ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT For the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli Island, ,

Hulhudheli Island. Photo by: Water Solutions (February 2020)

Proposed by: Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure Prepared by: Ahmed Jameel (EIA P07/2007), Abdul Aleem (EIA P03/2019) Mohamed Umar (EIA P02/2019), Ibrahim Faiz (EIA P05/2017) For Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives

April 2020

EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

1 Table of contents 1 Table of contents ...... 2 2 List of Figures and Tables ...... 6 3 Declaration of the consultants ...... 8 4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration ...... 9 5 Non-Technical Summary ...... 13 6 Introduction ...... 15 6.1 Structure of the EIA ...... 15 6.2 Aims and Objectives of the EIA ...... 15 6.3 EIA Implementation ...... 15 6.4 Rational for the formulation of alternatives ...... 15 6.5 Coordination with other stakeholders ...... 15 6.6 Terms of Reference...... 16 7 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework ...... 17 7.1 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act ...... 17 7.2 Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas ...... 17 7.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ...... 18 7.4 FIRST Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 18 7.5 Second Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 18 7.6 THIRD Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 .... 18 7.7 FOURTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 19 7.8 FIFTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 19 7.9 Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation ...... 19 7.10 Dredging and Reclamation regulation ...... 20 7.11 First Amendment to the Dredging and Reclamation Regulation ...... 21 7.12 Waste management policy ...... 21 7.13 Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation, 2011 ...... 22 7.14 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan ...... 22 7.15 National Framework for Development 2009-2013 ...... 22 7.16 Decentralization Act ...... 22 7.17 Third National Environment Action Plan (NEAP III) ...... 22 7.18 8th Addendum to the Decentralization Act of Maldives ...... 23 7.19 Responsible Institutions ...... 23 7.19.1 Ministry of Environment ...... 23 7.19.2 Environmental Protection Agency ...... 23 7.19.3 Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure ...... 23 7.20 International Conventions ...... 24 7.20.1 Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 24

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8 Project Description ...... 25 8.1 Project proponent ...... 25 8.2 Project Location and Study Area ...... 25 8.3 Need and Justification for the project ...... 26 8.3.1 Why the proposed design? ...... 26 8.4 Scope of works ...... 27 8.5 Description of the proposed harbour ...... 27 8.5.1 Concept design ...... 27 8.5.2 Breakwater ...... 28 8.5.3 Quay wall ...... 29 8.5.4 Revetment ...... 31 8.5.5 Groyne...... 31 8.5.6 Other features ...... 31 8.5.7 Dredging of the harbour basin and channel ...... 32 8.5.7.1 Machineries used for dredging ...... 32 8.5.8 Reclamation of eastern and western side of the harbour and backfilling .. 32 8.5.8.1 Location and size of the reclaimed area ...... 32 8.5.8.2 Stockpiling of excess dredge material ...... 33 8.5.8.3 Method and equipment used for reclamation and their justification ...... 34 8.5.9 Leveling of the south side of the island ...... 34 8.6 Construction works ...... 34 8.6.1 Mobilization ...... 34 8.7 Project management...... 35 8.7.1 Project duration ...... 35 8.7.2 Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, grease and oil) ...... 35 8.7.3 Equipment used ...... 36 8.7.4 Material Storage ...... 36 8.7.5 Fuel Management ...... 36 8.8 Project Inputs and Outputs ...... 36 8.8.1 Project Inputs ...... 36 8.8.2 Project Outputs ...... 37 9 Methodology ...... 38 10 Existing Environment of Maldives ...... 39 10.1 Existing general environment of Maldives...... 39 10.2 Existing Marine Environment ...... 39 10.3 Methodology of marine surveys ...... 39 10.3.1 Data Processing methodology ...... 40 10.4 Coral reef ...... 40

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10.4.1 Benthic composition at site 1 (M1) ...... 40 10.4.2 Benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ...... 41 10.4.3 Benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ...... 43 10.5 Status of fish abundance ...... 44 10.6 Marine water quality and bathymetry ...... 45 10.7 Marine Protected and Sensitive Areas ...... 45 10.8 General Climate Settings ...... 46 10.8.1 Rainfall ...... 46 10.8.2 Wind Speed and Direction ...... 48 10.8.3 Waves ...... 50 10.8.4 Hazards and Disasters ...... 50 10.8.4.1 Vulnerability to Natural Disasters ...... 50 10.9 Existing Terrestrial Environment ...... 51 10.9.1 Section Brief ...... 51 10.9.2 General Reference for Tree Relocation ...... 54 10.10 Existing Coastal environment ...... 55 10.10.1 Shoreline and Vegetation Cover ...... 57 10.10.2 Beach Profiles ...... 58 10.11 Existing Socio-Economic Environment ...... 59 10.11.1 Overview of Dhaalu Atoll ...... 59 10.11.2 Hulhudheli Island ...... 59 10.11.2.1 Employment ...... 59 10.11.2.2 Health and Education ...... 59 10.11.2.3 Utilities and Transportation ...... 60 11 Environmental Impacts ...... 61 11.1 Assessing and identification of Impact ...... 61 11.2 Uncertainty and Limitations in Impact Prediction ...... 61 11.3 Environmental impacts during Construction Stage ...... 62 11.3.1 Construction works – Dredging, reclamation and harbour construction .. 62 11.3.2 Changes in drainage pattern and flooding ...... 63 11.3.3 Construction works – Deterioration of marine environment, water quality and habitat loss ...... 63 11.3.4 Waste Management ...... 64 11.3.5 Workforce & Temporary Facilities ...... 64 11.3.6 Operation of Heavy Machinery ...... 65 11.3.7 Impacts on the coral reef during construction ...... 65 11.3.8 Sedimentation impacts on the coral reef during construction of the quay walls, breakwater and revetment ...... 66 11.3.9 Removal of mature trees ...... 67

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11.3.10 Loss of land from the island ...... 67 11.3.11 Impacts on the freshwater aquifer ...... 67 11.4 Environmental Impacts during Operational Stage ...... 67 11.4.1 Improved Transportation ...... 67 11.4.2 Socio-economic impacts ...... 67 11.5 Magnitude of Impacts ...... 67 12 Stakeholder Consultations ...... 69 12.1 Consultation with Hulhudheli Island Council and Community ...... 69 12.2 Consultation with National Disaster Management Authority ...... 70 12.3 Consultation with Maldives Marine Research Institute ...... 70 12.4 List of personnel consulted ...... 70 13 Alternatives ...... 71 13.1 No Project Option ...... 71 13.2 Alternative analysis matrix ...... 72 13.3 Preferred Alternative ...... 77 13.3.1 Mitigation Measures for the Preferred Alternative ...... 77 14 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...... 78 14.1 Introduction ...... 78 14.2 Environmental management plan ...... 78 14.3 Cost of Monitoring ...... 78 14.4 Duration of Monitoring ...... 78 14.5 Methods of Monitoring ...... 78 14.6 Monitoring Responsibility ...... 78 14.7 Monitoring Report ...... 78 14.8 Environmental Management plan ...... 79 15 Conclusion and Recommendation...... 85 15.1 Conclusion ...... 85 15.2 Recommendations ...... 86 16 People who have assisted in the preperation of this report ...... 87 17 Acknowledgements ...... 88 18 Reference Books and Sources ...... 89 19 Annex: Terms of Reference ...... 91 20 Annex: Harbour Design Drawings ...... 93 21 Annex: Beach Profiles and Bathymetry ...... 95 22 Annex: Stakeholder Meeting Attendees ...... 97 23 Annex: Methodologies used ...... 99 24 Annex: Water Quality Results from MWSC ...... 101 25 Annex: Correspondence of Island Council ...... 103

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26 Annex: Tentative Project Schedule ...... 105 27 Annex: Stakeholder Letter Sent to NDMA and MMRI ...... 107 28 Annex: EIA Submission Letter from Atoll Council and Island Council ...... 109

2 List of Figures and Tables Figure 1: Existing Harbour 26 Figure 2: Existing harbour condition of Hulhudheli Island 27 Figure 3: Proposed concept for the harbour with overview of its components and structural elements 28 Figure 4: Plan view of the proposed breakwater on the north of harbour and entrance channel 29 Figure 5: Plain view of the proposed quay wall construction areas 30 Figure 6: Schematic drawing of quay wall concrete section using L-shaped concrete sections (for reference only) 30 Figure 7: Schematic drawing of the cross section of the revetment (for reference only) 31 Figure 8: Schematic drawing of the cross-section of the groyne (for reference only) 31 Figure 9: Location of dredging area 32 Figure 10: Location of reclamation 33 Figure 11: Stockpile location for the excess dredge material 34 Figure 12: Location of temporary site office 35 Figure 13: Marine survey and water sample locations. 39 Figure 14: Percentage benthic composition at site 1(M1) ± Standard Error (SE) (11th February 2020). 41 Figure 15: Photos taken from site 1 (M1) (11th February 2020) 41 Figure 16: Percentage benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ± SE (11th February 2020). 42 Figure 17: Photos taken from site 2 (M2) (11th February 2020). 42 Figure 18: Percentage benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ± SE (11th February 2020). 43 Figure 19: Photos taken from site 3 (M3) (11th February 2020). 43 Figure 20: Protected Areas near Hulhudheli (Imagery: Google Earth). 46 Figure 21: Average monthly rainfall for 2019 – Hulhule (source: Maldives Meteorological Service) 47 Figure 22: Average yearly rainfall data 2010 – 2019 – Hulhule (source: Maldives Meteorological Service) 47 Figure 23: Average monthly rainfall (source: weatherspark.com) 48 Figure 24: Average wind speed (source: weatherspark.com) 48 Figure 25: Wind direction (source: weatherspark.com) 49 Figure 26: Cyclonic Wind Hazard Map (source: UNDP, 2006) 50 Figure 27: Area from where trees will be removed 52 Figure 28: Coconut trees to be cleared 52

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Figure 29: Tree heights of Hulhudheli 53 Figure 30: Tree relocation area 53 Figure 31: Dhaalu Hulhudheli (Drone Imagery, 10 February 2020) 54 Figure 32: Existing harbour of Dh. Hulhudheli (Drone Imagery, 10 February 2020) 54 Figure 33: Existing Coastal Environment 56 Figure 34: South Western side (left) and western side (right) of the island. 56 Figure 35: High and Low Tide Line and Vegetation Line Feb 2020 57 Figure 36: Vegetation cover (Canopy of the tree area) 58

Table 1: Matrix of major inputs during construction period ...... 36 Table 2: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage ... 37 Table 3: Fish abundance based on the fish survey at survey sites (11th February 2020)...... 44 Table 4: Water Quality Results ...... 45 Table 5: Sensitive areas in Dhaalu Atoll (Source: EPA) ...... 46 Table 6: Wind Occurrence Frequency per Directional Sectors ...... 49 Table 7: Types and number of major trees to be removed ...... 51 Table 8: Population statistics for Dhaalu Atoll (Census 2014) ...... 59 Table 9: Evaluation criteria and scoring system for impact analysis ...... 61 Table 10: Magnitude of the impacts ...... 68 Table 11: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option ...... 71 Table 12: Alternative analysis matrix for the project ...... 73 Table 13: Schedule for environmental monitoring during the construction period as well as per annum during operation period...... 79

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3 Declaration of the consultants This EIA report has been prepared according to the EIA Regulations 2012, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment and all the amendments brought to the regulation including the amendment number 2016/R-66 gazetted 11 August 2016. The EIA was carried out by a multidisciplinary consulting team representing Water Solutions Private Ltd. In preparing this report, no data has been manipulated. All data has been collected by field visits. I as the lead consultant certify that the statements in this Environmental Impact Assessment study are true, complete and correct. Name: Ahmed Jameel (EIA P07/2007)

Signature:

Water Solutions Project Reference: WS/QUT/2020/004 Email: [email protected] Tel: +960 3341643

Report reviewed by: Abdul Aleem, Ibrahim Faiz and Mohamed Umar Reviewed date: 05 April 2020

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4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration

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EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

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ާސާލުޙ ާދާސ ްށަކަމުތަގިއަޑަވިދެއ ެގރަޗްކަރްޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިނޭލްޕ ްލަނަޝޭނ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ ާހިކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުމުރުކުޑޮބ ުރަދނަބ ެގީލެދުޅުހ .ދ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްޓޯޕިރިމ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްނިއްސްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ްނުތޮގ ެގުމުލެބ ޯތެނާރުކްއެރަސައ ްނުށަދ )39/4 ުރަބްނަނ ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީނާވިއަފިވެރުކާޔްއަތ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ްނުޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޑްނެއ ެގްނިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްޓްނަމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ިއަގީލައ ެގުކަތުލޫސުއ ާވިއަފިވެރުކްނާޔަބ ިއަގ 2102 ުދިއާވަގ ޭހެބިއާމުދެހ ްޓޯޕިރ ާރުކްނާޔަބ .ެވެށަތޮގްއެއ ިއާއ ްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމރާޓ ާވިއަފިވެރުކޫދ ްށަތަކްއަސަމިމ ްނީސްނެޖޭއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ

ުރަދނަބ ިއަގީލެދުޅުހ ްނުތާރަފ ެގރަޗްކަރްޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިނޭލްޕ ްލަނަޝޭނ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ޭދެހ ްށަލައ ިދައ ެގީރުކ( ުގިދ ރަޓީމ 238 ިދައ ާޅުފ ރަޓީމ 108 ީނެނެމިހ ިއަގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފާޅަހަށުހ ްށަމުދެހ ްނުރުކ ްއަތްއަތްނަކ ިވިނަންނައ ްނުށަދ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެމުދެހ ްއެރަދނަބ )ްނެގިނެމިހ ުރަޓާވ .ެވެއެވިއަފިނެމިހ

0. 23 އަދި 166 މީޓަރ ކަނޑު ތޮއްޓެއް އަދި ނެރުގެ އިރުމަތި ފަރާތު ފައިކަށީގައި ބޮޑުހިލަ ޖަހައިގެން ހެދުން،

2. ބޮޑު ދިޔާގައި ފެން ދައުރުވާގޮތައް ހެދިފައިވާ 01 މީޓަރުގެ ކަނޑު ތޮށި ބަނދަރުގެ ހުޅަނގު ފަރާތުގައި ޖެހުން،

9. ކޮންކްރީޓް ބްލޮކް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން 923 މީޓަރުގެ އެއްގަމު ވާޓަރެއް ހަދުން،

4. ބަނދަރުގެ ސަރަހައްދު މެދު ދިޔާގައި ..9 މީޓަރު ހުންނަވަރަށް ފުންކުރުން،

.. މީގެ އިތުރުން ބަނދަރު ކޮނެގެން ނެގޭ ވެލި ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ބަ ނދަރުގެ ހުޅަނގު ފަރާތް، އަދި ބަނދަރާއި ރަށާ ގުޅޭ ސަރަހައްދު ހިއްކުން،

6. އައު ނެރެއް ބަނދަރުގެ އިރު އުތުރު ފަރާތުގައި ކަޑައި، މެދު ދިޔާގައި 4 މީޓަރު ހުންނަވަރަށް ފުންކުރުން،

7. ބަނދަރުގެ ހުނޅަގު ފަރާތުގައި 066 މީޓަރ ގެ ރިވެޓްމެންޓް ޖެހުން، އަދި މި ރިވެޓްމެންޓް ނިމޭ ހިސާބުގައި 21 މީޓަރުގެ ގުރޯވިން އެއް ޖެހުން،

8. ބަނދަރުގެ އިރުމަތި ފަރާތުން ހިއްކޭ ސަރަހައްދު ހިމާޔަތް ކުރުމަށް 86 މީޓަރ ގެ ރިވެޓްމެންޓް ޖެހުން،

3. 00 މީޓަރ 00 މީޓަރުގެ ރޭމްޕެއް ލުން،

01. އަދި މީގެ އިތުރުން ވާޓަރު ސަރަހައްދުގައި ކޮންމެ 21 މީޓަރަކުން ބައްތި ހަރުކުރުމާއި، ބޭރު ތޮށީގައި 2 ނެރު ބައްތި ހަރުކުރުމާއި، ބަނދަރުގައި . މީޓަރުގެ ޕޭވްމެންޓެއް ހެދުމާއި އަދި ފައްތިޔާ ހަރުކުރުން ހިމެނެއެވެ.

