environmental Liability ...... 60

4.2 LAND ACQUISITION AND RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE ...... 61 4.3 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ...... 62 4.4 PROTECTION OF HERITAGE ...... 64

4.5 LABOUR AND WORKING CONDITIONS ...... 65 4.6 COMMUNITY HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY ...... 68 4.7 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY ...... 70 4.8 POLLUTION PREVENTION ...... 71

4.9 WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 74 4.10 FOOD SAFETY ...... 77

5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ...... 79

5.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS ...... 79

5.2 FINDINGS OF STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ...... 79 5.3 CONSULTATION WITH FISHERMEN ...... 86 5.3.1 Key Findings ...... 86

5.4 MATERIALITY ISSUES ...... 87

6 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT ...... 88

6.1 PROPOSED LOCATION AND SENSITIVE RECEPTORS ...... 88 6.2 CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT SITES ...... 88

6.3 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 88 6.3.1 Plan for Replanting Trees ...... 89

iii EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

6.4 AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL ...... 89 6.5 GROUND WATER QUALITY ...... 90

6.6 MARINE WATER QUALITY ...... 91 6.7 DEPTH AT PROPOSED INTAKE AND OUTFALL LOCATION ...... 91 6.8 CURRENTS...... 91 6.9 MARINE PROTECTED AREAS AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SITES ...... 91

6.10 SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 92 6.10.1 Population Characteristics ...... 92 6.10.2 Fisheries ...... 93 6.10.3 Population Projection ...... 94 6.10.4 Sex Ratio ...... 95 6.10.5 Healthcare ...... 95 6.10.6 Transport Infrastructure ...... 95 6.10.7 Utilities ...... 95 6.10.8 Waste Management ...... 95 6.10.1 Business and Employment ...... 96 6.10.1 Expatriate Worker Employment ...... 97 6.10.2 Poverty ...... 98 6.11 CLIMATE ...... 99 6.11.1 Monsoons ...... 99 6.11.2 Winds ...... 100 6.11.3 Rainfall ...... 101 6.11.4 Temperature ...... 104 6.12 HYDROLOGY ...... 107 6.12.1 Tidal Pattern ...... 107 6.12.2 Wave Conditions ...... 107 6.12.3 Swell Waves and Storm Surges ...... 108 6.13 RISK OF NATURAL HAZARDS ...... 108

7 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION ...... 110

7.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 110 7.2 OVERALL POSITIVE IMPACTS FROM THE PROJECT ...... 112

7.3 SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION STAGE ...... 114 7.3.1 Ambient Noise Level and Vibration ...... 114 7.3.2 Groundwater and Soil Condition ...... 115 7.3.3 Marine Water and Marine Biodiversity ...... 117 7.3.4 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna ...... 119 7.3.5 Waste Management ...... 120 7.3.1 Labour Recruitment ...... 122

iv EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

7.3.2 Health and Safety ...... 123 7.3.3 Natural Hazards and Risks ...... 125 7.3.4 Climate Change ...... 126 7.3.5 Air Quality ...... 128 7.3.6 Social Cohesion ...... 130 7.3.7 Food and Safety ...... 131

8 ALTERNATIVES ...... 133

8.1 “NO-PROJECT” ALTERNATIVE ...... 133 8.2 ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY ...... 133

9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 135

9.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ...... 135 9.2 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 136 9.2.1 Project proponent ...... 136 9.2.2 Project contractor ...... 136 9.2.3 Island Council of Feeali ...... 136 9.2.4 Environmental consultant ...... 136 9.2.5 Environmental Protection Agency ...... 137

9.3 NON-CONFORMANCES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION ...... 137 9.4 REPORTING ...... 137 9.5 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ...... 146

10 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...... 148

10.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 148 10.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE MONITORING PLAN ...... 148 10.3 BEFORE CONSTRUCTION ...... 148

10.4 CONSTRUCTION PHASE MONITORING PLAN ...... 148 10.5 OPERATING PHASE MONITORING PLAN ...... 149 10.6 MONITORING REPORT ...... 161 10.7 SCHEDULE OF MONITORING REPORT ...... 161

10.8 COST OF MONITORING ...... 162 10.9 COMMITMENT TO MONITORING ...... 162

11 CONCLUSION ...... 163

12 REFERENCES ...... A

APPENDIX A1 – APPROVED TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... B

APPENDIX A2 – SURVEY LOCATIONS AND STUDY AREA ...... C

APPENDIX A3 – CVS OF CONSULTANTS ...... D

v EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX B1 – DETAILED CONCEPT DESIGN ...... E

APPENDIX B2 – LAND USE APPROVALS ...... F

APPENDIX B3 – WORK SCHEDULE ...... G

APPENDIX C1 –STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION NOTES AND ATTENDANCE SHEETS ...... H

APPENDIX D – WATER QUALITY RESULTS ...... 9

APPENDIX E – IMPACT EVALUATION ...... 10

APPENDIX F – ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER FROM ATOLL AND ISLAND COUNCIL ...... 11

List of Figures

Figure 1.1 Project Location ...... 21 Figure 1.2 Aerial image of the project site ...... 22 Figure 1.3 Project Site ...... 23 Figure 3.1 Flow chart of ice plant process ...... 38 Figure 3.2 Proposed site for temporary storage area ...... 48 Figure 3.3 Intake and Outfall Locations ...... 51 Figure 6.1 Area around the project site for iceplant development ...... 88 Figure 6.2 Vegetation around project site ...... 89 Figure 6.3 Population by locality (Source: Census 2014) ...... 92 Figure 6.4 Population pyramid (Source: Census, 2014) ...... 93 Figure 6.5 Fish catch at F.Atoll from 1977-2018 (In ‘000 metric tons) ...... 94 Figure 6.6 Projected resident population from 2014-2054 ...... 94 Figure 6.7 Main employment sectors ...... 96 Figure 6.8 Top 5 Nationalities for Expatriate Employment in Maldives (NBS, 2020) ...... 97 Figure 6.9 Wind Frequencies recorded at LKadhdhoo between 1992-2019 ...... 101 Figure 6.10 Variation in rainfall at Hulhule’ every month from 1975-2019 (Source: MET, 2020) ...... 102 Figure 6.11 Annual Rainfall at K. Hulhule’ (1975 – 2019; Source: MET, 2020) ...... 103 Figure 6.12 Total rainfall by month at L.Kahdhoo, 2019; Source: MET, 2020) ...... 103

vi EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Figure 6.13 Total Annual Rainfall at L.Kahdhoo (1990-2019; Source: MMS) ...... 104 Figure 6.14 Temperature ranges by year in Hulhule’ – 1975 - 2019 (Source:MET, 2020) ...... 105 Figure 6.15 Monthly temperature at Hulhule' in 2019 (Source: MET 2020) ...... 105 Figure 6.16 Mean temperature by year in Kahdhoo - 1990-2019 (Source:MET, 2020) ...... 106 Figure 6.17 Monthly temperature at Kahdhoo in 2019 (Source: MET 2020) ...... 106 Figure 7.1 Estimated affected area ...... 113

List of Tables

Table 1.1 Details of Project Location ...... 20 Table 2.1 Generalised Sensitivity Criteria ...... 30 Table 2.2 Factors used to determine magnitude of impact ...... 31 Table 2.3 Impact magnitude ...... 32 Table 2.4 Derived impact significance matrix ...... 33 Table 2.5 Limitations of the Study ...... 35 Table 3.1 Summary of key specification of the proposed ice plant ...... 38 Table 3.2 Maintenance activities for the ice plant ...... 53 Table 3.3 Major project inputs during construction stage ...... 54 Table 3.4 Major project outputs during construction stage ...... 55 Table 3.5 Project inputs during operation stage ...... 55 Table 3.6 Project outputs during operation stage ...... 56 Table 4.1 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to EIA ...... 60 Table 4.2 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to land acquisition, land use planning and restrictions on land-use ...... 61 Table 4.3 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to biodiversity conservation ...... 62 Table 4.4 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to cultural heritage ...... 65 Table 4.5 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to labour and working conditions ...... 66 Table 4.6 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to community health, safety and security ...... 68 Table 4.7 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to resource efficiency ...... 70 Table 4.8 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to pollution prevention ...... 72

vii EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Table 4.9 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to waste management ...... 75 Table 5.1 Summary of stakeholder consultations ...... 81 Table 5.2 Materiality issues identified by stakeholders ...... 87 Table 6.1 Ambient noise level at project site and control site ...... 89 Table 6.2 Ambient noise standards in most OECD Countries ...... 90 Table 6.3 Ground water quality results assessed at MWSC ...... 90 Table 6.4 Marine water quality results assessed at MWSC ...... 91 Table 6.5 Summary of meteorological information of L. Kadhdhoo (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2020) ...... 99 Table 6.6 Summary of General Wind Conditions from National Meteorological Centre ...... 100 Table 6.7 Tidal elevations reported at Hulhule' ...... 107 Table 6.8 Probable maximum storm tide for hazard zone 2 ...... 108 Table 7.1 Identification of impacts during construction stage ...... 111 Table 7.2 Identification of impacts during operation stage ...... 111 Table 8-1 Summary of no project alternative ...... 133 Table 9-1 Environmental Management Plan for construction and operation phase ...... 138 Table 9.2 Social management plan ...... 139 Table 10.1 Monitoring Schedule for Pre-Construction Stage (if required) ...... 150 Table 10.2 Monitoring Schedule for Construction Stage ...... 152 Table 10.3 Monitoring Schedule for Operation Stage ...... 156 Table 10.4 Schedule of monitoring report submission ...... 161

List of Abbreviations

DO Dissolved Oxygen EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPA Environmental Protection Agency GPS Global Positioning System HV High Voltage

viii EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

ILO International Labour Organisation IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC International Plant Protection Convention LRA Labour Relations Authority LV Low Voltage ME Ministry of Environment MFDA Maldives Food and Drug Authority MNPI Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure MLSA Maldives Land Survey Authority MVR Maldivian Rufiyaa MV Medium Voltage NDC Nationally Determined Contributions TDS Total Dissolved Solids TSS Total Suspended Solids TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon URA Utility Regulatory Authority UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ToR Term of Reference

ix EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements:

The lead author of this report is Ms. Mariyam Hana Saeed

Additional assessments were undertaken by the following team members.

1. Ms. Hana Saeed (Report reviewing)

2. Ms. Maasa Ali (Report writing, Stakeholder consultations, Legal framework, Geographical Information Systems)

3. Ms. Fathimath Yamna (Stakeholder Consultations

4. Mr. Ali Moosa (Noise assessments, currents, depth spot readings, aerial mapping)

The curriculum vitae’s of the EIA consultants are attached in Appendix A3 of this report.

x EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Lead Consultant’s Declaration

I certify that statements made in this Environment Impact Assessment are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and available information.

Mariyam Hana Saeed

xi EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Proponent’s Declaration

As the proponent of the proposed project, I guarantee that I have read the report thoroughly and that to the best of my knowledge all information provided here is accurate and complete.

(Please refer to next page)

xii

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Executive Summary

This Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared for the development of an ice plant in Feeali, Faafu Atoll. The proponent and contractor for the project is MIFCO. It is expected that the project will be completed within 5 months of work commencement. The ice plant has been designed based on a sample layout provided by the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture. This project is fully funded by the Government of Maldives.

This project aimed to alleviate the challenges faced by the fishermen in the island due to lack of ice capacity in the Atoll. The project involves designing and building an ice plant on a 3,000 sqft area near the existing harbour on the southern side of Feeali. The plant will have the capacity to produce 25 tons of ice per day and store 50 tons of ice. A separate generator set will be installed to power the ice plant which will have a capacity of 250kVA. A day tank will be used for fuel storage. Intake water for the ice plant will be sourced from the lagoon using a pipeline placed at 2.5 m depth and output water will be discharged to the harbour basin.

The key laws and regulations relevant to this project include Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Environment Impact Assessment Regulation, Regulation on Cutting Down and Export of Trees and Coconut Palms, Regulation on the Protection of the Natural Life and Character of Old Trees and Plants in Maldives, Land Act, Land Use Planning Regulation, Regulation on the Consumption and Storage of Oil and its Related Products, Dewatering Regulation, Waste Management Regulation, Public Health Protection Act, Employment Act, Regulation on the Employment of Foreign Workers in Maldives and the Regulation on the Safety Standards for Construction Work.

The key stakeholders for this project are the public of Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Maldives Marine Research Institute, Maldives Food and Drug Authority, Utility Regulatory Authority, Faafu Atoll Council, Ministry of Environment, the Island Council of Feeali and the fishermen of Feeali. The fishermen and the council are in strong favour of the project.

The main impacts during the construction phase of the project include risks to occupational health and safety, impacts to terrestrial flora and fauna, increased noise and air pollution, marine water contamination and increase in construction waste. The main impacts during the operation

xiii EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

phase of the project are mainly positive with easier access to ice for fisherman of Feeali and other islands and overall boost in fisheries sector. Risk of fire is also identified as one of the impacts during operation stage given the use of fuel and refrigerants at the ice plant. Other impacts include poor quality of ice due to poor maintenance of the ice plant, occupational health and safety impacts for employees at the ice plant, noise pollution from the generator set and contribution to national GHG emissions which is in contradiction with the commitment to become net zero by 2030.

Mitigation measures for construction stage impacts include the provision of adequate living arrangements for workers, proper training of workers, provision of personal protective equipment and careful handling of construction materials. Risk of accidents can be prevented by proper supervision during construction activities and barricading the construction area. To mitigate impacts during operational stage, it is recommended to establish a grievance mechanism, a maintenance schedule and undertake regular water quality monitoring. It is also recommended to establish roof top solar panels on the ice plant to source renewable energy for the operation of the ice plant.

After the evaluation of alternatives for the project it is recommended to go ahead with the project at the proposed site. It is recommended to go ahead with the existing location as this will be the most convenient for fishermen given the proximity to the harbour and as majority of the fishermen is in favour of this location. It is also recommended to consider using alternative sources of energy for the ice plant.

It is expected that the project will have significant benefits for the fisherman of Feeali and other nearby islands involved in fisheries business by providing easier access to ice. It is recommended that the project go ahead with the implementation of the mitigation measures, management and monitoring plan that has been included in this EIA.

xiv EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

ހުލާސާ ދާ ސާ އަސަރު ކޮށްފާނެ ތިމާވެއްޓަށް މަޝްރޫޢުއިން ކުރުމުގެ ތަރައްގީ ޕްލާންޓެއް އައިސް ފީއަލީގައި ފ. ރިޕޯޓަކީ ދިރާސާ މި

ތެރޭގައި މަސްދުވަހުގެ 5 .. މިފްކޯއެވެ އެދިޔާރަކީ މިމަޝްރޫޢުގެ . ރިޕޯޓެވެ އޭ . އައި .އީ ތައްޔާރުކުރެވިފައިވާ ގޮތުން ވަޒަންކުރުމުގެ

ުއޫރްޝަމ ްށަމަކެނޭމިނ ެރުކާފަލ ެވެއެވިއަފިވ . ްސިއައ ްޓްނާލްޕ ްނިއަޒިޑ ީނަވިއަފްށޮކ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްފޮއ ްޒީރަޝިފ ، ްނިރެމ

ކުރުމަށް ރަދު ހަ ބޭނުންވާ މަޝްރޫޢަށް . އެއްގޮތަށެވެ ކުރެހުމަކާއި ދީފައިވާ އިން އެގްރިކަލްޗަރ އެންޑް ރިސޯސަސް

. ެ ވ ެ ނ ް ނ ު ރ ާ ކ ު ރ ސަ ހަމަޖެހިފައިވަނީ .

ެގުޢޫރްޝަމިމ ްނުށަދ ިއަގީލައީފ ުރާހިމ ާދްނުމަރުކްނުނޭބ ުރަދނަބ ިއަގީރިއަކ ، ެގުށަރ ުގނަޅުހ ްނުތާރަފ 003,0 ެގުޓޫފަކައ

އުފެއްދޭނެއެވެ އައިސް ޓަނުގެ 25 ދުވާލަކު ޕްލާންޓުން އައިސް . ހަމަޖެހިފައިވެއެވެ ހެދުމަށް ޕްލާންޓެއް އައިސް ި އ ަ ގ ް އ ެ ދ ް އ ަ ހ ަ ރ ސަ

ޖެނެރޭޓަރެއް ކޭވީއޭގެ 250 އުފެއްދުމަށް ކަރަންޓު ބޭނުންވާ ޕްލާންޓަށް އައިސް . ރައްކާކުރެވޭނެއެވެ އައިސް ޓަނުގެ 50 އަދި

ބަހައަޓާނެއެވެ ޕްލާންޓުގައި .

މިގޮތުން . ފެތެއެވެ ގަވާއިދުތަކަށް ކާއި ޤާނޫނުތަ އަމަލުކުރަމުންދާ ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގައި ބައިތަކެއްވެސް ހުރިހާ މިމަޝްރޫޢުގެ

ދެމެހެއްޓުމުގެ ރައްކާތެރިކޮށް ތިމާވެށި ތެރޭގައި ގަވާއިދުތަކުގެ ޤާނޫނުތަކަކާއި ގުޅުންހުރި ގޮތެއްގައި މައިގަނޑު މިމަޝްރޫއަށް

ުނޫނާޤ ، ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ާރުކުރަސައ ުރަވްނިމ ާލަބ ުދިއާވަގ ، ްނުމިބ ްނެފާގަނ ޭހެބާމުރުކުރޭބ ިއާވަގ ުދ ، ިނުކ ޭހެބާމުރުކްޖޭނެމ

ުދިއާވަގ ، ެގްނުމްއާއ ިސ އ ް ހ ަ ތ ު ޭހެބާމުރުކިރެތާކްއަރ ުދިއާވަގ ، ޭހެބާއާފީޒަވ ުނޫނާޤ ، ިއަގޭޖްއާރ ާރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ިއާންނީސޭދިބ

ޭހެބ ުދިއާވަގ ، ިއަގުމުރުކްތާރާމިއ ޭހެޖްނަގަނ ަސ ލ ާ މ ަ ތ ީ ާކަތުޅަވަޔިފ ޭހެބ ުދިއާވަގ ، ީތަރުދުގ ިދައ ިއަގުތޮގީޢަބަތ

ިއަކަޓްށަމުޓްއެހެމެދ ިއަގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ިރުހ ީވްސަވުދ ިހެގާހަގްސަގ ްށޮކްތަޔާމިޙ ޭހެބާމުޓްއެހެލެބ ުދިޢާވަޤ ، ްސަގްއުރ ިއާމުޑނެކ ،

. ިއާމުރުފުއ ، ްނެގެނޮކ ިއާމުގެނ ިދައ ްނުށަރްއެއ ްއެނައ ްށަށަރ ޭހެބާމުއިދްނެގ ްއަތުދިއާވަޤ ެވެއެނެމިހ

ިމ ިއާއުޢޫރްޝަމ ިރުހްނުޅުގ ަކ ޭހެބިއާމ ެގުކަތްތާރަފ ިއަގޭރެތ ުޑނަގިއަމ ިއަގްއެތޮގ ީނެނެމިހ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްފޮއ ްޒީރަޝިފ ،

ްނިރެމ ްސަސޯސިރ ްޑްނެއ ،ރަޗްލަކިރްގެއ ްސްވިޑްލޯމ ްނިރެމ ްޗާސިރ ްޓުއިޓިޓްސްނިއ ، ްސްވިޑްލޯމ ްޑުފ ްޑްނެއ ްގަރްޑ

ީޓިރޯތޮއ ، ީޓިލިޓުޔ ިރަޓޭލުއިގެރ ީޓިރޯތޮއ ، .ފ ިލައީފ ުށަރ ްލިސްނުއަކ ، .ފ ުޅޮތައ ްލިސްނުއަކ ިދައ ެވެންނިރެވްސަމ . ެގުށަރ

. ކުރެއެވެ ތާއީދު މަޝްރޫޢަށް މި މަސްވެރިން ރައްޔިތުންނާއި .

ދިމާވެދާނެ އުޅޭއިރު މާހައުލުގައި މަސައްކަތުގެ ތެރޭގައި އަސަރުތަކުގެ ނޭދެވޭ ކޮށްފާނެ މަރުހަލާގައި ހިނގަމުންދާ މަޝްރޫއު

ިރެތާކްއަރުނ ްއަތުޓްނެޑިސްކެއ ، ްނުޑނެކްސަގ ، ުޑައ ްނުވަދަގ ، ެވްސުފަރިހ ިއަވ ްނުވުރަޔްއަޣަތ ، ެގުޑނަކ ުޑނަގްނެފ

ހޯރަފުށި ފެށުމަށްފަހު ބޭނުންކުރަން ޕްލާންޓް އައިސް . ހިމެނެއެވެ އިތުރުވުން ކުނި އުފެދޭ ކުރަމުގައި އިމާރާތް އަދި ތަޣައްޔަރުވުން

xv EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

އަންނާނެކަމަށް ބަދަލެއް ހެޔޮ މަސްވެރިކަމަށް ފަސޭހަވެ ވަރަށް ހޯދުމަށް އައިސް ށް މަސްވެރިންނަ ރަށްރަށުގެ ކައިރި އަދި

އެކްސިޑެންޓްތައް ނުރައްކާތެރި ދިމާވެދާނެ މާހައުލުގައި މަސައްކަތުގެ ތެރޭގައި އަސަރުތަކުގެ ނޭދެވޭ ދިމާވެދާނެ . ލަފާކުރެވެއެވެ

ހިމެނެއެވެ ގަދަވުން އަޑު އާއި އެމިޝަންސް ގޭސް ހައުސް ގްރީން އިތުރުވެދާނެ ް ނ ު ބ ަ ބ ސަ ޖެނެރޭޓަރުގެ އަދި .

މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް ތެރޭގައި ފިޔަވަޅުތަކުގެ އެޅޭނެ ކުޑަކުރުމަށް އަސަރުތައް ނޭދެވޭ ދިމާވެދާނެ ހިނގަމުންދާއިރު މަޝްރޫއު

ާވްނެގީށަކެއ ެނޭޅުއިރިދ ްއެނަތ ްނުނިދ ، ްނުފަޒްއަވުމ ްނިއެރްޓ ،ްނުރުކ ަލްއިމައ ަމަކިރެތާކްއަރ ްށ ާވްނުނޭބ ިތެކަތ

. . ހިމެނެއެވެ ގެންގުޅުން ބަލައިގެން ތަކެތި ބޭނުންވާ ކުރުމަށް އިމާރާތް އަދި ޔަގީންކުރުން ބޭނުންކުރާކަން ތަކެތި މި ފޯރުކޮށްދިނުމާއި

ެގީމ ްނުރުތިއ ެނާދިވެރުކ ެގުކަތްއަތްނަކ ިއަގޭރެތ ްތަކްއަސަމ ުސ ޕ ަ ވ ަ އ ި ޒ ް ،ްނުރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމ ާރުކ ަސ ރ ަ ހ ަ އ ް ދ ު ްއާއ ްށަންނުމ

ބޭނުންކުރަން ޕްލާންޓް އައިސް . ހިމެނެއެވެ ހެދުން ޕްލޭނެއް އެންގޭޖްމަންޓް ރ ަ ޑ ް ލ ޯ ހ ް ކ ޭ ޓ ސް އަދި ބަންދުކުރުން ނުވަދެވޭގޮތަށް

ުހަފްށަމުށެފ ެނާދެވާމިދ ޭވެދޭނ ްއަތުރަސައ ްށަމުރުކަޑުކ ްސްނަވީރްގ ިއާކައްމަޒިނަކެމ ، ްސްނަނެޓްނިއެމ ެޝ ޑ ި އ ު ލ ް އ ެ އ ް

ހިމެނެއެވެ ޓެސްޓުކުރުން ކޮލިޓީ ފެނުގެ އިދުން ގަވަ ތައްޔާރުކޮށް .

ހަކަތަ އިއާދަނިވި ބަދަލުގައި ެ ގ ް ޓ ސެ ގެނެރޭޓަރ ޑީސަލް ލަފާދެނީ ބަލައިލުމަށްފަހު ބަދަލުތަކަށް ގެނެވިދާނެ މަޝްރޫޢަށް

. . ގެންދިއުމަށެވެ ކުރިއަށް މަޝްރޫޢު ި އ ަ ގ ު ދ ް އ ަ ހ ަ ރ ސަ ހަމަޖެހިފައިވާ މިހާރު ކޮށްގެން ބޭނުން

މަޝްރޫއު . ފަސޭހަވެގެންދާނެއެވެ ހޯދުމަށް އައިސް މަސްވެރިންނަށް ރަށްރަށުގެ އެހެން އަދި ފީއަލި ް ނ ު ބ ަ ބ ސަ ެ ގ ޫ ރ ޝް މަ މި

ޓް މެނޭޖަމަން އަދި ކަންތައްތައް ކުރެވިދާނޭ ކުޑަކުރުމަށް އަސަރުތައް ނޭދެވޭ ކޮށްފައިވާ ފާހަގަ މިރިޕޯރުގައި ގެންދިއުމުގައި ކުރިއަށް

ގެންދިއުމަށް ކުރިއަށް މަޝްރޫޢު ކުރުމަށްފަހު އެކަންތައްތަށް ބަލައިގެން ކަންތަކަށް ހިމަނާފައިވާ ގައި ޕްލޭން މޮނިޓަރިންގް އާއި

. . ލަފާދީފައިވާނެއެވެ

ްށަކަތްނަކ ،ްނެގިއަލަބ ްއަތްއަތްނަކެއ ުހަފްށަމުރުކ ުޢޫރްޝަމިމ ްށައިރުކ ްށަމުއިދްނެގ ެވެމެދާފަލ . .

xvi EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

This section of the report briefly outlines the project background, objectives, needs and justification, objectives of the EIA and methodology used in the EIA.

1.2 Overview of the Proposed Project

The project involves the development and operation of an ice plant in Feeali, Faafu Atoll. The ice plant will be constructed on a 3,000 sqft area near the existing harbour on the southern side of the island.

Project activities will include mobilisation, land clearance, construction of ice plant building, installation of equipment, laying intake and output water pipeline and demobilisation.

1.3 Purpose and Objectives of the Project

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has initiated this project to develop a functional ice plant to resolve the challenges faced by the fishermen due to the inability of the existing ice plant in Faafu Atoll to meet the demand of ice in the region.

1.4 Needs and Justification

Fishing is popular within Feeali and there is a significant demand for ice. Given that there is one Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) to the west of the island, the region is a popular area for fishing with fishing vessels arriving from other atolls as well.

Fishermen in the island currently have to travel long distances in order to source ice for fishing. The nearest ice plant is in F.Nilandhoo within 25 km, which is very high in demand and has many vessel queueing up to get ice. The second nearest is in Adh.Mahibadhoo which is approximately 51 km from Feeali. Due to the lack of ice production capacity in these places, fishermen usually have to travel to Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, Hulhumale’ or K.Himmafushi to get ice. As a result, this requires travelling for long distances just to acquire ice and causes a

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll multitude of challenges including increased expense for fuel, additional time spent to travel to get ice and possible delays in scheduled fishing trips.

Therefore, developing an ice plant at Feeali is anticipated to provide benefits to the fishermen in Feeali and those who visit the area for fishing to acquire the required quantities of ice.

1.5 Purpose and Objectives of the EIA

MIFCO is requesting for environmental clearance to development an ice plant in Feeali based on this EIA. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (04/93) and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012. The proposed project will require a Decision Note from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to operate.

The purpose of the EIA is to ensure the environmental and socio-economic impacts and risks of this project are identified, avoided, minimized, reduced or mitigated. The EPA will review and provide either the Decision Statement (DS) or request for any additional information within 15 working days of EIA report submission. The construction work can only begin once the DS is issued by EPA to the proponent

This EIA report the objectives of this EIA are to assess the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of ice plant and identify measures to address and mitigate the negative impacts. The specific objectives are as follows:

o Describe the rationale of the Project o Describe the layout of the ice plant o Describe construction methodology o Identify the relevant environmental laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and procedures applicable to the project; o Conduct stakeholder consultations and engagement, organise disclosure of information; o Conduct baseline assessment of the project and describe the existing condition of the site including air quality, noise level, ground water quality and identification of existing vegetation at the site. o Identify and assess the potential environmental and social impacts due to project implementation; Minimize potential negative environmental and social impacts as a

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

result of either individual project or cumulative effects; Enhance positive environmental and social outcomes; o Prepare the environmental and social mitigation plans to address the adverse impacts; describe the implementation and institutional arrangements for managing environmental and social impacts; Ensure that environmental and related social issues are thoroughly evaluated, and necessary interventions are incorporated in the planning, decision-making, and implementation of project activities; o Provide information on the consideration of alternatives to avoid and minimize the environmental impacts. o Provide a monitoring framework to monitor the significant impacts during construction and operation stage.

1.6 Project Proponent

This EIA is initiated by Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO). With over 40 years in the business, MIFCO conducts the largest fish procurement operation nationwide. There are 20 ice plants under the management of MIFCO.

The contact details of the proponent are as follows:

Mohamed Shameem Manager, Business Development Department MIFCO Block no 389, Hilaalee Magu, Male’ Contact: 3323932

1.7 Project Site

The proposed project location, Feeali is a small sized reef island located in Faafu Atoll. (Figure 1.1). Details of the project location is given in the Table1.1 below. It is proposed to develop the ice plant on the eastern side of the harbour. Location of the project is shown in Figure 1.1 and Aerial image of the project site is provided in Figure 1.2.