ްށަމަކެނޭގެނ ިލެވ ުރަޓީމ ިޑޮކ 42811 ްނެގެނޮކ ުދްއަހަރަސ ުރަދނަބ ްނުށަދ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ްށަމުކްއިހ ްނަތިމ .ެވެށަމުކްއިހ ްތާރަފ ުގނަޅުހ ެގުރަދނަބ ީނަވިއަފިހެޖަމަހ ްށަމުރުކްނުނޭބ ިލެވިމ .ެވެއެވެރުކާފަލ .ެވެއެވެރުކާފަލ ްށަމަކެނާވްނުނޭބ ިލެވ ެގުރަޓީމ ިޑޮކ 01.71

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ުނުދެހ ިދައ ްނުކަތްއަތްނަކ ިލެބ ްށޮކްތަޔާއިރ ްށަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފިޅެހަށުހ ްށަމުރުކ ިއަގުށަރިމ ދިރާސާތަކުން، މި މަޝްރޫއުގެ ސަބަބުން ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ކުރާނެ އަސަރުވަނީ ދެނެގަނެވިފައެވެ. މިގޮތުން އެންމެ ބޮޑަށް އަސަރުކުރާނެކަމަށް ބެލެވެނީ ރަށް އުފެދިފައިވާ ބައްޓަމަށާއި، ރަށުގެ މޫދުގެ މާހައުލަށާއި މޫދުގައި ހިމެނޭ ދިރޭތަކެއްޗަށެވެ. މިގޮތުން، މަސްމަހާއިމެހި، ގައު، މުރަކަ އަދި މިނޫންވެސް ދިރޭތަކެއްޗަށް ނޭދެވޭ އަސަރުކުރާނެކަމަށް ެގްޓްކެޖޮރޮޕ ްއެކަތްއަތްނަކ ާވްނުލްއެގ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ުރިއާދްނެގ ްށައިރުކ ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ީކަބަބަސ .ެވެއެވެރުކާފަލ ޑިޒައިނުގައި ހިމެނޭތީ އެވެ. ބަނދަރު ސަރަހައްދު ކޮނުމާއި، ކޮނެގެން ނެގޭވެލިން މޫދުގެ ބައެއް ހިއްކުމާއި، ކަނޑު ތޮއްޓާއި، އެއްގަމު ތޮއްޓާއި އަދި ރިވެޓްމަންޓް ޖެހުން ފަދަ ކަންތައްތަކަކީ ތިމާވެއްޓަށް އެކިވަރު ގެ ގެއްލުންތައް ާހިރުހ ެގީޑައ ިރުހ ިއަގ )ްޓްނިރްޕްޓުފ ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ( ެގުދްއަހަރަސ ޭވެރުކ ްއަތްތަކްއަސަމ ިމ .ެވެކެކަތްތަކްތަސަމ ޭބިލ ދިރުންތައް ހަލާކުވެގެންދާނެއެވެ. އަދި މި ކައިރި ސަރަހައްދުތަކަށް، މަސައްކަތްކުރާއިރު އުފެދޭ ކިލަނބުން އެކިވަރުގެ ގެއްލުންވާނެއެވެ. މިކަންތައްތަކީ، އޭގެ ސަބަބުންލިބޭ ގެއްލުންތަކުގެ އަސަރުކޮންމެސް ވަރަކަށް ކުޑކުރެވޭނެ .ެވެމްނިހުމ ްނުޅެއ ްއަތުޅަވަޔިފ ަދަފިމ ާވިއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ުރިއާދްނުމަރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެމަކްނަކ

ްތޮއ ުރާހިމ ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ްސެވްއެކަތްއަތްނަކ ެނާދިވެރުކ ިއަގުލަދަބ ިއަގްޓޯޕިރ ގޮތަށް ބަނދަރު ބޭއްވުމާއި. ބަނދަރު އެޅިދާނެ އެހެން ތަނަކާއި، ވާޓަރު އަދި ބޭރު ތޮށި އަޅަން ބޭނުންކުރެވޭނެ އެހެން ފޭރާމާއި، ރޭމްޕް އެޅިދާނެ އެހެން ތަނެއް ފާހަގަ ކުރެވިފައިވާނެއެވެ. ބަދަލުގައި ކުރެވިދާނެ މި ކަންތައްތަކުގެ .ެވެށަމުރުކ ުލަދަބ ްށަކަނަތ ްނެހެއ ްނޫނ ްނަތާވިއަފްއޮކ ަގަހާފ ްނަޅައ ުރާހިމ ްޕްމޭރ ިނާވިއަފާޅައ ުޅާބ ްނިއެރެތ

މިފަދަ ބަދަލުތަކާއިއެކު، ބަނދަރު ހެދުމުގެ މަސައްކަތް ކުރިޔަށް ގެންދިއުމުން ރަށުގެ ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ގެއްލުން ވީ ކަމުގައި ވިޔަސް، ާރ ްއޖޭ ެގ ެއ ެހ ްނ ަރ ެށ ްއ ަގ ިއ ަތ ުޖ ިރ ާބ ުކ ެރ ިވ ަފ ިއ ުނ ާވ ަފ ަދ ، އިޔާދަނުކުރެވޭފަދަ ބޮޑެތި ްށަރަވ ީކަތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުރުކ ުޑޮބ ުރަދނަބ ާމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިއަގޭޖްއާރ .ެވެއެނެފުނ ްށަކަމަކެނާވ ްއެކަތްނުލްއެގ ީކަކަތްތޮގ ަނިގ ެނޭވެރުކަޑުކ ްނުލްއެގ ޭބިލ ްނުކަތްތަކްތަސަމ ަދަފިމ ީތާވްށަކަމަކަންނައ ްނުމަރުކ ިއަގުށަރްށަރ ަނިގ .ެވެކަތްއަތްނަކ ިރުހ ިއަފިވެރުކ ާބިރުޖަތ ިއަގޭޖްއާރ

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5 Non-Technical Summary This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfil obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed Harbour Expansion Project in Hulhudheli Island, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. This project will involve creation of a new harbour basin with related infrastructure and upgrading of the existing harbour basin and its infrastructure. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long-term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored, and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed harbour project, hereafter referred as “the project”, aims to construct a harbour basin 832 m long and 108 m wide (this includes the existing and the proposed harbor). A new harbour basin will be developed adjacent to the existing harbour basin. The new harbour basin is 108 metres wide by 411 metres long. On the overall, this project can be considered as an expansion of the existing harbour. The project will have following characteristics:

 Dredging a new harbour basin and a new entrance channel; maintenance dredging from the existing harbour. It is estimated that a total of 25,497.77 square metres will be dredged (includes new dredging and maintenance dredging).

 Construction of a breakwater on the northern side of the harbour, and east side of the channel. A total of 189 m breakwater will be constructed in this project. The east side breakwater will be constructed across the existing entrance channel that will be filled to the appropriate height before construction of the breakwater.

 Construction of a 10 m submerged breakwater on the eastern side of the harbour,

 Construction of a quay wall on the south side of the harbour (parallel to the shore), east and west side of the harbour as well as around the T-jetty. The total length of the quay wall is 471 m (includes quay wall on the new harbour basin).

 Construction of 166 m revetment on west side of the harbour and construction of 86 m revetment on east side of the harbour to protect the filled areas.

 Construction of a 20 m groyne on towards the end of the proposed revetment on the western side of the harbour.

 Construction of a ramp for landing crafts (11m x 11m)

 Installation of two (2) navigation lights at the breakwater head

 Filling area on the eastern side (2733.5 sqm) and the western side (6264.6 sqm) of the harbour

 Double arm lights )20m intervals) along quaywall

 Construction of drains )20m intervals) along quaywall

 Construction of mooring rings and blocks

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 Construction of the harbour pavement (5m width) The proposed new harbour basin and maintenance dredging would be dredged to a depth of - 3.5 m at mean sea level (MSL). The new harbour channel would be dredged to a depth of -4m at mean sea level (MSL). The excavation of the new basin, maintenance dredging and the new entrance channel is expected to generate approximately 42800 cbm of dredge material. This material will be used to reclaim western side of the harbour as well as for backfilling. It is estimated that approximately 10570 cbm of dredge material will be required to fill and backfill the proposed areas. Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, the most significant impacts are likely to occur on the marine environment due to the nature of works involved. As this is a completely new development, significant negative impacts on the marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef and lagoon area will be both directly and indirectly impacted during the implementation of this project. Rest of the significant impacts during the construction period are those related to waste management, sedimentation and turbidity of the water. During the operational stage of this project, there will mostly be positive impacts, all of which has been outlined in detail in the relevant sections. Several alternatives have been presented including no project option, which is allowing the islanders to use existing harbour as it is. Other alternatives include Alternative materials for breakwater and quaywall construction, alternative harbour location, alternative ramp location and more. However, the preferred alternative is to alternative ramp location, all of which has been outlined in detail in the alternative section. Towards the end of the report, a monitoring program has been outlined. Parameters selected for monitoring has been done in a way to allow the most significant changes arising from the project activities to be monitored. This includes the changes to the shoreline and the beach profiles, durability of the coastal structures and the socio-economic impacts.

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6 Introduction This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, law no. 4/93 in order to assess the impacts of the proposed harbour expansion project in Hulhudheli Island, Dhaalu Atoll. The aim of this project is to ensure that the project is sustainably undertaken to address and manage the environmental issues. 6.1 Structure of the EIA The report has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA regulations 2012 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment and subsequent revisions. Hence, the report will provide an executive summary at the beginning. The report will then have a project description in detail, existing environmental conditions, justifications given by the proponent for undertaking the proposed project components and alternatives. Alternatives to proposed components or activities in terms of location, design and environmental considerations would be suggested. A mitigation plan and monitoring programme before, during and after the works will be outlined at the end. The major findings of this report are based on qualitative and quantitative assessments undertaken during site visit in February 2020 and through the use of available secondary data. The impact assessment methodology has been restricted to field data collected, consultations, experience and professional judgment. In addition, satellite and aerial photos have also been used to study the geography and environment where necessary. 6.2 Aims and Objectives of the EIA The objective of the report is to:  Promote informed and environmentally sound decision making.  Report the existing situation of harbour and its shortcomings in the island.  To fulfill the obligations of the proponent to undertake an EIA under Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives.  Undertake the proposed project work with minimum damage to the environment.  Ensure that all the environmental and social aspects of the project are addressed.  Propose recommendation measures to the proponent 6.3 EIA Implementation This EIA has been prepared by a local environmental consulting firm, Water Solutions. Water Solutions have been chosen by the proponent as the environmental consultants for this project. The team members were:  Ahmed Jameel, B. Eng (Environmental), MSc – Environmental (EIA-P07/2007)  Abdul Aleem, BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA P03/2019)  Mohamed Umar, BSc - Environmental Management (EIA P02/2019)  Ibrahim Faiz, BSc, MSc - Environmental Management (EIA P05/2017)  Mariyam Juma Ahmed – Intern 6.4 Rational for the formulation of alternatives Alternatives analysis provides other ways of implementing the project or various components of the project. Hence, in formulating the alternatives, various critical components of the project were considered such a, environmental acceptability, cost and benefits to the community. These factors were used to assess the various alternatives for the project as outlined in detail in the relevant sections. 6.5 Coordination with other stakeholders The EIA can be considered as a blanket permit through which, the permit will be given to undertake the works. However, before an EIA is undertaken, various government and other stakeholders provide their input to the formulation of the project. Following are key points in this regard.

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o The client develops the project in consultation with the needs and requirements from the community. o Independent consultants prepare feasibility studies and outlines potential locations for harbour construction. o The community provides assurance to the project by giving their consent for any issues regarding harbour construction. o Once the concept is finalized, then consultants will develop detail designs of the harbour. These get approved through consultation with the client. o Client tenders the project and selects a contractor through the government tendering process. o In parallel, an EIA consultant is hired and awarded the project to prepare the EIA. o The EIA Consultant, during the preparation of the report revisits the project concept where by the various components are studied and alternative methods or technologies are identified. o The EIA is then reviewed by independent consultants through the EIA review process before approval is granted. o Once the EIA is approved, then the contractor can implement the project.

6.6 Terms of Reference This EIA is prepared according to the Terms of Reference issued by Environment Protection Agency on 1st March 2020. Terms of Reference has been included in the Appendix of this report.

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7 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework This section outlines the relevant environmental legislation pertaining to this project. The following table outlines a matrix of major environmental laws, guidelines, codes and standards, both local and international indicating the relevance to this project. 7.1 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act The project conforms to the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives, Law no. 4/93. The EIA has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulation 2012 of the Maldives by registered consultants. Furthermore, it adheres to the principles underlined in the regulations, action plans, programmes and policies of Ministry of Environment and Energy, Ministry of Housing and Infra Structure and relevant local councils. These are discussed in detail in the following sections and relevant amendments brought to the regulations from time are also considered in this chapter. The Articles of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) addresses the following aspects of environmental management: Guidelines and advice on environmental protection shall be provided by the concerned government authorities. Formulating policies, rules and regulations for protection and conservation of the environment in areas that do not already have a designated government authority already carrying out such functions shall be carried out by MEEW. Identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. An EIA shall be submitted to MEEW before implementing any developing project that may have a potential impact on the environment. Projects that have any undesirable impact on the environment can be terminated without compensation. Disposal of waste, oil, poisonous substances and other harmful substances within the territory of the Republic of Maldives is prohibited. Waste shall be disposed only in the areas designated for the purpose by the government. Hazardous / Toxic or Nuclear Wastes shall not be disposed anywhere within the territory of the country. Permission should be obtained for any trans-boundary movement of such wastes through the territory of Maldives. The Penalty for Breaking the Law and Damaging the Environment are specified. The government of the Maldives reserves the right to claim compensation for all damages that are caused by activities that are detrimental to the environment. The proposed project will fully abide to the Environmental Preservation and Protection Act. Disposal of oil, chemicals and other hazardous materials will be strictly controlled and managed. Such materials will not be disposed in to the local or the regional environment, but will be transported to designated waste disposal site (Thilafushi Island/ Island), that need to be identified by the Ministry of Housing and Environment. All mitigation measures will be implemented in the interest of the environment. 7.2 Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas Under Article 4 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, the Ministry of Environment is vested with the responsibility of identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. As part of the Environmental Regulation, EPA has established list of ‘sensitive sites’ in the Maldives. Although not formalized as a regulation, the sensitive list is mentioned in the recent Regulation on Dredging and Reclamation (Regulation number 2014/R-13, see Section 5.7, page34). The sensitive sites, according to EPA are sites in the Maldives (islands, reefs, mangroves, inter-tidal areas) where developments ought to be restricted, regulated or controlled. Dh. Hulhudheli is not a protected island.

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7.3 Environmental Impac t Assessment Regulation 2012 The Ministry of Environment has issued EIA regulation on May 2012, which guides the process of undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment in the Maldives – This guideline also provides a comprehensive outline of the EIA process, including the roles and responsibilities of the consultants and the proponents. This regulation outlines every step of the IEE/EIA process beginning from application to undertake an EIA, details on the contents, minimum requirements for consultants undertaking the EIA, format of the EIA/IEE report and many more. The guidance provided in this Regulation was followed in the preparation of this EIA report. And the EIA has also been prepared by registered consultants 7.4 FIRST Addendum to Environmental Impac t Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 9th April 2013. As per this amendment the responsible authority has to check the submitted EIA report for everything mentioned in the Regulation’s article (Kaafu) was in order and inform the proponent whether the EIA Report has been accepted or rejected within 2 working days. The penalty for repetitive offenses has been also amended in this amendment of the Regulation. 7.5 Second Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 30th August 2015. With this Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, the following important points were noted.  Procedural changes have been made to the EIA process. One of the most important changes was shifting the tourism related developmental project EIA’s to the Ministry of Tourism. Slight changes to the process like finalization of the Terms of Reference during the scoping meeting and changes in the fees structure for review process has been made to three different categories.

 Article 8 (a) of the amendment of the decision for screening form is as follows

o Environmental Management Plan o Initial Environmental Examination o Environmental Impact Assessment o Approval to go forward with the screened project o Approval to go forward with the project with as per the mitigation measures proposed by EPA.  The amendment’s article 9)b) says the decision for IEE will be as follows

o Environmental Impact Assessment Report if the project anticipated to have major environmental impacts o Environmental Management Plan o Approval to go forward with the project if the project is not anticipated to occur major environmental impacts  Article 10 of this amendment says that two (2) reviewers are required to review the environmental management plan and the selection of the reviewers are to be carried out as per the article 13(b).

7.6 THIRD Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 Amendment 3 (issued on 11th August 2016) covers the point systems for consultants, categories of the consultants and amendment of the penalties to consultants and proponents who fail to follow the regulation. This EIA report was prepared by a Category a registered EIA consultant.

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7.7 FOURTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 There was a 4th amendment done on the EIA regulation 2012 and gazetted on 19th January 2017. This amendment explains about the projects that can be preceded without an Environmental Impact Assessment when the proponent requests to the Ministry of Environment and Energy in writing along with commitments or guarantee that the Proponent will carry out the mitigation measures that may impact on the Environment due to such projects. A list of such projects given in the amendment is as follows. 1. Deepening of Existing harbours and channels as same as the foot print 2. Uprooting trees that fall into the existing plots given to citizens for residential purpose 3. Uprooting trees that fall into the roads/path ways to the above plots. (Only councils or who takes such responsibilities can apply). 4. Drilling boreholes to take water. 5. Reclamation carried out as land extension means to the natural existing land. Such lands that are less than 3 years after the reclamation is completed with exception of the projects mentioned article 1 ( c ) of this amendment. 6. Reclamation carried out in a lagoon with an island shape or characteristics. Such lands that are less than 5 years after the reclamation is completed with exception of the projects mentioned article 1 ( c ) of this amendment. Environmental Impact Assessment shall be carried out and permission shall be obtained in Lands that are mentioned in 5 and 6 as above, when such lands become inhabited. Environmental Impact Assessment shall be carried out in the following projects even in the lands that are reclaimed as per the number 5 and 6 explained above. 1. Projects that involve Dangerous Chemicals 2. Projects that involve in any Oil Storage 3. Projects that involve Incinerators 4. Projects that involves release of any poisonous elements to the atmosphere 5. Projects that involve fiber glass work. The amendment also says that this amendment will come into force from the date it is gazetted.

7.8 FIFTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 27th December 2018. With this Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, the following important points were noted:  It states the termination of article 4(b) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation.

 Changes to the Article 13 (G):

o Clause (F): decision after reviewing EIA report means, environmental decision statement or requesting for additional information,  Addition of the following points to Annex (d)

o Development of tourist resorts o Development of tourist hotels 7.9 Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Ev a l u a t i o n The environmental monitoring programme given in EIA reports is an important aspect of the EIA process. The monitoring programme outlines the objectives of the monitoring; the specific information to be collected; the data collection program, and managing the monitoring programme. Managing the monitoring programme requires assigning institutional

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 19 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives responsibility, reporting requirements, enforcement capability, and ensuring that adequate resources are provided in terms of funds, skilled staff, etc. The monitoring programme outlined in this report will comply with the EIA Regulations 2012 and ToR approved by the EPA for this project. 7 . 1 0 Dredging and Reclamation regulation Following are the relevant clauses of this regulation. Clause 6, a, and c outlines the situation or cases to which dredging and permit can be given. Clause 7 discusses the types of situations in which dredging and reclamation can be undertaken. Clause 10 outlines the exemptions and exceptional cases where enforcing authority can issue decisions or waive the conditions. Clause 44 outlines the criteria’s to be utilized during dredging and reclamation. Clause 13 outlines the details conditions to be met in a borrow area. This includes, minimum buffer zone between the reef line, shore lines and also buffer zones around reef. Clause 14 outlines the dredge spoil disposal methods and its use. Clause 15 outlines the maximum area for dredging. Under clause 10, this project can be exempted and the regulatory authority has the legal obligation to issue the approval for this. In short the regulation covers situations or cases where dredging permits can be given and types and situations where dredging and reclamation can be undertaken. Criteria for dredging and reclamation, minimum buffer zone, between reef line, shoreline, disposal methods, dredge spoil and maximum area for dredging and reclamation are covered in this regulation. Furthermore, the following points are highlighted. The 21 clauses in the regulation on Dredging and reclamation was gazetted on 2nd April 2013 and this regulation explains in details about the situations of dredging and reclamation. The relevant clauses of this regulation for this project are outlined below. Clause 6 (a). Permission for Dredging and reclamation shall be given as per the following methods. When dredging or reclamation is required, it should be carried out as per the Clause 7 and 8 of the Dredging and Reclamation Regulation. For this the need of dredging or reclamation, land use plan and the details of essential requirement should be submitted to the Implementation Agency. Along with these details, a geo referenced scale map (1:10000) should be submitted and permission should be obtained from the Implementation Agency. Clause 6 (b) says that, when permit explained in Clause 6)a) is obtained, An “Environmental Impact Assessment” Report should be carried out and submitted to the Implementation Agency. Clause 6 ( c ) says when the said (Clause 6 (b) ) Environmental Impact Assessment Report is reviewed by the Implementation Agency and the decision taken by the Implementation Agency should be informed to the proponent. Clause 7 (b) says If the island is leased for Industrial, Agricultural or Tourism related activities or commercial purpose, then the dredging can be carried out to full fill the permit given by the Government Agency. But this dredging can be carried out only if the permitted activity is not possible to proceed due to the accessibility to the island. Clause 8 (b) If the island is leased for Industrial, Agricultural or Tourism related activities or commercial purpose, then the reclamation can be carried out to full fill the permitted activity by the Government. But this reclamation can be carried out only if the permitted activity is not possible to proceed due to the shortage of land.

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Clause 10 of this regulation explains about the exemption situations with the exception of the activities explained in clause 6. Clause 10 (2) says if the island is leased for Industrial, Agricultural or Tourism related activities or commercial purpose, then the dredging and reclamation can be carried out as per the initial concept. Clause 13 explains the various areas banned for dredging and reclamation under this regulation. Clause 13 (d) has given reference to clause 13 (c) number (4) and says sand mining or reclamation that are 200 meters closer to the areas explained in clause 13 (c) number 4 are banned. 7 . 1 1 First Amendment to the Dredging and Reclamation R e g u l a t i o n This amendment to the Regulation came into force on 9th February 2014 and has brought changes to the clause 13 (d) of the Dredging Regulation. The amendment says that the developmental projects planned to carry out under cabinet decision or run under government developmental projects can be preceded even after it falls under clause 13 (d) number 4 along with the conditions given in the first amendment. The proponent shall apply to the Implementation Agency for such activities like sand mining; dredging and reclamation and shall be carried out only after obtaining the permission from the Implementation Agency. The conditions given in the amendment are as follows. 1. Carry out a study on the existence of living flora, fauna and threatened species

2. Submit a plan and obtain permission for such plans on how to transfer, shift and farm the threatened species

3. Develop a natural area not smaller than the existing area with the existing characteristics or develop an area with such characteristics that are instructed by the Implementation Agency as per the policy, regulation, standards and set arrangements to protect, manage, and monitor such areas.

4. Carry out study to monitor the impact on aquifer and to take mitigation measures to prevent from likely impacts and these activities should be monitored by the implementation Agency.

5. Carry out study on possible flooding and implement a suitable drainage system as mitigation measures to

Therefore, this project can be preceded as per the regulations and its amendments and mitigation and monitoring are explained in relevant sections.

7 . 1 2 Waste management policy The Ministry of Environment has developed the framework for a national waste management policy. The key elements of the policy include:  Ensure safe disposal of solid waste and encourage recycling and reduction in waste generated.  Develop guidelines on waste management and disposal and advocate enforcing these guidelines through inter-sectoral collaboration.  Ensure safe disposal of chemical, industrial and hazardous waste. The key objective of the waste management policy would be the formulation and implementation of guidelines and means for solid waste management to maintain a healthy environment. Waste management for the proposed project will be in line with this policy.

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7 . 1 3 Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation, 2011 Under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (No. 4/93), the Ministry of Environment formulated the Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation in February 2011, which encompasses the basis to avoid environmental deterioration, extinction of biological resources, environmental degradation and avoid wastage of natural resources. The main purpose of this regulation is to stop unlawful activities on environment and adequately implement a fining procedure for violations as well as implement a compensation mechanism on environmental damages. Its Schedules form the basis for levying fines on various environmental components and activities. Under the Article 14 of the regulation, any party, from whom the implementing agency requires information relating to an investigation or for other purposes of this regulation, should provide such information. This regulation describes the factors to consider when determining the fine to be charged on a party causing damage to the environment and formulas to measure the magnitude of the damages caused to the environment. 7 . 1 4 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2025 (NBSAP 2016-2025) seeks to ensure that threats to biodiversity are addressed, biodiversity is conserved, sustainably used and benefits arising from them are shared equitably. It also encompasses ways of addressing gaps, challenges and constraints highlighted in earlier sections. It is a living document that will have the capacity to adapt to changes in national conditions, capacities and to the changes in the international arena. In implementing the proposed project activities due care would be given to ensure that the national biodiversity strategies are adhered to.  The proponent has committed on conservation and protection of the environment while undertaking this proposed project. 7 . 1 5 National Framework for Development 2009 - 2 0 1 3 This framework consists of 10 policies and it is the very important environmental policy guidance given in the Strategic Action Plan. This policy encourages strengthening EIA process and EIA monitoring including conservation and sustainability of biological diversity. Based on this plan, relevant laws, regulations and amendments to such regulations has been done to improve the processes and the relevant laws and regulation are covered under Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework of this report

7 . 1 6 Decentralization Act The Decentralization Act establishes the local councils as highest authority in the locality and who shall have executive powers to be exercised in accordance with this Act. The Act establishes Atoll Councils, Island Councils and City Councils. This project will be monitored and overlooked by the Island Council. The project was also formulated and finalized together with input from the local council. 7 . 1 7 Third National Environment Action Plan (NEAP III) The aim of NEAP III is to protect and preserve the environment of the Maldives and to sustainably manage its resources for the collective benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The following principles outlined in the NEAP III to in environment protection and environmental management are;  Environmental protection is the responsibility of every individual  Achieve results - The actions, activities, regulations, supervision, reporting, incentives, information and advice for environmental management shall be directed and well- coordinated to achieve the results the citizens want.  Promote and practice sustainable development

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 Ensure local democracy  Inter-sectoral co-ordination and co-operation  Informed decision making  Precaution first  Continuous learning and improvement  Right to information and participation  Environmental protection complements development  NEAP III contains environmental policies and guidelines that should be adhered to in the implementation of the proposed project activities.  The proponent is committed to the EIA and the proposed monitoring programme. The monitoring programme proposed in this report outlines the environmental management strategy and plan. This EIA has also been prepared in consultation with the key stakeholders, especially the island council, island community of Dh. Hulhudheli and relevant stakeholders.

7 . 1 8 8th Addendum to the Decentralization Act of Maldives Amendment 8 (issued on 15th December 2019) covers the procedure to follow for undertaking developmental projects within the island, atoll and city boundaries of Maldives. Clause number 68 of this law states that consultations must be undertaken with the corresponding council in the planning and implementation of developmental projects. If an EIA is required for such a project, the report must be shared with the island and atoll council prior to the approval of report from EPA. Copy of this EIA was sent to island and atoll council and the receipt is attached as an annex for reference. 7 . 1 9 Responsible Institutions The main government institutions that have roles and responsibilities relevant to this project are summarised below. 7 . 1 9 . 1 Ministry of Environment The Ministry of Environment is mandated for the effective implementation of the Environmental Protection Act of the country and has the statutory power over issues related to the environment. It has the central control over the environment protection, management, conservation and environmental emergencies. The Ministry operates mainly at a policy level and the more regulatory and technical assessment activities are mandated to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this respect EPA has now been mandated to manage all issues relating to Environmental Impact Assessment of individual projects. 7 . 1 9 . 2 Environmental Protection Agency The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of the Ministry of Environment has responsibility for efficient operation of the EIA process. This encompasses a number of tasks, including screening of projects and provision of general procedural advice to the project proponents throughout the EIA process. The EPA manages the review of the EIA report and is responsible for any approvals or recommendations associated with the EIA. It is also responsible for verifying that environmental protection measures are properly implemented by undertaking environmental audits in collaboration with other government as well as non‐government agencies with a role for environmental protection and preservation.

7 . 1 9 . 3 Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure is the government ministry responsible for the development and regulation of the construction sector of the country. It is also the agency which oversees the development of public infrastructure of the country. All harbour development

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 23 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives projects therefore fall under the responsibility of Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure. The Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure works to develop and provide all Maldivian citizens with affordable, quality and safe housing. The ministry develops public infrastructure to achieve the development goals of the country to enrich and maintain the social situation and wealth of the citizens.

7 . 2 0 I n t ernational Conventions 7 . 2 0 . 1 Convention on Biological Diversity The Maldives is a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The objective of the convention is “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding”. The proposed development activities outlined in this project does not fall on any area recognised for its ecological value but occurs in an island with sensitive areas. There will be significant loss of biodiversity during the project. The loss is going to be significant at atoll and national level, considering the fact that the recent state of coral reefs have been very poor due to coral bleaching. Hence, it is recommended that the developer ensures that mitigation measures are followed while executing works on land and in the marine environment to protect the marine biodiversity.

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8 Project Description 8.1 Project proponent This project is proposed by Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure. It is the government ministry responsible for the development and regulation of the construction sector of the country. It is also the agency which oversees the development of public infrastructure of the country. All harbour development projects therefore fall under the responsibility of Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc. (MTCC) is the contractor for the project. MTCC was incorporated in 1980 and is currently the longest serving public company in the Maldives. Today the company offers a diverse range of services such as construction and project management services, logistical operations, modern transport services, engineering and docking service and a plethora of reputed product.

8.2 P r o j e c t L o cation and Study Area This island is situated at the geographical coordinates 2°51'30.94"N 72°50'47.58"E in Dhaalu Atoll. The small reef consists of the island of Hulhudheli only. The island lies south-west, about 8.6km of the inhabited island of of Dhaalu Atoll. Hulhudheli is formed within its own coral reef system just inside about 4.7km from the rim of the atoll. The closest inhabited island to Hulhudheli is Rinbudhoo. The length of the island is 960 m. The width at the widest point is approximately 290 meters. The following figure illustrates the location of Dh. Hulhudheli.

Figure 1: Location of Hulhudheli Island in Dhaalu Atoll.

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8.3 Need and Justification for the project This project is a socially-driven project that will have significant positive impacts. The primary reason to undertake this project is to obtain a permanent solution for the difficulties faced by the community due to the small size of the existing harbour. The island presently has a 94m long and 62m wide harbour. The basin has been filled over time and the usable area of the basin is very limited. The existing harbour was constructed in 2008. Since then, no proper maintenance was undertaken and as a result. This project will directly benefit the local population by providing an adequate sized harbour and increasing the standard of living through provision of safe and easy accessibility to the island. The project will also help to establish further facilities and opportunities to develop various economic activities in the island. The following diagram illustrates the existing condition of the harbour.

Figure 1: Existing Harbour 8 . 3 . 1 Why the proposed design? The proposed design of the harbour is a typical configuration with a harbour basin, breakwaters, entrance channel, quay wall and revetments. The proposed concrete quay walls and rock boulder breakwater are the new third generation designs that have been tested in Maldives. Compared to the previous two generations, third generation harbours provide better protection, and the construction materials and structures are more durable. The proposed design has been considered based on the following criteria.  The concrete quay walls are considered more durable and allow load bearing capacity for general use vehicles and temporary material storage.  The breakwater would be constructed using rock boulders. A total of 189m of breakwater will be constructed.  Construction of revetments using rock boulders, a total of 252m of revetment will be constructed.  Construction of groynes using rock boulders, a total of 20 m groyne will be constructed.  The new harbour basin will be 108 m wide and 238m long (this includes the existing and the new basin), quay wall of 329m will be constructed in addition to the existing quay wall.  Construction of new channel (24.29 m in width)  Entrance channel would be deepened up to -4 m at main sea level.  Harbour basin would be deepened up to -3.5 m at main sea level (maintenance dredging as well as new harbour basin)  A total of 2 navigation lights will be installed  Double arm lights along quaywall  Construction of drains along quaywall  Construction of mooring rings and blocks  Construction of the harbour pavement (5m width)

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 Ramp for landing crafts 8.4 Scope of works The scope of works in this project constitutes the following.  Mobilization.  Site preparation.  Construction.  Handing over of the project.

8.5 Description of the p r o p o s e d h a r b o u r 8 . 5 . 1 Concept design The project involves upgrading and extension of the existing harbour in Hulhudheli. The following diagram illustrates the existing harbour of Hulhudheli and the associated infrastructure.

Figure 2: Existing harbour condition of Hulhudheli Island

The following diagram outlines the proposed concept for the harbour and its various components. A new basin 108 m wide and 144 m long will be constructed under this project. The harbour will have a number of coastal protection structures as part of the infrastructure as outlined below. The total length of the quay wall will be 461 metres (this includes the existing and the new extension). Total length of the new extension quay wall is 329 m.

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Figure 3: Proposed concept for the harbour with overview of its components and structural elements

8 . 5 . 2 B r e a k w a t e r Construction of a breakwater on the northern side of the harbour, and east side of the channel. A total of 189 m breakwater will be constructed in this project with a 10 m submerged breakwater on the eastern side of the harbour. The east side of the breakwater will be constructed across the existing entrance channel that will be filled to the appropriate height before construction of the breakwater. The following diagrams illustrates the plan view and a schematic design of this breakwater proposed.

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Figure 4: Plan view of the proposed breakwater on the north of harbour and entrance channel

8 . 5 . 3 Q u a y w a l l Construction of 329 m quay wall. The following diagram shows proposed quay wall construction areas.  Quaywall joints will be sealed with underwater grouting  Geotextile 400 – 500 GSM 1M strips will be used for quaywall joints  Toe of quaywall will be protected by rock apron placed on 200 – 300 GSM geotextile  Mooring rings – SS 316 L grade  Protective coating will be used for all anchor rods,  A part of the east side quay wall will be constructed across the existing entrance channel that will be filled to the appropriate height before construction of the quay wall.