The project site is located on the eastern side of the harbour as indicated in Figure 1.3 below

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Table 1.1 Details of Project Location

Island Name Feeali Location 03° 16' 11'' N, 73° 00' 08'' E Island Area 13.8 Ha Size of the proposed site for ice plant 3,000 sqft

Sensitive receptors in close proximity Fuel shop behind the plot allocated for ice plant

Nearest Ice plant In F. Nilandoo approximately 25km from Feeali

Nearest Fish Aggregating Device Approximately 73km due west of Feeali (FAD)

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Figure 1.1 Project Location

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Figure 1.2 Aerial image of the project site

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Figure 1.3 Project Site

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

1.8 Project Financing

The project is to be financed fully by the government. The project value is MVR 4,200,000.

1.9 Disclaimer on Information

All information provided in this document relating to the project information and alternatives have been provided or endorsed by MIFCO.

1.10 Scope of the EIA

A Terms of Reference (ToR) number 203-ECA/134/2021/4 was issued by EPA based on scoping discussions held among the key stakeholders and consultants on 1 April 2021 (Appendix A). The potentially significant environmental and social issues that were identified during the EIA scoping process have been addressed within this EIA. The structure of the report is as follows:

Non-technical Executive Summary (in English and Dhivehi) 1. Introduction 2. Assessment Methodology 3. Project Description 4. Legal and Regulatory Framework 5. Stakeholder Consultations 6. Existing Conditions 7. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 8. Alternatives 9. Environmental Management Plan 10. Environmental Monitoring Plan 11. Conclusions 12. References and Annexes

1.11 Environmental Impact Assessment Team

The team members for this EIA are:

- Ms. Hana Saeed (Lead EIA consultant)

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

- Ms. Maasa Ali (Report writing, Geographic Information Systems, Stakeholder Consultations) - Ms. Fathimath Yamna (Stakeholder Consultations) - Mr. Ali Moosa (Currents, Depth assessment, Drone imagery, Noise)

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 General Approach

This EIA is broadly guided by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulation 2012 (2012/R-27) and the subsequent 05 amendments to the Regulation.

This report has been prepared to ensure that the significant environmental and social impacts of the proposed project at the preconstruction, construction, demobilising and operation stages have been considered and assessed at the project planning phase.

In order to conduct a broad based and inclusive study, the proponent and the consultant have from the onset ensured the exercise is participatory. As such, discussions have been held with community members in the projects area and relevant stakeholders with the assistance and coordination from the proponent.

2.2 EIA Process

The EIA process follows the steps outlined in the EIA Regulations and its subsequent amendments. The key stages of the EIA process are:

a. EIA application process b. Scoping process and scoping meeting c. Terms of Reference for the study issued by EPA d. Identification of the receptors and resources that are likely to be affected e. Baseline surveys f. Stakeholder engagement and participation g. Impact assessment h. Impact mitigation i. Determination of alternatives j. Determining environmental and social management plan k. EIA report to be read by the Proponent l. EIA Report submission to EPA m. Project Environmental Decision Note issued by EPA.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

2.3 Scoping Meeting

The scoping consultation for this EIA was held virtually on 1st April 2021.

The meeting was attended by the following stakeholders:

(1) Project Proponent: MIFCO (2) EIA Consultant: CDE Consulting (3) Environmental Regulator: Environmental Protection Agency (4) F. Feeali Council

Based on the discussion and decisions of the scoping consultation, the EPA issued the ToR 203-ECA/134/2021/4 on 1st April 2021. This assessment specifically adheres to this ToR.

2.4 Literature Review

The following list of similar projects were reviewed for this report;

1. EIA for the Development of an Ice Plant at R. Maduvvari, 2020 2. EIA for the Development of an Ice Plant at K. Gaafaru, 2020 3. EIA for the Development and Operation of an Ice Plant at Th. Vandhoo, 2020

2.5 Field Surveys

Field assessments were undertaken on the site between 2nd April 2021 and 3rd April 2021. The following subsections provide the assessment methods for various environmental resources. Field survey locations and GPS coordinates are provided in Appendix A2.

Noise level was measured using Noise Meter at two sites. GPS coordinates for the sites are provided in Table below.

Table 2.1 GPS coordinates for noise assessment sites

Description X Y Project site 73.00146 3.268335 Control 73.00227 3.269214

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Groundwater was collected and tested for the assessment. Groundwater samples were collected from 2 locations; from proposed site and a control site. The groundwater samples were collected in 500ml of PET bottles. The samples were collected on 22rd March 2021 and 23rd March 2021. The samples were tested for pH, salinity, conductivity, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and temperature. Parameters were analysed at the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) Water Quality Assurance Laboratory.

Table 2.2 GPS coordinates for groundwater quality assessment sites

Description X Y Project site 73.00163 3.268638 Control 73.00322 3.270974

Marine water was collected and tested for the assessment. Marine water samples were collected from 2 locations; one close to the project site and one control site. The marine water samples were collected in 500ml of PET bottles. The samples were collected on 22nd March 2021. The samples were tested for pH, salinity, conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids and temperature. Parameters were analysed at the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) Water Quality Assurance Laboratory. Testing for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) was unavailable at the time the samples were submitted.

Table 2.3 GPS coordinates for marine water quality assessment sites

Description X Y Project site 73.00128 3.268508 Control 73.00432 3.268931

Depth spot readings were measured using a probe at inside the harbour where the pipeline is to be laid. GPS coordinate of the site is given in the following table.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Table 2.4 GPS coordinates for depth assessment sites

Description X Y Point 1 73.00109 3.268333 Point 2 73.00115 3.268256 Point 3 73.00121 3.268357 Point 4 73.00122 3.268352 Point 5 73.00108 3.26822

Currents were measured at one site near the project location. GPS coordinate of the site is given in the following table.

Table 2.5 GPS coordinates for currents assessment sites

Description X start Y start X end Y end Project site 73.00168 3.267861 73.00211 3.267861

2.6 Stakeholder Consultations

Consultation with the following stakeholders were conducted via virtual meetings on Google Meet, phone call and email. No physical meetings were held in light of Covid-19. Prior to each meeting, the project brief including the description of the project was shared with the stakeholders via email.

Consultations were held with the following stakeholders for this EIA;

1. Island Council of F. Feeali 2. Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture 3. Fishermen of Feeali

2.7 Impact Assessment Methodology

The objective of this assessment is to understand the baseline environmental conditions and to determine the potentially significant impacts that may arise during the construction and

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

operation of project and its various components. This section explains the general approach used in the assessment.

The methods used in the assessment are based on a structure approach that:

a. Draws from the guidance contained in EIA Regulations, World Bank/IFC Guidelines and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (IEMA, 2004); b. Builds on the experience from similar projects. c. Considers the key issues raised by the public and key stakeholders during consultations.

The specific methods used in the assessment are:

a. Impact Identification Checklists b. Impact detailing matrices

The approach is generally qualitative but varies across different environmental values. Quantitative assessments are used where deemed necessary.

The categories of potentially affected environmental values considered are: air quality; noise; water quality, terrestrial flora and Fauna, solid waste and hazardous materials, historical and cultural areas; soil condition, natural hazards, employment, mitigation and adaptation aspects of climate change, land use, public infrastructure and utilities, socio-economic factors, and community and occupational health and safety.

Significance for each environmental value is considered using the sensitivity of the existing baseline environment against the magnitude of change anticipated. Additionally, the likelihood or probability of the impact materializing was also factored in where relevant.

The sensitivity of the site has been determined based published regulatory guidance (e.g. List of Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Protected Areas), relative importance defined during baseline conditions assessment, stakeholder consultations and published information. The general criteria used to define Sensitivity is presented in Table 2.1

Table 2.6 Generalised Sensitivity Criteria

Sensitivity Definition

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Very High The receptor has little or no ability to absorb change without fundamentally altering its present character, is of very high environmental value, or of national/atoll/regional importance. High The receptor has low ability to absorb change without fundamentally altering its present character, is of high environmental value, or of atoll/regional importance. Medium The receptor has moderate capacity to absorb change without significantly altering its present character, has some environmental value, or is of local importance. Low The receptor is tolerant of change without detriment to its character, is of low environmental value, or local importance. Negligible The receptor is resistant to change and is of little environmental value.

The magnitude of change and potential negative impacts on baseline conditions due to the project components are evaluated based on the scale of change anticipated, deviation from recommended regulatory standards and optimum conditions, duration of change, potential for reversibility and spatial extent of change. The definitions used in the assessment are summarized in Table 2.2.

Table 2.7 Factors used to determine magnitude of impact

Criteria Description Extent: Local Impacts that affect receptors in areas close to the source Spatial extent of impact, for example within a ‘radius’ of 10 km from or population the Proposed Project boundary. extent. Regional Impacts that affect receptors beyond the defined local level, but are not experienced at the national level. National Impacts that affect receptors at a national scale. Transboundary Impacts that affect receptors, beyond the boundaries of the country in which the project is located. Duration: Short term Impacts that are predicted to last only for a limited Period of time period (e.g. noise during the period of a certain over which an construction activity that will occur only during a

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Criteria Description impact will 6month period), but will cease either on completion of interact with the activity or soon afterwards. receptor. Medium term Impacts that are predicted to last for a longer time period. Examples include impacts occurring during a period of extended construction activities which may occur over 2 or 3 years. Long term Impacts that are predicted to continue over an extended period, (e.g. noise from operation of a development, impacts from operational discharges or emissions). These include impacts that may be intermittent or repeated rather than continuous if they occur over an extended time period (e.g. impacts resulting from annual maintenance activities). Frequency: Infrequent Impacts are predicted to be rare in nature over a certain How often the period (see ‘Duration’ above). impact will Periodic Impacts are predicted to be recurring over a certain occur. period (see ‘Duration’ above). Constant Impacts are predicted to be permanent during a certain period (see ‘Duration’ above). Reversibility: Reversible Restoration of the pre-impact status of a receptor as a Restoration of result of mitigation/reinstatement measures and/or the pre- natural recovery. The time periods over which impacts impact status may reverse link to the duration over which an impact of a receptor. is experienced (see ‘Duration’ above). Irreversible Impacts that cause a permanent change in the affected receptor.

Table 2.8 Impact magnitude

Magnitude Definition High Total loss or major alternation to key elements /features of the baseline conditions such that post development

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

character/composition of baseline condition will be fundamentally changed. Medium Loss or alteration to one or more key elements/features of the baseline conditions such that post development character/composition of the baseline condition will be materially changed. Low Minor shift away from baseline conditions. Changes arising from the alteration will be detectable but not material in that the underlying character /composition of the baseline condition will be similar to the pre-development situation. Negligible Very little change from baseline conditions. Change is barely distinguishable, approximating to a “no change” situation

Based on the above discussed sensitivity and magnitude (and probability) assessment, a matrix system was used to define the significance of impacts. The result is expected to yield a significance level in line with that shown in Table 2.4. Impacts with moderate to high significance require mitigation, and in some instances mitigation measures may be put into place for impacts of lower significance as a precautionary measure.

Table 2.9 Derived impact significance matrix

Magnitude Sensitivity/Probability

Very High High Medium Low Negligible

High Major Major Moderate Moderate Minor

Medium Major Moderate Moderate Minor Negligible

Low Moderate Moderate Minor Negligible Negligible

Negligible Minor Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible

The significance is eventually described based on the following scale:

• Major Adverse; • Moderate Adverse;

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

• Minor Adverse • Negligible • Minor Beneficial • Moderate Beneficial • Major Beneficial

Potential impacts predicted to be Minor or Negligible are considered to be “Not Significant” and impacts predicted as Major or Moderate are considered “Significant”.

There will be “residual” impacts that may persist following the implementation of mitigation measures. These are addressed separately.

Other definitions used in the assessment are listed below:

• Direct impacts: Those that may occur through direct interaction of an activity with an environmental, social, or economic component. • Indirect, or secondary impacts: Those that may occur remote as they are in distance or time from the actual proposed project. • Cumulative impacts: Those occur in situations where individual projects or actions may not have a significant effect, but when combined with other projects or actions, the individual project's incremental contribution of adversity may cause an overal1 adverse cumulative effect.

The cumulative impact assessment covers the following:

• definition of the region surrounding the project • identification of existing or proposed projects • identification of potential cumulative impacts • assessment of significance of potential cumulative impacts • identification of further management measures if necessary

The region surrounding the project for the purpose of cumulative impact assessment was defined as the island, F.Feeali Ongoing projects and existing infrastructure close to the project site were assessed to determine whether or not there was potential for those potential impacts and the potential impacts of the project to occur at the same time and in the same area.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

The significance of the potential cumulative impacts was considered, and further mitigation measures were identified, if necessary.

2.8 Potential Data Gaps and Limitations of Study

Environmental impact prediction involves a certain degree of uncertainty as the natural and anthropogenic impacts can vary from place to place due to even slight differences in ecological, geomorphological or social conditions in a particular place. As noted earlier, there is also no long-term data and information regarding the particular site under consideration, which makes it difficult to predict impacts. It is important to consider that there will be uncertainties and voluntary monitoring of natural processes as described in the monitoring programme is absolutely essential.

Additionally, the EIA was undertaken during COVID-19, which made it challenging to travel to the project site to conduct stakeholder and public meetings in-person. Meetings with the public were held virtually via phone conferences and online meetings which limited accessibility to a large group of people within the community.

Table 2.10 Limitations of the Study

Issue/Item Required Information Current Status / action

Data not available at local level; Detailed modelling of future erosion broad level studies undertaken Natural Hazard as the ice plant is in close proximity to for Maldives and findings from Risks the shore. consultation with Island Council was used.

Baseline snapshots of the site Detailed data on geology and soil. taken to design mitigation Long-term site specific or even measures. Estimated based on Environmental regional data (at least 2 years). Most other similar studies in Maldives. baseline data critical data include current, wave and sediment movement history. Primary data collection will be time consuming; Secondary

sources and findings from

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Issue/Item Required Information Current Status / action

consultation with Island Council will be used.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 General Project Outline

This project involves development and operation of an ice plant in Feeali, Faafu Atoll.

The project includes the following components;

1. Mobilisation 2. Construction of ice plant building 3. Installation of equipment 4. Laying the intake pipeline 5. Laying the outfall water pipeline 6. Demobilising 7. Operation and maintenance of the ice plant

3.2 Legal Status of Land

The proposed project site is located in the eatern side of the harbour at Feeali which is state- owned land under the stewardship of F. Feeali Island Council and Ha. Atoll Council. The land has been approved by the Island Council for construction of the ice plant. Approval provided by the Island Council is attached in Appendix B2. The land use plan was last updated in 2015 but does not include the area proposed for ice plant. Latest land use plan provided by the Island Council is attached in Appendix B2.

3.3 Proposed Design of the Ice plant

The proposed ice plant will be developed on the eastern side of the harbour. The area allocated for the ice plant is 3,000 sqft, which is sufficient for the capacity of the ice plant. The plant will have the capacity to produce 25 tons of ice per day with a capacity to store up to 50 tons of ice.

A summary of key specifications of the proposed ice plant is shown in Table 3.2. The location of the plant is shown in Figure 1.1 and the proposed layout of the ice plant is attached in Appendix B1.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Table 3.1 Summary of key specification of the proposed ice plant

Ice plant Specifications Area allocated 3,000 sqft Production capacity 25 tons of ice per day Flake ice thickness 1.6 - 2 mm Intake water Sea water Water outfall To the sea Storage capacity 50 tons Generator 250 kVA Fuel storage capacity 12 tons

The ice plant has been designed with a flake ice machine, an ice store, sea water intake and a filtering system. Detailed drawings of the ice plant have been attached in Appendix B1 Concept Plan. Flow chart of the ice plant is given in Figure 3.1 below.

Figure 3.1 Flow chart of ice plant process

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

The concept of the ice plant has been based on the ice plant template provided by the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture.

Power will be sourced for the operation of the ice plant will be via a 250 kVA generator set installed at the plant. The generator will be placed in the same premise as the ice plant and a soundproof or silent type generator has been proposed. The ice plant will have a power requirement of approximately 200kW.

A separate generator set for the ice plant is required as power for the ice plant cannot be sourced from the grid due to the voltage needed and the high-power requirement which could compromise the anticipated demand for the island. Power from the grid will only be sourced to provide electricity to the office in the ice plant.

A fuel storage tank of 12 tons will be placed at the ice plant. The fuel storage tank will be designed, installed and maintained as per MNDF regulations. Fuel will be supplied to the tank via fuel bowsers from the harbour. The fuel from the main tank will be transferred to the day tanks near the generator sets via pipeline.

The fuel storage tank will be placed a sufficient distance away from the ice plant such that it does not contaminate the ice.

Refrigerants R404 will be used in the ice plant for making ice.

Two-wheeler carts will be used to transport ice from the plant to the fishing vessels. Plastic barrels (approximately 200 litres) will be cut in to two as ice buckets. The people on the fishing boat will transfer the ice to the fishing vessels by loading ice from cold room to ice bucket. Each bucket can hold 60 to 80 kg. Ice will be weighed before loading to carriage cart. All items (hovels, cold room boots, wears, ice crushers) required for loading ice will be available at the

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

ice plant. All items will be covered during transport to ensure there is no contamination from dust and pollutants.

Water for the ice plant will be sourced from the jetty area via a pipeline. Approximately 150m3 of water per hour is required for ice plant operations.

Water intake will be placed at a depth of 2.5m.

Pipelines used for water intake will be 2.5 inch PVC pipelines. Water will go through a filter before being frozen into ice. The water will be tested initially as well as periodically during operation to ensure it meets the standards.

Most of the input water will be used for the production of ice. The output water is the residue water from the condenser in the ice plant. Hence, the water will be free from any chemicals or debris and it is proposed to discharge it to the harbour basin alongside the quay wall. This will also be periodically tested in order to ensure output water does not pollute input water in any way.

3.4 Project Management

MIFCO is also the Contractor to carry out all construction work related to the project. MIFCO will comply with the regulations and protocols for undertaking construction work.

The detailed engineering designs and contracting activities for the project will begin after the EIA Decision Statement (DS) is issued. It is anticipated that the construction works will be completed within 5 months of work commencement.

Estimate work schedule is attached in Appendix B3.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Initial concept designs have been prepared and consultations with relevant stakeholders are in progress. Procurement of construction materials and equipment is also in progress. No other physical activities have been undertaken.

MIFCO will be hiring providing workers for the project. Workers will include engineers, supervisors and laborers. It is estimated that approximately 6 people will be working during construction stage.

It is anticipated that core working hours for construction will be divided into two shifts. Working hours in the morning will be from 0800 hrs – 1800 hrs. All work outside these hours will be decided following an agreement.

The project will employ about 6 workers during construction stage. Accommodation for the construction workers will be arranged by MIFCO. Temporary labour camps will not be established for this project.

The site will be demarcated and barricaded by the contractor. Access to construction site will be restricted to authorized personnel.

Potential accident and hazard scenarios during the construction stage:

1. Accidents during construction due to the lack of personal protective equipment and improper transfer/ storage / handling/ disposal of construction materials and equipment. - All workers should be given the appropriate training and should be provided with personal protective equipment. Machinery used for construction should

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

also be checked and maintained regularly. A site supervisor should always be present at the site during construction works. The site should be closed to all unauthorized personnel and warning signs should be placed.

2. Contamination of the groundwater lens due to the spillage of oil, paint or chemicals used in construction. - Oil, paint and chemicals should be stored in paved locations to prevent spillage and any accidental spillages should be cleared up immediately. Spill kits should be kept at the project site at all times.

Potential accident and hazard scenarios during the operations stage:

1. Risk of fire due to the transfer, storage and use of fuel for generator operations and improper maintenance of the generators. - Fire safety equipment such fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and ‘EXIT’ signboards shall be placed at the ice plant as recommended by MNDF. The equipment must be maintained regularly to ensure it is usable at all times. - Employees at the ice plant shall also be trained in fire safety and the measures to taken in the event of an emergency. - Prepare and keep a fire safety manual inside the ice plant. - Install a fire alarm system for the ice plant. - Emergency contact number to call in case of a fire must be displayed - Record any oil spillages inside the premise and outside on the road and inform the Island Council for action regarding any spillage on the road.

2. Contamination of the groundwater lens due to the spillage of oil. - Fuel shall be stored in paved areas. - Spill kits shall be kept on site and employees shall be trained on the actions to be taken in the event of accidental leaks.

Site safety notices will be posted within the site at appropriate locations. Routes will be established within the site to guide the movement of workers within the project site. Areas for location of machinery and materials will be clearly demarcated. Artificial lighting will be

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

provided where and when workers may have to work after dark. Medical and welfare facilities such as First Aid Kit will be provided at a convenient location with easy access within project site. The contractor will also be notified of the focal point at the Health Centre in Feeali for situations of emergency.

At the time of preparation of this report there is an ongoing global pandemic of novel Corona Virus (COVID-19). In response to this the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has declared a health emergency in the Maldives. It is possible that the pandemic may still be ongoing at the time of project implementation. Therefore, all HPA guidelines must be followed and all the necessary precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of the virus amongst the workforce and island community.

The following health and safety measures will be implemented during the construction stage.

• HPA guidelines shall be followed and precautions shall be taken to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 throughout the construction stage.

• Contractor would ensure that Health and Safety procedures are complied.

• Construction activities would be carried out under the supervision of a suitably experienced person.

• The construction site will be properly closed to unauthorised personnel

• All reasonable precautions will be taken for the safety of employees, and equipment will be operated by competent persons.

• Health checks will be administered before work commences.

• Warning signs, barricades or warning devices will be provided and used.

• Necessary safety gear will be provided to all workers. This includes safety hats, boots, ear mufflers, masks and gloves.

• Fire extinguishing equipment would be readily available, and employees will be trained in its use.

• Fire extinguishing equipment and fire blankets would be readily available. In general, water-based fire extinguishers would be used.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

• Oxygen, acetylene or LPG bottles will not be left freestanding. All welding and cutting will be done in accordance to high safety regulations by experienced personnel.

Since the ice plant will have its own generators and fuel storage tanks, care will be taken during transfer of fuel to the ice plant during operation stage. Fuel pipelines will extend from the harbour to the storage tank in the ice plant.

The storage tank will be placed in an area covered with a roof and have spill collection methods in place. The storage tank will be located within the compound and contained using concrete walls and flooring. Experienced and trained personnel will remain on site during times of fuel delivery to ensure that the process goes smoothly without any spills.

Fire extinguishers will be placed at the ice plant as recommended by MNDF. All employees of the ice plant shall be trained in fire safety and equipment handling. Fire safety equipment shall be checked regularly to ensure that they are usable and regular fire safety trainings and drills shall be carried out for ice plant employees.

The project site is a reclaimed area with sparse vegetation. Therefore, vegetation clearance is required for this project. This includes 3 large Ironwood trees (Pemphis acidula), 1 medium sized Sea Hibiscus tree (Hibiscus tilaceus),1 medium sized Sea Lettuce Tree (Scaevola taccada), 1 medium sized Indian Almond Tree (Terminalia cattapa) and 1 medium sized Jamaica Cherry Tree (Muntingia calabura).

The vegetation will be cleared prior to construction of the ice plant.

Method employed to remove trees

Trees with deep root systems will be sawed around at the base so that soil removal is minimal while some amount of soil is withheld with the root system. The tree will be lifted with the help of an excavator and a purpose-built belt, and gently laid on a truck or carried directly using the excavator.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

If required, the root area will be wrapped in gunny bag material and kept damp with water to ensure it stays moist during transportation.

The trenches and holes dug out to uproot the coconut palms will be backfilled by relevelling the area using the excavated material from within the foot print of the structures.

The planting holes will be watered prior to re-plantation. The palms will be placed exactly at the original height to prevent trunk rot. Initially the trees will be supported by 3 timber stakes tied around it, where necessary, until the roots of the palms take hold. Regular watering may be required to at least 3-4 months to assist tree growth until root re-establishment

The following method will be followed for replanting the removed trees. It has been proposed by the Island Council to plant the removed trees at vacant spaces in the island.

1. During replanting, a new trench will be excavated for a depth of 600-900 mm depending on the size of the tree. Water will be poured while the sand backfilling and compaction proceeds. The removed plants will be replanted on the southern side of

Measures to protect environmental values and environmental monitoring during transplantation is provided in Chapter 10 and Chapter 11.

List of machineries and equipment used for this process is given below; 1. Excavator 2. Pick up 3. Ladder 4. Knives 5. Rope 6. Pipe

7. Shovel

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Materials required for construction will be sourced by MIFCO from local and foreign parties who are capable of providing the required on a need basis. The contractor will generate a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and the materials or any equipment that will be acquired

Equipment and materials used for the project shall be stored at the project site. According to the Island Council there will be sufficient space available for storage at this site. This proposed temporary site is shown in Figure 3.2 below.

Site mobilization involves mobilization of construction equipment, materials and workforce to the site and providing necessary storage for materials and services for the workforce. Mobilisation may begin prior to the approval of the EIA.

Method of equipment and material mobilisation

Since the project will be implemented during a pandemic, relevant approvals from HPA will be obtained prior to transportation of equipment, machineries and materials from Male’ to the project site. The contractor (proponent) will transport the equipment, machineries and materials required for the project via boats to the island. Equipment, machinery and materials will then be taken to the temporary storage area shown in Figure 3.2. The temporary storage site area will be demarcated using fences to ensure that it is restricted to the public. Signs will also be placed around the area to ensure safety.

The list of materials that will be used during construction work is listed below.

- Set screw/ Compressor for flake ice maker with screw compressor accessories - Shell and tube condenser (cupronickel) - Liquid receiver - Economizer - Pre-chiller (x1)

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

- Flake ice machine (x1) - Control panel for refrigeration unit (x1) - Ice store cooling system (x1) - Steel - Heat resistant metal sheets - HDPE pipes - Electric cables and wires - Sand (from foundation excavation)

Materials and equipment for the project will be stored at the temporary storage identified by the Island Council as shown in Figure 3.2 below.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Figure 3.2 Proposed site for temporary storage area

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Machineries that will be used for this project has not been confirmed at the moment. However, it is anticipated that typical construction machineries and equipment will be used for this project, which includes but not limited to the following;

- Crane (x1) - Loader (x1) - Butt welding machine (x1) - Excavators (x1) - Concrete mixer (x1)

Drinking water for the construction stage will be sourced from the existing water facilities (bottled mineral water or rainwater ) available in the island or it will be arranged by MIFCO. Water required for construction activities will be sourced from groundwater or rainwater. It is not anticipated that significant quantities of water will be required for the construction as the structure will be pre-fabricated.

Power for the construction stage will be sourced from the island’s electricity grid operated by FENAKA.

Sewage generated during construction will be managed via existing sewerage management measures in the island.

The foundation type for the building is a raft foundation built at a depth of -0.2 m. Raft foundations spread the load of a structure over a large area. It consists of a concrete slab that can be stiffened by ribs or beams.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

It is not anticipated that the project will require dewatering. If required, it will only be for foundation laying period only. Continuous pumping is not expected. The residue water will be drained to the ground via water pumps. The exact amount of water required for dewatering has not been calculated.

The building structure will be composed of pre-fabricated structures and steel structures. The steel structure is self-supporting with frame, column beam, and trusses roof purline prefabricated for bolt assembling on site. Metal sheets will be used for roof and siding. The pre-fabricated structures will be brought to the project and it will be assembled on site. Therefore, it is not expected to involve any cement or concrete batch plant for this project.

Water for the ice plant will be sourced from the lagoon via a pipeline. Saline water will be passed through a filter system to remove debris from the intake pipeline. To place the intake pipeline, a trench will be excavated along the planned pipeline route where the pipe will be placed in. Excavation will be to a depth of approximately 3 feet. The pipeline will then be lowered to the lagoon to the required depth and positioned. It is proposed to lay the intake point outside the breakwater as seen in Figure 3.3 below.

The pipeline for water intake will be placed at a depth of 2.5m within the harbour lagoon area. Pipelines used for water intake will be of approximately 3-inch PVC pipelines.

The water outfall pipeline will be to the harbour basin and it will be submerged at 2.5 m depth.

Pipelines used for the water outfall will be 4-inch PVC pipelines. The outfall pipeline will be laid using the same method as the intake pipeline.

The output water from the ice plant could be more saline but it is just intake that has been recycled through the system. It is not anticipated that there will be a significant amount water discharged as most of the intake water will be used for making ice. The location for outfall pipeline is shown in Figure 3.3 below.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Figure 3.3 Intake and Outfall Locations

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

The flake ice maker to be installed has the capacity of producing 25 tons of ice per day. Seawater of 30 Degree Celsius is used as intake water for the ice plant and the desired water temperature may be reduced with a pre-chiller arrangement.

The ice storage area will have the capacity to store a minimum of up to 50 tons of ice. The room shall be designed with prefabricated insulation panels on the walls and ceiling and the temperature of the room shall be maintained between -10 ~ - 15 Degree Celsius.

Once the ice plant has been constructed the contractor (proponent) will demobilize all the equipment, machineries and materials from the temporary site.

In general, a principal aim during construction will be to reduce the amount of waste generated and exported from the proposed development site. Types of waste that will be generated during construction stage include domestic food waste from labour accommodation sites, other construction related waste including leftover pallets or glass. All domestic waste generated during the construction stage will be disposed of at the existing waste disposal site in the island. All other materials including chemicals, cleaning agents, solvents and solvent containing products will be properly sealed in containers at the end of each day prior to storage in appropriately protected and bonded storage areas. These will be taken by the contractor to be disposed at Thilafushi. Other construction related waste will be loaded on to the contractor’s barge and will be taken to Thilafushi for disposal.

Since there are no sustainable waste management facilities in inhabited islands, waste is usually burnt in most of the islands and similar practices are carried out in Feeali. The project is not anticipated to generate huge quantities of waste. Small quantities of waste will be managed in the island either by burning or disposal at the waste disposal site in the island. Any other large scale construction materials unused will be taken back by the contractor (proponent) either for reuse or disposal at Thilafushi.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

There are no plans to establish labour camps for this project. Hence, labour camp closure will not be needed.

3.5 Operation and Maintenance of the Ice Plant

Operation and maintenance work will be carried out by Feeali Council. One supervisor will be hired to supervise and manage the project. Additional two labourers will be hired to perform the daily activities and one engineer will be undertaking the safety and maintenance activities.

Maintenance works will be classified into three types; routine, periodic and emergency. Routine inspections involve inspection of the condition of the flake ice machine, ice storage room, delivery area and outfalls as well as checking gas pressure, repainting, clearing rust, changing filters and regular water and ice quality monitoring. Periodic maintenance is based on detailed inspection performed at certain time intervals and emergency maintenance is usually works to restore the ice plant facilities to their normal operating conditions after they are damaged by accidents or natural causes or stop functioning due to system failure.

The table below summaries the maintenance works required during the operation stage.

Table 3.2 Maintenance activities for the ice plant

Type Activity

Testing the quality of intake water Routine Testing the quality of ice produced

Inspection of equipment for wear and tear

Servicing equipment Periodic Inspection of the water intake and outfall areas

Assessment of network efficiency

Emergency Repair and replacement of faulty equipment

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

3.6 Summary of Project Inputs and Outputs

The types of materials that will go into the development and from where and how this will be obtained are given in Table 3.3 and the type of outputs (products and waste streams) and what is expected to happen to the outputs are given in Table 3.4. Inputs and outputs during operation stage are provided in Table 3.5 and 3.6 respectively. Table 3.3 Major project inputs during construction stage

Input Type Details Land on the eastern Land approved for by Island Council. Land area Land side of the harbor. proposed is 3,000 sqft.

HDPE pipes

Electric cables and wires Sand Fittings & joints Steel Flake ice machine

Control panels Imported by contractor (proponent) / sourced Materials Set screw/ compressor from locally available shops Shell and tube compressor Economizer Pre-chiller Control panel for refrigeration unit Ice store cooling system Heat resistant metal sheets

Quantity: 1 Excavator Contractor’s own

Loaders Quantity: 1 Machinery & Contractor’s own equipment Cranes Quantity: 1 Contractor’s own

Concrete mixers Quantity: 1 Contractor’s own

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Butt welding & EF Quantity: 1 machine Contractor’s own

Dhoni Quantity: 1 Contractor’s own Vessels / vehicles Loader Quantity: 1 Contractor’s own

Local workers 6 workers Foreign workers 0 Accommodation Arranged by contractor (proponent) in existing Workforce rental/homes in the island Food Arranged by contractor (proponent) from the island. Lavatories Existing accommodation Electricity From FENAKA electricity grid Water Resources Rainwater or bottled water will be used by workers and groundwater may be used for construction.

Table 3.4 Major project outputs during construction stage

Products and waste Details materials Labour force Food waste in minimal quantities. Disposed at waste disposal site in the island.

Sewage, approximately 90% of consumed water Disposed through sewerage network. Construction waste Moderate quantities at approximately 100-150cbm. Unused materials will be taken to the waste disposal site at the island or to Thilafushi. Hazardous waste Small quantities. Will be disposed at waste site in Thilafushi during (diesel) demobilisation. Plastic and packaging Small quantities at approximately 50-100 cbm. Taken to the waste waste disposal site at the island.

Table 3.5 Project inputs during operation stage

Input Type Details

Local workers 4 workers including 1 supervisor, 1 engineer and 2 Workforce laborers.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Accommodation In the island

Lavatories Existing accommodation Resources Electricity 250 kva generator set installed at the ice plant Fuel 12 ton diesel tank placed at the ice plant.

Water Approximately 150 m3 per hour saline water for ice production. Saline water will be sourced through the seawater intake pipeline.

Table 3.6 Project outputs during operation stage

Products and waste Anticipated Details materials quantities Output water Small quantities at 1 ton Discharged into the harbour basin area via max per day. the outfall pipeline.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

4 POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter summarizes the pertinent laws and regulations, relevant environmental social policies and standards that are applicable to the proposed construction and operation of an ice plant at F. Feeali.

The project proponent, contractor and all sub-subcontractors will be informed of these requirements.

The project in generally in conformance to the requirements. Where discrepancies exist, recommendations have been made to address them.

Article 22 of the Constitution of the Maldives prescribes that the State has a fundamental duty to protect and preserve the natural environment, biodiversity, resources and beauty of the country for the benefit of present and future generations. The State shall undertake and promote desirable economic and social goals through ecologically balanced sustainable development and shall take measures necessary to foster conservation, prevent pollution, the extinction of species and ecological degradation from any such goals.

4.1 Identification of Risks and Impacts

The Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) enacted on 19 March 1993 is the framework law related to environment assessment in the Maldives. It aims at improving the legal and administrative co-ordination of the initiatives in the field of environment with the objective of integrating environmental considerations into the country’s overall economic and social development. The authority responsible for the Environment Act is the Ministry of Environment. Articles 2, 5, and 6 of the law are relevant to environmental and social impact assessment.

Article 2 states that the concerned government authorities shall provide the necessary guidelines and advise on environmental protection in accordance with the prevailing conditions and needs of the country. All concerned parties shall take due considerations of the guidelines provided by the government authorities.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

According to Article 5 (a) of the Act, an Environmental Impact Assessment study shall be submitted to the Ministry of Environment before implementing any development project that may have a potential impact on the environment. As per Article 5 (b), The Ministry of Environment shall formulate the guidelines for the EIA and shall determine the projects that need environmental assessment.

As per Article 6, the Ministry of Environment has the authority to terminate any project that has any undesirable impact on the environment. A project so terminated shall not receive any compensation.

The EIA process is regulated by the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (2012) issued on 8 May 2012 and the subsequent 05 amendments to the regulation. The EIA process for projects entails screening, scoping, assessment, evaluation, and monitoring.

The first step in environmental assessment process involves screening of the project to be classified as one that requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or not. The project proponent sends in a screening form to EPA regarding the necessity of performing an EIA.

Based on the screening decision, the EPA in consultation with the Ministry of Environment and other key stakeholders decides the scope of the EIA which is discussed with the proponent and the EIA consultants in a “scoping meeting”. The EPA issues its scoping conditions for EIA as determined by the EIA consultants and approved by EPA in a Terms of Reference (TOR) for EIA.

The consultants then undertake the environmental and social assessment starting with baseline studies, impact prediction and finally reporting the findings with impact mitigation and monitoring programme. The project proponent must submit 03 hard copy paper environmental impact assessment reports along with an electronic copy, in accordance with the TOR conditions. If the contents of the EIA report do not satisfy the TOR conditions, EPA may ask the proponent to provide corrected or additional information. In this case, the proponent is granted a maximum of 30 days during which to correct and/or supplement, then submit the revised report.

Having received the EIA report, EPA appoints experts to review the received EIA. Once the EIA report is reviewed by EPA and any additional information is provided (if any) an EIA Decision Note is given to the proponent who should implement the Decision Note accordingly. As a

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll condition of approval, appropriate environmental monitoring may be required, and the proponent shall have to report monitoring data at required intervals to the EPA.

The EIA Regulation 2012 has undergone number of amendments in 2013, 2015 and 2016. These amendments included revision of EIA review period and associated costs, qualification required for monitoring the Environmental Management Plan, revision to the list of projects that requires EIAs, projects that can be undertaken by simply applying mitigation measures defined by EPA such as for dredging of harbors, clearance of vegetation within allocated plots for households and for roads, transferring EIA decision making to Minister of Tourism for tourism related activities; categorization of EIA consultants, point system for consultants to assess performance and license suspension, a code of conduct for consultants, and increment to the fine for non-compliance of regulation and violations.

The Decentralization Act establishes the local councils as the highest political authority in the locality and who shall have executive powers to be exercised in accordance with the Act. The Act establishes Atoll Councils, Island Councils and City Councils.

According to Article 23 (h), (i) and Article 41 (g), Island Councils and City Councils are responsible for release of land for development according to the provisions of the Land Act, the Land Use Plan of the island, and any guidelines issued by the Ministry responsible for land.

According to Articles 24 (e) and 42 (e) of the Decentralization Act, provision of water, sewerage, electricity, and other utility services in their jurisdictions according to the laws of the Maldives is the responsibility of the City Councils and Island Councils respectively.

The Right to Information Act (1/2004) defines the rights to access and obtain information in any State Institute. The objectives of the Act states that the right to information shall not be granted in circumstances only specified in the Act and where the adverse impact to public interest by non- disclosure is greater than that of disclosure, the principles by which the said information will be disclosed, in order to uphold the public interest must be determined. The Act also specifies the applicable procedures to obtain information.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

As per Article 6 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (04/93), the Ministry of Environment has the authority to terminate any project that has any undesirable impact on the environment. A project so terminated shall not receive any compensation.

The Environmental Liability Regulation (Regulation 2011/R-9) is aimed at maintaining equal standards for reprimanding and enforcing environmental liabilities, fines for those who violate the rules and regulations and give guidance to those who are involved in the implementation process of the regulations pursuant to Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (4/93).

Table 4.1 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to EIA

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Requirements and Stakeholder Identification of Environmental An EIA has to be submitted to fulfil Screening risks and Protection and the requirement of Article 5 of the Checklist/EPA impacts Preservation Act EPPA on EIA EIA Regulation The EIA is to be submitted to EPA Scoping 2012 Meeting/EPA The EIA must conform to the TOR Terms of issued by EPA Reference/EPA Decentralisation Decentralization F.Feeali Island Council is the local F.Feeali Island Act authority responsible for the island’s Council development. Hence Feeali Council will need to be consulted as a key internal stakeholder. A copy of this EIA will need to be submitted to Feeali Island Council. Stakeholder EIA Regulation The EIA has to include a list of EPA engagement 2012 stakeholders consulted. They include government authorities, councils, residents and affected stakeholders. Information Right to The concept design of the project EIA/EPA disclosure Information Act and the EIA is subject to public information and disclosure Environmental Environmental The proponent will ensure that EIA Monitoring Liability Liability environmental and social monitoring Reports/MIFCO Regulation is undertaken during construction and operation stages of the project.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

4.2 Land Acquisition and Restrictions on Land Use

The laws and regulations relevant to land acquisition, land use planning and restrictions on land use are: Land Act; General Laws Act and Land Use Planning Regulation.

Table 4.2 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to land acquisition, land use planning and restrictions on land-use

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder Land Land Act The Land Act (1/2002) governs the allocation of F.Feeali acquisition land for different purposes and uses and other Island issues regarding the issuing of land, and the sale, Council transfer and lease of Maldivian land. The Act states that: All transactions concerning the MNPHI issuing, receiving, owning, selling, lease, utilizing and using Maldivian land shall be Maldives conducted in compliance with this Act. Land and Survey The land for this project is allocated by F.Feeali Authority Island Council for ice plant development General Laws Fairly compensating for privately owned F.Feeali Act agricultural plots affected within the project site. Island Council

Land use Land Use The Land Use Planning Regulations and MNPHI planning Planning Guidelines (2005) include land use instruments Regulations and such as inclusionary zoning and quotas. Land Maldives Guidance Use Plans (LUP) are prepared in consultation Land and and does have allocations for residential areas as Survey well as for different infrastructure and social Authority needs.

Access Decentralization F.Feeali Island Council is responsible for F.Feeali restrictions Act closure of roads and restricting access to the Island (land) project site during construction. Council

Land Cutting Down The cutting down, uprooting, digging out and EPA clearance and Export of export of trees and palms from one island to Trees and another can only be done if it is absolutely Coconut Palms necessary and there is no other alternative. It Regulation further states that for every tree or palm removed in the Maldives two more should be planted and grown in the island

Removed larger trees will be replanted at vacant areas in the island. Guidelines for According to Article 4 (b): the form in EIA/EPA felling and Appendix 1 of the guideline needs to be filled relocation of and submitted to EPA by person/entity seeking trees permit for large-scale felling, uprooting, digging out and relocation of trees and palms.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

4.3 Biodiversity Conservation

According to the Convention on Biodiversity, the components of biodiversity include ecosystems and habitats, species and communities, and genes and genomes, all of which have social, economic, cultural and scientific importance. Maldives is a party to the following international conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity (1992); Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2002); Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (2013); and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The national laws, regulations, and policies relevant to conservation of biological diversity that are relevant are summarized below.

Table 4.3 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to biodiversity conservation

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder Biodiversity National According to Strategy 5: Address EPA Policy and Biodiversity threats to conserve biodiversity: Strategy Strategies and Target 17: By 2025 pressures on Biodiversity Action Plans coral reefs and other vulnerable Conservation ecosystem due to anthropogenic Department – Ministry activities and climate change are of Environment minimised; Target 19: By 2025, impacted ecosystems that provide essential services to water, human health, well-being and livelihood are restored significantly; Target 20: By 2025 rate of loss of all natural habitats are identified and where rate of loss is high, the rate of loss is at least halved to where feasible, brought close to zero; and the Target 23: by 2020 pollution from waste and sewage has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem functions and biodiversity. Strategic Action Policy 2: Improve conservation Biodiversity Plan efforts to preserve biodiversity of Conservation Maldives and ensure maximum Department – Ministry ecosystem benefits. of Environment Protected Article 4 of 4. (a) The Ministry of Environment Biodiversity areas Environment shall be responsible for identifying Conservation Protection Act - protected areas and natural reserves Department/ Ministry National Protected and for drawing up the necessary of Environment Areas rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. EPA

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder

The closest Environmentally Protected Area to the project site is ‘F.Filitheyo Kandu which is located 7.7 km from Feeali. The closest Environmentally Sensitive Site to the project site is ‘Finolhu’ which is located 0.67 km from Feeali. This sandbank has been declared as an Environmentally Sensitive Site as it is a roosting area for birds (Kurangi, Kirudhooni)

The project will have no impacts on any of these sites.

Protected Areas 19. (a) The following activities are EPA Regulation prohibited: (2018/R-78) Impeding works of agency entrusted to look after a protected area. Disguising oneself as a personnel of the agency entrusted to look after a protected area. Contravening management plan of a protected area. Must be aware of Protected Areas and management plans for these areas and align project activities accordingly. Internationally This project does not impact an Recognized Areas Internationally Recognised Area. Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, Fuvahmulah Biosphere Reserve, and Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve are the internationally recognised areas in the Maldives. Environmentally There are 274 ESAs. Commencing EPA Sensitive Areas from 1st January 2011, under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act: 4/93, Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) has been identified. The areas identified in the ESA are not protected areas. It encourages development to take place, taking into consideration the conservation of the sensitive area, there by mitigating the negative impacts.

The closest Environmentally Sensitive Site to the project site is

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder ‘Finolhu’ which is located 0.67 km from Feeali. This sandbank has been declared as an Environmentally Sensitive Site as it is a roosting area for birds (Kurangi, Kirudhooni).The project will have no impact on the site. Protected Regulation on A total of 103 bird species have EPA Species – Migratory Birds been declared protected under the Seabirds and (2014/R-169) Environmental Protection and Migratory Preservation Act (EPPA 4/93). birds According to the Regulation on Migratory Birds (2014/R-169); it is illegal to carry out any activity that involves, rearing migratory birds in captivity, trade of migratory birds or their eggs, poaching migratory birds or their eggs, eating migratory bird meat or their eggs, and harming migratory birds or their nests. Protected Conservation of Old Old plants and trees on islands are EPA Species – Old Trees Regulation protected under the Conservation of Rare Trees (2007) Old Trees Regulation (2007).

There are no old or rare trees in the vicinity of the project site. Invasive Plant Protection Act According to Article 19 (a) import Ministry of Species (2011) of any plants, parts of plant and any Agriculture other related regulated substances into Maldives should have a phytosanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of the country it was exported from.

No plants will be imported as a part of this project.

4.4 Protection of Heritage

Cultural heritage encompasses tangible moveable or immovable objects, properties, sites, structures, or groups of structures of archaeological, historical, cultural, artistic, and religious significance. It also refers to unique natural features that embody cultural value such as lakes, rocks, and reefs, as well as intangible forms of culture embodying cultural knowledge and traditional lifestyles that should be preserved for current and future generations.

The Maldives Cultural Heritage Act (12/2009) ensures the documentation, preservation and protection of cultural heritage. This Act will also ascertain the procedures and jurisdictions of the

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll state and individuals, as well as stipulate that acts resulting in the loss of items or sites of historical significance as criminal acts. The purpose of the Heritage Act is to safeguard the perpetuation of items and sites of historical significance to future generations.

The Cultural Heritage Regulation (R-37 2020) is formulated under the Maldives Cultural Heritage Act (12/2009) and stipulates the classification, valuation, record keeping and establishing the standards for protection and preservation of cultural heritage. Under this regulation, the cultural heritage is classified into internationally, nationally, city/atoll significant or significant at island level.

Table 4.4 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to cultural heritage

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Document/Stakeholder

Protection of Cultural Heritage Cultural heritage found by chance Ministry of Arts and Heritage Act while digging for construction has Culture to be reported to the Island Council and work has to be ceased until National Centre for advice is given. Cultural Heritage Fines charged for deliberate damage of cultural heritage Unique Natural Cultural Heritage There are no historic sites located National Centre for Features Regulation in the island. Cultural Heritage Ministry of Environment EPA

4.5 Labour and Working Conditions

The objective of this section is to review the national laws and international commitments of the Maldives to: (i) promote fair treatment, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity of workers; (ii) to avoid human trafficking and the use of forced labor; (iii) to avoid child labour; (iv) to protect migrant worker rights, including the workers engaged by third parties; (v) to ensure safe living conditions for workers; (vi) to promote safe and healthy working conditions, and (vii) protect the health of workers.

The legal framework to govern the rights and responsibilities of workers in the Maldives is included in the Employment Act (2/2008) that was ratified and signed into law in May 2008. To date, six amendments have been brought to the Employment Act (2/2008). The amendments were made through the following Acts: 14/2008; 12/2010; 3/2014; 14/2015, 22/2016 and 20/2020.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Other national laws and regulations relevant to labour and working conditions include: Anti- Human Trafficking Act (12/2013); Maldives Immigration Act (1/2007); Pensions Act (8/2009); Human Rights Act (6/2006); Regulation on Employment of Expatriates in the Maldives (2020/R- 62); Work Visa Regulation (2010/R-7); Employment Agency Regulation (R-21/2016); Regulation on Resolving Disputes between Employers and Employees (2011/R-12); and Construction Site Health and Safety Regulations (2019/R-156).

The Maldives is a party to major conventions on fundamental labour rights. Maldives is a member state of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of the Maldives has ratified 8 core conventions on the ILO’s fundamental labour rights. On 4 January 2013, the Government of the Maldives ratified the 8 core conventions on the ILO’s fundamental labour rights: Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29); Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105); Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87); Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98); Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100); Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111); Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138); Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182).

There are three international standards that apply to foreign migrant workers. They are the ILO Migration for Employment Convention, 1949 (No. 97), the ILO Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143), and the 1990 1990 UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW).

Table 4.5 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to labour and working conditions

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder Working Employment All employees involved in the project shall MED Conditions Act have an employment contract prepared according to the Employment Act. The job specification, work hours, payment of wages and benefits, maximum allowable hours in a work week, leaves and off days have to be followed according to the Employment Act Resolving Dispute resolution mechanism for the project MIFCO Disputes shall be established LRA Between Employers and Employees

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder Human Rights Human trafficking, forced labour, child labour HRCM Commissions can be investigated by the HRCM. Act Pensions Act Pensions payments are mandatory for local MPAO workers and voluntary for foreign workers Child Labour Article 35 of the Children and young people are entitled to MED Constitution special protection and special assistance from LRA the family, the community and the State. Parliament Children and young people shall not be Courts harmed, sexually abused, or discriminated against in any manner and shall be free from unsuited social and economic exploitation. No person shall obtain undue benefit from their labour. Section 6 and 7 No minors shall be recruited. Minors under the MED of Employment age of 16 years will not be involved in the LRA Act project. Anti-Human Transporting a person from overseas or within Maldives Trafficking Act country using unlawful coercive means or Immigration (Articles 12 to intentionally conspiring to transfer or MED 14) intentionally facilitate such an act, compelling LRA a person to work or provide a service compel a person to enter an agreement which creates a legal obligation or compelling a person to undergo an unnecessary medical procedure or medical test without consent is considered human trafficking. The same applied for a child is considered child trafficking. Forced Labour Anti-Human Human trafficking is crimes punishable by MIFCO Trafficking Act law in the Maldives. Maldives Debt bondage is recognized in the law. Immigration The contractor should be aware of what is classified as human trafficking and should ensure that no project personnel are trafficked for this project. The proponent and contractor can be fined for non-compliance with this Act. Employment No worker employed for the project shall be MED Act compelled or forced into employment. LRA Maldives Any foreign workers recruited for this project Maldives Immigration Act and entering the Maldives for this project Immigration should have the proper documentation. Regulation on Workers should have a valid work permit. Contractor Employment of Workers should have a valid work visa. MIFCO Foreign Contractor shall be responsible for payments LRA Workers and fees related to work permit and visa. MED Contractor shall ensure that foreign workers on the island are registered Work Visa Foreign nationals coming to Maldives for this MIFCO Regulation project must have at least 6 months on their Maldives valid passport. Immigration

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder Contractor may need to pay fines for non- MED compliance. Employment Passports of foreign national coming into the MIFCO Agency country for work cannot be withheld by the Maldives Regulation recruitment agency Immigration Contractor may need to pay fines for non- MED compliance. LRA Regulation on Non-payment of wages, service charge, MIFCO Enforcement of benefits can result in fines, blacklisting and MED Wages ceasing business activity. LRA Occupational Construction Contractor shall prepare a health and safety Contractor Health and Site Health and plan since the value of their work exceeds Ministry of Safety Safety MVR 1,500,000. Health Regulation Excavated pits shall be properly closed off MIFCO with the appropriate signs. Appropriate mechanism for construction waste disposal shall be established Health of Health Public health emergency activated for Covid- HPA Workers Protection Act 19 management New Normal Requirements for testing, process for health MIFCO Measures for declaration, requirement for quarantine and HPA Covid-19 by wearing masks shall be strictly adhered to. HPA Accommodation Regulation on All accommodation standards shall be MIFCO Services Employment of followed as a minimum requirement for LRA Expatriates accommodating foreign workers for the project.

4.6 Community Health, Safety and Security

This section describes the laws, regulations and standards that are applicable to avoid or minimize the risks and impacts to community health, safety, and security. The legislative and policy instruments of the Maldives relevant to community health and safety in the context of the project include:

Table 4.6 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to community health, safety and security

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder Infrastructure Maldives The Building Act (4/2017) regulates construction MNPHI Design and Building Act of buildings and structures. It requires that all Safety buildings and structures be constructed in accordance with the Act and after obtaining the required permits from the concerned authorities. The Act gives legal empowerment to the Maldives Building Code. Maldives The Building Code Handbook of the Maldives MNPHI Building Code details the guidelines and standards that should be used for designing building in the Maldives.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder All construction projects are required to meet the standards specified in the building code. All construction activities of the project will follow the Building code. Construction waste and debris disposal must be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code. Regulation on Approval from the ministry is required prior to Ministry of the consumption the construction of fuel storage areas and Defence and storage of oil construction must be carried out according to the and its related guidelines specified in this regulation. Inspection products of fuel storage areas will take place prior to granting of the approval by the ministry and once every six months afterwards.

Vehicles used for fuel transportation must adhere to the guidelines listed in the regulation. Areas used for the storage of diesel greater than 800 litres must be adhere to the guidelines listed in the regulation. It must not have any fire hazards and should not be close to buildings that are in use. Storage areas must also have a board at least 3x1 feet, showing that fuel is being stored.

Containers used for diesel storage must be constructed and maintained by a professional. Two DCP fire extinguishers of 9 Kg each must be kept near the storage containers. If more than 3000 litres of diesel/ kerosene are to be stored the container should have ‘Automatic foam pouring’ system and ‘Automatic drencher system’ in place. Natural Disaster Planning for minimising disasters in NDMA Hazards Management infrastructure projects, sectoral disaster risk Act management plan formulation as well as budgeting for disasters. Prevention of Public Health The Island Councils must take measures if they MIFCO Community Protection Act notice any activities from the project that might F.Feeali Exposure to endanger the public. Council Disease Contractor Construction waste will be generated from ice Ministry of plant development and must be managed safely. Health HPA Risk of communicable diseases spread from workers shall be prevented through early screening and taking preventive measures COVID-19 spread shall be minimised Regulation on The construction site and surrounding project MIFCO Controlling boundary shall be well maintained to prevent HPA Mosquito mosquito breeding Breeding Vector Control Use of chemicals to eliminate mosquito larvae MIFCO Guide and mosquitoes. HPA

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder Informing HPA when spraying and fogging.

4.7 Resource Efficiency

The objective of this section is to review and analyse the national laws, regulations and international commitments of the Maldives to promote more sustainable use of resources, including energy and water.

Table 4.7 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to resource efficiency

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholder

Sustainable Maldives Energy The guiding principle of the policy is to Energy Department – Use of Policy and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels through Ministry of Energy Strategy the diversification of the energy section, Environment improving energy efficiency & energy conservation, and encouraging the adoption of low carbon and renewable technologies. Sustainable Dewatering This regulation is to be enforced by URA. URA use of water Regulation If dewatering is to be carried out for any development purposes in any of the islands in Maldives, it shall be done by gaining a written approval from the enforcing agency or an agency assigned by the enforcing body.

Dewatering can only be carried out after gaining approval by submitting “the dewatering approval form”.Water quality tests results also have to be submitted as one of the required components.

According to the regulation, permission can be granted for dewatering at a stretch for a maximum of 28 days, for which a sum of Rf500 should be paid per day. This amount is liable to be increased with the number of days increased. A fine not exceeding Rf100 million may be charged for violation.

This project is not likely to require pumping during excavation works as the excavation depth is 0.2m. In the event that pumping is required, the proponent will be required to get an approval from URA before commencing excavation.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Water All islands must submit a water resource and URA Resources conservation management plan within 12 Conservation months of the regulation being published. and The extraction and selling of water from the Management freshwater lens and wetlands for industrial- use and business purposes is prohibited. Regulation Dewatering must be carried out according to the dewatering regulation. Deliberate or accidental disposal of chemicals and oils not the ground and groundwater is prohibited. Groundwater sampling points must be established in areas where oil and chemicals are stored, refilled or transported. The parameters pH, Oil and Hydrocarbon must be reported every quarter by parties handling oil and chemicals. Oil and chemical spills during transportation must be controlled and reported to URA within 24 hours. Spill control and response action is the responsibility of the party transporting the waste and must be taken according to the guidance of URA, Oil and chemical spills during transportation must be controlled and reported to URA within 24 hours. Spill control and response action is the responsibility of the party transporting the waste and must be taken according to the guidance of URA.

4.8 Pollution Prevention

The objective of this section is to review and analyse the national laws, regulations and international commitments of the Maldives to reduce GHG emissions; and to avoid or minimize pollution.

Maldives is a party to the: Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2016); Kyoto Protocol to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1997); and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992). The legislative and policy instruments that are relevant for climate change in the Maldives include: Maldives Climate Change Policy Framework; Maldives Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC); and the Second National Communication of Maldives to the UNFCCC.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Table 4.8 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to pollution prevention

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholders Greenhouse Updated Maldives intends to reduce 26% of its Climate Change Gases Intended GHG emissions by 2030 and achieve net Department/ Nationally zero by 2030 following assistance from Ministry of Determined international authorities. Environment Contribution 2020 (NDC) The total GHG emission in 2015 was 1536.04 Gg CO2e, of which 95.8% is from energy sector while 4.2% is from the waste sector.

Ice plant operations with the use of diesel- powered generator sets will emit Greenhouse gases. Climate Change Urges the use of climate friendly Climate Change Policy technologies Department/Ministry Framework and outlines a policy on a low emission of Environment development future and ensuring energy security in the Maldives. The objectives of this policy include ensuring that transport and electricity systems have minimal undesirable impacts on the environment and society and moving towards environment friendly modes of transport.