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Figure 5: Plain view of the proposed quay wall construction areas  The following diagram illustrates the cross section of the quay wall section.

Figure 6: Schematic drawing of quay wall concrete section using L-shaped concrete sections (for reference only)

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8 . 5 . 4 R e v e t m e n t Construction of 166 m revetment on west side of the harbour and construction of 86 m revetment on east side of the harbour to protect the filled areas. Geotextile 600-800 GSM will be used for revetment. The following diagram illustrates the cross section of the revetment.

Figure 7: Schematic drawing of the cross section of the revetment (for reference only)

8 . 5 . 5 G r o y n e Construction of 20 m groyne on west of the harbour. The following diagram illustrates the cross-section of the groyne.

Figure 8: Schematic drawing of the cross-section of the groyne (for reference only)

8 . 5 . 6 Other features  Construction of a ramp for landing crafts (11m x 11m),

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 Construction of mooring rings and blocks  Harbour pavements (includes installation of settlement tanks, storm water drainage pipes and streetlights) 8 . 5 . 7 D r e d g i n g o f t h e h a r b o u r basin and channel The proposed new harbour basin and maintenance dredging of the existing basin would be dredged to a depth of -3.5 m at mean sea level (MSL). Moreover, a new access channel is proposed to be dredged to a depth of -4m at mean sea level (MSL). The existing entrance channel will be filled. The total area proposed to be dredged is approximately 25,497.77 m2. The excavation of basin and the entrance channel is expected to generate approximately 42,800 cbm of dredged material. The following diagram illustrates the location of the proposed dredging areas.

Figure 9: Location of dredging area 8.5.7.1 Machineries used for dredging The dredging of the harbour basin and the entrance channel would be undertaken using an excavator. It is recommended to use a larger excavator on a barge to minimize the impact on environment through limiting the total duration of the project that can be achieved through appropriate sizing of dredging machineries. A large excavator will save time and the impact of dredging would not be prolonged. Excavators will be working on sand beds and barges. The dredged material would be disposed in the area proposed for filling. Any stockpiling of materials will be placed in the designated areas.

8 . 5 . 8 Reclamation o f e a s t e r n and western s i d e o f t h e h a r b o u r and backfilling 8.5.8.1 Location and size of the reclaimed area The excavation of basin and the new entrance channel is expected to generate approximately 42,800 cbm of dredged material. This material will be used to reclaim eastern and western side of the harbour as well as for backfilling. It is estimated that approximately 10,570 cbm of dredge

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 32 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives material will be required to fill and backfill the proposed areas. The following diagram outlines the proposed filling areas.

Figure 10: Location of reclamation 8.5.8.2 Stockpiling of excess dredge material All the excess dredged material will be stockpiled west side reclamation area. This area has been identified and approved by the Island Council. The following diagram outlines the location. This the area proposed for reclamation. Allocating stockpiling in this location will avoid vegetation clearance for a new stockpile location in the exiting land area.

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Figure 11: Stockpile location for the excess dredge material 8.5.8.3 Method and equipment used for reclamation and their justification The dredged material would be disposed in the area proposed for reclamation and any excess stored in the stockpile location. Dump trucks and other heavy machineries will be used to assist in transportation of materials and other processes. In this project the dredging and reclamation area is very close by and thus the excavators can be used to reclaim the proposed areas around the harbour. Nevertheless, other machineries such as dump trucks will be used. The advantage of using dump trucks is that it can result in major cost savings if materials need to be transported for long distances. Dump trucks can transport large volumes on a single run and thus makes earthmoving works very efficient.

8 . 5 . 9 Leveling of the south side of the island During council stakeholder and scoping meeting, council president noted that they would like to level the south side of the island, as it is a reclaimed part from a previous project and land plots were given from that area for housing. (Note: this part will be funded by island council).

8.6 Construction works 8 . 6 . 1 Mobilization Site mobilizations and construction related activities will be undertaken within the planned manner. A site office will be setup on the east side of the island as shown in the following diagram. This location has already been approved by the council. All vehicles and machinery as well as site office will be setup here.

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Figure 12: Location of temporary site office 8.7 Project management The project will be managed by Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure by way of subcontracting of the civil works to MTCC. The contractor will provide a daily work schedule for the project and will be responsible for hiring laborers and civil works. 8 . 7 . 1 Project duration It is expected to take 362 days for the completion of the project.

8 . 7 . 2 Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, grease and o i l ) The project site will have contact numbers for the project manager in case of any emergency and everyone working on this project will have access to the project managers through mobile phones. In order to avoid any serious spillage, all fuelling activities will be undertaken on land. That is to say, excavators, barges and other vehicles refueling will takes place around the temporary site office with careful supervision. This would totally avoid any oil spillages to the marine environment. In case of a serious oil spill from a machinery due to a damage, all work will be immediately stopped and everyone will be directed to focus their attention and effort to get the leaking stop, either through mechanically or by any temporary means. The focus will then be to move the machinery to land, if it happens on the sea.

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8 . 7 . 3 E q u i p m e n t u s e d Heavy machineries like excavators and dump trucks will be used for dredging harbour basin and construction of quay wall and breakwater. 8 . 7 . 4 Material Storage All the equipment and material needed for the project will be stored in site office. Heavy vehicles will be parked near the site office and the work area in and around the harbour site. 8 . 7 . 5 Fuel Management All fuels to the site will be stored in the island at the site office. The fuel storage will be done in a hard floor area with roof covering to avoid rain and heat. Temporary storage area will be required to have an impervious flooring surface, such as metal sheets or wood on which fuel drums will be stored. 8.8 Project Inputs and O u t p u t s 8 . 8 . 1 Project Inputs

Table 1: Matrix of major inputs during construction period Input resource(s) Source/ Type How to obtain resources Construction workers Maldivians + foreign labors Contractor’s responsibility (1 project manager, 1 site supervisor / foreman, etc.) Construction machinery Excavators, wheel loader, Import and purchase where locally Trucks, concrete tools etc., available at competitive prices – Contractor’s responsibility. Transport (sea) Materials to be transported Contractor’s responsibility in carrier vessels or large barges. Water supply (during Rainwater from the island From the island. construction) and bottle water when required to be purchased from the island or supply from Male’. Rock boulders - Imported from another country

Electricity/Energy Electricity from the island’s Diesel-based electricity from island mains (during construction) main power grid. Electricity/Energy Electricity for operation Diesel-based electricity from island mains (during operation) Fuel Diesel, Petrol and Local purchase or supply from Male’. Lubricants Contractor’s responsibility.

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8 . 8 . 2 Project Outputs The type of outputs (products and waste streams) and what is expected to happen to them are given in the following table.

Table 2: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage Products and waste Anticipated quantities Method of disposal materials Constructional waste 800 to 900 cbm Some of them can be used as landfill in fill area behind quay wall. Other can be reused and sent to landfill (to Thilafushi). Alternatively with approval from the council, the waste can be managed in the island itself. Noise Localized to the project Unavoidable during the construction site including the stage. surrounding areas. This is unavoidable. Air pollution Limited quantities of dust, Mainly arising as a result of emission oxides of Nitrogen and from the construction work sulphur from use of machinery in the construction zone. Dredged material 42,800 cbm Disposed to areas requiring reclamation and backfilling. Additional materials will be stockpiled.

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9 Methodology This section outlines the methodologies used in this environmental assessment. The following table outlines a matrix of methodologies used in this project. Details of these methodologies and their descriptions are attached as an annex.

Methodology type Area / environmental aspect Used in this project (yes/no)

General methodologies of data Generally covering the Yes collection broader Environment Mapping and location identification Coastal, terrestrial and marine Yes environment. Marine Environmental survey Marine environment Yes

20 m Line Intercept transect (LIT), Marine environment No Reef Check 20 m photo quadrate analysis Marine environment Yes

Qualitative assessment of the reef Marine environment Yes Permanent photo quadrate Marine environment No Reef fish visual census Marine environment Yes

Marine Water Quality Marine environment Yes Coastal Environment Coastal Environment Yes Shoreline and vegetation line Coastal Environment Yes mapping Coastal structures mapping Coastal Environment No

Erosion and accretion areas Coastal Environment No mapping Beach profiles Coastal Environment Yes

Drogues and current Coastal Environment No Terrestrial Environment Terrestrial environment Yes Terrestrial floral survey Terrestrial environment Yes Terrestrial faunal survey Terrestrial environment No Groundwater assessment Terrestrial environment No Bathymetry Marine / Coastal Environment Yes Aerial Photos Generally covering the Yes broader Environment Long term weather data Generally covering the Yes broader Environment

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10 Existing Environment of Maldives 1 0 . 1 Existing general environment of Ma l d i v e s The general environmental conditions of Maldives is well documented in many EIA reports and reference is made on the following EIA reports.  EIA for the development of sewerage system in , (Water Solutions Pvt Ltd, 2006).  EIA for the development of a resort in Kalhufahalafushi island in Thaa Atoll (Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd, 2006).  EIA for the development of a resort in Vagaru island in (Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd; 2006). 1 0 . 2 Existing Marine Environment The marine survey at Huhudheli was focused on 3 sites. Additionally, seawater samples were collected from these 3 sites as indicated in the following diagramme.

Figure 13: Marine survey and water sample locations. Site selection for the marine survey and sea water samples were based on the location of Harbour and control site for monitoring purposes. 1 0 . 3 Methodology of marine surveys Several methods are available to estimate the percentage benthic cover on coral reefs. Some of the common methods are, rapid visual assessment, line-point intercept, and photo-quadrat surveys. For this particular survey, a photo quadrate method was used. Photo quadrate surveys involve taking photos at a fixed distance from the substrate generally at a random or regular interval along a transect line. The photo quadrate surveys are undertaken as follows. Two transect lines of 20 meters are placed at the monitoring site in similar depth, surveyor then places a half a meter quadrate made from PVC along the transect line and takes a photo directly vertically. Consecutive photos

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 39 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives are taken at 2 meter intervals along the transect line. In this manner, photos are taken along the transect line and in total, 10 photos on each transect line is taken. 1 0 . 3 . 1 Data Processing methodology Analysis of the photos were done using a computer program called, CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel extensions). This is an internationally recognized software used all over the word to assess the benthic composition of coral reefs. In the programme, photographs are analyzed using a pre-defined benthic categories. Depending on the type of survey, these categories can be user defined at any given level. Users can have very complex levels ranging from individual coral families or have broader assessments categories. As broader categories adopted from reef check are used most frequently in Maldives for coral reef assessment. Benthic categories adopted from the Reef Check protocol was utilized. A text file containing these categories were created and imported to CPCe. The Reef Check protocol allows categorizing of life forms followed under the Reef Check protocol, which emphasizes on benthic composition categorizing such as hard corals, sand, rock and others. The emphasis is not on recording corals to their species levels, but rather the general coral and other life forms such as hard and soft corals. This method is more accurate as the percentage of healthy coral cover and other life forms can be more accurately recorded even by a non-experienced surveyor. The following are definition of benthic categories used in this survey.  HC: All living coral including bleached coral; includes fire, blue and organ pipe corals  SC: Soft corals and include zoanthids but not anemones (OT)  DC: Coral that has died within the past year; appears fresh and white or with corallite structures still recognizable  ALG: All macro-algae except coralline, calcareous and turf (record the substrate beneath for these); Halimeda is recorded as OT; turf is shorter than 3cm.  SP: All erect and encrusting sponges (but no tunicates).  RC: Any hard substrate; includes dead coral more than 1 year. old and may be covered by turf or encrusting coralline algae, barnacles, etc.  RB: Reef rocks between 0.5 and 15cm in diameter  SD: Sediment less than 0.5cm in diameter; in water, falls quickly to the bottom when dropped.  SI: Sediment that remains in suspension if disturbed; recorded if color of the underlying surface is obscured by silt.  OT: Any other sessile organism including sea anemones, tunicates, gorgonians or non-living substrate.  SG: All types of sea grass observed categorized in the field SG. Each of the 10 photos from transect are imported, cropped and prepared for analysis. The CPCe program then generates a matrix of random points overlaid on the image for each point to be visually identified. Users can then input the defined categories for each photo and once all the photos are analyzed, the results are displayed on a table. 1 0 . 4 C o r a l r e e f Three sites were surveyed to assess the marine environment as baseline for reef benthic community. 1 0 . 4 . 1 Benthic composition at site 1 (M1) Site 1 was selected from the eastern side of the island reef. The site was selected as the site was at close proximity to the eastern side of reef next to channel. The substrate of the site is dominated by rock (33.00 ± 3.00%). This site has the highest rock cover of all three sites. The site also contained lowest percentage hard coral cover (8.00 ± 4.00%). Fishes observed to be common were Surgeonfishes and Wrasses. The following graph outlines the status of site 1(M1).

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Figure 14: Percentage benthic composition at site 1(M1) ± Standard Error (SE) (11th February 2020).

Figure 15: Photos taken from site 1 (M1) (11th February 2020)

1 0 . 4 . 2 Benthic composition at site 2 (M2) Site 1 was selected from the eastern side of the island reef, this site was selected as a control site for monitoring purposes. The substrate of the site is dominated by rock (31.50 ± 4.50%). The site contained the highest percentage hard coral cover (13.5 0± 6.50%), out of the three sites. Hard corals observed were predominantly Porites massive. Site 2 also had the highest levels of silt observed (18.50 ± 3.50%). The following graph outlines the status of site 2 (M2).

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Figure 16: Percentage benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ± SE (11th February 2020).

Figure 17: Photos taken from site 2 (M2) (11th February 2020).

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1 0 . 4 . 3 B e n t h i c composition at site 3 (M3) Site 3 was selected from the north side of the island reef. The site was selected as the site was at close proximity to the harbour. The substrate of the site is dominated by rock (53.0 ± 4.0%). Similar to site 1, this site also had the lowest hard coral cover 8.0 ± 2.0%). Fishes observed to be common were Surgeonfishes. The following graph outlines the status of site 3(M3).

Figure 18: Percentage benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ± SE (11th February 2020).

Figure 19: Photos taken from site 3 (M3) (11th February 2020).

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1 0 . 5 Status of fish abundance The amount and type of fish present at a given site can be a good indicator of the marine environment. For example, increased grazers are generally a sign of increased nutrients in the area, thus decreased coral cover and increased algal cover. The following table outlines the fish count survey at all the sites. Table 3: Fish abundance based on the fish survey at survey sites (11th February 2020). Family/Subfamily Site M1 Site M2 Site M3 Anthias (Anthiadinae) - - - Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) A A C Wrasses (Labridae) C C C Parrotfishes (Scaridae) C C C Triggerfishes (Balistidae) C C C Boxfishes (Ostraciidae ) - - - Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) - - - Groupers (Serranidae) - - - Moorish idol (Zanclidae) - - - Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) C A - Goatfishes (Mullidae) - - - Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) - - - Threadfin and Whiptail breams (Scolopsis) - - - Octopus (Octopodidae) - R - Fusiliers (Caesionidae) - - - Rabbitfishes (Siganidae) - - - Gobies (Gobiidae) - - - Pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathinae) - - - Pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae) - - - Emperors or scavengers (Lethrinidae) - - - Jacks and Trevalleys (Carangidae) - - - Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) - - - Lizardfishes (Synodontidae) - - - Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes (Holocentridae) - - - Grunts and Sweetlips (Haemulidae) - - - Eels and Morays (Anguilliformes) - - - Rudder Fish (Kyphosidae) - - - Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) - - - Snappers (Lutjanidae) - - - A= Abundant (Meaning that during the 15-minute time swim survey, species counts were recorded more than 50, hence it is difficult to count their numbers). C=Common (Meaning that during the 15-minute time swim survey, they were spotted occasionally and throughout the survey, but their numbers were less than 50). R=Rare (Meaning that during the survey, only few of these species were observed, often 1 or 2.

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1 0 . 6 Marine water qua lity and bathymetry The primary objective of the marine water quality sampling was to determine the baseline conditions of the marine water in the project site. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were made on seawater from two locations. The following table illustrates the result of the marine water quality test. Water quality test results from MWSC is attached as an annex. Bathymetry of the harbour area is attached as an annex.