Air Environmental Prohibits the release of toxic gases which EPA Pollution Protection and may harm the environment of Maldives Preservation Act (Article 7) Environment Areas that have been affected by air EPA Liability pollution shall be determined based on Regulation the volume of substances released (Appendix 2) Emissions from the ice plant shall be regularly monitored to ensure air quality is within acceptable range National Action The plan includes mitigation measures Ministry of Plan on Air that have been included in the Maldives Environment Pollutants long term climate goals also known as the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) as well as planned sectoral measures collectively termed “air quality measures”. Strategic Action Strategy 2.6 of the SAP aims to maintain Implementing Plan (SAP) an acceptable level of ambient air quality agency for this in the Maldives through low emission strategy is Ministry development by shifting towards cleaner, of Environment and efficient technologies, fuels and other implementing practices. It includes developing a agencies include

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholders construction air quality management plan MNPHI, MH, EPA to manage and minimize impacts during and Local Councils construction projects. HCFC This regulation manages the HCFC usage Ministry of Regulation and phase-out in line with the obligations Environment under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This regulation controls the importation, sale and usage of HCFC and HCFC blends in the Maldives. International Air WHO has established global guidelines EPA Quality for emission control, to reduce the danger Standards posed by air pollution and deaths associated with it. The guidelines recommend the reduction of PM10 to as low as 50 per year (WHO, 2005). The Clean Air Act in the United States requires USEPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants that are common in outdoor air, considered harmful to public health and the environment, and that come from numerous and diverse sources. The EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six principal pollutants, which are called "criteria" air pollutants.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholders Water National The guidelines deal with domestic EPA pollution Wastewater wastewater quality for discharge into Quality deep sea and provide the maximum Guidelines concentration of listed components that (NWQG) have to be complied with at all times including coliform, pH and suspended solid levels. The NWQGs also provides maximum concentration levels for domestic and industrial wastewater combined, but does not specifically provide guidance on dealing with industrial effluents or leachates of any kind. The NWQGs also stipulate that the guidelines are generic and conservative, the standards state that in the event the capacity of the receiving environment to deal with additional wastewater, has been exceeded or when the activity generating the wastewater is envisioned to produce wastewater at extreme lower or higher levels than the standards set in the NWQGs, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required and need to be completed by accredited Assessors approved by EPA. In addition, the producer has to prove to government that best international Clean Production protocols are followed. Based on the recommendations of the EIA report and proof of Clean Production practice, EPA will issue site specific guidelines for the discharge of wastewaters. No exemptions to the Guidelines will be allowed without site specific guidelines to that.

4.9 Waste Management

The following is a summary of legal compliance requirements for waste minimization, recycling, and disposal in the Maldives. The summary also includes compliance requirements for hazardous waste management and export of wastes. There are also specific compliance requirements for import, handling, use, storage and disposal of chemicals in the Maldives.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Table 4.9 Laws, regulations and policies relevant to waste management

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholders Waste Strategic Action By 2023, phase out importation, production and Waste Minimisation Plan (SAP) use of single use plastics in the country will be Management & recycling enforced Department – Need to give attention to minimize single use Ministry of plastics during construction phase of the project Environment Strategy 2.1d: Enforce regulation and develop Health SOPs on healthcare and hazardous waste Protection Agency, Ministry of Health Waste Encourages recycling and reduction of waste Waste Management generated Management Policy Department – Ministry of Environment Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) Waste Environmental Prohibits the disposal of waste, oil and gases in a EPA Disposal Protection and way that damages the environment. Preservation Act In cases where the disposal of the substances EPA (Article 7) becomes absolutely necessary, they shall be Waste disposed only within the areas designated for the Management purpose by the government. Department – Ministry of Waste disposal shall only be at a pre-approved Environment location and waste storage sites shall be monitored Waste on a daily basis. Management Corporation (WAMCO) Waste Ensure safe disposal of solid waste and develop Waste Management guidelines on waste management and disposal and Management Policy advocate to enforce such guidelines through inter- Department – sectoral collaboration Ministry of Environment Waste Storage, transportation and handling of waste shall EPA Management conform to the standards specified in WMR. Waste Regulation Management Department – Ministry of Environment Waste Environmental If such waste is to be incinerated, appropriate EPA Incineration Protection and precaution should be taken to avoid any harm to HPA Preservation Act the health of the population. (Article 7)

Hazardous Environmental Hazardous/ Toxic or Nuclear Wastes that is EPA Waste Protection and harmful to human health and the environment shall Waste Management

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Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholders Preservation Act not be disposed anywhere within the territory of the Department – (Article 8) country Ministry of Environment Waste Ensure safe disposal of chemical, hazardous and EPA Management industrial waste Policy Waste If any hazardous waste is to be disposed in the EPA Management Maldives, waste sites specifically approved to Waste Regulation manage hazardous and Special Category waste Management should handle it. Department – Ministry of Environment Export of Waste If waste is to be exported for reuse or disposal in EPA Waste Management another country, an application needs to be Regulation submitted to EPA 03 months prior to the shipping date. EPA will issue an approval based on compliance with WMR clauses and international conventions. Import of Hazardous A permit from the MoD is required prior to the Ministry of Chemicals Chemicals importing of hazardous chemicals. A list of Defence Regulation chemicals that do not require a permit for import (2019) has been included in the annex of the regulation. Labelling of Hazardous All chemicals should be labelled as specified in this Ministry of Chemicals Chemicals regulation during import, transport and trade. The Defence Regulation label should indicate that the substance is (2019) hazardous in both English and Dhivehi. If any chemicals are transferred from their original container the container it is transferred to must be fit for storage of the chemical. The new container must also have the appropriate labelling and must not be any type of container which is usually used to store liquids for human consumption. Handling of Hazardous All chemicals should be handled according to the Ministry of Chemicals Chemicals safety measures specified in Annex 1 of this Defence Regulation Regulation (2019) Chemicals shall only be imported after prior approval is obtained from MoD Storage of Hazardous Chemical storage facilities for chemicals that Ministry of Chemicals Chemicals require approval must be registered at MoD and Defence Regulation must fit the specifications specified in Annex 3 of (2019) this Regulation If any chemicals that require prior approval are imported for this project the place of storage shall be registered at MoD. Use of Hazardous All chemicals imported with approval from MoD Ministry of Chemicals Chemicals must be used only for approved uses with the Defence Regulation safety measures specified in this regulation (2019) Disposal of Hazardous Disposal of chemicals that require a permit for Ministry of Chemicals Chemicals import must be carried out my MoD. The party Defence Regulation applying for disposal shall bear the costs of (2019) chemical disposal.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

4.10 Food Safety

Maldives does not have standards for ice as such, however, Maldives Food and Drug Authority is required to follow EU Guidelines for ice production for all ice plants sourcing ice to vessels exporting fish to EU. The following is a summary of these guidelines as well as national level guidelines pertaining to food related services in the Maldives.

Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholders Production Regulation (EC) This guideline talks about taking an integrated Feeali Island of ice that No 852/2004 of approach to ensure food safety from the place of Council comes into the European production upto and including placing on the MFDA contact with Parliament and market or export. food. of the Council of 29 April 2004 Outlines general hygiene provisions for primary on the hygiene production and associated operations for fishery of food stuffs products.

Ice which comes into contact with food or which may contaminate food is to be made from potable water or, when used to chill whole fishery products, clean water. It is to be made, handled and stored under conditions that protect it from contamination.

All ice plant operations will adhere to this regulation. Regulation (EC) This guideline lays down specific hygiene rules for Feeali Island No 853/2004 of food of specific animal origin. Council the European MFDA Parliament and It states that clean seawater can be used for the of the Council of production of ice used to chill fishery products. 29 April 2004 laying down The ice plant will be sourcing clean seawater for specific hygiene ice and will adhere to this regulation. rules for food of animal origin

Council This directive talks about the quality of water Feeali Island Directive intended for human consumption, including all Council 98/83/EC of 3 water used in any food production undertaking for MFDA November 1998 the preservation of products intended for human on the quality of consumption. water intended for human Water intended for human consumption shall be consumption wholesome and clean if it is free from any microorganisms and parasites and from any substances which, in numbers or concentration, constitute a potential danger to human health and

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Aspect Law/Regulation Implication Stakeholders meets minimum requirements set out in the Annex of the directive.

The ice plant will adhere to this directive and ensure clean water is used for ice production. Hygiene General This guideline talks about general hygiene Feeali Island Guideline on pertaining to handling of food. Council Food Service MFDA Facilities All ice plant operations will adhere to this guideline. General The principles described in this document are Feeali Island Principles of essential to ensure the safety and suitability of food Council Food Hygiene for consumption and they are commended to MFDA governments, industry (including individual primary producers, manufacturers, processors, food service operators and retails) and consumers alike. It follows the food chain from primary production to final consumer setting out the necessary hgiene conditions for producing food. The annex includes a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System and Guidelines for its application.

All ice plant operations will adhere to the principles outlined in this document.

5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS

Stakeholder consultations are a pivotal component of the EIA to understand and capture the concerns from the stakeholders of the project. The project involves constructing an ice plant at F. Feeali. The project has been initiated to provide easy accessibility to ice for fisherman in the area.

Chapter 3 of the report identified the relevant laws, regulations and guideline relevant to the construction and operation of the proposed ice plant. Key stakeholders for the project have been identified based on these laws and regulations.

Stakeholder consultations were conducted between 17th March 2021 and 4th April 2021. Due to restrictions in travelling to the project site due to COVID-19, virtual consultations were held using Google Meet with all the stakeholders. During each meeting, the stakeholders were provided with the key details of the project and their recommendations and concerns were captured. Table below lists the key stakeholders identified.

5.1 Key Stakeholders

The stakeholders that were consulted for this EIA are given below;

- F. Feeali Island Council - Fishermen of F.Feeali - Faafu Atoll Council - Ministry of Fisheries, Marine resources and Agriculture - Maldives Marine Research Institute - Ministry of Environment - Maldives Food and Drug Authority - Health Protection Agency - Utility Regulatory Authority

5.2 Findings of Stakeholder Consultation

The consultations revealed that the project will be beneficial for the island and fishermen in the atoll. Fishermen in the atoll have to travel long distances to get ice as there are difficulties

79 EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll sourcing ice in Faafu and Dhaalu Atoll. F. Nilandhoo is the nearest ice plant and it does not the capacity to be able to meet the demand for ice. Fishing is quite popular in Feeali and it is an island rich in Yellow Fin Tuna fisheries. Many different vessels from all over Maldives come to Feeali after fishing. Hence, the recommendation was to implement the project in the shortest timeframe possible.

URA recommended to obtain permit to install and operate the generator set in the ice plant. MFDA recommended to adhere to their general guidelines (described in Chapter 4) during the operation of the ice plant.

Table 5.1 Summary of stakeholder consultations

F.Feeali Island Council Fisheries - Feeali is a 90% fisheries island with majority employed in fisheries sector. Date: 17.03.2021 - Challenges are faced by the fishermen in getting ice from Faafu and Dhaalu Atoll. Time: 1100hrs - Fishing vessels have to go to the ice plants established in Hulhumale’ or K.Himmafushi - There are 35 vessels in the island including small ones. 11 of these are used for Yellow Fin Tuna Participants: fishing. 20 of these vessels are used for reef fishery. 1. Mohamed Jaleel, Council President - Vessels from many different atolls from HA – Addu visit to Feeali 2. Mohamed Rameez, - Fish catch is mostly sold in Hulhumale’, K.Huraa or K.Himmafushi Secretary General - Developing an ice plant in Feeali will ease the challenges faced by the fishermen in the region and enable a boost in fisheries. Proposed Site - The proposed project site was chosen in coordination with island community. They had a meeting with island community who were in favour of the proposed location for the ice plant given its proximity to the harbour. - There is a fuel shed on the harbour - The area has been reclaimed. There is vegetation, including Halaveli and Kuredhi. Concerns and Recommendations - The island experiences erosion. The ice plant area is made of rocks, the beach moves. There is a need for beach protection.

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Ministry of Fisheries, Discussion Marine Resources and - Main complaints when it comes to ice plants are related to ice availability Agriculture - Inspections may be carried out from time to time, mainly to check water intake location - There are currently no guidelines on water intake locations, it needs to be clean water. Date: 17.03.2021 - Ice plants are not connected to grid due to the high voltage needed Time: 13000hrs - There are plans to integrate alternative energy source for ice plans with 5 solar powered ice plants are in planning stage Participants: 1. Ahmed Rashid, Senior Research Officer Utility Regulatory Regulations to follow during operation Authority - There are no regulations as such for ice plant operation. Date: 08.04.2021 - If the ice plant is of certain capacity and above, cannot use ground water for operation – does not apply Time: 13000hrs to this project - Need to determine why ice plant needs to have their own gensets. Participants: - There can only be two instances where ice plants can have their own generator sets; in the case of 1. Adam Mubeen, voltage fluctuations or power inconsistencies harming equipment and when the grid is not enough to Assistant Director power the ice plant – will need letter from utility confirming it is not enough to power the ice plant. Ahmed Jazlaan, Assistant - Will need permit for the genset from URA. This is general practice. Engineer

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Faafu Atoll Council Discussion Date: 15.04.2021 - Feeali and Dharanboodhoo are areas rich in Yellow Fin Tuna fisheries, with a great many number of Time: 10000hrs vessels - Currently experience many difficulties obtaining ice in these areas Participants: Concerns and recommendations 1. Abdul Gadir - Have no concerns about the project location Mohamed, Council - Recommend going ahead with the project as soon as possible member 2. Ibrahim Shareef, Director Ministry of Environment General comments provided Date: 15.04.2021 - Avoid removal of mature trees/palms and relocate trees/palms if possible. - Take careful measures to prevent any waste leakage to sea during construction. General comments - Power generator installation and oil storage should meet standards set under the relevant guidelines.

- Take careful measures to minimize any damage to marine environment during the installation of intake

and outfall pipes. Maldives Marine Discussion Research Institute - Have no specific concerns about the project as it has negligible impact on reef Date: 18.04.2021 - Recommend talking to fishermen in the island about the project location Time: 1115hrs

Participants:

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1. Nizam Ibrahim, Senior Research Officer Maldives Food and Drug Mandate Authority - MFDA follows EU regulations for ice plants, since fish is exported to EU Date: 20.04.2021 - Monitoring all ice plants sourcing ice to vessels exporting to EU is mandatory Time: 1200hrs - Cannot be sure which vessels source ice to EU so inspect all ice plants Standards Participants: - Have to apply at MFDA for ice plant operation permit. Permit will be provided after inspection and the 1. Mariyam Ibrahim, permit is valid for 6 months. It will be renewed every 6 months after inspection and water testing by Senior Scientific MFDA. Standard for intake and outfall is that intake should not be impacted by outfall in any way Officer - There are standards for parameters to test input and output water during operation, these are to be tested 2. Aminath Madheeha, based on daily, monthly and annual basis. Scientific Officer Concerns - What is the distance between ice plant and fuel storage tank? Have to share distance with MFDA as they need to ensure that the ice is not contaminated in any way from chemicals and fumes from storage tanks. - Ensure there is proper flow of water within the harbour - If the ice does not undergo any purification have to make sure it is free from harmful substances - If there is no direct ice delivery mechanism from ice plant to vessels, have to ensure whatever transport is used is covered and free of dust

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- Ensure that if any staff are to enter the cold storage room, there is a place to wash hands and a footbath outside the cold storage room. Staff handling the ice must wash their hands and feet before entering the cold storage room Health Protection Agency Generic comments provided by HPA is provided in Appendix C1 (HPA) National Disaster Generic comments provided by NDMA is provided in Appendix C1 Management Authority (NDMA)

5.3 Consultation with Fishermen

The consultation with fishermen was also held as part of the stakeholder consultations. In order to practice social distancing, no physical meetings were held regarding this project.

Attempts were made to consult with as fishermen in the community and it was requested with the Island Council to share contact numbers of the some of the fishermen. A total of 20 contact numbers were shared by the council and 12 fishermen were consulted regarding the project. These included fishermen who went for ‘Yellowfin Tuna’ fisheries as well as those who went for ‘Faana’ fisheries. There were also some fishermen who went for reef fishery.

There were challenges in reaching the fishermen for consultation via telephone as majority of the times they were not reachable. Attempt to contact 20 fishermen were made over a period of 2 weeks and only 12 consultations were successful.

Challenges in getting ice

All the fishermen consulted revealed that it is challenging to source ice from nearby atolls. Majority of the vessels stated that they go to Nilandhoo to buy ice. Being an ice plant of small capacity, the Nilandhoo ice plant does not have enough ice to cater the high demand and usually a long que awaits to get ice from this plant. As an alternative, fishermen travel to Adh.Mahibadhoon, Dh.Kudahuvadhoo, Male’, Hulhumale and Himmafushi to get the required ice for fishing. This requires travelling a long distance and becomes extremely challenging. Majority of the boats have an ice requirement of 10-15 tons per week. Ice is bought between a range of MVR 500 – MVR 2000.

Proposed Location and Ice plant capacity

All the fishermen were in favour of the location however 4 of them were of the opinion that the capacity will not be enough to meet the demand.

Recommendations

All of the fishermen were strongly in favour for the project and majority of them recommended going ahead with the project as soon as possible. Two of them recommended increasing the storage of the ice plant.

86 EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

5.4 Materiality Issues

The Table below provides the materiality issues identified by the stakeholders regarding the project.

Table 5.2 Materiality issues identified by stakeholders

Aspect Issues

Capacity of the Ice The proposed capacity of ice plant and its storage may not be Plant sufficient to meet the required demand for ice.

Quality of water Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture and intake Maldives Food and Drug Authority highlighted the importance of sourcing clean water for ice production. The quality of intake water should be tested on a regular basis. Use of generator set Utility Regulatory authority highlighted issues surrounding the use in Ice Plant of a separate generator set at the ice plant. The proponent should obtain a letter from the utility company as well as permit for genset from URA prior to commencement of project Contamination of Ice Maldives Food and Drug Authority highlighted the importance of avoiding contamination of ice at different stages. This included avoiding contamination from fuel tank as well as contamination in the transport of ice. All staff must wash their hands and feet before entering the cold storage room.

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6 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

6.1 Proposed Location and Sensitive Receptors

The proposed site is located on the harbour, on the eastern side. The land area for the project has some vegetation and requires clearance as seen in Figure 6.1 below.

There is a fuel shed in close proximity to the proposed project site. There are no residential houses within 200 ft from the proposed site. The nearest residential house is located within 230 ft. A close up aerial image of the project site is shown in Figure 6.1 below.

Figure 6.1 Area around the project site for iceplant development

6.2 Culturally Significant Sites

There are no culturally significant sites in close proximity of the project site.

6.3 Terrestrial Environment

The proposed site in Feeali includes 3 large Ironwood trees (Pemphis acidula), 1 medium sized Sea Hibiscus tree (Hibiscus tilaceus),1 medium sized Sea Lettuce Tree (Scaevola taccada), 1

88 EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

medium sized Indian Almond Tree (Terminalia cattapa) and 1 medium sized Jamaica Cherry Tree (Muntingia calabura). Vegetation at project site is show in Figure 6.2.

Figure 6.2 Vegetation around project site

The Island Council has stated that they will replant removed trees at vacant areas in the island.

6.4 Ambient Noise Level

Noise spot readings were taken from the proposed location for the ice plant and a control site during daytime as a baseline. Since there are no local regulations and guidelines for noise level, the measurements are compared with ambient noise standards used in most OECD countries shown in Table 6.6 below.

According to the standards in most OECD countries, the minimum and maximum noise level recorded at both, the proposed site and control site exceed the optimum limit of 55 dBA.

Table 6.1 Ambient noise level at project site and control site

Noise (dBA) Location Min Max Proposed site 96.4 79.4 Control site 61.9 65.3

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Table 6.2 Ambient noise standards in most OECD Countries

Limits in dB (A) Category of Area Day Time Night Times (6am- 9pm) (9 pm – 6am) Industrial area 75 70 Commercial area 65 55 Mixed residential areas (with industry) 60 45 Residential area 55 45 Silence Zone 50 40

6.5 Ground Water Quality

Groundwater quality was tested at two locations. Samples were taken from a nearby mosque and from a control site.

The water samples were submitted to the Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) for analysis on the 23rd and 24th of March 2021. BOD test was not available at the laboratory.

The results are shown in the table below. All the parameters analysed were within the acceptable range except for conductivity which is quite high in the proposed location and higher than the standard in the control sample.

Table 6.3 Ground water quality results assessed at MWSC

GW1 (Proposed GW2 EPA (Drinking Parameter location) (Control) Water Standards) Physical appearance Clear with Clear with - particles particles

Temperature (°C) 24.8 23.0 NA

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon 0.046 0.066 - pH 7.86 7.47 6.5-8.5

Conductivity ( μS/cm) 7270 1025 <1000 μS/cm Salinity 3.99 0.51 -

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6.6 Marine Water Quality

Marine water quality was tested at two locations. Samples were taken from the project site and from a control site.

The water samples were submitted to the Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) for analysis on the 23rd of March 2021

The results are shown in the table below. All the parameters analysed were within the acceptable range for marine water except conductivity for both the samples

Table 6.4 Marine water quality results assessed at MWSC

SW2 EPA (Marine Water Parameter SW1 (Control) Standards)

Physical appearance Clear with Clear with - particles particles Temperature (°C) 24.2 24.6 -

Total Dissolved Solids 26000 25600

pH(mg/L) 8.03 8.09 8.0-8.2

Conductivity ( μS/cm) 52100 51200 <1500 μS/cm Salinity 34.24 33.64 32-42

6.7 Depth at Proposed Intake and Outfall Location

Depth spot readings were taken inside the harbour where the pipeline is to be laid. The depth within the harbour ranged from 2.7m to 2.8m

6.8 Currents

Current was measured at one location close to the project site. It was 0.21m/s due Northeast

6.9 Marine Protected Areas and Environmentally Sensitive Sites

The closest Marine Protected Area to the project site is ‘F.Filitheyo Kandu’ which is located 7.7 km from Feeali. The closest Environmentally Sensitive Site to the project site is ‘Finolhu’

91 EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll which is located 0.67 km from Feeali. This sandbank has been declared as an Environmentally Sensitive Site as it is a roosting area for birds (Kurangi, Kirudhooni)

6.10 Socioeconomic Environment

According to Census 2014, the total resident population of Feeali is 808. Figure 6.3 below shows the population by locality. The most populated island is Nilandhoo with a total population of 1,548 and the least populated island is Dharaboodhoo with a total of 383 residents.

According to the island council the total registered population of Feeali is 1290 and total resident population is 1200. Figure 6.4 below shows the population pyramid of Feeali.

Population by Locality 1,800 1,600 1,548 1,400 1,200 1,000 868 808 800

Population 600 512 383 400 200 -

F Feeali F Biledhdhoo F Magoodhoo F Nilandhoo F Dharaboodhoo

Figure 6.3 Population by locality (Source: Census 2014)

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Population pyramid of Feeali

75+ 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 5-9 0-4 9 7 5 3 1 1 3 5 7 9 Percent of population

Female Male

Figure 6.4 Population pyramid (Source: Census, 2014)

There were a total of 901 fisherman in Faafu Atoll recorded in 2017 (National Bureau of Statistics, 2019). As seen in Figure 6.5, a total of 2900 metric tons of fish was caught from the atoll in the year 2018, this is 2 % of the total amount of fish caught in the country.

Fisheries in the atoll had generally been increasing, following the 2004 tsunami up till 2015 and has been in a bit of decline since then. An average of 32 mechanised boats were engaged in fishing per month in the atoll in 2018. There is one fish aggregating device in Faafu Atoll. (Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, 2021). The closest fish aggregating device to Feeali is 73 km due west of Feeali.

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Fish Catch at Faafu Atoll (1977 - 2018) 4.5

4.0 3.9 3.6 3.5 3.43.53.5

3.0 3.0 2.9 2.9 2.5 2.5 2.42.4 2.2 2.0 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.90.80.9 0.80.8 0.8 0.7 Fish catch (Thousand Metric Tons) 0.5 0.50.5 0.5 0.60.5 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.30.3 0.20.30.30.30.3 0.0 0.10.10.1 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

North Nilandhe Atoll (F)

Figure 6.5 Fish catch at F.Atoll from 1977-2018 (In ‘000 metric tons)

Over the years, the population of the resident population in Feeali will increase as seen in Figure 6.6 below. Projected resident population for Feeali for 2,054 is 1,339.

Population Projections for F.Feeali 1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

Population 600

400

200

2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040 2042 2044 2046 2048 2050 2052 2054

Figure 6.6 Projected resident population from 2014-2054

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According to data from Census 2014, Feeali has a sex ratio of 88.12 . This is lower than the national sex ratio of Maldives which is 107.6 males per 100 females.

Feeali has a health center with primary health care facilities and a doctor. There is also an STO pharmacy in Feeali. The main Atoll Hospital is located in Nilandhoo.

MTCC as well as private launches have weekly ferry services operating between Male’ and Feeali as well as between Feeali and Nilandhoo. The harbour is located on the south eastern side of the island.

Diesel Powered Electricity

Electricity for the island is provided by FENAKA. There are a total of three generator sets on the island at present with a total installed capacity of 640 kW in 2018. The peak load for the island is 219 kW. Peak electricity consumption is during 12:35 pm.

Alternative Energy Sources

There are no solar PV systems installed at the island at present.

Water

Majority of people use rainwater for drinking. There is an ongoing water supply project.

Sewerage System

Sewerage system project has been planned for the island and construction has been in progress since 2017.

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Waste is currently accumulated at the waste disposal site at the island and openly burnt. Plastics are sent to Thilafushi in Jumbo bags where Parley Maldives collects them.

Feeali is a manufacturing island with majority of the female workforce employed in this sector. Fisheries is the main employment sector for the male workforce with 91 men employed in the sector as per Census 2014.

The main employment sectors in Feeali and the number of people working in these sectors is seen in Figure 6.7 below.

Main Employment Sectors for F.Feeali 120

100

Number of people employed 20

Trade Fishing Health Education Transport Electiricy Construction Manufacturing

Public administration Other service activities

Female Male

Figure 6.7 Main employment sectors

Income Situation and Distribution

The average monthly income per household in Faafu Atoll is MVR 26,523. The average monthly income per earner is MVR 8,883. Average monthly expenditure per household for Faafu atoll is MVR 19,852. Monthly per capita expenditure is MVR 3,235 (HIES, 2016).

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It is estimated that there are approximately 177,585 expatriate workers in the Maldives as of March 2020. Majority of workers are Bangladeshi workers (63%) followed by Indian workers (16%) (National Bureau of Statistics, 2020). As seen in Figure 6.8 below, an overwhelming majority of expatriate workers are male.

Top 5 nationalities for expatriate employment in Maldives 120000

100000

80000

60000

40000

Number of workers 20000

0 Bangladesh India Sri Lanka Nepal China

Male Female

Figure 6.8 Top 5 Nationalities for Expatriate Employment in Maldives (NBS, 2020)

The highest share of foreign migrant worker employment in the Maldives is in the construction industry. It is estimated that more than 40% of expatriates in Maldives are employed in this industry (National Bureau of Statistics, 2020). Much of the expatriate population of Maldives also includes undocumented workers who do not have a valid work visa. Immigration records estimates that the number of undocumented expatriate worker population is ~62,000. However, the Ministry of Economic Development estimates that this number will be much higher, exceeding 100,000 (Sun Online, 2020). Forty-three thousand undocumented workers were registered at the Ministry of Economic Development under the program held to register workers which was halted temporarily due to COVID-19 (Sun Online, 2020).

The expatriate worker population of Maldives is a highly vulnerable population with many cases where workers have been trafficked and are denied basic human rights. The undocumented expatriate worker population is especially vulnerable as they do not have a valid work visa and therefore, do not have any legally liable employers. COVID-19 has highlighted the appalling conditions in which expatriate workers have been living in, with numerous

97 EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll workers congested in small spaces (Gossman, 2020). Protests have also taken place due to poor living conditions and expatriate workers being denied their salaries. Occupational health and safety aspects are also neglected when it comes to expatriate worker employment with many working without the proper training and personal protective equipment needed for safe work. Fatal accidents involving expatriate workers and the public have occurred due to inadequate training and lack of safety measures at the workplace.

It is essential that measures be taken to protect the rights of this vulnerable population. The proponent for this project (MIFCO), the contractor and all sub-contractors shall take full responsibility for safeguarding the rights of all workers employed for this project.

Income Poverty

The National Poverty Line for Maldives is MVR 74 per person per day. The percentage of population living below the national poverty line in Alif Alif Atoll is 8.7% (NBS, 2016) .

Multidimensional Poverty

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is defined as the product of the incidence of poverty and the incidence of poverty. The index ranges from 0-1 with 1 indicating higher multidimensional poverty. The highest multidimensional poverty is in the central region of the country which includes Vaavu Atoll, Alif Alif Atoll, Alif Dhaalu Atoll and Kaafu Atoll (excluding Male’). The MPI value for the central region is 0.239. Factors contributing to the low MPI for this region include years of schooling, internet access and access to safe drinking water. However, this region is better off in terms of income poverty which may be due to tourism and close proximity to Male’. The share of MPI poor population in the central region is 10.4%. The total multidimensionally poor resident Maldivian population for the central region is 9,909 (NBS, 2020).

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6.11 Climate

The climate in Maldives is warm and humid, typical of the tropics. Data from the National Meteorological Service (MMS) for the weather station at Hulhule has been used to summarise the climatic conditions of the project site as it has the largest available datasets. However, data from L. Kadhdhoo, which is closer to the project site (around 166 km away), has been used to describe some parameters.

As Maldives lies on the equator, the country receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Significant variation is observed in the climate between the northern and the southern atolls. The annual average rainfall in the southern atolls is higher than the northern atolls. In addition, greater extremes of temperature are also recorded in the southern atolls.

Table 6.5 Summary of meteorological information of L. Kadhdhoo (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2020)

Parameter Data Average Annual Rainfall 2242 mm Maximum Daily Rainfall 178.2 mm (10-7-1990) Average Air temperature 28.74 °C Extreme Air Temperature 36°C (12 September 1991); 20.0°C (27 November 2011) Average Wind Speed 12.07 km/hr Average Wind Direction W (~18% frequency) Maximum Wind Speed 111.12 km/hr (13 August 1992) Average Air Pressure 1011 mb in December; 1010 mb in April

The climate of Maldives is characterised by the monsoons of the Indian Ocean. Two monsoon seasons are observed in Maldives: The Northeast (Iruvai) and the Southwest (Hulhangu) monsoon. The parameters that best distinguish the two monsoons are wind and rainfall patterns. The southwest monsoon is the rainy season while the northeast monsoon is the dry season. The southwest monsoon occurs from May to September and the northeast monsoon is from December to February. The transition period of southwest monsoon occurs between March and April while that of northeast monsoon occurs from October to November.