Table 4: Water Quality Results Water Quality Site SW1 Site SW2 Physical appearance Clear with particles Clear with particles

pH 8.12 8.18

Salinity 33.2 33.4 Temperature (C) 19.2 19.8 Total Dissolved Solids 25400 25600 (TDS)

Total Suspended Solids <5 (LoQ 5 mg/L) <5 (LoQ 5 mg/L) (TSS)

Turbidity 0.200 0.240

Dissolved Oxygen 8.96 9.21

1 0 . 7 Marine Protected and Sensitive Areas Marine Protected Areas are sites which receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological or cultural values. Within the project boundary of this project there are no protected or sensitive sites. The nearest protected site is “Fushi Kandu". “Fushi Kandu” is located approximately 47.6 km away from Hulhudheli. The site is a “high diverse area with mega fauna such as Cheilinus undulates (Napoleon wrasse/ Maa hulhubu lan’daa), Chelonioidea )Turtles/ Velaa kahanbu), Muraenidae )Moray eels). Consists of Caves and overhangs, with numerous sightings of reef fishers. Famous dive site among guests and locals.” )Protected Areas List, EPA, 8049)

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Figure 20: Protected Areas near Hulhudheli (Imagery: Google Earth). Table 5: Sensitive areas in Dhaalu Atoll (Source: EPA) Sensitive areas Sensitive areas Sensitive areas

Aloofushi Issari

Kendigandu Hudhufushi Finolhu Kihafan Kan’du Olhi

Keny Farukan Thinhuraa Thilabodufushi

Kan’dimma Maavaru Falhukan -

1 0 . 8 General Climate Settings 1 0 . 8 . 1 R a i n f a l l Annual average rainfall in Maldives is about 1900mm. There is a marked variation in rainfall across Maldives with an increasing trend towards south. The annual average rainfall in north is 1977mm and for south is 2470mm. The southwest monsoon is known as the wet season with monthly average rainfall ranging from 125-250mm. The northeast monsoon is known as the dry season with average monthly rainfall of 50-75mm. Rainfall records indicate an average annual rainfall of 2500mm. The intensity of rainfall is a concern in the Maldives since intensity is high with low frequency. Excessive rainfall with low intensity is not a concern for the island.

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Figure 21: Average monthly rainfall for 2019 – Hulhule (source: Maldives Meteorological Service)

Figure 22: Average yearly rainfall data 2010 – 2019 – Hulhule (source: Maldives Meteorological Service) The diagram below shows the rainfall accumulated over a sliding 31-day period centered on each day of the year. Male experiences extreme seasonal variation in monthly rainfall. Rain falls throughout the year in Male. The most rain falls during the 31 days centered on November 24, with an average total accumulation of 6.0 inches. The least rain falls around February 18, with an average total accumulation of 0.8 inches. The data is based on a statistical analysis of historical hourly weather reports and model reconstructions from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2016.

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Figure 23: Average monthly rainfall (source: weatherspark.com) 1 0 . 8 . 2 Wind Speed and Direction The average hourly wind speed in Male experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. The windier part of the year lasts for 6.0 months, from May 3 to November 3, with average wind speeds of more than 10.1 miles per hour. The windiest day of the year is May 31, with an average hourly wind speed of 13.4 miles per hour. The calmer time of year lasts for 6.0 months, from November 3 to May 3. The calmest day of the year is March 27, with an average hourly wind speed of 6.8 miles per hour. The average monthly wind speed in 2018 has been presented in the figure below. The maximum average wind speed has been observed in the month of May in Male’. The data is based on a statistical analysis of historical hourly weather reports and model reconstructions from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2016.

Figure 24: Average wind speed (source: weatherspark.com) The predominant average hourly wind direction in Male varies throughout the year. The wind is most often from the north for 6.0 days, from March 21 to March 27, with a peak percentage

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 48 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives of 35% on March 21. The wind is most often from the west for 8.0 months, from March 27 to November 28, with a peak percentage of 90% on May 23. The wind is most often from the east for 3.8 months, from November 28 to March 21, with a peak percentage of 59% on January 1. The data is based on a statistical analysis of historical hourly weather reports and model reconstructions from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2016

Figure 25: Wind direction (source: weatherspark.com) The table below presents the seasonal distribution of wind statistics, sourced from Globocean database. The following periods have been defined in the database:  December to March: NE Monsoon  April: Transitional season - 1  May to October: SW monsoon  November: Transitional season – 2

Table 6: Wind Occurrence Frequency per Directional Sectors

NE Transitional SW Transitional Season > Monsoon Season 1 Monsoon Season 2

Wind Directional Sectors Dec. to March April May to Oct. November

S1 N15°-N105° 71.35 15.28 1.43 23.96 S2 N105°-N225° 6.13 16.55 17.65 17.62 S3 N225°-N315° 8.42 56.74 77.61 41.11 S4 N315°-N15° 14.10 11.44 3.32 17.31 Source: Globocean database from 1993 to 2004

These results clearly indicate the prevailing directional sectors during the monsoon seasons:

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 N15° to N105° during the NE monsoon, with about 71% of the observations,  N225° to N315° during the SW monsoon, with about 78% of the observations

1 0 . 8 . 3 W a v e s Information on the swells around Maldives is limited but there have been a few studies carried out around Male’. Wave data for Male’ that were recorded for the period between June 4922 and January 1990 revealed that the maximum significant wave height (Hs) recorded for the month of June 1989 was 1.23m with a mean period (Tm) of 7.53s. For the month of July 1989 maximum recorded Hs was 1.51m and the corresponding Tm was 7.74s. In June and July 1989 mean wave periods were 5.0 – 9.0s and the peak wave periods within 8.0 – 13.0s. Wave data for the period between September 1988 and July 1989 shows a probability of exceedance of Hs = 1.0 m was approximately 0.1 and of Hs = 1.5 m was approximately 0.0015 based on the wave data of period September 1988 to July 1989. JICA, (1992) reported that the wave climate in Male’ region is generally higher in the months of June, July and August with a predominant wave direction of S (180º). During October-December the waves have a shorter period with wave directions varying from S and W (180 º -270 º). It is estimated that the maximum wave height outside the flat reefs can reach more than 3m, whereas on the flat reef areas the wave height can reach from 0.6 to 1.2 meters (maximum).

1 0 . 8 . 4 Hazards and Disasters 10.8.4.1 Vulnerability to Natural Disasters The islands of the Maldives are less prone to tropical cyclones and are only impacted in the northern part of the country by weak cyclones that formed in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Since 1877, only 11 cyclones crossed the archipelago (Maniku, 1990). Most of the cyclones crossed Maldives north of 6.0o N and none of them crossed south of 2.7o N during the period. All the cyclones that affected Maldives were formed during the months of October to January except one, which formed in April (UNDP, 2006).

Figure 26: Cyclonic Wind Hazard Map (source: UNDP, 2006) The northern atolls have a greater risk of cyclonic winds and storm surges. This reduces gradually to very low hazard risk in the southern atolls. The maximum probable wind speed in Zone 5 is 96.8 knots (180 kilometres per hour) and the cyclonic storm category is a lower Category 3 on Saffir-Simpson scale. At this speed, high damage is expected from wind, rain and storm surge hazards (UNDP, 2006).

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1 0 . 9 Existing Terrestrial Environment 1 0 . 9 . 1 Section Brief Terrestrial vegetation of Hulhudheli was studied using the two methods. The objective of the survey was to assess the extent of vegetation clearance in the project and how much can be replanted or rescued. The two methods are described below.

1- High definition low aerial photography to assess the vegetation of the island as a whole from above. Particular focus was given to the southern side adjacent to the harbour area.

2- Ground truthing of the harbour area and the surroundings by undertaking a visual inspection. The objective of the terrestrial assessment was to identify whether any vegetation clearance would be required to construct harbour.

Only the trees that fall in the foot print of the proposed harbour area will be cleared and removed. Coconut and other mature trees in these areas will be removed and compensation for the coconut trees will be given by the Island Council to the owners. Hence, a map showing the areas where clearance is required is highlighted below. The following table outlines the details of the mature trees to be removed and this area is highlighted in the following diagram.

Table 7: Types and number of major trees to be removed Type of trees Number of trees Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) 47 (Compensation will be given to the owners by the Island Council. Banyan Tree (Ficus banyana) (Nika) 2 Sea hibiscus (Hibiscus hastatus) (Dhigga) 4 Indian almond tree (Myrobalanus catappa) (Midhili) 2 Coastal iron wood (Pemphis acidula) (Kuredhi) 1 Indian Tupil Tree (Hibiscus litoreus) (Hirundhu) 1 Cork wood tree (Mirabilis jalapa) (Ahi) 4 Kanawa trees (Cordia banalo) (Kaani) 1 Beach plum (Scaevola taccada) (Magoo) 15 Location of the island where trees will be removed are highlighted in the following diagram.

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Figure 27: Area from where trees will be removed

Figure 28: Coconut trees to be cleared

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Figure 29: Tree heights of Hulhudheli

All major trees removed will be relocated near the park area, which is located in front of the harbour, especially Banyan Tree (Ficus banyana).

Figure 30: Tree relocation area

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Figure 31: Dhaalu Hulhudheli (Drone Imagery, 10 February 2020)

Figure 32: Existing harbour of Dh. Hulhudheli (Drone Imagery, 10 February 2020)

1 0 . 9 . 2 General Reference for Tree Relocation Transplanting is the term used to describe the digging and replanting of trees from one location to a new location. Due to the wide extent and morphology of tree root system, transplanting of trees usually involves substantial removal of roots. The whole transplanting process in particular for large trees is an engineering feat and requires substantial involvement of resources and time.

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A decision to transplant a tree should be based on a balancing consideration of its conditions (e.g. form, health and structure), size, species, and conservation status, and amenity value, suitability for transplanting, environmental and cultural factors, functional and engineering considerations and cost effectiveness. Trees should be properly preserved and no trees should be unnecessarily removed in development projects. Moreover, tree transplanting, like other tree management works, should be conducted in a controlled and safe manner. Workers who are involved in transplanting trees should be given adequate instruction and supervision to ensure that tasks are completed in a safe manner. South west monsoon are considered as optimal time for transplanting. In general, north east is not a common transplanting season as evapo-transpiration rate is high and the transplanted trees will be under stress when transplanting work is taken place during that time. Root pruning is sometimes required before transplanting a tree. Sufficient time should be allowed between preparation and final lifting for development of new roots capable of sustaining and continuing the growth of the transplanted tree. Cuts must be clean to avoid tearing or breaking the roots. All cut roots shall be trimmed cleanly back to the healthy tissues to reduce the split and torn roots. Sharp cut ends can promote a flush of new fibrous roots, helping the trees recover faster from injuries. Tree lifting operations shall be carefully timed to enable direct delivery to the receptor site. No transplanting operations should commence until either the receptor site or the holding nursery is fully prepared. Tree uplifted must be transplanted and watered the same day. Watering before lifting is recommended.

1 0 . 1 0 Existing Coas tal environment The coastal environment of the island was studied using physical inspection and drone mapping combined with drone photos. The island’s coastline is exposed to various environmental stresses, most importantly from the wave action generated by the two monsoons. According to the island council, seasonal erosion patterns have been observed to follow a similar pattern. As the island does not have much historical data, available limited information was used to present the coastal environment of the island. The following diagram illustrates a brief summary of the existing coastal environment.

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Figure 33: Existing Coastal Environment

Figure 34: South Western side (left) and western side (right) of the island.

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1 0 . 1 0 . 1 Shoreline and Vegetation Cover Shorelines are ever-changing features of coastal ecosystems, responding to wave energy, storm events, and changes in sea level and sediment supply. In order to understand the changes that may cause in the future, it is essential to map the existing shoreline and vegetation line. The diagram below shows High Tide Line, Low Tide Line and vegetation line of February 2020.

Figure 35: High and Low Tide Line and Vegetation Line Feb 2020

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Figure 36: Vegetation cover (Canopy of the tree area)

1 0 . 1 0 . 2 Beach Profiles Beach profiling analysis is a method used in coastal geomorphology to study dynamic beach processes and the effect of wave, current and anthropogenic structures on a beach. Beach profiles taken during the survey is attached in the annex.

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1 0 . 1 1 Existing Socio - Economic Environment 1 0 . 1 1 . 1 Overview of D h a a l u A t o l l Nilandheatholhu Dhekunuburi, more commonly known as Dhaalu Atoll (Dh) is an administrative division of Maldives that stretches approximately 39.2 km (24.4 mi) from north to south, and 23.9 km (14.8 mi) from east to west. Some of the facts about the Atoll includes the following:  and Thabalhaidhoo are linked by a causeway  In 1998, Vilu Reef opened as the first resort in the Atoll  Rin’budhoo and Hulhudheli are famous for their jewelry work and skillmanship The following table shows the population of the inhabited islands in Dhaalu Atoll according to the 2014 census. Table 8: Population statistics for Dhaalu Atoll (Census 2014)

Population 2014 Locality (Including resident foreigners) Total Male Female

Ban’didhoo 793 466 327

Hulhudheli 719 364 355

Kudahuvadhoo 2,447 1,228 1,219

Meedhoo 929 526 403

Rin’budhoo 277 148 129

1 0 . 1 1 . 2 H u l h u d h e l i Isl a n d The island lies south-west, about 8.6km of the inhabited island of Rinbudhoo of Dhaalu Atoll. Hulhudheli is formed within its own coral reef system just inside about 4.7km from the rim of the atoll. The closest inhabited island to Hulhudheli is Rinbudhoo. The length of the island is 960 m. The width at the widest point is approximately 290 meters. According to the Island Council register the island currently has a population of 938 residents. 10.11.2.1 Employment The island council reported the majority of the population is involved in the tourism, fishing and construction industries. Currently, the island has a guesthouse in operation and one under construction. There are 6 boats used for commercial fishing in the island. 10.11.2.2 Health and Education The island provides education up to grade 10 including pre-school, primary and secondary education. The Secondary school provides education in business, science and B-tech streams. Hulhudheli Island is serviced by a Health Centre. This is the most basic level of health care infrastructure provided in the islands. They provide basic services such as clean environment for delivery, basic injury handling and management and are staffed with a Family Health Worker who can provide simple curative and preventive services at the island level. There is one doctor employed in the Health Centre.

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10.11.2.3 Utilities and Transportation The island has a sewage disposal network installed in 2018 that is being utilised currently. Rainwater harvesting tanks are currently used to collect water for household and commercial use. According to the council, a water supply network is budgeted to be installed for this year. Continuous electricity is provided to the residents by FENAKA with two (2) generators (600KW and 300KW) with a total capacity of 900KW in the power station. The main mode of transport to Male’ is by speed boat ferry. There are currently three speedboats in operation.

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11 Environmental Impacts Environmental Impact identification was undertaken for the proposed activities necessary for the construction phase and the activities that will continue during the operational phase. The impact analyses for construction phase and operational phase were made separately to better understand the impacts as the duration, magnitude and probability of impacts greatly differ. 1 1 . 1 Assessing and identification of I m p a c t Environmental Impact identification was made by a combination of matrices along with expert opinions and experiences from similar projects in the past. The environmental impacts were examined using an adaptation of the Leopold matrix method. The Leopold matrix (Leopold et al, 1971) implements a two-dimensional checklist, where the columns of the matrix contains the project’s activities while the rows list the environmental receptors under the three main categories – Physical components, Biological components, and Socio-economic and Cultural components. This interaction matrix helps to identify impacts on individual factors of the three main categories of the impact. Furthermore, the sum of the magnitude from each impact activity and/or a certain environmental factor could be identified. This method analyses three aspects of each action which may have an impact on the environment – Magnitude, Duration, and Probability.  Probability – Likelihood of an impact to be produced from a said activity.  Duration – Defines the duration of which the environmental impacts would persist.  Magnitude – Defines the severity of the impact, for both positive and negative. A score is given from a scale of +10 to -10. +10 being major positive and -10 being major negative.

Table 9: Evaluation criteria and scoring system for impact analysis Magnitude Category Evaluation criteria Score Probability (I) O Impact is possible (Probability < 50%) M Impact is likely (Probability >50%) X Impact is certain (Probability = 100%) Duration (II) T The effects of the activity would not be identifiable within a few months of its completion. S The effects of the activity would not be identifiable within months to a year of its completion. L The effects of the activity would not be identifiable within multiple of its completion. P The effects of the activity will persists endlessly causing irreversible impacts. Magnitude (III) 9 & 10 Major Positive 7 & 8 Moderate Positive 5 & 6 Minor Positive -4 to 4 Negligible -5 & -6 Minor Negative -7 & -8 Moderate Negative -9 & -10 Major negative

1 1 . 2 Uncertainty and Limitations in Impact Prediction 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. There is also a lack of long term

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 61 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives data, for instance, shoreline, local currents, economic actives and such, which are crucial to analyse impact predictions. There is also uncertainty with the continuation of this project. Minor or even major changes to the project’s concept plan could alter the series of impacts. Major changes would require an EIA addendum to be prepared. 1 1 . 3 E nvironmental impacts during Construction Stage 1 1 . 3 . 1 Construction works – Dredging, reclamation and h a r b o u r construction Dredging, reclamation and harbour construction on reefs will permanently alter the seabed and disperse sediment plumes to the coral reef areas. This is an inevitable result of dredging and reclamation component of the project. Corals can tolerate sedimentation to a certain extent. However, coral growth and recruitment will be affected in the short to medium term. Prolonged exposure will eventually lead to death of the corals. (Refer to the marine environment section for details). The impacts of excessive sedimentation on corals include;  Direct physical impacts like smothering of corals and other benthic organisms,

 Reduced light penetration reducing the productivity and growth, calcification and reproduction rates of corals.

 Formation of false bottoms characterized by shifting of sediments.

 Eutrophication due to increased fine sediments leading to algal blooms.

 Formation of anoxic (black) bottoms under the fine sediments.

 Impact of project activities on live corals in this project is expected to be high as the reef around the project site has high live coral cover.

 Maintenance dredging might also cause shoreline changes as well, predicting these changes is quite impossible due to lack of historical data.

Mitigation Measures There are not many options that can be undertaken to reverse this impact of sedimentation. However, the following mitigation measure will help and need to be undertaken.  Plan the dredging periods taking into account the weather and wave conditions of the area. The sedimentation area increases during high wave and rough weather.

 It is recommended to dredge during low tide and in fine weather days.

 Use of Silt curtains: Silt curtains are floating geotextile material which minimizes sediment transport from a disturbed area adjacent to or within a body of water. Any other similar methods more pragmatic to the Maldives can also be utilized.

 Reclamation to be undertaken by creating a sand bund around the fill area or after provision of the coastal protection (breakwaters and revetments) to reduce sedimentation impact.

Cost of Mitigation Needs to be included in the project

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1 1 . 3 . 2 C h a nges in drainage pattern and flooding Reclamation of land due around the harbour basin will increase the risk of storm water flooding to the adjacent land / lagoon if the level of these filled areas are higher than the existing island levels. Drainage of coastal areas depends on the distance of the point to be drained from the sea and the elevation difference between them. This determines the hydraulic gradient of the water flowing in the drains. Reclamation extends the distance and therefore reduces the hydraulic gradient. This can result in reduction of flood discharge through the drains and can cause flooding. This will be exacerbated if the reclaimed land is filled higher than the existing island and when the new land is connected to the existing island. When reclaiming adjacent to existing land, the potential of flooding increases if the reclaimed area would be higher than the adjacent area in the island. As a result, the drainage pattern and volumes will increase significantly. If the additional land is higher than the existing land and if there are no flood mitigation measures, then the risk is even greater. Therefore, flood mitigation measures must be in place. Mitigation measures In order to avoid the risk of flooding, a number of methods can be used. These are outlined below.  Maintaining the fill level same as the existing island level.  Leveling the new reclaimed area towards the seaward side. This will ensure that water flows away from the existing islands and towards the sea, allowing discharge of water in the lagoon.  Construction of engineered storm water drainage system should be considered as a proper long term solution to flood control and mitigation.  A temporary drain to be constructed at the interface between the existing island and the proposed reclamation area to drain off the water in to the lagoon or to other areas in the island where storm water can be used to recharge groundwater. This method has been proved to be successful when new reclaimed areas are filled higher than the existing island.

1 1 . 3 . 3 Construction works – Deterioration of marine environment, water quality and habitat loss Dredging and reclamation will lead to direct loss of habitat for corals and marine organisms in the target area. The habitat will be modified permanently. Habitats such as live corals in the target area will be totally destroyed. However, there are no corals in the filling area as well as dredging area. Nevertheless, due to sedimentation direct habitat loss will occur as the coral reef has good coral cover. Transportation of equipment, use of heavy machinery and associated works increases the following risks;  Accidental spillage of construction materials.  Accidental oil and other chemical spills, including oil leaks from vehicles etc.  Accidental grounding of large vessels on the reef and lagoon.  In addition, Pollution of the lagoon and reef system can be caused by waterborne and windblown debris escaping from the construction as well as accidental oil/chemical spills.  Waste and residue arising from the project activities can also affect the marine environment. These can include hazardous waste such as used filters, empty lube- oil cans and oil filters as well as various solid wastes arising from humans and construction activities. Re-suspension of fine sediments and dispersal of sediments induced by erosion of fill area can lead to turbidity and deterioration of water quality in the immediate vicinity of the area.

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Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures can be used:  Working during low tide hours  Completing the filling works in the shortest possible time period.  Providing bund wall before filling takes place.  Avoid work during bad weather.  Educate the workers and create awareness about good waste management and responsible behavior with regard to environmental care.

Cost of Mitigation Needs to be included in the project

1 1 . 3 . 4 Waste Management Impact of solid waste can be detrimental to the marine and the terrestrial environment if they are not managed properly. Solid waste generated during the construction stage will include organic, inorganic and hazardous materials and all of which require adequate disposal. Furthermore waste management also involves sewage and waste water. Negative impacts for the physical environment includes leaching, disposal of waste to coastal zones as well as to ocean thus affecting the coral reefs. Leaching of waste water to land/soil is considered as a possible impact, however if it occurs, the impact would be long term. Improper waste management have impacts on air, for example bad smell. Impacts of waste is however considered as a temporary impact. Negative socio-economic impacts include disruption to fishing as a result of waste dumping to coral reefs. It also has negative impacts to health and well-being as well as aesthetics. However, these are temporary impacts, and maintenance of proper waste management increases the health and well-being.

Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures are proposed.

 Awareness about impact of waste to workers as well as to the surrounding environment.  It is advised to provide rain water for drinking, thus reducing the need for mineral water and hence reducing the impact of plastic bottles and their management and disposal.  All construction waste including hazardous materials will be stockpiled and stored on the island. Construction waste will be taken to Thilafushi once in three months.  Training of site personnel in proper waste management procedures and general environmental care.

Cost of Mitigation Direct cost difficult, but contractor to manage the waste in consultation with island council. Cost included in the contract. Cost of 1 trip to Thilafushi Island from Hulhudheli is expected to be MVR 50,000.

1 1 . 3 . 5 Workforce & Temporary Facilities The overall impact of work force and temporary facilities is neutral. These impacts are mostly temporary and have minor negative and minor positive impacts. If unmanaged, these impacts could escalate and can be significant to the environment. It is believed that temporary work force will have physical impacts to coral reefs, especially using illegal methods to catch fish and other organisms or through unethical practice by workers

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Cost of Mitigation No cost, but the contractor will be required to follow proper protocols.

1 1 . 3 . 6 Operation of Heavy M a c h i n e r y The operation of heavy machinery such as bulldozers, compactors, excavators, barges, and dredgers have minor to major negative impacts but are mostly temporary and short term. These include air and noise pollution during machinery operation. Leakage of oils from machinery may contaminate the soil. Improper use of barges may cause destruction to reefs and this may be a long term or permanent impact. Social impacts include the possibility of accidents which are low in probability but has a high magnitude when it happens. Aesthetics of the island during the construction works will decrease as well as huge machinery will be operating at the proximity of the construction site. However, this is considered a minor negative impact and is temporary. Mitigation measures  Vehicles should be serviced and maintained to avoid delays and excess emissions of pollutants.  Oil spill contaminant equipment shall be installed in all vehicles.  Construction materials shall not be transported during bad weather conditions.  Materials for construction and equipment shall be stored at a designated area, temporary site. Sheds can be made on temporary site to protect the materials and equipment from rain and direct sunlight.  Ensure that no leaks and accidental spillages of oil occur from vehicles and that they are maintained adequately.  Nominate a site manager, to be responsible for good site practices, arrangements for collection and effective disposal to an appropriate facility, of all wastes generated at the site during construction stage.  Elimination of noise may not be totally achieved, as construction takes place within the island.  Despite being temporary, all construction activities that generate noise will be carefully supervised by project supervisors to ensure they cause minimal noise. Work will be minimized at night as much as possible to avoid disruption to the island.  Workers should be provided with and made compulsory to use safety wear and equipment while at work

Cost of Mitigation No cost, but the contractor will be required to follow proper protocols. 1 1 . 3 . 7 Impacts on the coral reef d u r i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n Filling will lead to direct loss of habitat for corals and marine organisms in the target area. The habitat will be modified permanently. Habitats such as live corals in the target area will be totally destroyed because of the following:  Sedimentation and turbidity resulting in poor water quality which negatively impacts vitality of marine organisms.  Alteration of bottom substrate topography.  Degradation of sea water quality due to turbidity.  Continual re-suspension of dredged sediments leading to sedimentation and formation of dredge silts.  Degradation of sea water quality due to alteration to littoral sediment transport regime causing turbidity.

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Mitigation Measures There are not many options that can be undertaken to reverse this filling and its effects on hydrodynamic regime. However, the following mitigation measures will help and will be undertaken.  Only construct the required foot print in the required area in order to limit the direct impact of the foot print.  Avoid work during bad weather.  Educate the workers and create awareness about good responsible behavior with regard to environmental care.

Cost of Mitigation Needs to be included in the project

1 1 . 3 . 8 Sedimentation i mpacts on the coral reef d u r i n g construction of the quay walls, break w a t e r a n d r e v e t m e n t Construction of the quay walls, breakwaters and revetments are activities that will permanently alter the seabed and disperse sediment plumes to nearby areas in the target area. All these activities incorporate the use of heavy machinery to alter the seabed and in most instances excavate, dredge, move materials and undertake backfilling. Corals can tolerate sedimentation to a certain extent. However, coral growth and recruitment will be affected in the moderate term. Prolonged exposure will eventually lead to death of the corals in the surrounding areas and indirect sedimentation impacts to the overall reef as well as the nearby reefs. The impacts of excessive sedimentation on corals include;  Direct physical impacts such as smothering of corals and other benthic organisms,  Reduced light penetration reducing the productivity and growth, calcification and reproduction rates of corals.  Formation of false bottoms characterized by shifting of sediments.  Eutrophication due to increased fine sediments leading to algal blooms.  Formation of anoxic (black) bottoms under the fine sediments.

Mitigation Measures  This activity will be undertaken during calm weather at low tides.  Avoid work during bad weather.  All quay walls, breakwaters and revetments will be undertaken as per the designed measurements. These structures will be set out and marked by qualified surveyors in order to ensure that the foot print is as per the design.  These works to be undertaken by qualified contractors with experience in working in similar environments.

Cost of mitigation Needs to be included in the project

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1 1 . 3 . 9 Removal of m ature trees At present, there are mature coconut present in the area of harbour expansion. All trees in the harbour boundary needs to be removed. These trees are sparsely spread in the region and will be removed with their roots using excavators in order to be able to replant them in other areas of the island. The removal of trees will impact the terrestrial foot print of the island, but this is a relatively small scale impact as the terrestrial environment is not impacted to a significant level. Mitigation Measures  All trees that are removed are to be transplanted elsewhere in the island.

 If space is not available it is can be transferred other islands where it is required rather than using it as a firewood

1 1 . 3 . 1 0 Loss of land from the island The proposed new harbour basin will be created by excavating part of the island. This will reduce the overall island area and have secondary impacts.

1 1 . 3 . 1 1 Impacts on the fres hwater aquifer Dredging part of the island for a harbour basin will reduce the salt water freshwater interface zone and will increase the potential of saltwater instruction from close to the harbour. This may increase the potential for groundwater salinization from close to the harbour. Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures to limit saltwater intrusion includes capping of this area using a hard surface or layer, such as concrete wall, sheet pile or a deep penetrating structure.

1 1 . 4 Environmental Impacts d uring Operational Stage 1 1 . 4 . 1 Improved Transportation The construction of the harbour will provide numerous benefits to the community and to the nearby resorts. Some of these are summarized below.  With the expansion of the harbour, the loading and un-loading of goods and people will be easier, safer and more reliable.  It will provide more and safer mooring facilities for boats, thus, the number of boats and boat activities is likely to increase significantly.  Number of boats visiting the island will increase, thus healing directly and indirectly to the local economy.

1 1 . 4 . 2 S o c i o - economic impacts As population increases, there is greater opportunity for development of business and small industries. With the current state of the harbour, access to the island is difficult and often at times it is expensive and not always safe. Presently residents who can even afford boats are unwilling to invest due to lack of an adequate space in the harbour. The upgrading of a harbour in the islands of Maldives have been proved to be one of those developments that bring significant, drastic and sudden changes to the socio-economic status of islands. 1 1 . 5 Magnitude of Impacts This EIA identifies and quantifies the significance of impacts on the environment from the proposed project. Table 9 outlines the criteria used for impact assessment and the following table outlines the magnitude of impacts.

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Table 10: Magnitude of the impacts

/M/L/N)*

Impact Impact type (NEG or POS) + Significant (H Direct Indirect Magnitude (N/M/MA/MoA/ # MaA) Short term Long term Unavoidable Reversible Irreversible Mitigation Required Construction phase

Construction works – Dredging, reclamation and harbour construction Neg L ✓ ✓ MaA ✓ ✓ ✓ X X ✓ Changes in drainage pattern and flooding Neg L ✓ ✓ MaA X ✓ X X X ✓ Construction works – Deterioration of marine environment, water quality and habitat loss Neg L ✓ ✓ MaA ✓ ✓ ✓ X X ✓

Waste management Neg N ✓ X N ✓ X X ✓ X ✓ Workforce & Temporary Facilities Neg N ✓ X N ✓ X X ✓ X ✓ Operation of Heavy Machinery Neg N ✓ X N ✓ X X ✓ X ✓ Impacts on the coral reef from sheet piling-direct destruction Neg H ✓ ✓ MaA X ✓ ✓ X X ✓ Impacts on the coral reef from sheet piling – sedimentation Neg H ✓ ✓ MaA X ✓ ✓ X X ✓ Removal of Mature Trees Neg L ✓ X M ✓ X X ✓ X ✓ Operational phase Improved Transportation Pos H ✓ X MoA X ✓ X X X Socio-economic impacts Pos H X X MoA X ✓ X

+ POS = positive impacts, NEG= negative impacts, * H=high, M=Moderate, L=Low, # N=Negligible, M=Minor, MA=Minor Adverse; MoA= Moderate adverse; MaA=Major Adverse

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12 Stakeholder Consultations For the purpose of this project, stakeholder consultations were limited to the organizations who were identified by EPA and outlined in the TOR. Methodology for undertaking these discussions was through meetings and discussions. The following section summarises the stakeholder consultations. 1 2 . 1 Consultation w i t h H u l h u d h e l i Island Council and C o m m u n i t y As part of the EIA consultation process, Huhudheli Island council and selected members of the public were consulted during the data collection process to obtain their views and feedback on the proposed harbour. Following are the summary of major outcomes from the discussions.  The council and the community has approved the harbour concept design. The concept design has been undertaken after consulting the Island council and the community on numerous occasions.  A long discussion was undertaken regarding where the ramp will be constructed. Majority of the people wants it to be constructed on the east side of the harbour where revetment is proposed to be constructed.

 The existing harbour was constructed in 2008, no maintenance dredging was done after that. At present, the harbour is shallower than -3m at MSL, especially north side of the harbour as well as east side,

 All the removed vegetation from the harbour area can be relocated in the park area,

 They would still like to expand the harbour to west side, at least 1000 ft,

 In low tide the existing harbour basin cannot be used, needs maintenance dredging of the existing harbour,

 Local tourism area is located on eastern side of the island,

 Approval for the expansion of habour is given by President of Maldives during island visit to Hulhudheli,

 Due to small and shallow harbour we have faced difficulties for mooring, harbour is used as first come first serve basis,

 Hulhudheli is famous for being used as a transit island for large Tuna fishing boats. However, due to lack of an appropriate harbour, almost all the boats transit in the neighboring island. With the harbour, these fishing boats will be able to dock in the island and with it brings several economic benefits. The demand for goods and services will increase and stimulate the economic activities.

 Erosion is a chronic and have been a long term environmental problem facing the island. Erosion is already undergoing on the southern side. Various mitigation measures to combat this has been undertaken including the use of construction waste to control erosion. These measures have helped control erosion to some extent, but a long term solution is needed.

 During stakeholder meeting fishermen and boat owners were also invited, however they were unable to attend to the meeting.

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1 2 . 2 Consultation with National Disaster Management A u t h o r i t y To conduct stakeholder meeting with National Disaster Management Authority was sent, requesting to inform various concerns related to this project. However there was no response from National Disaster Management Authority regarding the project. A copy of the letter sent to NDMA is attached in the Annex.

1 2 . 3 Consultation with Maldives Marine Research Institute To conduct stakeholder meeting with Maldives Marine Research Institute was sent, requesting to inform various concerns related to this project. However there was no response from Maldives Marine Research Institute regarding the project. A copy of the letter sent to MMRI is attached in the Annex.

1 2 . 4 List of personnel consulted The list of personnel consulted is attached in the annex.

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13 Alternatives This section looks at alternative ways of undertaking the proposed project. There are two basic options: (1) leave the problem as it is (no project option), or

(2) Take measures to resolve the problem (undertake the project option).