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The winds that occur across Maldives are mostly determined by the monsoon seasons. The two monsoons are relatively mild given that Maldives is located close to the equator. As a result, strong winds and gales are infrequent although storms and squall lines can occur, usually in the period May to July. During stormy conditions gusts of up to 111km/hr have been recorded at Male’ The maximum speed recorded at L. Kadhdhoo was 111km/hr on 13 August 1992.

Wind direction and speeds show considerable uniformity in the past twenty-plus monsoon seasons in the Maldives (Naseer, 2003). Wind analysis indicates that the monsoon is considerably stronger in central and northern region of Maldives compared to the south (Naseer, 2003). Table 5.6 summarises the wind conditions in central Maldives throughout a year. Medium term meteorological data from Maldives Meteorological Services located in Hulhule’ and findings from long-term Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) are used in this analysis. These findings are thought to be generally application across Maldives.

Table 6.6 Summary of General Wind Conditions from National Meteorological Centre

Season Month Wind December Predominantly from NW-NE. NE – Monsoon January High Speeds from W February

March From all directions. Mainly W. Transition Period 1 April High Speeds from W. May June Mainly from W. SW - Monsoon July High Speeds from W. August September Mainly from W. Transition Period 2 October High Speeds from W

June and July along with January are the windiest months at Kadhdhoo, with a mean wind speed of 17 km/hr. The strongest winds recorded at Kadhdhoo has also been during these two months.

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The transition into the South-Western monsoon from the North-Eastern monsoon occurs in March and is indicated by winds which approach from variable directions.

As can be seen from Figure 6.9, westerly winds are recorded most frequently at Kadhdhoo, with highest speeds also recorded from this direction as this is the predominant wind direction during the South-Western monsoon lasts longer than the North-Eastern monsoon. Westerly winds dominate during the months April to November. From December the strongest and most frequent winds approach from the north-east.

Figure 6.9 Wind Frequencies recorded at LKadhdhoo between 1992-2019

The average annual rainfall at Hulhule’ is 1993 mm. There is significantly less variation in the annual rainfall recorded at Hulhule’ with greater number of dry days.

The distribution of rainfall across the months is uneven (Figure 6.10) with the months of January, February, March, and April getting significantly lower rainfall. This is regarded as the dry season in the Maldives. February is the driest month of the year with a total of 1843 mm of rain over the course of 45 years while in October, the wettest month of the year, it rained 5 times as much.

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However, in 2019 rainfall was lowest in March. Despite this difference the rainfall in 2019 was still following the similar trend observed over the last 45 years and the highest rainfall in 2019 was still in October, the wettest month for central Male’ region.

Total rainfall by month (2019 vs last 45 years)

450 12000

400 10000 350

300 8000

250 6000 200

Total Rainfall (mm) 150 4000

100 2000 50

0 0

July April May June March January August October February September November December 2019 1975 - 2019

Figure 6.10 Variation in rainfall at Hulhule’ every month from 1975-2019 (Source: MET, 2020)

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Figure 6.11 shows the total rainfall by year in Hulhule’ for the past 45 years. Year 2006 had the highest total rainfall with 2711 mm followed by 1978 with 2670 mm. These two recorded extremes are more than 1.3 times greater than the average total rainfall for Hulhule’ which is 1993 mm.

Total Annual Rainfall at Hulhule’ (1975-2019)

3000

2500

2000

1500 Rainfall (mm) 1000

500

0 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Figure 6.11 Annual Rainfall at K. Hulhule’ (1975 – 2019; Source: MET, 2020)

Figure 6.12 below shows the total rainfall by month at L.Kahdhoo during 2019. Highest rainfall at Kahdhoo in 2019 was during November, with a total of 475.9 mm of rainfall throughout the month. March was the driest month of the year with 60.3 mm of rainfall.

Total rainfall by month at L.Kahdhoo (2019) 500

450

400

350

300

250

200

Total Rainfall (mm) 150

100

July April May June March January August October February September November December

Figure 6.12 Total rainfall by month at L.Kahdhoo, 2019; Source: MET, 2020)

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The total annual rainfall at L.Kahdhoo from 1990-2019 has been shown in Figure 6.12. Average annual rainfall for Kahdhoo is 2230 mm. The total amount of rainfall received in the past two years exceed the average amount of rainfall.

Total Annual Rainfall at L.Kahdhoo (1990-2019)

3500.0

3000.0

2500.0

2000.0

1500.0 Rainfall (mm)

1000.0

500.0

0.0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Figure 6.13 Total Annual Rainfall at L.Kahdhoo (1990-2019; Source: MMS)

Daily temperatures of Hulhule’ vary little throughout the year with a mean annual temperature of 28.4 °C.

The annual mean maximum temperature recorded for Hulhule’ during the period 1975 to 2019 was 30.7 °C and the annual mean minimum temperature for the same period was 25.9 °C. The highest recorded temperature for Hulhule’ was 34.2 °C on 11th of May 2014. April is generally the hottest month of the year with April of 2016 averaging the highest temperature of 30.5 °C in Hulhule’. The lowest recorded temperature for Hulhule’ was 19 °C on 23rd of November 1984. The general trend of annual temperature in Hulhule’ in Figure 6.13 shows a slow but steady incline in mean temperature over the last 45 years. Figure 6.14 shows the monthly temperatures in Hulhule’ in 2019.

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Annual temperature ranges in Hulhule’ (1975 - 2019)

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 19751977197919811983198519871989199119931995199719992001200320052007200920112013201520172019

Min temp Mean temp Max temp Linear (Mean temp)

Figure 6.14 Temperature ranges by year in Hulhule’ – 1975 - 2019 (Source:MET, 2020)

Monthly temperatures in Hulhule’ in 2019

36.0 33.4 33.6 33.4 32.8 32.9 33.0 32.6 34.0 32.1 32.5 32.0 31.2 31.7 32.0 30.3 30.1 29.7 29.7 29.6 29.5 28.9 28.9 30.0 28.4 28.0 28.4 28.2 28.0 25.3 25.1 26.0 24.6 24.7 23.6 24.0 23.9 23.4 23.4 23.0 23.2 24.0 22.5 22.0 20.0 18.0

July April May June March January August October February September November December

Minimum Mean Maximum

Figure 6.15 Monthly temperature at Hulhule' in 2019 (Source: MET 2020)

Mean annual temperature at Kahdhoo from 1990-2019 is 28.7 °C. Temperature over the years has remained fairly stable over the years as seen in Figure 6.16.

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Annual temperature ranges in Kahdhoo (1990 - 2019)

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Min temp Mean temp Max temp Linear (Mean temp)

Figure 6.16 Mean temperature by year in Kahdhoo - 1990-2019 (Source:MET, 2020)

Figure 6.17 shows the changes in monthly temperature at Kahdhoo during 2019. April was the hottest month of the year with a mean temperature of 28.8 °C. The lowest temperature was recorded in January.

Monthly temperatures in Kahdhoo (2019)

36.0 33.6 33.9 33.1 33.2 32.9 32.9 34.0 32.4 31.8 31.9 31.8 31.9 32.0 32.0 29.6 29.2 30.0 28.6 28.8 29.0 29.0 29.0 27.9 28.2 27.8 27.8 27.9 28.0 26.0 23.8 23.8 23.3 23.6 23.6 23.6 23.6 24.0 23.0 22.9 23.1 23.1 23.1 22.0 20.0 18.0

July April May June March January August October February September November December

Minimum Mean Maximum

Figure 6.17 Monthly temperature at Kahdhoo in 2019 (Source: MET 2020)

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6.12 Hydrology

Tides in the Maldives are mixed and semi-diurnal/diurnal. Water levels at the site vary mainly in response to tides, storm surge or tsunamis. Tidal variations are referred to the standard station at Hulhulé Island. Typical spring and neap tidal ranges are approximately 1.0 m and 0.3 m respectively. Maximum spring tidal range in Hulhulé is approximately 1.1 m. There is also a 0.2 m seasonal fluctuation in regional mean sea level, with an increase of about 0.1 m during February to April and a decrease of 0.1 m during September to November. Table 6.9 summarizes the tidal elevations reported at Hulhulé, which is representative of tidal conditions at the project site.

Table 6.7 Tidal elevations reported at Hulhule'

Tide Level Referred to Mean Sea level Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) +0.66 Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) +0.39 Mean Lower High Water (MLHW) +0.24 Mean Sea Level (MSL) 0.00 Mean Higher Low Water (MHLW) -0.12 Mean Lower Low Water (MHLW) -0.32 Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) -0.81

There are two major types of waves observed along the islands of Maldives. The first type is wave generated by local monsoon wind with a period of 3-8 seconds and the second type is swells generated by distance storms with a period of 14-20 seconds [Kench et. al (2006), DHI (1999), Binnie Black & Veatch (2000), Lanka Hydraulics (1988a & 1998b)]. The local monsoon predominantly generates wind waves, which are typically strongest during April-July in the southwest monsoon period. Wave data for Male and Hulhulé between June 1988 and January 1990 (Lanka Hydraulics 1988a & 1998b) shows that the maximum significant wave height (Hs) recorded for June was 1.23 m with a mean period (Tm) of 7.53s. The maximum recorded Hs for July was 1.51 m with a Tm of 7.74s. The mean wave periods were 5.0 – 9.0s and the peak wave periods were within 8.0 – 13.0s. Site specific and detailed waves studies are not available for Feeali.

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Maldives experiences occasional flooding caused by long distance swell waves that are generated by South Indian Ocean storms (Goda, 1988). The swell waves of height 3 m that flooded Male’ and Hulhulé’ in 1987 are said to have originated from a low-pressure system off west coast of Australia. In addition, Maldives has recently been subject to an earthquake-generated tsunami reaching heights of 4.0 m on land (UNDP, 2006). Historical wave data from Indian Ocean countries show that tsunamis have occurred in more than 1 occasion, most notable has been the 1883 tsunami resulting from the volcanic explosion of Karakatoa (Choi et al., 2003).

Maldives experiences occasional flooding caused by long distance swell waves that are generated by South Indian Ocean storms (Goda 1988). In addition, Maldives has been subject to an earthquake-generated tsunami reaching heights of 4.0m on land (UNEP, 2005).

The eastern islands of Maldives are more vulnerable to higher storm surge hazards compared to the western islands. Feeali is located in storm surge hazard zone 2, which has been classified as a low risk zone for storm hazards. The probable maximum storm tide by hazard zone is shown in table 5.8 below.

Table 6.8 Probable maximum storm tide for hazard zone 2

Pressure drop hPa Storm Surge Height Average Tide Height Storm Tide (m) (m) (m) 15 0.45 0.93 1.38

6.13 Risk of Natural Hazards

Information included in this section has been sourced from the 2006 UNDP report, “Developing a Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives” and through consultations with the Island Council. According to the report, Maldives has a moderate disaster risk scenario.

Tsunami risk

The threat of tsunamis is more for islands along the east of Maldives than for those islands along the northern and southern fringes of Maldives. Islands along the western fringe of Maldives have

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a relatively low tsunami hazard. Feeali is geographically located in a low-risk tsunami hazard zone. The range of probable maximum wave height for hazard zone 2 is between 0.3-0.8 m.

Earthquake hazard

Feeali is in seismic hazard zone 1, with the lowest risk of earthquakes.

Swell Waves and Storm Surges

In addition to swell waves, islands of the Maldives are also exposed to storm surges associated with localised storms and cyclonic events. The eastern islands of Maldives are more vulnerable to higher storm surge hazards compared to the western islands. Feeali falls into storm surge hazard zone 2 which has a predicted storm surge height of 0.45 m, average tide height of 0.93 m and storm tide height of 1.38 m.

Cyclone Wind Hazard

The Disaster Risk Profile of Maldives reports 11 cyclonic events over the Maldives in the last 128 years and only one event over the central Maldives. All of these events were of category 1 cyclones. There have been no cyclonic events since 1993.

The northern atolls have a greater risk of cyclonic winds when compared to southern atolls. The project site is located in the Cyclonic Wind Hazard Zone 3 with maximum probable wind speeds of 69.6 knots.

Erosion

The beach is volatile and the island experiences erosion.

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7 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

7.1 Introduction

Potential adverse and beneficial impacts of the project are identified and evaluated in this section. Significant impacts are identified and evaluated in two stages. First an impact screening is undertaken using the matrix methods described in the Methodology chapter. Further exploration of significant impacts is presented in the subsequent sections and mitigation measures are determined for these impacts.

Each impact areas are explored to present the likely impacts, identified key sensitive receptors, mitigation measures and residual impacts. Cumulative impacts are addressed separately. Figure 7.1 below shows the affected areas of the project.

Nature of potential impacts is defined here as No Impact, Adverse Impact or Beneficial Impact. Table 1 and 2 below provides the nature of potential impacts from the proposed project on environmental and socio-economic aspects by the project components. Where impacts are not applicable to different components, this is indicated as ‘0’. Some aspects may be affected both adversely (indicated as [-]) and beneficially (indicated as [+]) from the project.

A detailed impact evaluation table is provided in Appendix E.

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Table 7.1 Identification of impacts during construction stage

Activity during ice plant construction

Labour & working conditions GHG Coastal processes Resource efficiency Pollution Biodiversity Community Vulnerable groups Heritage Land Hire workers - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Procurement of construction material 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Transport of construction material - - 0 0 - 0 0 0 0 0 Transport of construction equipment - - 0 0 - 0 0 0 0 0 Storage of construction material 0 0 0 0 - 0 - 0 0 0 Storage of construction equipment 0 0 0 0 - 0 - 0 0 0 Site preparation - - 0 0 - - - 0 0 0 Accommodation for workers -/+ - 0 - - 0 0 0 0 0 Excavation - 0 0 - - 0 0 0 0 0 Construction of the ice plant building - - 0 - - 0 - 0 0 0 Installation of machinery - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Laying intake and outfall pipelines - - - 0 - - 0 0 0 0 Demobilisation - - 0 0 - - + 0 0 0

Table 7.2 Identification of impacts during operation stage

Activity during ice plant operation

Labour & working conditions GHG Coastal processes Resource efficiency Pollution Biodiversity Community Vulnerable groups Heritage Land Operation of ice plant ------+/- 0 0 0 Maintenance of ice plant - - + - + + + 0 0 0 Generator set operation 0 - 0 - - - - 0 0 0

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7.2 Overall Positive Impacts from the Project

The proposed ice plant construction and operation is expected to alleviate challenges faced by the fishermen in Feeali as well as other fishermen in the region with easy accessibility to ice. Availability and easy accessibility of ice without having to travel longer distances will eventually reduce the overhead costs, enable more efficient fishing trips and ensure greater value for the fishing business. These benefits will also facilitate further development of Feeali and other nearby islands as most of the islands in this region are involved in fisheries as a main source of income.

As there are no sensitive receptors within close proximity of the project site, the impacts of increased noise levels, vibration from the operation of generator sets are anticipated to be minor.

During construction stage, demand for resources such as food and accommodation for construction workers, equipment, machinery, vehicles and vessels hire is likely to benefit the local suppliers and businesses. Local shops and cafés may also profit from the additional demand on food and supplies.

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Figure 7.1 Estimated affected area

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7.3 Significant Impacts during Construction and Operation Stage

Predicted Changes

The main changes expected are:

• General construction activities and use of machineries and equipment may increase the noise level at the project site. • Moderate levels of noise during equipment mobilization and heavy machinery operation during construction. Construction activities that are expected to generate noise pollution include civil works for foundation laying. • The operation of cement mixer is expected to raise the noise level over 80dB. • Some degree of vibration • Increased noise levels and some degree of vibration may be felt during operation stage

Sensitive Receptors

• Employees at the ice plant and nearby fuel shop • Members of the community who use the harbour

Impact Significance

• Increased noise levels and vibration during construction stage maybe a nuisance to the workers at the fuel shed, those seeking service at the fuel or people at the harbour. However, the impact is anticipated to be minor as there is no work that will involve high levels of vibration or noise around the site during construction stage and given there are minimal sensitive receptors at the site • During operation stage, the generator set is expected to generate high noise levels and as it may be over long periods of time, this may become a nuisance to the workers at the fuel shed. Hence the impact is considered to be moderately significant. Noise pollution due to operation of the generator set might be significant as the ice plant is located at the harbour.

Mitigation Measures

The recommended mitigation measures are as follows:

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1) Regular maintenance of machinery and equipment 2) Limit construction work during night time 3) Use of noise control devices in heavy machinery and equipment 4) Install sound attenuation measures in the generator set to reduce the impact of noise during operation stage 5) Undertake regular maintenance of the generator sets 6) Develop a grievance mechanism for employees and the community to lodge any concerns/ complaints

Residual Impacts

Residual impacts due to increased noise levels and vibration cannot be entirely avoided as construction work and operation of generator sets will cause noise and vibration. However, with the implementation of the mitigation measures stated above, the impacts can be mitigated to some extent.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees.

Predicted Changes

• Spillage of oil, paint or other chemicals during construction may lead to groundwater pollution. • Excavation can also expose groundwater and the deeper sections of the soil to more harmful contaminants such as oils and hydrocarbons from vehicles and other machineries used during the construction. • Leakage from intake and outfall water pipelines due to poor maintenance can also pollute the groundwater.

Sensitive Receptors

The following main sensitive receptors were identified:

• Ground water lens of the island

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Impact Significance

• Construction activities will be carried under direct supervision thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental spillage of oil, paint or other chemicals. Additionally, the project site is a paved area which limits the likelihood of polluting the groundwater lens, hence the impact on groundwater lens is expected be minor. • The risk of groundwater contamination due to solid waste is low under proper and careful monitoring by the supervisor and project in charge to ensure that waste is handled and disposed properly. • During operational stage, leakages in the intake and outfall pipeline can lead to the salinisation of the groundwater lens. However, the pipeline will be maintained regularly and impact significance is expected to be minor.

Mitigation Measures

The recommended mitigation measures are as follows:

1) Familiarise the contractor and workers about the sensitivity of the project site. 2) Oil, solid waste & hazardous waste must be handled carefully & transported in sealed containers. 3) All paints, lubricants, and other chemicals used on site stored in a secure and bunded containers in a paved area. 4) Construction materials should be covered with appropriate netting or another appropriate material. 5) General refuse must be stockpiled in one central area 6) Keep spill clean-up materials readily available 7) Any spills or leakage of construction material must be cleaned up immediately and thoroughly. 8) Train workers in spill prevention and clean-up, and designate responsible individuals 9) Dewatering should be carried out only in areas where it is absolutely necessary. 10) Properly tune and maintain all machinery and pipeline 11) Carry out construction activities user the supervision of a suitably experienced person 12) Supervisors should be present during fuel delivery 13) Regular inspection of the fuel storage area for leakage 14) Pipeline shall be inspected regularly for leakage

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Residual Impacts

Despite good construction and operation practices, there is always potential for unforeseen and unreported smaller spills. However, with the appropriate mitigation measures in place such spills are improbable.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees.

Predicted Changes

• Construction activities such as laying of water intake and outfall pipelines may impact the marine water quality of the island. There are chances of increased turbidity and sedimentation during the activity. This may contaminate the harbour basin, reduce the quality of water and impact any marine biodiversity in the area. • There is potential of irresponsible disposal of waste such as plastic bottles and other scrap waste as the construction will be undertaken on the harbour. This can contaminate marine water and can also be an eyesore. It can also disturb or alter movements of marine life and can have long term impacts as the litter can get washed away by current movement and may remain in the marine environment for a long period of time. Depending on the types of waste discarded this can be a hazard to marine organisms. • During operational stage, the outfall pipeline will be laid into the harbour and in case of poor management and recycling, any debris or residue in the output water can reduce the quality of marine water in the harbour area.

Sensitive Receptors

The following main sensitive receptors were identified:

• Community • Marine Biodiversity

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Impact Significance

• Turbidity higher than certain threshold levels for longer periods of time can have significant impacts on marine life. The area does not have significant or sensitive marine organisms in the area, hence the impact on marine biodiversity is expected to be minor. Additionally, it is not anticipated that the construction activity will elevate the turbidity levels above the maximum threshold to endanger any possible marine life in area. • The contamination of marine water due to irresponsible disposal of waste and plastic will pollute the marine water and it will be an eyesore to the community as well as the visitors to the island. The impacts of the litter on marine organisms can be life threatening if it gets washed away by waves and current. Hence this is considered as a significant impact. • The output water which will be discharged during operational stage is not expected to have any chemicals/debris therefore the impact is insignificant.

Mitigation Measures

The recommended mitigation measures are as follows:

1) Carry out intake and outfall installation during low tide and calm sea conditions 2) Carrying out work efficiently to reduce the duration of work 3) Avoid peak NE monsoon to minimise turbidity 4) All raw materials stored away from the vicinity of the coastal areas 5) Undertake awareness sessions for construction workers to follow the rules and dispose waste responsibly and avoid littering to the harbour basin. 6) Allocate bins in the project site to ensure responsible disposal of waste during construction stage 7) Appoint a supervisor to oversee the waste management and disposal 8) Undertake regular maintenance of the ice plant and its components to ensure the output water is effectively recycled and it does not have harsh chemicals.

Residual Impacts

The proposed mitigation measures for marine water and marine biodiversity impacts are likely to be effective if implemented accordingly, hence the residual impacts will be negligible.

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Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees and operation fees. During operation it is anticipated to be MVR 50,000.

Predicted Changes

• Vegetation that falls in the direct footprint of the ice plant will need to be removed. Significant vegetation includes 3 large Ironwood trees (Pemphis acidula), 1 medium sized Sea Hibiscus tree (Hibiscus tilaceus), 1 medium sized Indian Almond Tree (Terminalia cattapa) and 1 medium sized Jamaica Cherry Tree (Muntingia calabura).

Sensitive Receptors

The following main sensitive receptors were identified:

• Vegetation in the vicinity of the work site

Impact Significance

• The Island Council has stated that the removed plants will be replanted at vacant areas in the island, hence the impact is not considered significant.

Mitigation Measures

The recommended mitigation measures are as follows:

1) The contractor shall assign suitable experienced and qualified personnel to supervise the removal of vegetation and ensure that vegetation removal is carried out in a way that minimises damage. They shall be responsible for keeping records and photographic evidence of how many trees were removed, how the removed trees were dealt with (eg: were they transplanted, where they were taken) and the survival rate of trees. 2) Trees shall be dug at least 3 foot wide of the trunk. 3) The root system should be watered to keep in wet and cemented before digging. 4) The roots should be kept wet during transportation. 5) Where possible, leave the trees after cutting down for a few hours before transporting.

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6) Vegetation clearing work should be carried out in the daytime.

Residual Impacts

Although it has been planned to relocate removed vegetation there remains the possibility of vegetation damage during removal and replantation as well as the possibility of replanted vegetation being unable to survive. Under this account, it is also recommended to plant 2 trees for each tree removed from the site.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees.

Predicted Changes

• Production of waste during construction activities such as general construction waste, waste oil from vehicles and machinery and packaging waste. • Production of domestic waste from worker accommodation sites. • Health and safety risks for workers if waste is handled without the appropriate personal protective equipment and safety measures in place. • Improper storage of waste leading to mosquito breeding or pest infestations. • Potential contamination and deterioration of groundwater and soil due to inappropriate storage and disposal of waste • Potential air pollution due to open burning of waste at the waste site in the island • Waste oil produced during operation stage will need to be disposed.

Sensitive Receptors

• Workers involved in construction and ice plant operations • Ground water lens

Impact Significance

• Construction material will be reused where possible and waste material will be taken to the waste site at the island. As there is no waste management facility at Feeali, waste produced at the island is openly burnt. Burning of mixed waste in an open environment

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can release toxic chemicals which can be harmful and may reduce the air quality and cause respiratory illnesses. Although the waste disposal site is located away from the community reduced air quality in the island due to open burning of waste can be a significant impact. • Workers for the project will be trained in proper waste handling techniques and will be provided with gloves for waste handling. Therefore, the impacts to workers due to waste handling are anticipated to be moderate. Additionally, supervisors will be appointed to monitor the project site where waste storage areas will be monitored through this process. Therefore, significance of impacts due to improper waste storage and impacts on groundwater are anticipated to be moderate. • The amount of waste oil that will be generated during operation stage will be less and it will be either re-used by the contractor or re-used by the Island in association with Island Council.

Mitigation Measures

1) Recycle and reuse materials during construction as much as possible 2) Ensure generated waste is adequately segregated 3) Assign a supervisor to oversee the waste sorting, storage, transfer and disposal 4) Provide recyclable material to a local company providing recycling service 5) Allocate a designated area at the project site for waste storage 6) Ensure that spill kits are kept at the project site 7) Re-use the waste oil generated during operation stage in association with Island Council.

Residual Impacts

The proposed mitigation measures for waste management impacts during are likely to be effective if implemented accordingly, hence the residual impacts will be negligible.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees. Approximately MVR 50,000.

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Predicted Changes

Workers recruitment, treatment and living conditions have been the subject of a number of events in projects undertaken in Maldives. These issues have become more prominent over the years and have become necessary to be addressed as key impacts in this EIA. The following are some of the major potential impacts. While most Contractors are responsible contractors, the following needs to be highlighted to bring the issues into focus.

• Potential unfair treatment of workers during employment. These include withholding passport, non-payment of salary on time, contracts limiting their rights under the law and lack of options for airing grievances. • Potential provision of unsafe and unhealthy living conditions for migrant workers. These include provision of accommodation that do not meet the basic requirements under the law, congestion, lack of fire safety and inability of workers to safely manage their personal belongings. • Potential provision of inadequate health and safety risk management. This includes lax safety protocols, failure to provide safety gear and inadequate safety inspection. • Potential spread of the communicable and vector borne diseases within the workers accommodation.

Sensitive Receptors

• Workers employed during construction and operation of the ice plant

Impact Significance

• Impacts due to poor recruitment procedures, accommodation and working conditions are considered to be major impacts.

Mitigation Measures

1) Ensure fair recruitment of migrant workers. 2) Ensure fair treatment and equal opportunity for all workers 3) Ensure safe accommodation that meets Government requirements. 4) Conduct a health screen prior to recruitment and ensure a valid work permit visa is present.

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5) Prepare a contract both in English and the language spoken by the worker and explain the terms and conditions of the contract clearly to the worker. 6) Emergency contacts should be identified for all workers. 7) Ensure timely and full payment of wages. 8) The Employment Act shall be followed to ensure that that workers are given off days and sick leave as required, and the working hours do not exceed the maximum work hours as stipulated in the Employment Act. 9) Safe drinking water shall be made available in sufficient quantity at the houses where workers are accommodated. 10) A minimum of 03 meals shall be provided to construction staff per day or sufficient meal break times shall be provided. 11) Ensure proper occupational health and safety risk management by training workers and providing appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes but is not limited to safety hats, boots, masks, gloves and earmuffs if workers are to be exposed to high noise levels for extended periods of time. 12) Ensure communicable and vector-borne diseases are kept in control, particularly in relation pests like mosquito and COVID-19. Prepare a COVID-19 management plan.

Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are not anticipated with the application of mitigation measures. if implemented accordingly, hence the residual impacts will be negligible.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees. Approximately MVR 50,000.

Predicted Changes

• During construction stage, the workers will be exposed to hazardous situations in the absence of proper safety measures and Personal Protective Equipment, Some of the work will need to be undertaken over water (to lay intake and outfall pipelines) and safety equipment and protocols are essential to ensure safety.

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During operational sage, the ice plant could be high risk environment for a fire given the storage of fuel, refrigerant in the building and the close proximity to the fuel shed. Sensitive Receptors • Workers during construction and operation • Island Community

Impact Significance

• Health and safety impacts are major impacts as they can be irreversible and have detrimental, lasting impacts on workers physical as well as mental health, hence this is considered as a significant impact. • The refrigerants may be flammable and this creates a risk for fire especially in a place where the fuel is also stored. Failure to store and manage these in caution increases the risk of a fire which can have significant impacts causing irreversible health impacts on the workers as well. A fire could be disastrous given the high risks and close proximity to the harbour which is used by the community, hence it is considered as a significant impact.

Mitigation Measures

1) Ensure proper occupational health and safety risk management by training workers and providing appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes but is not limited to safety hats, boots, masks, gloves and earmuffs if workers are to be exposed to high noise levels for extended periods of time. 2) Ensure the staff involved over water activities are proficient swimmers. 3) First aid kits should be available at the work site and all employees should be informed of the procedure to follow in the event of an accident or emergency medical situation. 4) Special precaution must be undertaken to ensure workers are safe from risk of electrocution. No open electrical wiring or cables shall be kept on site. 5) Supervisors should monitor the project site regularly to ensure that the proper safety protocols are followed. 6) Ensure communicable and vector-borne diseases are kept in control by proper supervision and management, particularly in relation pests like mosquito and COVID-19. Prepare a COVID-19 management plan and a health and safety management plan. 7) Keep fuel storage tanks and refrigerants in closely bunded containers and appoint supervisors to check for any spills or leakages

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8) Install smoke detectors inside the ice plant 9) Install fire extinguishers and ensure they are serviced regularly as per regulation 10) Undertake fire safety training for workers in the ice plant and conduct drill sessions 11) Place ‘EXIT’ signs in the buildings 12) Place an evacuation plan 13) Appoint an emergency assembly point

Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are expected to be minimal with the application of mitigation measures.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees. Approximately MVR 60,000.