If the project is to continue, it would be necessary to take economic, ecological and environmental aspects of the project into consideration and ensure that these concerns exist within a delicate balance. Neither the economic benefits nor the environmental and ecological concerns can be avoided. Therefore, it is important to consider all options and ensure that the best available option(s) is chosen to solve the issues/problems. A single activity can bear effects on a considerable number of key components determining a range of closely interconnected impacts. The relative importance of each of these beneficial and detrimental impacts has to be evaluated in the context of a set of alternative options. The effectiveness of an EIA process depends on the successful identification of these alternatives. We can then aim at minimising negative impacts and maximising positive ones acting on specific activities through selection of best alternative options and / or mitigation measures. 1 3 . 1 No Project Option It should be noted that the “no project” option cannot be excluded without proper evaluation. Direct benefits from the project implementation include construction of a harbour which benefits the whole community. Without this project the community will face difficulties loading and un-loading of goods and travel difficulties to other parts of the country for basic and general needs. In this report, this alternative was considered as the baseline against which to evaluate the other various options. Hence, the no project option takes the following into account.  The existing harbour will be used without any change.  Damage and loss to property and people will continue to pose a risk.  No dredging of a new harbour basin The main advantages and disadvantages of these are given in the following table.

Table 11: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option Strategy Advantages Disadvantages Allow the Environmental problems related Economic burden will increase. islanders to use to developing a new harbour can Long term socio-political problems existing be avoided. may arise. harbour as it is Damage and loss to property and There will not be any costs to the people. proponent and hence there is a Economic expansion will be short term benefit. limited. Control and limits the economic development. Construction industry in the island will continue to suffer.

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1 3 . 2 Alternative analysis matrix For this project, an alternative analysis was carried out on the basis of various biophysical and socioeconomic parameters including the following using an analysis matrix:  Technical feasibility,  Economic viability,  Environmental acceptability of the project and  Social benefits The following table outlines the various alternatives proposed for this project, their economic, technical, environmental as well as social factors taken in to consideration.

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Table 12: Alternative analysis matrix for the project

Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

Alternative materials

A1 Sheet piling the quay walls Technically Expensive and not Sheet piling is High cost will affect feasible feasible. environmentally more the entire project and Sheet piling the quay wall will allow greater damaging. Therefore, this hence it is not live load carrying capacity. This option has option is not attractive. beneficial to the been rejected as it is not predicted that the society and in fact may island will have traffic and cargo that require have an undesirable sheet piling in the near future. If it is effect. required, then the harbour will have to be upgraded with more facilities.

A2 Use of tetra pods for breakwater. Technically The cost is almost same More environmentally High cost is a negative feasible as or even more than friendly than sheet piling factor for the society. They can be manufactured on site provided rock boulders and hence, but equally damaging as materials are available. Tetrapods also absorb economically not very rock boulders wave energy well if interlocked properly. attractive. They are long lasting and strong. Their size and weight can be suited to meet the project. Their use is not technically advisable unless it is a large project. They also require especially skilled people and heavy machinery to place.

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Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

Alternative methods for the construction of coastal structures

A3 Vegetated breakwater by reclaiming a strip of Technically Economically viable acceptable Attractive as land that will act as a breakwater with the difficult due to environmentally additional land space option of planting trees and providing space lack of space is created for for recreational and commercial activities. recreational as well as for the provision of There are very few vegetated breakwaters in green space. harbours in the Maldives. However, these structures have been seen to be quite effective in reducing wave action inside the harbour basin during rough weather, especially wind- generated harbour waves. Vegetated breakwaters also provide better wave- overtopping control than plain breakwaters. Vegetated breakwaters are made by placing dredged material on the inside of the breakwater area and salt-resistant trees such as Pemphis acidula (kuredhi), Hibiscus tiliaceous (dhiggaa), Calophyllum innophyllum (funa) or Scaevola taccada (magoo). Vegetated breakwaters are also aesthetically pleasant.

A4 Alternative Harbour Location Technically Expensive unacceptable Community is not feasible environmentally keen to extend the harbour towards east

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Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

of the island.

Alternative locations – expansion the harbour towards east rather than west. With this option it will not provide greater width of the harbour basin as the lagoon extent is very less than the west side, it would be quite expensive to construct a harbour on east side of the existing harbour. Furthermore, the existing jetty will also be lost.

A5 Alternative Ramp Location Technically Slightly higher costs. Acceptable More acceptable feasible. The proposed location for the construction of

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Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

the ramp is west of the newly constructed harbour, however it would be quite difficult for landing crafts to access and moor on west side. The alternative location for the construction of ramp is east side revetment.

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1 3 . 3 Preferred Alternative The preferred alternative include the following:  Alternative Ramp Location - The proposed location for the construction of the ramp is west of the newly constructed harbour, however it would be quite difficult for landing crafts to access and moor on west side. The alternative location for the construction of ramp is east side revetment.

1 3 . 3 . 1 M i t igation Measures for the Preferred Alternative The following mitigation measures are proposed for the preferred alternative. 1. Appropriate width in ramp area

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14 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 1 4 . 1 Introduction Environmental management and monitoring is essential to ensure that potential impacts are minimized and to mitigate unanticipated impacts. Monitoring will be carried out as part of the environmental impact assessment and monitoring requirements addressed in this EIA report. The following table summarizes the aspects of monitoring. 1 4 . 2 Environmental management plan An environmental management plan is outlined in this section. This plan outlines the measures that need to be undertaken during construction period. The management plan should be followed during the construction period. The plan also outlines the monitoring components. A detail monitoring plan is separately outlined. 1 4 . 3 Cost of Monitoring The proponent has committed fully for the monitoring programme outlined in this report. The total cost of undertaking the regular monitoring is estimated in the following table. Cost of monitoring includes all data collection and reporting to the client as well as the relevant government agencies. 1 4 . 4 D u r a t i o n of Monitoring Monitoring will include marine and social components. The proposed scheduled for monitoring has been prepared for 12 months during the construction period as well as annually during the operational stage (for 5 year period). Hence, this schedule will be applicable for monitoring during the construction period and annually during the operational stage after the project. Monitoring will be undertaken by subcontracting the work to an independent consultant or a consulting firm. 1 4 . 5 M e t h o d s of Monitoring Environmental monitoring will be undertaken using standard methods described in the Methodology section. Monitoring is recommended for marine, coastal and social aspects. 1 4 . 6 Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring responsibility will be with the client and financial provisions will be made in the project to undertake the monitoring. 1 4 . 7 M o n i t o r i n g R e p o r t A detailed monitoring report should be compiled after the completion of the civil works. During the construction period, summary monitoring reports must be provided every three months and final report should be provided at the end of the construction stage and should adhere to EIA Regulations, 2012. During the operational stage, regular monitoring reports should be provided once every three months for three years. This report will be submitted to the relevant government agencies for compliance. The report will include details of the site, data collection and analysis, quality control measures, sampling frequency and monitoring analysis and details of methodologies and protocols followed.

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1 4 . 8 Environmental Managem e n t p l a n

Table 13: Schedule for environmental monitoring during the construction period as well as per annum during operation period. Cost during Cost Per annum Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction phase). (operational phase) Construction Operational stage stage Marine environment Live Coral cover at survey Percentage live Qualitative & After Annually $700 $1,500.00 sites cover Quantitative completion of M1, M2 and M3 the project Diversity and abundance of Number / Qualitative & After Annually $500 $1000.00 fish communities at sites percentage of Quantitative completion of M1, M2 and M3 selected fish the project Marine water quality at pH, turbidity, Onsite or Lab Once after Bi-annually $750.00 $750.00 survey site SW1, SW2 and TDS, TSS, analysis Dredging work SW3 temperature, and after DO completion of the project Siltation Sediment Qualitative & Once after Bi-annually No cost. Contractor to $2,000.00 deposited on Quantitative Dredging work undertake this. reef substrate and after completion of the project

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Coastal Environment Sand transport / Erosion Shore line Physical After Bi-annually $200 $550.00 mapping, inspection and completion of Erosion and shoreline mapping the project accretion of the island patterns Social Environment Complaints from boat - Complaints log - Bi-annually - - owners / island residents from island council Service quality of harbour Efficiency of User survey / - Annually - $300.00 operation and island council maintenance of records and harbour. information Services User survey, - Annually - $200.00 available to island and atoll vessels administration data Five main User survey / - Annually - $200.00 operation and island council maintenance records and problems. information Care and use of User survey / - Annually - $200.00 harbour evidence of facilities. facilities Financial sustainability Income Financial - Annually - No cost. Records from generated from statements / Island council will be the harbour and income statements adequate

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Coastal Environment related from Island activities. Council. Safety Safety of Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from harbour. records / user Island council will be survey / complains adequate from boat owners Records of Health record and - Annually - No cost. Records from accidents or island council Island council will be injuries. records. adequate Institutional arrangements Functioning of Island council / - Annually - No cost. Records from Harbour Atoll council Island council will be management adequate Complaints Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from dealt Island council will be adequate Mobility of vessels /traffic Development Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from analysis plans Island council will be adequate Vessel types, Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from size and Island council will be numbers adequate New vessels Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from owned by Island council will be islanders since adequate harbour Employment New Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from employment interviews, Island council will be created as a published reports adequate

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Coastal Environment result of the harbour expansion that are related to harbour directly or indirectly. Demography Population Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from census data Island council will be adequate Population Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from migration census data Island council will be adequate

Coastal protection structures (breakwaters and revetments) Are the breakwaters / Physical $ 1500 for the entire groynes / revetments inspection component under this. constructed as per the designed length? Is any damage or Physical During a storm Same dislodgement of rocks inspection event noticeable after a storm (breakwaters / groynes / revetments)? Does sand accumulate on Physical Three monthly Same any side of the breakwater? inspection

Have rocks from the Physical Three monthly Same breakwaters / groynes / inspection revetments shifted position

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Coastal Environment or rolled seaward since construction?

Has the breakwaters / Physical Three monthly Same groynes / revetments inspection elevation dropped? Are there any signs of wave Physical Three monthly Same overtopping the breakwater inspection from any side? Has the breakwaters / Physical Three monthly Same revetments rotated inspection seaward? Has the slope of the Physical Three monthly Same breakwaters / groynes / inspection revetments changed? Is there any physical Physical Three monthly Same evidence of breakwaters / inspection groynes / revetments structure being damaged?

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15 Conclusion and Recommendation 1 5 . 1 C o n c l u s i o n This EIA report has identified the major impacts of the proposed harbour project in Hulhudheli Island. The main negative impacts of the project would be related to dredging and reclamation. Dredging and reclamation would have negative impacts on the environment. The assessment has indicated that the impacts are likely to be felt on a large area of the coral reef, even though the live corals rate is less. Socioeconomic impacts have been assessed in depth and it is evident that there would be numerous positive socioeconomic impacts. The proposed harbour basin would be dredged to a depth of -3.5 m at mean sea level (MSL). There will be other engineered structures built around the harbour such as breakwaters, quay walls, groyne and revetments. These details have been outlined in the report. Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. Environmental impacts of the project would occur during the construction stage and the operational stage. At the construction stage, impacts are related to construction waste, sedimentation, destruction of the footprint of the harbour, direct and indirect impacts on the coral reef, dust emission and noise. Impacts during operation period are long term and mostly positive. Several alternatives have also been considered with their economic, technical, environmental and social aspects. Not all these alternatives can be implemented for various reasons outlined in the relevant sections. Nevertheless, some of the alternatives have been recommended to be adopted. This project will no doubt have several negative environmental impacts, and they are also unavoidable. These are offset by social acceptability of the project and economic gains on the other hand. The adverse environmental effects of dredging is well documented throughout the Maldives and therefore mitigation measures to control sedimentation should be taken as the most appropriate step. Experience from other dredging projects in Maldives indicates that the damage to the coral reef will be significant. An environmental monitoring plan has been developed that includes the most important elements that require regular checks, which mainly focus on marine, coastal and socio- economic components such as water quality, sediment transport, erosion, coral cover and the harbour usage among other parameters. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to the construction of the harbour. It will also enable the proponent to assess the environmental and social impacts in a number of ways. Despite the negative impacts, if proper measures are taken, then the negative impacts could be significantly reduced. In order to minimize the negative impacts during the construction stage, it is recommended to take mitigation measures while undertaking dredging and reclamation. The benefits of the project (including positive environmental impacts) far outweigh the negative impacts of the project identified and hence for this reason, it is recommended to undertake this project in order to provide a better livelihood to the people of Hulhudheli Island.

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1 5 . 2 Recommendations Following are some of the recommendations based on this EIA assessment. These recommendations cover both environmental and the social aspects.

 Implement alternatives into the proposed harbour design. It is recommended to change the ramp location.

 Environmental monitoring to be carried as a requirement addressed in this EIA report. The monitoring program outlined in the report should be used as a basis from the construction period as well as after construction.

 The proposed project work needs to be closely monitored by the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with atoll and island council. It is thus recommended that the Island Council be involved in day to day monitoring of the works during construction period.

 It is also highly recommended to relocate major trees removed for the project, especially Banyan Tree (Ficus banyana).

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16 People who have assisted in the preperation of this report

EIA People who registration Page assisted in data number (only Chapter Signature number collection and for those report writing registered consultants)

Introduction 15 Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017

Project Description 25 Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

Project Setting 17 Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007 (Legislative section)

Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Existing 39 Environment Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017

Abdul Aleem EIA P03/2019

Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019 Impact and 61 Mitigation Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019 Stakeholder 69 Consultations Abdul Aleem EIA P03/2019

Monitoring 79 Abdul Aleem EIA P03/2019

Alternatives 71 Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017

Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019 Conclusion and 86 Recommendation Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

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17 Acknowledgements Various people have assisted the consulting team in preparing this report, name and their designations are listed below. CV’s of the field assistants are attached as an annex. Water Solutions would like to thank their support and assistance provided in completion of this report. 1. Abdul Aleem, BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA P03/2019) 2. Ahmed Jameel, B. Eng (Environmental), MSc – Environmental (EIA-P07/2007) 3. Mohamed Umar, BSc - Environmental Management (EIA P02/2019) 4. Mariyam Jumau Ahmed - Intern 5. Water Solutions staff 6. Hulhudheli Island Council 7. MTCC 8. Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure

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18 Reference Books and Sources Department of National Planning. (2009). Statistical Year Book. Male: DNP. Jameel, A. (2007). Developing a Disaster Profile for Maldives, A thesis for the Masters Degree. Chirstchurch, New Zealand: University of Cantebury. Ministry of Planning and National Development. (2006). Analytical Report of Population and Housing Census. Male': Ministry of Planning and National Development. UNEP, M. o. (n.d.). State of the Environment Report . Maldives: UNEP2002. Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. (2006). EIA for the development of a resort in Kalhufahalafushi in Thaa Atoll. Male': Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. (2012). EIA of Harbour development and rehabilitation in island, . Male': Water Solutions. Water Solutions Pvt Ltd. (2019). EIA for the Harbour development project at Rhin'budhoo Island. Dhaalu Atoll: Water Solutions

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19 Annex: Terms of Reference

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20 Annex: Harbour Design Drawings

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M T C C MALDIVES TRANSPORT & CONTRACTING COMPANY PLC MTCC

Meters 45 0 45 90

1:1500 M T C C MALDIVES TRANSPORT & CONTRACTING COMPANY PLC MTCC

Meters 45 0 45 90

1:1500 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

21 Annex: Beach Profiles and Bathymetry

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Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 96 2 72°51'0"E 6 1 0 0 0 Legend Beach Profiles 2020 µ Low Tide Line 2020

5 ile of Pr

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Geodetic Parameters

P Coordinate Systems :UTM Zone: 43 North

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Scale: 1:1,175

Map Title: Hulhudheli Beach Profiles

Project: Hulhudheli Harbour Expansion EIA

Client: Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure

Consultant: Water Solutions Pvt Ltd 4th Floor, M. Niyadhurumaage, Alimas Magu, Male', Maldives 0 12.5 25 50 Tel: +(960)3341643, Fax: +(960)331643 www.water-solutions.biz

0 Map Number : HUL/2020/1

Meters 0 0 1 6

2 Hulhudheli Purpose : 72°51'0"E EIA 72°50'45"E 72 °51'0"E 6 1

0 Legend 0 0 Existing_revetment_20200210 Existing_breakwater_20200210 Exisiting_quaywall_20200210 Exisiting_jetty_20200210 Vegetation Line 2020 High Tide Line 2020 Bathymetry_2020 High : 0.06

Low : -6.5

Geodetic Parameters Coordinate Systems :UTM Zone: 43 North Projection :Transverse Mercator (TM) Datum : WGS 1984

Scale: 1:2,500

Map Title: Hulhudheli Bathymetry

Project: Hulhudheli Harbour Expension

Client: N N " " 0 0 3 ' 3 Minsitry of Planning and Infrastructure ' 1 1 5 5 ° ° 2

2 Consultant: Water Solutions Pvt Ltd 1st Floor, Ma. Fas Eri, Ameenee Magui, Male', Maldives Tel: +(960)3341643, Fax: +(960)331643 µ www.water-solutions.biz Map Number : 0

0 30 60 120 0

0 HULHU/2020/4 1 6

2 Purpose : 72°50'45"E Meters 72°51'0"E EIA EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

22 Annex: Stakeholder Meeting Attendees

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23 Annex: Methodologies used

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Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 100 1 . 1 Introduction

The annex describes detail methodologies used to collect data on the existing environment for EIA studies in the Maldives. For EIA studies in the Maldives, various methodologies are used and the type and methods vary for different projects. Almost all projects will utilize some general data collection methodologies in combination of various other methods. The following section outlines the data collection methodologies that are used in Maldives and their description.