Predicted Changes

• Possible flooding or storm surges during stormy conditions affecting the ice plant. • Risk of cyclonic winds given the location of the island and high risk for cyclonic winds.

Sensitive Receptors

• Employees at the ice plant • Ice plant infrastructure

Impact Significance

• Severe flooding or cyclonic wind may result in damage to ice plant equipment and infrastructure which may be irreversible. Any malfunction or damage can halt the operations of the ice plant as the duration for repair may vary depending on the scale of damage. This may prevent the fishermen from sourcing ice for their fishing trips and may have to resort to travelling to ice plants located further which is considered as a significant adverse impact.

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Mitigation Measures

1) Raise the floor of the ice plant to prevent flooding

Residual Impacts

Although mitigation measures are implemented, natural hazards are unpredictable and severe events may negatively impact the infrastructure.

Predicted Changes

• Exhaust emissions from the operation of machinery, vehicle and vessels will contribute to the GHG emissions during the construction stage of the project. • Electricity usage at worker accommodation sites will also contribute to GHG emissions. • The project involves installing a generator set and a diesel fuel storage tank. The generator is diesel powered and the operation of the generator set will cause emission in greenhouse gases and contaminate the air quality around the project site. The emission of greenhouse gases due to the operation of these generator sets will add to the national greenhouse gas emission levels and it is estimated that moderate levels of greenhouse gas emitted every year from the operation of this ice plant. • Inefficient operation of the generator sets can also result in more fuel being burnt and contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions. • Extreme erosion of the beach can impact the site where the ice plant will be developed threatening the infrastructure and its sustainability.

Sensitive Receptors

The following main sensitive receptors were identified:

• Maldives is the lowest lying country in the world facing imminent threats of climate change • The islands are vulnerable to natural hazards such as flooding, swell waves which can impact the residents, infrastructure of the country, economic activities and livelihoods

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Impact Significance

The significance of the impact has been derived based on the existing conditions. The following conclusions can be drawn.

• Whilst the amount of GHG emitted due to this project will be insignificant compared to the national GHG emissions it will still contribute to the overall emissions. • According to the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) submitted by Ministry of Environment to UNFCCC, Maldives has made a commitment to reduce 26% of its national GHG emission by 2030 and has also committed to be net zero by 2030 following international assistance. Hence, contribution to GHG emissions from generator set operation could be a setback to this target. Hence the impact is anticipated to be moderately adverse. • Any impact on infrastructure due to erosion can be undermine the sustainability of the ice plant building and may impact its operations, hence it is considered to be moderately significant.

Mitigation Measures

• Transporting materials in bulk • Plan out transportation of materials and equipment in the most efficient way with least number of trips • Plan out construction activities efficiently, reducing the number of hours vehicles are in use • Heavy machinery, equipment and vehicles shall be in good condition and maintained regularly to ensure efficiency • Heavy machinery and equipment shall be fitted with air pollution control devices • Awareness programs for workers on energy saving measures • Monitor the amount of GHG emissions for ice plant operations • Install energy efficient Air Conditioners and energy saving LED lights at the ice plant • Install roof top solar panels in the ice plant building to power the ice plant using renewable energy sources • Undertake regular monitoring for erosion and shorelines changes • Implement shore protection measures to minimise the impacts of erosion.

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Residual Impacts

Residual impacts due to generator set operations will need to be managed with long term and sustainable strategies such as switching to renewable energy options.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees. Approximately MVR 60,000 -75,000.

Predicted Changes

• Air borne dust will impact the air quality during construction. Dust emissions are predicted mainly from material storage, material handling and transportation. • The scattering dust from the vehicles used to transport construction materials and construction waste, which will increase the amount of air-borne dust on the driving routes, especially at the project site • The air-borne dust blown by wind and generated in the loading and unloading process at the construction material storage site will lead to air pollution. The volume of dust emission is closely related to the type and nature of materials and wind speed. For example, the materials with smaller gravity are more prone to dusting when they are disturbed and for materials with large proportion of small particles, the corresponding degree of dusting will be high. • Deterioration of ambient air quality due to emission of exhaust gas into the surrounding from machinery, vehicles and vessels used during construction. • Operation of the generator set during operation stage can result in the emission of exhaust gas into the surrounding environment which can reduce the air quality.

Sensitive Receptors

• Construction workers • Workers at the ice plant

Impact Significance

• Exhaust emissions from equipment, machinery, vehicles and vessels used for transportation and construction work can reduce air quality at the project site and

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transportation routes. Since the operation of equipment, machinery and vehicles will be periodic and it will be short term, the magnitude of the impact is considered to be minor. • Stockpiling of materials used for construction and heavy construction work can negatively impact the air quality at the project site mainly due to dust emissions. However, it is not anticipated that the impact will be significant as it will be a short-term activity. • It is likely the workers or those in proximity will be subjected to significant impacts of exhaust gas emitted during operation stage, incase the generators become less efficient.

Mitigation Measures

• Suppress dust emissions by spraying water regularly at dusty sites and at access roads within the project site • Practice good site management when loading, unloading, handling and storing materials for the project. Assign a supervisor to oversee the work and ensure there are no spills • Regular maintenance of vehicles, equipment and machinery • Vehicles that will be used to transport dusty materials shall be covered with tarpaulin or a similar material. • Heavy machinery and equipment shall be fitted with air pollution control devices • Heavy machinery use will be avoided during times with high wind velocity • The construction area shall be properly covered to reduce the spreading of dust • Regularly monitor the operation condition of generator sets and maintain the generator sets. This includes changing and cleaning filters and replacing generator sets as required. • Check the quality of fuel before injecting into the diesel engine • Monitor the amount of GHG emissions for generator set operations • Ensure proper ventilation at the ice plant • Develop a grievance mechanism for workers and the community to share any concerns

Residual Impacts

Impacts on air quality due to generator operations are inevitable and will result in the emission of exhaust gases. Residual impacts will need to be managed proper maintenance of the system and management measures.

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Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees. Approximately MVR 50,000.

Predicted Changes

• Poor maintenance and operation of the ice plant may compromise the production of ice • The proposed capacity of the ice plant may not be sufficient to cater for the growing demand for ice.

Sensitive Receptors

• Fishermen

Impact Significance

• Poor maintenance and operation may compromise the production of ice which may negatively impact the fishermen in getting the required amount of ice in the required standard. Failure to do will render the project’s objectives and the fishermen may have to resort to other options to get ice. This may include travelling to further distances. Hence this is considered as a significant impact. • Future growth in fisheries and demand for ice may increase and the proposed ice plant may become insufficient for the fishermen whereby the fishermen may have to seek alternative options to get ice. Given the effort and time the fishermen will need to exert to get ice, this is also considered as a significant impact.

Mitigation Measures

• Establish a maintenance and operation schedule • Allocate a supervisor to ensure the ice plant is maintained as per the schedule • Review the demand for ice from the ice plant twice a year and propose to expand the ice plant if the demand grows. • Establish a grievance mechanism to register the grievances by the fishermen.

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Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are not anticipated if the proposed mitigations are implemented accordingly.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees. Approximately MVR 20,000.

Predicted Changes

• Poor hygiene and cleanliness in ice plant may result in contamination of ice. • Failure to take adequate measures during transportation of ice may cause contamination. • Poor maintenance and operation of fuel tank might compromise ice plant operations and the quality of ice. • Poor quality of ice can compromise quality of fish and negatively impact fish consumers.

Sensitive Receptors

• Fish consumers.

Impact Significance

• Poor hygiene and cleanliness in ice plant may result in contamination of ice which could compromise the quality, freshness of the fish that is sold or exported. Since the fish will be processed and sold as a consumable food, any compromise in the quality can be detrimental to health and safety when consumed, hence this is considered as a significant impact. • If the fuel tank is not an adequate distance from the ice plant, it may contaminate the ice through fumes. This is also considered a significant impact as the ice is used to preserve fish for human consumption. • Inadequate purification of water for the production can further compromise the quality of ice which can negatively impact the freshness and quality of fish that will eventually be used for consumption. Hence, it is considered a significant impact.

Mitigation Measures

• Ensure all staff entering cold storage room wash hands and feet.

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• Ensure there is an area to wash hands and feet outside the cold storage room. • Ensure all ice transport equipment are clean, free of dust and covered. • Ensure fuel tank is an adequate distance from ice plant. • Undergo water testing at specified frequencies in order to ensure input water is clean.

Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are not anticipated if the proposed mitigations are implemented accordingly.

Cost of Mitigation Measures

The cost of the proposed mitigation measures are included in contractor fees. Approximately MVR 50,000 – 60,000.

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8 ALTERNATIVES

8.1 “No-Project” Alternative

The ‘No Project’ alternative is evaluated in the table below.

Table 8.1 Summary of no project alternative

Options Advantages Disadvantages No Project - No cost to the proponent - Dissatisfaction amongst the - No potential impact on the fishermen and public of Feeali as marine water and groundwater their wish of developing an ice due to the development of the plant remains fulfilled. ice plant - The difficulties with sourcing ice - Funds can be allocated for other for fishermen will remain and projects. fishing boats will have to bear expense on travelling to other ice plants to obtain ice - Fishermen will be unable to capture the full value and potential of the business

Given the substantial benefits of the ice plant to the community, specifically the fishermen in Feeali and nearby islands, it is recommended to go ahead with the project.

Mitigation measures for developing the ice plant is provided in Chapter 7.

8.2 Alternative Sources of Energy

The ice plant is being designed to powered from electricity produced by generator sets. This contributes to GHG emission and also bears a high operating cost due to the use of imported fuel. This is also in contradiction to the Maldives Energy Policy and Strategy which demands to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix and to commitment to become net zero by 2030. Hence, it is recommended to explore the options of sourcing renewable sources of energy using Solar Photovoltaic panels to meet the load of 200 kW for the ice plant. It is also recommended to install energy storage system in the long term to store any excess energy produced during daytime using solar panels and use during night time.

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The use of Solar PV can significantly reduce the dependency on imported fuel and also reduce GHG emissions. Hence it is strongly recommended to implement systems for alternative sources of energy.

Mitigation measures to be followed for the recommended alternative;

1. Undertake feasibility studies to determine the capacity and location for solar PV installation. 2. Train workers to manage and operate the solar PV system 3. Monitor the amount of energy saved from the installation of solar PV and amount of greenhouse gases avoided 4. Establish targets to increase the installed renewable energy capacity 5. Explore the opportunity and feasibility to expand the installed solar PV capacity every year to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix

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9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The main objectives of the environmental management plan are to:

− Produce a framework for managing anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. − Provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities.

9.1 Environmental Management System

The environmental management framework for the proposed project is based on the standards and policies set out by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Maldives.

- Environmental Management Planning: The EMP specifies environmental management measures - Monitoring and corrective action: The implementation of EMP measures will be monitored. Any inconsistencies between the EMP and its on-site implementation will be identified and addressed through corrective actions - Auditing, reviews and improvement: The EMP will be reviewed. Improvements to the EMP will be made as necessary to achieve desired environmental outcomes.

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9.2 Management Structure and Responsibilities

The following parties are involved in the EMP of this project:

- Project proponent - Project contractor - Environmental consultant - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The roles and responsibilities of the parties involved are as follows.

- Execution of all project activities - Preparation of EMP - Monitoring of the project activities - Submission of annual environmental monitoring reports as required by the EPA

- Execution of all construction activities for the project - Monitoring of all construction activities

- Managing ice plant operations

- Preparation of EMP for the proponent - Monitoring of performance of project activities according to the EMP - Auditing the EMP to ensure desired outcomes are achieved - Making amendments to the EMP according to the results of the audits - Preparation of environmental monitoring report as required by the EPA

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- Review environmental monitoring report - Intervention in the event of a breach in environmental permit conditions

9.3 Non-Conformances and Corrective Action

All non-conformances to the environmental permit conditions, observed during monitoring will be documented. Necessary corrective actions and preventative actions will be identified. Corrective actions will be implemented, with systematic follow-ups to ensure effectiveness of these measures.

9.4 Reporting

Reporting shall be undertaken to provide evidence of the ongoing implementation of the EMP and will cover any training activities, site conditions and operations, monitoring data, details of non- conformances, incidents, complaints and follow up action, results of audits and reviews. Reporting shall be undertaken by the project proponent and the Environmental Consultant.

The environmental reporting process is summarized in the figure below. All non-compliances and complaints during the execution of the project are to be reported to the EPA. The environmental management plan for execution of the project is provided below.

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Environmental Protection Agency Project contractor/ proponent Environmental consultant

• Issues raised from periodic review • Training of personnel • Training of personnel of project • Environmental monitoring • Environmental monitoring • Recording of complaints • Recording of incidents audits • Recording of complaints and • Review of EMP follow up actions • Review of EMP

Preparation of draft environmental report

Submission of report Annual environmental monitoring report finalized

Table 9.1 Environmental Management Plan for construction and operation phase

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Table 9.2 Social management plan

Responsible Activity Management measures Timing Party Establish a system to effectively and accurately respond to any queries by the workers MIFCO Prior to recruitment during recruitment process.

Identify an emergency contact for all the workers involved.

Maintain an individual file for each employee which comprises of a copy of their work MIFCO During construction Hiring labour visa, passport, contract, job application form, acceptance form. stage

Appoint a focal point to communicate with the workers in their spoken language to effectively communicate with them on the requirements and conditions of work.

Provide clear information about the accommodation and food arrangements.

Safe drinking water shall be made available in sufficient quantity at work site. MIFCO During construction stage Labour living Adequate sleeping arrangements shall be provided for workers with adequate toilet and conditions shower facilities.

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Responsible Activity Management measures Timing Party Minimum 03 meals shall be provided to construction staff per day or appropriate meal break time shall be provided.

Provide a locker to store personal documents such as passports, work visa and contract.

A training session must be conducted prior to each construction activity in a language MIFCO Prior to assigning that is understood by the workers. work to the workers

Training of staff and Workers must be briefed about the local context of the project location. Special attention contractors must be given to inform the labourers on the sensitivity of the project sites.

Attendance sheets for trainings must be kept and maintained

Prepare and implement construction worker safety management plan. MIFCO During construction

Construction activities would be carried out under the supervision of a suitably experienced person. Ideally a local person must be appointed as a supervisor. Ensuring Occupational Health Workers will be provided with PPE including, helmet, gloves, ear mufflers, high visibility and Safety clothing, shoes. Workers shall be enforced to wear the PPE and supervisors must be appointed to monitor this.

Construction site will be clearly marked and fenced off.

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Responsible Activity Management measures Timing Party Fire extinguishers will be available at key locations.

All workers will be trained to use fire extinguishers.

First aid kits shall be available at the project site.

Oxygen, acetylene or LPG bottles will not be left freestanding. All welding and cutting will be done in accordance to high safety regulations by experienced personnel.

Chemicals such as refrigerants used in the ice making process must be stored safely and handled by trained employees.

Maintain records of chemical storage and logs of any spills, leakages and accidents.

Prepare and implement a safety management plan during construction stage. MIFCO Continuous during construction phase Place the appropriate signage and ensure that construction site is properly closed off to Island Council Managing accidents prevent accidents. during construction Heavy machinery must be operated by suitably experienced personnel.

All equipment and machinery must be shut down when not in use.

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Responsible Activity Management measures Timing Party All material, equipment and machinery used for construction must be stored responsibly.

Place appropriate signboards at the construction site and ensure that the site is inaccessible for unauthorised persons.

Establish a stakeholder engagement plan to inform businesses in the area about the schedule of construction activities.

Oil, bitumen, solid waste & hazardous waste handled carefully & transported in sealed MIFCO Continuous during containers. construction phase

All paints used on site stored in a secure and bunded location. Control of groundwater Keep spill clean-up materials readily available. contamination Properly tune and maintain all machinery.

Carry out construction activities user the supervision of a suitably experienced person.

Regular visual inspection of surrounding environment for any spills and records must be maintained with photographic evidence.

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Responsible Activity Management measures Timing Party A suitably experienced and qualified supervisor should be present when laying outfalls. MIFCO Continuous during construction phase Water quality of the intake and output water should be tested on a regular basis. Control of marine water contamination Precautions should be taken to prevent any material and equipment from falling into the and impacts on marine ocean. If any material or equipment is accidentally spilled/ dropped into the ocean the habitats spillage should be cleaned up and the materials removed immediately.

The sea outfalls should be installed securely and the blocks that are used to keep the outfall in place should be kept close together.

Increased GHG Establish a schedule to spray the construction site with water. MIFCO During operation emission & air phase Maintain records of water spraying along with photographs. pollution

Establish water and energy saving measures by incentivizing workers for sustainable practices such as turning lights off when not in use, maintaining AC temperature at 25 Degree Celsius where AC is installed.

Regularly maintain machinery and equipment to increase efficiency.

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Responsible Activity Management measures Timing Party Establish fire safety equipment including fire extinguishers, blankets. CO2 and DCP fire MIFCO During operation extinguishers for the generator set area and Foam fire extinguisher for fuel storage tank phase area.

Risk of fire Train staff working on the generator sets for fire safety measures and to use the fire safety equipment

Identify an assembly point and highlight this in the evacuation plan. The evacuation plan must be put up in every room/office unit in the building.

Installation solar panels on the ice plant building and use generator as back-up. Island Council During operation Resource efficiency phase during ice plant Ensure that the generators are well maintained and are always ready to be used in operations emergency situations.

Establish a schedule for maintenance work. Island Council During operation Maintenance and phase operation of the ice Establish a method for the community and fisherman to communicate their grievances plant with the Island Council.

Ensuring quality of Regularly conduct water quality tests to ensure the water used for making ice is of good Island Council During operation ice produced quality. phase

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Responsible Activity Management measures Timing Party Conduct regular tests

Clean and maintain the water intake pipelines regularly.

Safety and Security of Establish an evacuation plan Proponent During operation the building phase Install smoke detectors, fire blankets, fire alarm systems.

Install fire extinguishers and ensure they are maintained as per the standard by MNDF

Train the staff for fire fighting.

Install EXIT signs

Securely store the fuel and refrigerants

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9.5 Grievance Mechanism

This project may have complaints from fishermen regarding the quality and quantity of ice available from the plant. The complaints may be diverse ranging from aspects of operation of ice plant, price of ice, availability of ice. Handling of grievances is significant since it helps to manage operational risk during implementation.

An examination of anticipated impacts areas in Chapter 7 provides a preview of the potential areas for grievances.

The following sections describe the procedures that will be followed by the proponent to address complaints or concerns submitted by people who may benefit from or impacted. It intends to provide clarity and predictability on how complaints will be received, assessed, sorted, resolved and monitored. Specific activities are described for each of these steps.

Grievance redressal will be addressed through separate arrangement by proponent for the by setting up a formal web-based platform to provide a systematic, transparent and timely process for receiving, evaluating and addressing affected project-related complaints and grievances. The grievance mechanism will be open to all project affected people, regardless of the nature of their complaint and will be gender responsive, culturally appropriate, and readily accessible to all segments of the affected people at no costs and without retribution.

A three-tier grievance mechanism, prepared and tested under other Bank financed projects, will be established and will be accessible to all community members.

o Tier 1: Staff at the project site will be the first level of contact for any aggrieved person. They will receive complaints and provide grievance redressal and advice as appropriate.

o Tier 2: In case the aggrieved person is not satisfied, he or she can directly approach the Island Council. On receipt of a complaint in any form (i.e., in person, telephone via a hotline, written, message from social media), the Council will log the details in a complaints register. The complaint will be forwarded to the Proponent for reporting to the Grievance Redressal Committee. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome, or have received no advice in the allotted time period, he or she can re-submit the complaint

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and this will be logged in the complaints register as a non-responsive issue until resolved. The proponent will follow up until a mutually acceptable solution is reached to the complaint. o Tier 3: In case the issue is not resolved, the aggrieved person has the option of approaching judiciary. In cases where vulnerable persons are unable to access the legal system, the Government of Maldives will provide legal support to the vulnerable person(s). The coordinator will assist the vulnerable person(s) in getting this support from the Government of Maldives. The coordinator will also ensure that there is no cost imposed (such as for travel and accommodation) on the aggrieved person if the person belongs to the vulnerable groups. The verdict of the judiciary will be final.

When construction starts, a sign board will be erected at the site providing the public with updated project information, summarizing the GRM process and the web address and contact phone number of the proponent.

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10 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

10.1 Introduction

This chapter will outline the monitoring plan for the proposed project. Environmental monitoring is essential because, although with proper mitigation measures, the overall environmental damage can be significantly minimized, an unforeseen impact may still occur. Furthermore, some of the impacts predicted may turn out to be far greater than predicted, making mitigation measures ineffective. Therefore, in order to avoid or reduce the chances of such events, regular and frequent environmental monitoring is vital.

10.2 Objectives of the Monitoring Plan

The main objectives of the monitoring plan are:

1) To identify whether the predicted impacts are accurate and mitigation measures taken are effective

2) To identify any unforeseen impacts so that appropriate mitigation measures can be taken at the earliest

3) To eliminate or reduce environmental costs

10.3 Before Construction

The monitoring assessments prescribed in Table 10.1 are required before construction, if the construction activities begin 12 months after this EIA.

10.4 Construction Phase Monitoring Plan

Table 10.2 below summarizes the key aspects of the construction phase monitoring plan. The table indicates the methodology, frequency and estimated cost for each monitoring attribute that will be required for the proposed project.

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10.5 Operating Phase Monitoring Plan

Operational phase monitoring program will be carried out for a period of 2 years from the date of commencement of operations. Table 10.3 provides the schedule for operational phase monitoring.

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Table 10.1 Monitoring Schedule for Pre-Construction Stage (if required)

Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and Frequency Applicable Est. Total attribute samples standards Cost (MVR)*

Terrestrial To identify the Number and type of Observation and Proposed ice plant Once prior to the NA Included photographic site Flora and number and type of trees commencement in evidence Fauna vegetation that of construction contractor Number of species, needs to be cleared activities fees type of species and for the project their abundance

Marine Water To get the baseline The following Laboratory SW1, SW2 Once prior to Maldives EPA 1,500 Analysis at Quality condition of the parameters will be commencement standards MWSC location for water tested: Temperature, of construction intake and outfall pH, Salinity, activities Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and Frequency Applicable Est. Total attribute samples standards Cost (MVR)*

Ground Water To identify the The following Laboratory GW1(site) - GW2 Once prior to Maldives EPA 1,644 Quality quality of parameters will be Analysis at (control) commencement standards groundwater in the tested MWSC of construction island activities Physical appearance, temperature, pH, Salinity, Total Dissolved Solids, Conductivity and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon

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Table 10.2 Monitoring Schedule for Construction Stage

Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and samples Frequency Applicable Est. Total attribute standards Cost (MVR)*

Terrestrial Flora To monitor the Method and records of Observation, Replantation/relocation During the NA Included in and Fauna removal and removal and site as identified by the removal of contractor photographic replantation of replantation/relocation Island Council vegetation and fees evidence and vegetation replantation Relocation site documentary evidence

Marine Water To get the baseline The following Laboratory SW1 Once after Maldives 750 Quality condition of the parameters will be tested: Analysis at completion of EPA location for water Temperature, pH, MWSC intake and standards intake and outfall Salinity, Conductivity, outfall Total Dissolved Solids installation (TDS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Ground Water To determine the The following Laboratory GW1 at the project site Once during Maldives 825 Quality impact on the parameters will be tested: Analysis at construction EPA ground water MWSC stage, following standards Physical appearance, the excavation temperature, pH,

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and samples Frequency Applicable Est. Total attribute standards Cost (MVR)*

during Salinity, Total Dissolved foundation construction work Solids, Conductivity and work. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon

Soil To determine the Proper storage and Observation Areas where chemicals Monthly during NA Included in impact on soil handling to avoid spillage and are stored and used construction contractor during handling of photographic fees Measures taken to clean construction evidence up any accidental spillage material

To quantify labour Number of labour Logs from Project site Once every Labour and Included in force contractor safety contractor Four months related laws fees during and Labour force construction regulations To determine the Adequate living space Site visits, phase and ILO quality of worker’s photographs guidelines Ventilation accommodation and focused interviews

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and samples Frequency Applicable Est. Total attribute standards Cost (MVR)*

Separate space for cooking

Fire extinguishers

To check if Valid work permit visa Records and relevant laws on photographs Valid passport foreign migrant

workers are Valid contract with terms adhered to and conditions

Job description, provision of breaks and leaves

To ensure List of PPEs provided Records of occupational number of

health and safety accidents and injuries or

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and samples Frequency Applicable Est. Total attribute standards Cost (MVR)*

fatalities and photographs

To ensure Pay slip with date stamp Logs, adequate wage is photographs paid and focused interviews

To ensure waste Waste type and quantity Observation, Project site NA Included in Waste generated during logs and contractor management Once during construction phase fees photographic construction is disposed Method of disposal evidence appropriately

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Table 10.3 Monitoring Schedule for Operation Stage

Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and Frequency Applicable Est. Total Cost attribute samples standards (MVR)*

Noise Level To determine the Noise level in Noise Sentry At ice plant Every 6 months for 1 WHO Included in impact of increase decibels Data Logger for year and yearly for Guideline for contractor fees in noise level on 24 hours up to 3 years Noise level community due to operation of ice plant

Air Quality To determine the PM 2.5, PM10, TSP, Wolfsense Toxic At ice plant Every 6 months for 1 Maldives EPA Included in impact of air SO2, NO, NO2 and Gases Measuring year and yearly for standards contractor fees quality and dust CO. Probe and Comet up to 3 years emission during (Model 831) to the community Particle Counter’ during generator set operation

Groundwater To determine the The following Laboratory GW1 near the Once during the first Maldives EPA 822 Quality impact on parameters will be Analysis at ice plant year of operation standards groundwater tested MWSC

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and Frequency Applicable Est. Total Cost attribute samples standards (MVR)*

quality during ice Physical appearance, plant operation temperature, pH, Salinity, Total Dissolved Solids, Conductivity and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon

Marine Water To determine the Physical Laboratory SW1 Bi-annually during Maldives EPA 750 Quality impact on marine Appearance, Analysis at the first 5 years of standards water due to Temperature, Ph, MWSC operation output water from Salinity, Total ice plant. Dissolved Solids, Conductivity And BOD

Ice plant intake To assess the Ph, Temperature, Laboratory 1 sample from Bi-annually during NA 2,204 water quality quality of intake Conductivity, Analysis at intake location ice plant operations water sourced for Salinity, Dissolved MWSC the ice plant Oxygen (DO), TDS,

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and Frequency Applicable Est. Total Cost attribute samples standards (MVR)*

Total Coliform, Faecal Coliform

Ice plant To assess the Ph, Temperature, Laboratory 1 sample from Bi-annually during NA 1,948 product quality quality of the Turbidity, Analysis at outfall location ice plant operations output water from Conductivity, Total MWSC the ice plant Dissolved Solids, DO, BOD

To ensure the fair Medical checkup Review Medical records Every 6 months for 1 NA Included in and equal and medical implementation and insurance year and yearly for operation fees treatment of insurance of workers through medical certificates up to 3 years workers in all and insurance

aspects records Labour force Work visa is Annual visa fee Review annual provided and copy records and visa fee records. of work visa and observation Ask employees work permit card is logs and employer. given to recruit

Employment contracts conform

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and Frequency Applicable Est. Total Cost attribute samples standards (MVR)*

with laws and Periodic check on Employment regulations and all legal compliance contracts employees sign a of contract

contract

Observation Employment Site visits and ask logs contracts: employees and Health and safety employer trainings, protective

equipment, emergency response trainings

To ensure risk fire Number of fire Periodic checks Ice plant Every 6 months for 1 NA Included in is kept to a extinguishers and year and yearly for operation fees minimum their condition up to 3 years Fire Risk Number of smoke detectors

Fuel spills

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Monitoring Objective Indicator Methodology Locations and Frequency Applicable Est. Total Cost attribute samples standards (MVR)*

Fire safety training records

To ensure the ice Shoreline changes Visual Island Twice a year for up NA Included in plant is safe from observation/aerial shoreline/beach to 3 years operation fees

impacts of images Natural hazards erosion and other Beach profile natural hazards

To ensure water Ammonium, Laboratory 1 sample from Bi-annually WHO 9,79 sourced for ice is Chloride, Colour, Analysis at intake location Guidelines for safe for Manganese Odour, MWSC Drinking Food and safety preserving fish Sulphate, Sodium, water Taste, Coliform bacteria, Turbidity

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10.6 Monitoring report

A detailed environmental monitoring report is required to be compiled and submitted to EPA yearly based on the data collected for monitoring the parameters included in the monitoring plan given in the EIA. This report can form subsections in the Monitoring Report to be submitted under the original EIA. This report may be submitted to the relevant Government agencies in order to demonstrate compliance.

The report will include the following details;

- Description of the site - Activities undertaken at the project site - Assessment methodology of data collection and analysis - Measures taken for quality control - Analysis and presentation of the data collected

In addition to this more frequent reporting of environmental monitoring will be communicated among the environmental consultant, project proponent, the contracted workers and supervisors to ensure possible negative impacts are mitigated appropriately during and after the project.

10.7 Schedule of monitoring report

The monitoring report should be submitted as per the schedule given in Table below.

Table 10.4 Schedule of monitoring report submission

Description Timeline Monitoring Report 1 Two months from start of construction Monitoring Report 2 Upon completion of construction Monitoring Report 3 Within 6 months after operations commence Monitoring Report 4 Within one year after operations commence Monitoring Report 5 Within two years after operations commence Monitoring Report 6 Within three years after operations commence

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10.8 Cost of monitoring

Estimated environmental monitoring cost of pre-construction stage (if required) and construction stage is approximately MVR 90,000 - 100,000.

The estimated annual environmental monitoring cost during operation is MVR 110,000 – 120,000

Professional consultants will be hired to undertake the monitoring and the necessary equipment for monitoring will be procured.

10.9 Commitment to monitoring

The proponent is fully committed to undertake the monitoring programme given in this chapter (see page ix).

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11 Conclusion

This EIA is prepared for MIFCO. The project has been designed and the ice plant will be constructed by the proponent as well. Approvals have been obtained for the concept design and land area.

The ice plant will be built on a 3,000 sqft area near the existing harbor on the south eastern side of Feeali. The plant will have the capacity to produce 25 tons of ice per day and store 50 tons of ice. A separate generator set will be installed to power the ice plant which will have a capacity of 250 kVA. A fuel storage tank of 12 tonnes will be used for the operation of the generator set in the ice plant. Primary power for the operation of ice plant will be from the generator set in the ice plant. Power from the island grid will only be sourced to provide electricity for the operation of the office in the ice plant. The intake and outfall to the ice plant will be laid to the harbour area at a depth of 2.5m.

The project is in conformance with key laws and regulations relevant to this project. These include Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Environment Impact Assessment Regulation, Regulation on Cutting Down and Export of Trees and Coconut Palms, Regulation on the Protection of the Natural Life and Character of Old Trees and Plants in Maldives, Land Act, Land Use Planning Regulation, Regulation on the Consumption and Storage of Oil and its Related Products, Dewatering Regulation, Waste Management Regulation, Public Health Protection Act, Employment Act, Regulation on the Employment of Foreign Workers in Maldives and the Regulation on the Safety Standards for Construction Work.

The key stakeholders for this project are the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Health Protection Agency, National Disaster Management Authority, MMRI, MFDA, Ministry of Environment, Faafu Atoll Council, the Island Council of Feeali and the fisherman of Feeali. The stakeholder consultation revealed that the fishermen and the Feeali council is in strong favour of the project. Given the popularity for fisheries in the region it was believed that developing an ice plant in Feeali will benefit both the fishermen in Feeali as well other fishermen in nearby islands.

The main impacts during the construction phase of the project include risks to occupational health and safety, impacts to vegetation, increased noise and air pollution, marine water contamination

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The project is anticipated to bring positive benefits to the island and fishermen. Operation of this ice plant will enable the easy access to ice and avoid travelling longer distances to acquire ice, thus saving them time and additional expenses. One of the significant negative impacts highlighted was the risk of fire given the use of refrigerants, use of fuel and the close proximity to the fuel shed in the island. Additionally, routine maintenance of the ice plant is essential is ensure quality of ice and overall sustainability of the plant. To mitigate impacts during operational stage, it is recommended to establish a grievance mechanism, maintenance schedule and undertake regular water quality monitoring. It is also proposed to take measures such as training workers for fire safety, installing fire safety equipment and safe use and storage of fuel and refrigerants to minimise the risk of fire. To mitigate the negative impacts of GHG emission and contribution to national emissions it is recommended to install rooftop solar PV panels to produce renewable energy to power the ice plant.

The project is anticipated to bring mainly positive impacts to the island, fisheries sector in general and overall development with minimal negative impacts, therefore it is recommended to go ahead with the project. It is also recommended to undertake the mitigation measures to ensure anticipated impacts are reduced to a minimum.

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12 REFERENCES

CDE Consulting, (2020) EIA for the proposed Development of Ice Plan in Th.Vandhoo

CDE Consulting, (2020) EIA for the proposed Development of Ice Plan in K.Gaafaru

CDE Consulting, (2020) EIA for the proposed Development of Ice Plan in R.Maduvvari

Environmental Protection Agency, (2019). EIA Data Collection Guideline.

Goda,Y, (1998). Causes of High Waves at Maldives in April 1987- Asian Development Bank.

Kench, P., Brander, R., Parnell, K.E., and Mclean, R.F. (2006). Wave Energy Gradients Across a Maldivian Atoll: Implications for Island Geomorphology, Geomorphology, 81, PP.1-17.

National Bureau of Statistics, (n.d). Census 2014 dataset.

United Nations Development Programme, (2006). Developing a Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives.

World Health Organisation, (n.d). Guidelines for Community Noise.

Sun Online (2020). https://sun.mv/139928.

United Nations Development Programme, (2006). Developing a Disaster Risk Profile for

Maldives.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX A1 – Approved Terms of Reference

ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

No: 203-ECA/134/2021/4 Terms of Reference for Environmental Impact Assessment: Development of an Ice Plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

Introduction

Background The following is the Terms of Reference (ToR) following the scoping meeting held on 1st April 2021 for undertaking the EIA of the proposed Development of an Ice Plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll. The proponent of the project is Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO). The EIA consultant of this project is Ms. Mariyam Hana Saeed (License No. EIA P04/2019)

The purpose of these Terms of Reference (ToR) is to identify the proponent, the information required by government agencies for the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the original project.

ScopeMIFCO willof the prepare EIA and Report submit an EIA report that examines the environmental and socio-economic effects of development of the ice plant in Feeali. The Study area for the EIA report will include the Project Area and associated infrastructure, as well as the spatial and temporal limits of individual environmental components outside the Project Area boundaries where an effect can be reasonably expected. Relevant developments in the vicinity must be taken into account including residential areas, all economic ventures and cultural sites

The EIA report shall be prepared in accordance with these Terms of Reference and the requirements prescribed under Article 5 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (4/93).

The EIA report shall include a list of abbreviations to assist the reader in understanding the material presented and the list of consultants who participated in the project. The non-technical aspects of the report must be read by MIFCO before submission and report must be signed by the lead consultant. It shall also include issues raised during the public consultation process and identify the environmental and other specific regulatory approvals, policy directives and legislation that are applicable to the Project.

The EIA will also include a non-technical summary that will provide readers with a clear understanding of the project and its potential effects. It will include the environmental, cultural, socioeconomic and health impacts that are anticipated, including cumulative considerations and proposed protection plan(s), mitigation measures and monitoring and residual effects.

Suitable maps, charts and other illustrations will be included to identify the components of the Project, the existing conditions, and the environmental and the socio-economic implications of the development. The site plan and, where relevant, other maps, should be provided in A3 sized paper.

Environmental Protection Agency ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ rd ގްރީން ބިލްޑިންގް ، 3ވަނަ ފަންގިފިލާ، ހަނދުވަރީ ހިނގުން Green Building, 3 Floor, Handhuvaree Hingun Male', Rep. of Maldives, 20392 މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ، 20392 +960 333 5949 +960 798 0379 [email protected] www.epa.gov.mv

1 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

While every attempt has been made to ensure that this ToR addresses all of the major issues associated with development proposal, they are not necessarily exhaustive. They should not be interpreted as excluding from consideration matters deemed to be significant but not incorporated in them, or matters currently unforeseen, that emerge as important or significant from environmental studies, or otherwise, during the course of preparation of the EIA report.

Project Introduction and rationale

Provide:

a) Name and contact details of the proponent b) Rationale and background to the project c) Aims and objective of the project d) Information of the project/activity and the tasks already completed e) Information and other activities that have been carried out or that is being carried out within the project boundary. f) Project location and boundaries of the study area

Project Description

Provide:

a) Mobilization and site set up b) Site preparation (land clearance if required) c) Construction methodology for the ice plant building d) Installation of necessary equipment e) Method for laying water intake and output water pipelines f) A project schedule should be included. g) A matrix of inputs and outputs related to the proposed activities shall be included h) Finishing works i) Demobilization

Provide:Mobilisation and site set up

a) List of equipment that will be mobilized b) List of materials that will be mobilized c) How materials and equipment will be transferred to the site d) Storage area of materials e) Storage area of equipment f) Details of fuel storage if any g) Number of workers that will be involved, including foreign and local h) Accommodation for labour

DesignProvide: Details

2 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

a) Description of key engineering specifications of the project o Building footprint o Foundation depth o Water intake and outfall pipeline o Flow chart of the ice plant system

UtilitiesDescribe:

a) Description of the utility providers (Water, Electricity, Sewerage) during construction and operation stage

Describe: Waste management a) How waste generated during construction stage will be managed and disposed

Describe: Health and safety a) Measures that will be taken for occupational health and safety

Description of the environment Assemble, evaluate and present the environmental baseline study/data regarding the study area and timing of the project (e.g. monsoon season). Identify baseline data gaps and identify studies and the level of detail to be carried out by consultant. Consideration of likely monitoring requirements should be borne in mind during survey planning, so that data collected is suitable for use as a baseline. As such all baseline data must be presented in such a way that they will be usefully applied to future monitoring. The report should outline detailed methodology of data collection utilized.

The baseline data will be collected before construction and from at least two benchmarks. All survey locations shall be referenced with Geographic Positioning System (GPS) including water sampling points and noise measurements for posterior data comparison. Information should be divided into the categories shown below:

InformationThe EIA report will Requirements include the following:

Climate  Temperature, rainfall, wind, waves, evaporation rates  Risk of storm surges and flooding

Physical parameters  Ground water quality assessment of the site measuring pH, salinity, conductivity, TPH and Temperature  Marine water quality assessment of the site measuring Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Salinity, BOD, Conductivity and Temperature  Vegetation assessment (if any)  Baseline noise level  Depth measurements at the intake and output water pipeline locations

3 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

Socioeconomic environment

 Total population, resident population  Key economic sectors with a focus on fisheries sector  Number of fishermen in the region

Legislative and regulatory considerations  Identify the pertinent legislation, regulations and standards, and environmental policies that are relevant and applicable to the proposed project, and identify the appropriate authority jurisdictions that will specifically apply to the project.

Potential impacts of proposed project The EIA report should identify all the impacts, direct and indirect, during and after installation, and evaluate the magnitude and significance of each. Particular attention shall be given to impacts associated with the following:

Impacts on the natural environment  Impacts of noise, vibration and disturbance;  Impacts on marine water quality;  Impacts on ground water quality;  Impacts on soil;  Impacts on landscape integrity/scenery.

Impacts on the socio-economic environment  Employment and economic opportunities and diversification  Increased demand on natural resources and services (water supply, waste water disposal, solid waste disposal, energy supply)

Construction related hazards and risks  Pollution of the natural environment (e.g. oil spills, untreated waste water, solid waste including construction waste);  Risk of accidents and pollution on workers and local population, and  Impact on social values, norms, beliefs, due to presence of workers on local population

The methods used to identify the significance of the impacts shall be outlined. One or more of the following methods must be utilized in determining impacts; checklists, matrices, overlays, networks, expert systems and professional judgment. Justification must be provided to the selected methodologies. The report should outline the uncertainties in impact prediction and also outline all positive and negative/short and long-term impacts. Identify impacts that are cumulative and unavoidable.

Alternatives to proposed project

Describe alternatives including the “no action option” should be presented. Determine the best practical environmental options. Alternatives examined for the proposed project that would achieve the same objective including the “no action alternative”. All alternatives must be compared according to international standards and commonly accepted standards as much as possible. The comparison should yield the preferred alternative for implementation. Mitigation options should be specified for each component of the proposed project.

4 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

Mitigation and management of negative impacts

Identify possible measures to prevent or reduce significant negative impacts to acceptable levels. These will include both environmental and socio-economic mitigation measures. Measures for both installation and operation phase shall be identified. Cost the mitigation measures, equipment and resources required to implement those measures. The confirmation of commitment of the developer to implement the proposed mitigation measures shall also be included. An Environmental management plan for the proposed project, identifying responsible persons, their duties and commitments shall also be given. In cases where impacts are unavoidable arrangements to compensate for the environmental effect shall be given.

Development of monitoring plan  Identify the critical issues requiring monitoring to ensure compliance to mitigation measures and present impact management and monitoring plan for ground water. Ecological monitoring will be submitted to the EPA to evaluate the damages during installation, after project completion and every three months thereafter, up to one year and then on a yearly basis for five years after. The baseline study described in task 2 of section 2 of this document is required for data comparison. Detail of the monitoring program including the physical and biological parameters for monitoring, cost commitment from responsible person to conduct monitoring in the form of a commitment letter, detailed reporting scheduling, costs and methods of undertaking the monitoring program must be provided.

Stakeholder consultation Identify appropriate mechanisms for providing information on the development proposal and its progress to all stakeholders, government authorities, NGOs, engineers/designers, development managers, staff and members of the general public. The EIA report should include a list of people/groups consulted and summary of the major outcomes. - Feeali island council - Atoll Council - Fisherman of Feeali - Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture - Maldives Marine Research Institute - Ministry of Environment - Maldives Food and Drug Authority - Health Protection Agency - Utility Regulatory Authority

Presentation- The EIA report, to be presented in digital format, will be concise and focus on significant environmental issues. It will contain the findings, conclusions and recommended actions supported by summaries of the data collected and citations for any references used in interpreting those data. The environmental assessment report will be organized according to, but not necessarily limited by, the outline given in the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012.

Timeframe for submitting the EIA report – The developer must submit the completed EIA report within 6 months from the date of this Term of Reference.

……………………………………

8th April 2021

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APPENDIX A2 – Survey Locations and Study Area

73°0'5"E 73°0'10"E 73°0'15"E

GW2 Legend #0 #0 Ground Water Samples 3°16'15"N 3°16'15"N .! Marine Water Samples

O! Depth spot A! Noise Currents 3°16'10"N 3°16'10"N

Control A!

SW2 .!

GW1 #0 SW1 .! D3 D4 Site D1 O!O! O! D2 A! D5! O! O µ 3°16'5"N 3°16'5"N 0.21m/s

73°0'5"E 73°0'10"E 73°0'15"E

Currents Depth spot readings Ground water samples Meters

0 25 50 100 Feeali Island, Faafu Atoll Proposed Ice Plant Noise Project Marine water samples Survey Locations PROJECTION: Transverse Mercator (UTM Zone 43 N); HORIZONTAL DATUM: WGS84; VERTICAL DATUM: Hulhule Tide Gauge Map version: 4/19/2021

Surveyed and Prepared by: CDE Consulting, Maldives 73°0'0"E 73°0'5"E 73°0'10"E 73°0'15"E

Legend 3°16'20"N 3°16'20"N Study Area 3°16'15"N 3°16'15"N 3°16'10"N 3°16'10"N

Study Area µ

0.21m/s

3°16'5"N Meters 3°16'5"N

0 25 50 100 Feeali Island, Faafu Atoll Proposed Ice Plant Project Study Area PROJECTION: Transverse Mercator (UTM Zone 43 N); HORIZONTAL DATUM: WGS84; VERTICAL DATUM: Hulhule Tide Gauge Map version: 4/20/2021

73°0'0"E 73°0'5"E 73°0'10"E 73°0'15"E Surveyed and Prepared by: CDE Consulting, Maldives EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX A3 – CVs of Consultants

MARIYAM HANA SAEED

PRESENT ADDRESS CONTACTS NATIONALITY

G.Quest, 8A, Alikilegefaanu Magu +960 797 0022 [email protected] Maldivian Malé, Maldives

EDUCATION

2017 - 2018 Masters in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship University of Nottingham, United Kingdom

Dissertation: Analysis of Decentralised Energy Systems to create value through innovative business models at community level.

2012 - 2014 Bachelor of Environments University of Melbourne, Australia

Major in Environmental Geographies, Politics and Culture

2008 - 2010 Higher Secondary Education, Edexcel A’ Level Centre for Higher Secondary Education, Male’ Maldives

2005 - 2007 Secondary Education, GCE O’ Level Aminiya School, Male’ Maldives

LANGUAGES Reading Speaking Writing

English Excellent Excellent Excellent

Dhivehi Excellent Excellent Excellent

TRAININGS & CONFERENCES

É Endorsement Workshop on Maldives Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) | 10 Sep 2015 É Workshop on Maldives Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Plan | 30 Jan 2017 É Conference of the Parties (COP21) | 2015, Paris, France

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

É VESHI NGO | Volunteer and Consultant on Renewable Energy É University of Melbourne Alumni Association | Member É Maldives Australia Alumni | Member É Registered EIA Consultant | Environmental Protection Agency of the Maldives

Page 1 of 15 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND VOLUNTEER WORK

É Guest speaker for radio program ‘Climate Change’ on Voice of Maldives | May 2016 É Guest speaker for radio on Environment Day | June 2016 É Guest Lecturer on ‘Climate Change’ for Year 2 Political Science Students | Maldives National University, April 2017 É Guest Lecturer on ‘Climate Change’ and ‘Politics of Climate Change’ for Year 1 Political Science Students | Maldives National University, May 2017

ACHIEVEMENTS

É Recipient of Chevening Awards Scholarship 2017 É Recipient of Australia Awards Scholarship 2012 É Achieved fourth place in National Top Ten in Higher Secondary Education É Achieved ﬁrst place in National Top Ten in Secondary Education

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

March 2015 to Present

Senior Consultant, Sustainable Development | CDE Consulting, Malé, Maldives

Specialised Work Areas | Waste management, Renewable energy and Water

Led and managed projects for clients including Cheval Blanc Randheli, Conrad Maldives, Shangri-La’s Villingili, Clubmed Finolhu Villas, UNDP, Ooredoo, Damac, Ministry of the Environment and Energy, Ministry of Tourism, China State Construction Engineering Cooporation Limited (CSCEC) to name a few.

Responsibilities

É Leading and managing projects

É Sustainable development planning and policy development

É Environmental and Social Impact assessments

É Development of environmental management systems and performance auditing including waste and energy audits

É Capacity building and training in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable waste management.

February 2011 to January 2012

Administrative Assistant | The President’s Ofce, Malé, Maldives

Responsibilities

É Monitored the policies under governance section in the Policy Offce

É Led administrative work to organise the 17th SAARC Summit in November 2011 and worked in coordination with other government bodies, private agencies and key decision makers.

Page 2 of 15 EXPERIENCE

Waste Management

EIA/EMP for Waste Management Centre at Select Sites at Laamu Atoll

Year . 2017 Location . Laamu Atoll’ Client . UNDP LECReD Position . Project Manager and Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Site visit, stakeholder consultations, impact assessment and management plan report writing and compilation for all islands in Laamu Atoll.

Food Waste Audit

Year . 2019 Location . Paradise Island Resort Client . Paradise Island Resort Position . Project Manager and Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Site visit and conducting an audit of the food waste generated in the guest and staff kitchen. Analysing results and presentation.

Food Waste Audit

Year . 2019 Location . Holiday Inn Kandooma Client . Holiday Inn Kandooma Position . Project Manager and Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Site visit and conducting an audit of the food waste generated in the guest and staff kitchen. Analysing results and presentation.

Environmental Management Plan for Island Waste Management Centre

Year . 2019 Location . B.Dhonfanu Client . Ministry of Environment Position . Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Reviewing of fnal report.

Environmental Management Plan for Island Waste Management Centre

Year . 2019 Location . B.Hithaadhoo Client . Ministry of Environment Position . Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Reviewing of fnal report.

Page 3 of 15 Energy

Finolhu Villas energy audit 2015

Year . 2015 Location . Kaafu Atoll Client . Finolhu Villas Position . Consultant for Energy Activities Performed Conducted an onsite comprehensive energy audit of the resort, quantifed energy consumption and production patterns, data analysis and report writing.

Feasibility study for solar panel installation in F.Nilandhoo

Year . 2015 Location . Faafu Atoll Client . F.Nilandhoo Position . Consultant for Energy Activities Performed Conducted baseline surveys of potential buildings for solar panel installation, gathered baseline information about the existing power generation capacity, demand and expenditure for fuel and powerhouse maintenance, data analysis and contributed to report writing.

Understanding the risks to and vulnerability of energy sector to climate change in tourist resorts of the Maldives

Year . 2015 - 2016 Location . Maldives Client . Tourism Adaptation Platform / UNDP Position . Consultant for Energy Activities Performed Undertook baseline studies on dependency of the Maldives to fuel and its vulnerability; designed methodology and energy audit questionnaire; conducted a comprehensive energy audit in Vila- mendhoo Resort & Spa, Kurumba Maldives, Bandos Island Resort,The Sun Siyam Irufushi Maldives, Embudu Village; data analysis and presentation of audit fndings. Conducted workshops with engineers in each of the 5 resorts on climate change awareness and vulnerability of tourist resorts to climate change. Conducted a workshop to present the fndings of the project to stakeholders.

Power Plant Registration Environment Checklist for MWSC Power Plant

Year . 2017 Location . Male’ Client . Maldives Water and Sewerage Company Limited Position . Project Manager and Sustainable Development Consultant Activities Performed Overall project management ensuring timely delivery of project components, visiting the site for assessment for to check if fuel handling and fre safety measures are in check.

Water

Desalination plant registration at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Year . 2015 Location . Alifu Dhaal Atoll Client . Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Position . Consultant for Water Activities Performed Undertook baseline studies and facilitated the registration process.

Page 4 of 15 Desalination plant registration at Kudarah Island Resort

Year . 2016 Location . Alifu Dhaal Atoll Client . Kudarah Island Resort Position . Consultant for Water Activities Performed Undertook baseline studies and facilitated the registration process.

Desalination plant registration at Mirihi Island Resort

Year . 2015 Location . Alifu Dhaal Atoll Client . Mirihi Island Resort Position . Consultant for Water Activities Performed Undertook baseline studies and facilitated the registration process.

Terminal Evaluation for the project titled increasing climate resilience through an integrated water resource management programme in Ha.Ihavandhoo, Adh.Mahibadhoo Gdh.Gadhdhoo

Year . 2015 Location . Ha. Ihavandhoo, Adh. Mahibadhoo and Gdh.Gadhdhoo Client . UNDP Position . National consultant Activities Performed Reviewed project documents, conducted stakeholder consultations, logistics management, designed survey methodology and questionnaire for consultations in coordination with the international consultant, visited the three islands and conducted council meetings and public consultations with focused groups. Contributed to report writing and presented preliminary fndings to stakeholders.

EIA for the proposed water supply system at Vilufushi, Thaa Atoll

Year . 2016 Location . Th. Vilufushi Client . Ministry of Environment and Energy Position . Team Leader Activities Performed Stakeholder consultations, Socio-economic impact assessment and report writing.

EIA for the proposed water supply system at Eydhafushi, Baa Atoll

Year . 2016 Location . B. Eydhafushi Client . Ministry of Environment and Energy Position . Project Manager Activities Performed Stakeholder consultations, Socio-economic impact assessment and report writing.

EIA for the proposed water supply system at Guraidhoo, Kaaufu Atoll

Year . 2016 Location . K.Guraidhoo Client . State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) Position . Project Manager Activities Performed Stakeholder consultations, Socio-economic impact assessment and report writing.

Page 5 of 15 Desalination Plant Registration at Mirihi Island Resort

Year . 2019 Location . Mirihi Island Resort Client . Mirihi Island Resort Position . Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Field visit, data analysis and application form compilation.

Desalination Plant Registration at Sun Aqua Iru Veli.

Year . 2019 Location . Sun Aqua Iru Veli Client . Ocean Islands Private Limited Position . Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Field visit, data analysis and application form compilation.

Desalination Plant Registration at Ithaafushi Maldives

Year . 2019 Location . Ithaafushi Maldives Client . Ithaafushi Investments Private Limited Position . Sustainability Consultant Activities Performed Data analysis and application form compilation.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

EIA for the proposed development of a tertiary hospital

Year . 2015 Location . Hulhumalé Client . Tree top Health Pvt Ltd Position . Team leader Activities Performed Stakeholder consultations, socioeconomic impact assessment and contributed to report writing.

EIA for the proposed redevelopment of Nasandhura Palace Hotel

Year . 2015 Location . Malé Client . NPH Investments Pvt Ltd Position . Consultant for Water and Energy Activities Performed Stakeholder consultations, conducted baseline surveys and contributed to report writing.

EIA for the proposed construction of a 9-storey building at the compound of ADK Hospital

Year . 2015 Location . Malé Client . ADK Hospital Pvt Ltd Position . Consultant for Water and Energy Activities Performed Contributed to report writing.

Page 7 of 15 EIA for the proposed land reclamation and resort development project at Ithaafushi Reef

Year . 2015 Location . South Malé Atoll Client . Sumaiyya Holdings Pvt Ltd Position . Team Leader Activities Performed Designed stakeholder consultations, socioeconomic assessment and contributed to report writing.

EIA for the proposed land reclamation and resort development project at Bodukaashihuraa

Year . 2015 Location . Adh. Atoll Client . Millennium Capital Management Pvt Ltd Position . Consultant for Water and Energy Activities Performed Undertook baseline surveys, Stakeholder consultations, and contributed to report writing.

EIA for the channel dredging and beach replenishment activities at Canareef Resort Maldives

Year . 2015 Location . Addu City Client . Canareef Resort Pvt Ltd Position . Consultant for Water and Energy Activities Performed Contributed to report writing.

EIA for the proposed resort development project at Kudadhoo Island

Year . 2015 Location . Lhaviyani Atoll Client . Champalars Pvt Ltd Position . Consultant for Water and Energy Activities Performed Contributed to report writing.

EIA for the proposed land reclamation and resort development project at Madivaru Island

Year . 2015 Location . Kaafu Atoll Client . Shuaz Investments Pvt Ltd Position . Consultant for Water and Energy Activities Performed Undertook baseline surveys, Stakeholder consultations, and contributed to report writing.

EIA for the proposed Hulhule’ – Male’ bridge project

Year . 2015 Location . Malé Client . Ministry of Housing and Environment Position . Consultant for Water and Energy Activities Performed Contributed to report writing.

EIA for the proposed test drilling for Hulhule’ - Male’ bridge construction project

Year . 2015 Location . Malé Client . Ministry of Housing and Environment Position . Consultant Activities Performed Stakeholder consultations and contributed to report writing.

Page 8 of 15 Research and Market Studies

Maldives Visitor Survey 2015

Year . 2015 Location . Hulhule Client . Ministry of Tourism Position . Team leader and Enumerator Activities Performed Supervised survey enumerators and conducted the survey.

Maldives Democracy Survey 2015

Year . 2015 Location . Maldives Client . International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and Transparency Maldives Position . Team leader and Enumerator Activities Performed Supervised survey enumerators and conducted the survey.

Maldives Visitor Survey, September 2016

Year . 2016 Location . Hulhumalé Phase II Client . Ministry of Tourism Position . Project Manager Activities Performed Overall project management including training the enumerators, ensuring the timely delivery of survey and data entry.

Technical Analysis of Market to Develop Energy Effciency Labels and Standards Program in the Maldives

Year . 2017 Location . Male’ Client . Ministry of Environment and Energy Position . Project Manager and Sustainable Development Consultant Activities Performed Overall project management ensuring timely delivery of project components, meeting with client on a timely basis, facilitating retailer survey, sorting and managing data, presenting preliminary fndings to the client, writing fnal draft report and working on the contents of the fnal presentation.

REFEREES

Dr. Simad Saeed Professor Mark Gillott Dr.Ahmed Shaig CDE Consulting, Malé, Maldives University of Nottingham CDE Consulting, Malé, Maldives E. [email protected] E. [email protected] E. [email protected] M . + 960 7777 445 M . +44 115 846 7677 M . + 960 7788 758

Mariyam Hana Saeed Date 1 July 2019

Page 15 of 15 M A A S A A L I

EXPERIENCE

CONSULTANT - INFORMATION SYSTEMS, GIS, DATA ANALYTICS, TECHNOLOGY CDE CONSULTING | JAN 2018 - PRESENT

GIS Data Analysis and Visualisation CONTACT Environmental Impact Assessments

(+960) 999 5123 RESEARCH ASSISTANT CDE CONSULTING | AUG 2013 - DEC 2014 [email protected] Assist consultants in various projects Data collection, analysis and visualisation

EDUCATION SKILLS BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Spatial Analysis AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY | 2015 - 2017 Data Analysis Major in Environmental Studies Report Writing Minors in Human Ecology and Sustainable Development Cartography Social Research

LANGUAGES

SPEAKING READING WRITING ASSOCIATIONS ENGLISH EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT DHIVEHI EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT VESHI NGO MEMBER | 2013 - PRESENT

ADDU WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION MEMBER TRAININGS AND CONFERENCES

AUSTRALIA GLOBAL ALUMNI MEMBER MALDIVES ENERGY ROADMAP WORKSHOP 2018 ANU ALUMNI CINFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP18) MEMBER 2012, DOHA, QATAR MALDIVES AUSTRALIA ALUMNI MEMBER AWARDS

AUSTRALIA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT 2015 EXPERIENCE

RESEARCH

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - JAN 2020 2020

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Project Management, Supervision of data collection, Data analysis, Report writing, Enumerator Training

MALDIVES NATIONAL POLL ON POLITICAL TRENDS AND OPINIONS ON REGIONAL ISSUES 2019

Client: IRI Roles: Project Management, Data collection

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - DEC 2019 2019

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Project Management, Supervision of data collection, Data analysis, Report writing, Enumerator Training

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - IN DEPTH SURVEY DEC 2019 2019

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Project Management, Supervision of data collection, Data analysis

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - AUG 2019 2019

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Supervision of data collection, Data analysis, Report writing

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - FEB 2018 2018

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Supervision of data collection, Data analysis, Report writing

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - JULY 2014 2014

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Supervision of data collection, Data entry, Data analysis, Report writing

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - FEB 2014 2014

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Supervision of data collection, Data entry, Data analysis, Report writing

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION BASELINE SURVEY IN HDH.KULHUDHUFFUSHI, AA.THODDOO, L.GAN & GDH.GADHDHOO 2014

Client: UNDP Roles: Data collection, Data entry, Data analysis, Report writing DEMOCRACY SURVEY 2014

Client: IFES Roles: Data collection and entry

POLICE CONFIDENCE SURVEY 2013

Client: Transparency Maldives Roles: Data collection and entry, Data analysis

ADOLESCENT DEPRIVATIONS STUDY 2013

Client: UNICEF Roles: Data collection, Analysis, Enumerator Training

MALDIVES VISITOR SURVEY - OCT 2013 2013

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Data collection, Analysis, Report writing

ENVIRONMENT

EMP FOR SEAPLANE PLATFORM - AMILLAFUSHI 2020

Client: Manta Air Roles: Report writing

MALE' STREETSCAPING EIA 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant

ESIA FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN HULHUMALE' 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant

ADDU ROADS ASPHALTING EIA 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant

EIA FOR SOLAR FARM AT CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI 2019

Client: Cheval Blanc Roles: GIS Consultant

TH. THIMARAFUSHI ROAD DEVELOPMENT EIA 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant GAAFARU ICE PLANT EIA 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant

R. MADUVVARI ICE PLANT EIA 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant CONTACT

R. KINOLHAS WATER AND SEWERAGE NETWORK EIA 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant

TH. OMADHOO HARBOUR EIA 2020

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant

B. GOIDHOO WATER AND SEWERAGE NETWORK EIA 2019

Client: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Roles: GIS Consultant

EIA FOR THILAFUSHI WATER AND SEWERAGE FACILITIES 2019

Client: MWSC Roles: GIS Consultant

DEVELOPING GIS MAPS FOR 6TH NATIONAL REPORT ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE MALDIVES TO CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2019

Client: Ministry of Environment Roles: Prepared the ciritcal biodiversity layers to update National GIS. Prepared relevant maps for the CBD reports

ESIA FOR REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN ZONE 6 & 7 2018

Client: Ministry of Environment Roles: Site visit, Stakeholder consultations, Report writing

EMP FOR B. DHONFANU WMC 2019

Client: Ministry of Environment Roles: Data collection

EMP FOR B. HITHAADHOO WMC 2019

Client: Ministry of Environment Roles: Data collection ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY 2019

Client: Ministry of Tourism Roles: Prepared GIS layers to assess selected island for tourism purposes

CSCEC 7000 HOUSING PROJECT MONITORING 2018-2019

Client: CSCEC Roles: Site visit, Data collection, Report writing

SHANGRI LA ANNUAL MONITORING 2018

Client: Shangri La's Villingili Roles: Report writing

REFERENCES

DR. SIMAD SAEED DR. AHMED SHAIG CDE CONSULTING CDE CONSULTING MALE', MALDIVES MALE', MALDIVES M: +960 777 7445 M: +960 778 8758 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

MAASA ALI Fathimath Yamna Mohamed

Permanent address: M. Niyandhurumaage Contact no.: +960 9995153

Present address: M.Uniya, Fareedhee magu, Male’ E-mail: [email protected] ______

Education:

v Double degree in Environmental Science/ Economics at Queensland University of Technology

QUT Student Prize 2018 Dean’s list of academic excellence Member of College of Excellence QUT Science and Engineering Dean’s Scholars program QUT International Merit Scholarship QUT Natural Resource Society QUT Leadership and Development program

v London GCE A’ Level (2013) Biology: A Mathematics with Statistics: A Chemistry: B

v Cambridge (2013) Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): B

v HSC Examinations (2013) Islam: B Dhivehi: B

v London GCE O’ Level (2010) English as a second language: A* English language: A Biology: A* Chemistry: A* Physics: A* Economics: A* Mathematics: A

v SSC examinations (2010) Islam: B Dhivehi: B

v IELTS (2013) Score of 8.5 out of 9.0

v Certificate two in Information Technology (2011) Merit level

Trainings and Workshops: v International Organisation for Migration training program (Male’, Maldives) Counter trafficking, legal aspects, victim identification and investigation techniques v Labour inspection training (Male’ Maldives) v Workshop on safe roads by Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment (Male’, Maldives)

Employment:

CDE consulting, Male’, Maldives February 2019- present, Sustainability Consultant

Ø EIA for the Proposed Development of a 9 Storey Building at ADK Hospital (2017) Ø EIA for Harbour Development, R.Maakurathu (2018) Ø Environmental Monitoring Report, Bolidhuffaru (2018) Ø First Addendum to the EIA for the Proposed Development of the 9-Storey Building at ADK Hospital, Male’ Ø Environmental Monitoring Report, CSCEC 7000 Housing Units (2019) Ø Rent Survey (2019) Ø Environment Management Plan, Dhigali (2019) Ø Environment Management Plan, Sirrufenfushi (2019) Ø EIA for Resort Development, Ga.Odegalla (2019) Ø First Addendum to the EIA for the Proposed Extension of Male’ East Coast (2019) Ø EIA for Road Development in Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City (2019) Ø Maldives Visitor Survey (2019)

CDE consulting, Male’, Maldives January 2017, Intern Ø Assisted with writing Environment Impact Assessments Ø Data entry

Labour Relations Authority (LRA), Male’, Maldives September 2013 to October 2014, Assistant Labour Relations Officer Ø Inspection of work places to check whether they are in compliance with the Employment Act. Ø Planning and carrying out awareness programs. Ø Write reports and recommendation letters after inspection. Ø Follow-up of inspections. Ø Investigations into cases submitted by employees and employers. Ø Carrying out mediation processes. Ø Managing the inspection database. Ø Other on hand administrative work.

National Bureau of Statistics, Male’, Maldives September 2014, Enumerator Ø Enumerator for Census 2014

Ministry of Youth and Sports, Male’, Maldives 2011, enumerator Ø Surveying experience

Leadership Academy, Male’, Maldives November 2011, volunteer Ø Volunteer at a life skills camp for children aged 4 to 12

Ministry of Health and Gender, Male’, Maldives January 2011, intern Ø Creating and updating a database for setting up disability allowances Ø Workshop on safe roads by Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment (Male’, Maldives)

ALI MOOSA DIDI 4th floor, MA. Rose Villa • Dhevina Magu • Male' • Maldives • 00 960 791-2001• [email protected]

A highly motivated individual with a hardworking attitude and over ten years of experience in the surveying industry of the Maldives.

Personal

Name: Ali Moosa Didi Date of Birth: 18th June 1985 Gender: Male Marital Status: Single NID No: A-154179

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, GCE ORDINARY LEVEL (JAN 1997) Madharasthul Islamiya School Male’, Rep of Maldives

Employment

SURVEYOR (FULL TIME) (January 2010 – PRESENT) CDE Pvt Ltd Male', Rep of Maldives Conducting field based surveying activities; including shoreline mapping exercises, vegetation assessments, topographic surveys and hydrographic surveys. Work duties also include the consequent data processing and mapping activities of all the surveys conducted at the office.

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER (FULL TIME) (January 2010 – PRESENT) Ryco Investment Pvt Ltd Male', Rep of Maldives Assisted the Office Manager in handling all the human resources related duties of the Office, including Payroll processing.

ASSISTANT SURVEYOR (FULL TIME) (January 2010 – PRESENT) CDE Pvt Ltd Male', Rep of Maldives Assiting field based surveying activities; including shoreline mapping exercises, vegetation assessments, topographic surveys and hydrographic surveys. Work duties also included the consequent data processing and mapping activities of all the surveys conducted at the office.

俀A Skills

 Competent in using Surveying Equipment and Accessories  Intermediate in Microsoft Applications  Intermediate in ArcGIS application

俀A

Work Experience

• Travelled to all 20 atolls of the Maldives • Over 100+ islands in the Maldives; including 20+ Resorts, 50+ Inhabited islands and 30+ Uninhabited islands and their associated reef systems Some of the EIA’s that I have worked on as a member of the team, or contributed to the field surveying work (Past 5 years only); • Tourism Development Projects: . Adh. Bodukaashihuraa Resort Development EIA . B. Dhigufaruvinagandu Resort Development EIA . K. Madivaru Resort Development EIA . Lh. Fushifaru Resort Development EIA . N. Thanburudhuffushi Picnic Island Development EIA . K. Gasfinolhu Addendum EIA (Palm transplanting) . K. Taj Vivanta Resort Shore Protection EIA . Lh. Maabinhuraa Resort Development EIA . Aa. Maagaa Resort Development EIA . Aa. Madivaru Finolhu Resort Development EIA . Olhuveli Lagoon Reclamation EIA . Dh. Aluvifushi Resort Development EIA . Lh. Huruvalhi Resort Development EIA • Agricultural Development Projects: . Sh. Madidhoo Agricultural Development EIA . Lh. Maduvarri Agricultural Development EIA . N. Minaavaru Agricultural Development EIA • Airport Development Projects: . R. Ifuru Airport Development EIA . N. Maafaru Airport Development EIA • Major public/ private sector Projects: . Tree Top Hospital Development EIA . Nasandhura Palace Hotel Redevelopment EIA . Thilafushi Harbor Development EIA . Male-Hulhule Bridge, Borehole Drilling EIA . Male-Hulhule Bridge EIA . Addu and Fuvahmulah ESIA for Wetland Project

References

Simad Saeed, PhD Ahmed Shaig, PhD Managing Director Director CDE Pvt Ltd CDE Pvt Ltd 4th Floor, Orchidmaage, Ameeruahmed Magu, 4th Floor, Orchidmaage, Ameeruahmed Magu, Male’Maldives Male’Maldives [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +960 331 2514 Tel: +960 331 2514 Fax: +960 331 5926 Fax: +960 331 5926

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX B1 – Detailed Concept Design

V1 LEGENDS:

V3 V2

TOILET GENERATOR D2 TOOL STORE D1 ROOM D1

D1 VERANDAH

FREE SPACE FOR 50MT COLD STORAGE OFFICE W1

W2 D1

ICE DELIVERY AREA

PROPOSED 25MT FLAKE ICE MAKING PLANT FLOOR PLAN AT F.FEEALI 12K FUEL TANK

10T WATER TANK

V3 V2 GENERATOR TOILET D1 D2 TOOL STORE D1 ROOM

D1 VERANDAH

50MT COLD STORE

OFFICE W1

D3 W2 D1

ICE DELIVERY AREA EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX B2 – Land Use Approvals

SOCIAL CENTRE

baSikOTaSq witurukurAbawi baSikOTaSq

0033 wakafUTq 0033

VOLLEY COURT

HOLHUASHI

RAYYITHUNGEVIYAFAARI

FUEL/GAS

FERRY

TERMINAL

FDS

IDHARAA

SWERAGE

SYSTEM

WASTE WASTE MANAGEMENT

JETTY CHILDRENS PARK

R/O PLANT EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX B3 – Work Schedule

F.Feeali Ice plant work plan

Month 1 2 3 4 5 # Task name Duration Start Finish Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 1 Document preparation 7 12/28/20 1/4/21 2 Machineries and equipment manufacturing. 35 1/4/21 2/8/21 3 Ice plant foundation and boundary wall work 31 2/8/21 3/11/21 4 Shipping and transpotation 28 3/11/21 4/8/21 5 Custom clearence 7 4/8/21 4/15/21 6 local transportation and unloading 7 4/15/21 4/22/21 7 building erection and Machineries installation 28 4/22/21 5/20/21 8 Commissioning and testing 7 5/20/21 5/27/21 EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX C1 – Fishermen Consulted and Comments from HPA and NDMA

# Name Number Status (Called/ No answer) 1 Iqubaal 9717204 Consulted 2 Ahmed 9650753 Consulted 3 Hameed 7684248 Consulted 4 Tholaal 9890494 Consulted 5 Naseem 9947255 Consulted 6 Thoaha 9653332 Consulted 7 Ali 9796790 Consulted 8 Dhoney 9729259 Did not pick up 9 Latheef 9669027 Did not pick up 10 Visaam 9188557 No answer 11 Arif 9144368 No answer 12 Hussain 9881541 No answer 13 Ali 7970704 No answer 14 Shathir 7719291 Number busy 15 Rafeeu 9783313 Switched off

As our major concern is safety of the workplace, workers and the residence of the island, we would like to stress upon the importance of the following points:

Labor Camps

 All sites used for camps shall be adequately drained. They shall not be subjected to periodic flooding  Portable drinking water should be made available for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing purposes at all times.  Adequate toilet facilities with portable water, commode and proper drainage system should be arranged (minimum 1 toilet per 10 persons).  All living quarters should have proper ventilation mechanism and lighting.  Garbage containers shall be kept clean and separate from the living quarters  Effective measures shall be taken to prevent infestation of insects and rodents  Fire safety measures or fire extinguisher should be available or installed.

Worksite

Appropriate precautions should be taken at the workplace to ensure workers safety to minimize risk of injuries and illnesses

Measures include:

 Access to the work site should be limited to workers to ensure the safety of the residence living in the area  Fall protection must be used where necessary. Such that personal fall arrest system (safety harness/ belts), Guardrail systems and safety nets should be used  Cover or enclosure of pit holes and proper marking to prevent accidental falls  Ensure all machineries are used by trained workers  If the work includes working in confined space where there is a variation in oxygen concentration employer must ensure whether the employee does not have a medical condition that might threaten the life of the employee  Heavy equipment operations should be carried out by a trained personal and must checked for any malfunctions at regular intervals

 Each scaffold and scaffold component must be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.

 Suitable storage space must be provided to permit convenient arrangement of tools to avoid unnecessary injuries.

 All equipment left unattended at night, adjacent to highways or construction areas, should have lights, reflectors, and/or barricades to identify location of the equipment

 Effective precautionary measures should be taken to prevent the collapse of structures when heavy lifting

 Minimize dust or airborne particles from construction materials through good construction work related practices such as working in restricted to enclosed areas or temporarily enclosing the work area

 Ensure all workers are using proper Personal Protective equipment’s (face mask, glove, hard hat, hard shoes etc.) at all times during working hours

 Access to firefighting equipment must be maintained at all times. Firefighting equipment must be inspected monthly and maintained in operating condition.

 All hazardous substances should be clearly labeled giving their relevant characteristics and instructions on their use.

 Adequate and appropriate first aid equipment and first aid provider should be available at the workplace to ensure employees receive immediate medical attention in case of any injury or accidents  Ensure effective control of mosquito breeding at worksites to prevent vector borne diseases (eg. dengue, chikungunya etc), as pits or open dents with still water would lead to increase in mosquitos  To minimize heat related illnesses, ensure heat prevention measures are taken at all times when workers are exposed to excessive heat while working outdoor for a long period of time.

 Safety measures / rules should be clearly informed to the workers and also be placed at the work environment in different languages.  Emergency numbers must be placed on a board for everyone to see (in different languages), and the emergency procedures should be well explained to the workers.  Covid-19 preventive measures should be explained and updated information must be shared with workers.

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX D – Water Quality Results

Male' Water & Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd Water Quality Assurance Laboratory Quality Assurance Building, 1st Floor, Male' Hingun, Vilimale', Male' City, Maldives Tel: +9603323209, Fax: +9603324306, Email: [email protected]

WATER QUALITY TEST REPORT Report No: 500186697 Customer Information: Report date: 28/03/2021 CDE Pvt Ltd Test Requisition Form No: 900191535 H.Orchidmaage, 4th Floor Sample(s) Recieved Date: 23/03/2021 Ameeru Ahmed Magu Date of Analysis: 23/03/2021 - 23/03/2021 Male K

Sample Description ~ Groundwater 1, F. Feeali

Sample Type ~ Ground Water

Sample No 83217793

Sampled Date ~ 23/03/2021 11:00 TEST METHOD UNIT

PARAMETER ANALYSIS RESULT

Physical Appearance Clear with particles

Conductivity * 7270 Method 2510 B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) µS/cm

pH * 7.86 Method 4500-H+ B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) -

Salinity 3.99 Method 2520 B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) ‰

Temperature 24.8 Electrometry °C

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon 0.046 UV Fluorescence mg/L (TPH)

Keys: µS/cm : Micro Seimen per Centimeter, ‰ : Parts Per Thousand, °C : Degree Celcius, mg/L : Milligram Per Liter

Checked by Approved by

Aminath Sofa Mohamed Eyman Laboratory Executive Manager, Quality

Notes: Sampling Authority: Sampling was not done by MWSC Laboratory. This report shall not be reproduced except in full, without written approval of MWSC. This test report is ONLY FOR THE SAMPLES TESTED. ~ Information provided by the customer. This information may affect the validity of the test results. *Parameters accredited by EIAC under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ************************* END OF REPORT *************************

Page 1 of 1 MWSC-A5-F-92 Rev 00 Male' Water & Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd Water Quality Assurance Laboratory Quality Assurance Building, 1st Floor, Male' Hingun, Vilimale', Male' City, Maldives Tel: +9603323209, Fax: +9603324306, Email: [email protected]

WATER QUALITY TEST REPORT Report No: 500186745 Customer Information: Report date: 30/03/2021 CDE Pvt Ltd Test Requisition Form No: 900191549 H.Orchidmaage, 4th Floor Sample(s) Recieved Date: 25/03/2021 Ameeru Ahmed Magu Date of Analysis: 25/03/2021 - 28/03/2021 Male K

Sample Description ~ Groundwater Control, F.Feeali

Sample Type ~ Ground Water

Sample No 83217844

Sampled Date ~ 23/03/2021 10:00 TEST METHOD UNIT

PARAMETER ANALYSIS RESULT

Physical Appearance Clear

Conductivity * 1025 Method 2510 B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) µS/cm

pH * 7.47 Method 4500-H+ B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) -

Salinity 0.51 Method 2520 B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) ‰

Temperature 23.0 Electrometry °C

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon 0.066 UV Fluorescence mg/L (TPH)

Keys: µS/cm : Micro Seimen per Centimeter, ‰ : Parts Per Thousand, °C : Degree Celcius, mg/L : Milligram Per Liter

Checked by Approved by

Aminath Shahidha Mohamed Eyman Laboratory Executive Manager, Quality

WATER QUALITY TEST REPORT Report No: 500186696 Customer Information: Report date: 28/03/2021 CDE Pvt Ltd Test Requisition Form No: 900191535 H.Orchidmaage, 4th Floor Sample(s) Recieved Date: 23/03/2021 Ameeru Ahmed Magu Date of Analysis: 23/03/2021 - 23/03/2021 Male K

Sample Description ~ Seawater 1, F. Feeali Seawater Control, F. Feeali

Sample Type ~ Sea Water Sea Water

Sample No 83217791 83217792

Sampled Date ~ 22/03/2021 11:00 23/03/2021 11:00 TEST METHOD UNIT

PARAMETER ANALYSIS RESULT

Physical Appearance Clear with particles Clear with particles

Conductivity * 52100 51200 Method 2510 B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) µS/cm

pH * 8.03 8.09 Method 4500-H+ B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) -

Salinity 34.24 33.64 Method 2520 B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) ‰

Temperature 24.2 24.6 Electrometry °C

Total Dissolved Solids 26000 25600 Electrometry mg/L

Keys: µS/cm : Micro Seimen per Centimeter, ‰ : Parts Per Thousand, °C : Degree Celcius, mg/L : Milligram Per Liter

Checked by Approved by

Aminath Sofa Mohamed Eyman Laboratory Executive Manager, Quality

Page 1 of 1 MWSC-A5-F-92 Rev 00 EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX E – Impact Evaluation

Pre- Receptor Mitigation Anticipated Impact Receptor Phase Impact Magnitude Design, Enhancement or Mitigation Measures Sensitivity Impact Significance

Noise and vibration Employees at the ice Construction Impact Magnitude: Low Low Minor - Regular maintenance of machinery and plant and nearby fuel equipment shop Nature: Adverse - Limit construction work during night time - Use of noise control devices in heavy Members of Type: Direct machinery and equipment community using the harbour Extent: Local

Duration: Short term

Frequency: Periodic

Reversibility: Reversible

Noise and vibration Employees at the ice Operation Impact Magnitude: Low Minor - Install sound attenuation measures in the plant and nearby fuel Medium generator set to reduce the impact of noise shop during operation stage Nature: Adverse - Undertake regular maintenance of the Members of generator sets community using the Type: Direct - Develop a grievance mechanism for harbour employees and the community to lodge Extent: Local any concerns/ complaints

Duration: Long term

Frequency: Constant

Reversibility: Reversible

Groundwater and soil Groundwater lens Construction Impact Magnitude: Low Medium Minor - Familiarise the contractor and workers contamination about the sensitivity of the project site. Nature: Adverse - Oil, solid waste & hazardous waste must be handled carefully & transported in Type: Direct sealed containers. - All paints, lubricants, and other chemicals Extent: Local used on site stored in a secure and bunded containers in a paved area. Frequency: Infrequent - Construction materials should be covered with appropriate netting or another Duration: Short term appropriate material. - General refuse must be stockpiled in one Reversibility: Reversible central area - Keep spill clean-up materials readily available - Any spills or leakage of construction material must be cleaned up immediately and thoroughly. - Train workers in spill prevention and clean-up, and designate responsible individuals - Dewatering should be carried out only in areas where it is absolutely necessary. - Carry out construction activities user the supervision of a suitably experienced person Groundwater and soil Groundwater lens Operations Impact Magnitude: Low Medium Minor - Supervisors should be present during fuel contamination stage delivery Nature: Adverse - Regular inspection of the fuel storage area for leakage Type: Direct - Pipeline shall be inspected regularly for leakage Extent: Local - Properly tune and maintain all machinery and pipeline Frequency: Infrequent

Duration: Long term

Reversibility: Reversible

Marine water and Community Construction Impact Magnitude: Low Minor - Carry out intake and outfall installation marine biodiversity Medium during low tide and calm sea conditions Marine biodiversity - Carrying out work efficiently to reduce the Nature: Adverse duration of work - Avoid peak NE monsoon to minimise Type: Direct turbidity - All raw materials stored away from the Extent: Local vicinity of the coastal areas - Undertake awareness sessions for Frequency: Infrequent construction workers to follow the rules and dispose waste responsibly and avoid Duration: Short term littering to the harbour basin. - Allocate bins in the project site to ensure Reversibility: Reversible responsible disposal of waste during construction stage - Appoint a supervisor to oversee the waste management and disposal

Marine water and Community Operation Impact Magnitude: Low Low Negligible - Undertake regular maintenance of the ice marine biodiversity plant and its components to ensure the Marine biodiversity Nature: Adverse output water is effectively recycled and it does not have harsh chemicals. Type: Direct

Extent: Local

Frequency: Infrequent

Duration: Short term

Reversibility: Reversible

Terrestrial flora Vegetation in the Construction Impact Magnitude: Low Medium Minor - The contractor shall assign suitable removal vicinity of the work experienced and qualified personnel to site Nature: Adverse supervise the removal of vegetation and ensure that vegetation removal is carried

Type: Direct out in a way that minimises damage. They shall be responsible for keeping records Extent: Local and photographic evidence of how many trees were removed, how the removed Duration: Short term trees were dealt with (eg: were they transplanted, where they were taken) and Frequency: Infrequent the survival rate of trees. - Trees shall be dug at least 3 foot wide of Reversibility: Reversible the trunk. - The root system should be watered to keep in wet and cemented before digging. - The roots should be kept wet during transportation. - Where possible, leave the trees after cutting down for a few hours before transporting. - Vegetation clearing work should be carried out in the daytime. Waste Management Workers Construction Impact Magnitude: Low High Moderate - Recycle and reuse materials during stage construction as much as possible Nature: Adverse - Ensure generated waste is adequately segregated Groundwater lens Type: Direct - Provide recyclable material to a local company providing recycling service Extent: Local - Assign a supervisor to oversee the waste sorting, storage, transfer and disposal Duration: Short term - Allocate a designated area at the project site for waste storage Frequency: Periodic - Ensure that spill kits are kept at the project site Reversibility: Reversible

Waste Management Workers Operations Impact Magnitude: High Major - Ensure that spill kits are kept at the project Stage Medium site - Re-use the waste oil generated during Nature: Adverse operation stage in association with Island Island Community Council. Type: Direct -

Extent: Local

Duration: Long term

Frequency: Infrequent

Reversibility: Reversible

Labour recruitment Workers employed Construction Impact Magnitude: High High Major - Ensure fair recruitment of migrant and working for the project and workers. conditions operation Nature: Adverse - Ensure fair treatment and equal opportunity for all workers Type: Direct - Ensure safe accommodation that meets Government requirements. Extent: Local - Ensure proper occupational health and safety risk management by training Duration: Long term workers and providing appropriate personal protective equipment. Frequency: Constant - Ensure communicable and vector-borne diseases are kept in control, particularly in Reversibility: relation pests like mosquito and COVID- Irreversible 19. Prepare a COVID-19 management plan.

Health and Safety Workers during Construction Impact Magnitude: High High Major - Ensure proper occupational health and construction and and safety risk management by training workers operation Operations Nature: Adverse and providing appropriate personal Stage protective equipment. This includes but is Type: Direct not limited to safety hats, boots, masks, gloves and earmuffs if workers are to be Island Community Extent: Local exposed to high noise levels for extended periods of time. Duration: Long term - Ensure the staff involved over water activities are proficient swimmers. Vegetation near the Frequency: Constant - First aid kits should be available at the work project site site and all employees should be informed Reversibility: of the procedure to follow in the event of an Reversible/ Irreversible accident or emergency medical situation. - Special precaution must be undertaken to Infrastructure near ensure workers are safe from risk of the project site electrocution. No open electrical wiring or cables shall be kept on site. - Supervisors should monitor the project site regularly to ensure that the proper safety protocols are followed. - Ensure communicable and vector-borne diseases are kept in control by proper supervision and management, particularly in relation pests like mosquito and COVID- 19. Prepare a COVID-19 management plan and a health and safety management plan. - Keep fuel stoage tanks and refrigerants in closely bunded containers and appoint supervisors to check for any spills or leakages - Install smoke detectors inside the ice plant - Install fire extinguishers and ensure they are serviced regulary as per regulation - Undertake fire safety training for workers in the ice plant and conduct drill sessions - Place ‘EXIT’ signs in the buildings - Place an evavuation plan

- Appoint an emergency assembly point

Natural Hazards and Ice plant Construction Impact Magnitude: High High Major - Design the ice plant to prevent flooding in Risks infrastructure and the event or heavy rainfall or storm surges operation Nature: Adverse Ice plant employees stage Type: Direct

Extent: Local

Duration: Long term

Frequency: Constant

Reversibility: Irreversible/ Reversible

Climate Change Nation Construction Impact Magnitude: High High Major - Transporting materials in bulk and - Plan out transportation of materials and Operation Nature: Adverse equipment in the most efficient way with stage least number of trips Type: Direct - Plan out construction activities efficiently, reducing the number of hours vehicles are Extent: Nation in use - Heavy machinery, equipment and vehicles Duration: Long term shall be in good condition and maintained regularly to ensure efficiency Frequency: Constant - Heavy machinery and equipment shall be fitted with air pollution control devices - Awareness programs for workers on energy saving measures

Reversibility: - Monitor the amount of GHG emissions for Irreversible ice plant operations - Install energy efficient Air Conditioners and energy saving LED lights at the ice plant - Install roof top solar panels in the ice plant building to power the ice plant using renewable energy sources Air Quality Workers at the Construction Impact Magnitude: Low High Moderate - Suppress dust emissions by spraying water project site stage regularly at dusty sites and at access roads Nature: Adverse within the project site - Practice good site management when Type: Direct loading, unloading, handling and storing materials for the project. Assign a Extent: Local supervisor to oversee the work and ensure there are no spills Duration: Short term - Regular maintenance of vehicles, equipment and machinery Frequency: Constant - Vehicles that will be used to transport dusty materials shall be covered with Reversibility: Reversible tarpaulin or a similar material. - Heavy machinery and equipment shall be fitted with air pollution control devices - Heavy machinery use will be avoided during times with high wind velocity - The construction area shall be properly covered to reduce the spreading of dust Air Quality Workers at the ice Operation Impact Magnitude: Low High Moderate - Regularly monitor the operation condition plant stage of generator sets and maintain the Nature: Adverse generator sets. This includes changing and cleaning filters and replacing generator Type: Direct sets as required. - Check the quality of fuel before injecting Extent: Local into the diesel engine - Monitor the amount of GHG emissions for Duration: Long term generator set operations - Ensure proper ventilation at the ice plant

Frequency: Constant - Develop a grievance mechanism for workers and the community to share any Reversibility: concerns Reversible

Food Safety Fish consumers Operation Impact Magnitude: High Moderate - Ensure all staff entering cold storage room Stage Medium wash hands and feet. - Ensure there is an area to wash hands and Nature: Adverse feet outside the cold storage room. - Ensure all ice transport equipment are Type: Indirect clean, free of dust and covered. - Ensure fuel tank is an adequate distance Extent: Transboundary from ice plant. - Undergo water testing at specified Duration: Long term frequencies in order to ensure input water is clean. Frequency: Infrequent

Reversibility: Reversible

EIA for the proposed construction and operation of ice plant at Feeali, Faafu Atoll

APPENDIX F – Acknowledgement letter from Atoll and Island Council