1 . 2 General Methodologies of Data Collection

In this method, the condition of the existing environment is analyzed using appropriate scientific methods. The environmental components of the study area are focused for terrestrial, marine and coastal environment depending on the specific projects. In general, for any project that requires the study of the marine environment, the marine environment of the island is studied including the coral reef and the lagoon. Focus is given on specific areas of the island’s reef which is expected to have the greatest impact as a result of the proposed project. Coastal environmental data collection involves mapping the shoreline, taking beach profiles from selected locations, identifying and mapping costal defense structures and assessing the coastal environment for erosion or accretion. Terrestrial data collection usually includes creating a terrestrial map of the island or a specific area.

1 . 3 Mapping and Location Identification

The island, lagoon, reef or specific areas of islands or a project site is mapped, including shore line, vegetation line, reef lines, existing mature trees, coastal defense structures or other significant topographic features. Mapping is undertaken using hand held differential GPS and available aerial photos. The location of data collection sites are marked using handheld GPS. These data collection points includes marine water sampling locations, marine survey locations, existing groynes and sea walls, mature trees, breakwaters, protected or archaeological sites, erosion prone areas, sand spits, beach rocks etc.

1 . 4 Marine Environment Surveys

Marine environmental surveys were conducted to collect data on key environmental components (i.e. the coral reef system and the lagoon), that will be impacted due to the project. Four methods are primarily used to collect data, namely:  Line Intercept transects (LIT’s)  Detail photo quadrate analysis,  Fish census and  Visual observations.

Purpose of the survey is to define and establish marine environmental baseline conditions for impact evaluation during and after a project. Surveys are based on standard marine environmental surveys so that they can be repeatedly carried out to monitor and record changes and assess possible impacts on the marine environment from the proposed work activities. Surveys include quantitative and qualitative methods. In addition, photos are taken along the reef survey sites and the length of the lagoon.

1 . 5 Line Intercept Transects (LIT)

Line Intercept Transect (LIT) surveys are carried out to assess the benthic types and species at the survey sites. This method uses life form categories to assess the benthic sessile community of reefs and it is possible to incorporate taxonomic data as well. LIT surveys can be used to evaluate the community structure of corals in terms of species composition and

Annex: Methodology - Page 2 diversity patterns in different zones on a reef. LIT method also provides a rapid estimate of percent cover of corals, algal cover, and cases of other prominent organisms as well as bare substratum.

Quantitative percent cover of the reef community can be obtained using this method and it can be repeated over time to obtain changes over a period of time. Disadvantages of this method include difficulty in standardizing the life form categories and the limitation of the data collected, to information on percent cover and relative abundance (English et al. 1997). LIT surveys produce valuable data even though they are time consuming and require considerable effort and skills to record notes underwater (Segal & Castro 2001). A line transect of 20m length is normally used, but transect lengths can vary depending on the surveyor.

1 . 6 Photo quadrate analysis

Photo transect coral reef survey method is used to quantify the data of coral reef benthic communities i.e. live corals and their types, other benthos, dead corals and other reef substrate. This method is used to support the LIT surveys or as an alternative to line transect. A series of photographs are taken along the transect line (usually 20 m each) using an underwater camera. These photographs are combined to form a photo-composite. Photo- composite of the mapped area of the reef are then analyzed using computer software. It provided a detail record of individual corals, sandy or rubble area and other benthos to a mapped area. The photographs not only allowed speedy collection of data in the field, but also provided a permanent record of the transect line, which is useful for long-term monitoring of growth, mortality and recruitment.

Figure 1: Typical photo quadrate analysis

1 . 7 Qualitative assessment

Qualitative assessment of the reef or lagoon is based on visual observation by snorkeling and then comparing the result with underwater photos and aerial photographs.

Annex: Methodology - Page 3 1 . 8 P e r m a n e n t Photo Quadrats

This method involves taking still photographs of a fixed quadrat that are analyzed in the lab. It is useful to determine temporal change in shallow macrobenthos communities. Permanent photo-quadrats can also complement LITs and are suitable for small-scale questions and to follow the fate of individual colonies. Detailed temporal change can be determined for individual corals for biological condition, growth, mortality and recruitment. Data can be used to estimate percent cover, species diversity, relative abundance, density and size. Percentage cover of target organisms can be determined in the lab by either point sample methods by placing a grid cover the quadrat or by digitizing the image (digitizing is more expensive, time-consuming, requires special software and expertise). The precision depends on the apparatus used and the ability to take photo from exactly the same spot as well as observer differences for analysis.

On each designated Impact Sites squares of 50x50cm side length are placed randomly along the coral patches in about 1,5m depth. Still photos are taken and analyzed using the software CPCe 3.4 (Kohler and Gill 2006) with an equally spaced grid overlaid in 10 columns and 10 rows (100 points) per 50x50cm quadrat. Substrate categories are recorded and described. Statistical analysis is then undertaken using PAST software (PAlaeontological Statistics ver. 1.90, Øyvind Hammer).

All quadrats at the survey sites are permanently marked with square plastic markers for further monitoring studies. In addition, when possible, sub-surface buoys are installed at each Site close to the quadrats.

1 . 9 Reef fish Visual Census

Under water counts of reef fishes or underwater visual census (UVC) method is used to assess the fish population at an Impact Site and a Control Site. Visual counts appear to give reasonably reliable results provided that they are applied to fish that are non-cryptic and either diurnally active or at least evident by day. In this method, the surveyor swims along the transect paths above the reef, counting fish that were observed within 1,5m either side of the transect and above up to the water column. The same transects line as for the Visual Quadrat survey is normally utilized to carry out the fish census. Fish are counted along the 20 m transect path (that is in a belt of 1.5 m on either side and up to the water surface). To count the fish, the surveyor swims slowly along, counting fishes that are seen within the defined band transect, 20m long by 3m wide (i.e. one with a total area of 60m²). All fish encountered are recorded at least up to family level, some up to genus and species level, noted on the underwater slate immediately after they are seen. Counting any fish more than once is avoided by training and experience. Speed at which the path swum is controlled so as to standardize the efficiency of search. If the surveyor swims too fast it is easy to miss fish, especially of smaller species, that may be temporarily obscured by corals or rock or be taking shelter. Experience shows that the slower the surveyor swims, more fish that is recorded up to a point. However, the highest number recorded by moving along very slowly may actually be an over estimate of fish density. Hence it is necessary to standardize swimming speed to a slow but not too slow pace. The standard speed of swimming practiced is at a mean rate of 8m a minute. For results, only the most abundant fish families are taken into account, each representing one of the following functional groups: herbivores (Acanthuridae, Scaridae), omnivores (selected Labridae), corallivores (Chaetodontodae) as well as habitat specialists (Pomacentridae).

1 . 1 0 Marine Water Quality

One of the main environmental components that is affected by implementing a number of projects in Maldives is the marine water quality. Water quality is assessed during the field trip by collecting samples and testing them at National Health Laboratory. Water quality is

Annex: Methodology - Page 4 assessed from multiple locations depending on the project. The locations, frequency and parameters to be monitored are given in the EIA report.

1 . 1 1 Coastal environment

1 . 1 2 Shoreline and vegetation line mapping

The island’s shore line and vegetation lines are mapped during low, high and mid tides using a handheld GPS assisted by aerial photos. The data is then entered in to a GIS database and maps are generated.

1 . 1 2 . 1 Coastal structures mapping

Similar to the island’s shore line and vegetation lines, all the coastal infrastructures such as groynes, sea walls, revetments, offshore and near shore breakwaters are mapped using a handheld GPS assisted by aerial photos. The data is then entered in to a GIS database and maps are generated.

1 . 1 2 . 2 Erosion and Accretion areas mapping

Areas where severe erosion and accretion occurring are mapped using a handheld GPS. The data is then entered in to a GIS database and maps are generated and compared with previous available maps and satellite photos.

1 . 1 2 . 3 Beach Profiles

Dumpy levels were also used to survey around selected locations around the island and beach profiles were generated from these data. The location along the which the beach profiles were taken was marked using a GPS for future monitoring. When selecting locations, a permanent structure or object such as a building corner, larger mature tree or any other similar benchmark were identified for future reference. The final beach profiles are corrected to MSL and graphs developed.

1 . 1 2 . 4 Drogues and currents

Nearshore currents in the lagoon or reef were measured by deploying a handheld GPS in a watertight casing with a fin attached at the bottom. The GPS is deployed for a period of minimum 15 minutes during which time its displacement from the original position are recorded as a line. After 15 minutes, it is removed and deployed at another location. Once the data is collected, currents in a particular area is calculated by measuring the distance it has travelled by 15 minutes.

1 . 1 3 Terrestrial environment

1 . 1 3 . 1 Terrestrial floral survey

The baseline terrestrial environment of the project location is studied in detail by counting trees existing in the area, and gathering information available from island office or from other available sources. The survey concentrates on identifying vegetation types, their abundance and occurrence in a given area. The methods used to assess the tree types and abundance are using line transects. A measuring tape is used to set up the transect line which is selected randomly from within the project boundary. The surveyor measures and records the type of trees and their average heights. Average heights are estimated and so there is a greater degree of error in estimating the tree heights. The results are then tabulated to calculate the

Annex: Methodology - Page 5 percentage of different trees. In addition, records from island office / resort or other sources are also used to cross check the figures.

1 . 1 3 . 2 Terrestrial faunal survey

In depth faunal survey is not assessed but the types of fauna encountered during the floral transect is identified and recorded. Focus in given on specific fauna such as turtles, fruit bats, sea birds and other sensitive birds. Birds and their habitation patterns are also observed and recorded during the survey.

1 . 1 3 . 3 Ground Water Assessment

Groundwater quality is assessed by collecting samples from given locations selected randomly or from available points within the island using YSI 6820 multi parameter handheld water quality meter. In addition, water quality is also tested at the National Health Laboratory.

1 . 1 4 Coastal Environment

Data collected on coastal environment includes beach profiles, existing coastal structures (sea walls, breakwaters, groyns etc.), beach composition, beach width, shore line and vegetation line. All beach profile locations are marked on GPS maps and their geographical coordinates are marked on a map. Beach profiles are taken as baseline data to make comparisons during monitoring programme so that any changes resulting from the coastal or any other component of a project can be assessed accurately. Beach profiles are measured using auto levels, GPS and a staff.

1 . 1 5 B a t h y m e t r y

Bathymetric survey are undertaken in the lagoon or reef using Echosounder attached to a boat. The levels are then corrected for mean sea level and represented in a map. Bathymetric maps provide accurate estimates of depths in a particular lagoon or a reef.

1 . 1 6 Aerial photos

Aerials photos provide useful information such as assisting the analysis of marine environment, identifying wave patterns and changes to shoreline and also vulnerable areas of the island for all kinds of projects. Aerial photos are purchased from DigitalGlobe.

1 . 1 7 Available long term weather data

Long term available weather data is obtained from the nearest weather station to a project in Maldives, which is based in Male’ International Airport (Male’ atoll), Hanimaadhoo (Haa Dhaal Atoll), Kaadehdhoo (Gaaf Dhaal atoll and island in Seenu atoll. These data sets are used to develop a regional model in ArcGIS to assess the vulnerable areas of the island or any other project during both monsoons, thus helping the EIA team to assess the vulnerable areas of the island for erosion and various other weather related issues.

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24 Annex: Water Quality Results from MWSC

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25 Annex: Correspondence of Island Council

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26 Annex: Tentative Project Schedule

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ID Task Task Name Duration Start Finish Qtr 3, 2019 Qtr 4, 2019 Qtr 1, 2020 Qtr 2, 2020 Qtr 3, 2020 Mode Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 1 Design and Build Harbour Upgrade in Dh. 362 days Tue 9/17/19 Sun 9/13/20 Hulhudheli (TES/2019/W-101)

2 Preliminaries 343 days Tue 9/17/19 Tue 8/25/20

17 Environmental Control 300 days Wed 10/30/19 Tue 8/25/20

21 Dredging 150 days Wed 10/30/19 Sat 3/28/20 3/28

25 Breakwater and Groynes 42 days Fri 3/27/20 Fri 5/8/20

32 Quay wall 230 days Sun 12/29/19 Sat 8/15/20

38 Mooring blocks 7 days Sat 8/8/20 Sat 8/15/20

40 Ramp 14 days Sat 8/1/20 Sat 8/15/20

44 Harbour Lights and Pavement 20 days Sat 8/15/20 Fri 9/4/20

49 Demobilization 9 days Fri 9/4/20 Sun 9/13/20

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27 Annex: Stakeholder Letter Sent to NDMA and MMRI

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Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Reg No: C-344/2005 th M. Niyadhurumaage 4 Floor, Alimas magu, Male’, Maldives

WS/LTR/0202/271:ުރަބްމަނ

ްނަސަހ ްނާސިހ ްލިޝާފްލައ ްވިޓުއިކެޒްކެއ ްފީޗ ެގީޓިރޮތޮއ ްޓްނަމްޖޭނެމ ރަޓްސާސިޑ ްލަނަޝޭނ .ެވެމަވަންނަދ ުހަފްށަމާލަސ ްނުދެވ

ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިލެދުޅުހ .ދ

ެގުމުދެހ ްޓޯޕިރ )ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ( ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގުއޫރްޝަމ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިލެދުޅުހ .ދ ިށެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެއަފްށޮކުލާވަހ ިއާއ ްސްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ީނަވ ްނުތާރަފ ެގީސ.ީސ.ީޓ.ްމެއ ްތަކްއަސަމ ްއެލަދަބ ަދަފޭވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރ ްނުށަދ ެގ )39/4 ުރަބްނަނ ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ޭހެޖްނަރުކާޔްއަތ ްނިރުކ ެގުމުގްނިހ ްއަތުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެނާދެވުތައ ްއެކަތުލަދަބ ްށަޓްއެވ ެގުށަރެއ ްނުމުއިދްނެގ ްށަޔިރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމިމ ީކަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިލެދުޅުހ .ދ ެގޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ާވިއަފްށޮކޫދ ްނިއ ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރުޕ ްޓްނެމރަޔަވްނެއ ްށަމުދެހ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ިމ ްނުމަކްއެތަކްއަސަމ ެނޭދިއަވުނެގ ްނުތާރަފިތ ިދައ .ެވެއަފާވްއަރުކ ަގަހާފ ީނަވްށަމުރުކ ްޓްލަސްނޮކ ްށަހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގާމަކިމ ިއަގްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމްނރާޓ .ެވެއަފިވެންނެދ ީނަވ ްށަމުވްއެރުކަގަހާފ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ްއަތްނަކ ާވްއަރުކަހާފ ްނުތޮގ ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ވީމާ، ހުޅުދެލި ބަނދަރު ހެދުމުގެ މަޝްރޫއާ ގުޅޭގޮތުން ތިޔަ އޮފީހުގެ ކަމާބެހޭ ބޭފުޅުންނާއި ކޮންސަލްޓް ކުރުމަށް ޕްރޮޖެކްޓްގެ އީ.އައި.އޭ ޓީމުން ބޭނުންވާތީ، ވީހާ އަވަހަކަށް މީޓިންގ އެއް ހަމަޖައްސަވައި ދެއްވުމަށް އެދި ދެންނެވީމެވެ. ތިޔަ އޮފީހުގެ މިމަސައްކަތާއި ބެހޭގޮތުން އިތުރު މަޢުލޫމާތެއް ބޭނުންފުޅުވެ ލައްވާނަމަ، އީ.އައި.އޭ ޓީމުގެ މެމްބަރ .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއުޅުގ ިއާއ (3341643/9930606/[email protected]( ުރަމުއ ުދަމްއަހުމ .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއެރުކ ްލޫބަޤ ްމާރިތްޙިއ .މ 0303 ްޗރާމ 39

ްމުކްމިދާޚ

ުރަމުއ ުދްމްއަހުމ ްލަޓްނެމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޓްނަޓްލަސްނޮކ

ީޓިރޮތޮއ ްޓްނަމްޖޭނެމ ރަޓްސާސިޑ ްލަނަޝޭނ ކ. މާލެ، ެޖްއާރިހެވިދ

Tel: (960) 334 1643, Fax: (960) 333 1643 www.water-solutions.biz; [email protected] c

Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Reg No: C-344/2005 th M. Niyadhurumaage 4 Floor, Alimas magu, Male’, Maldives

WS/LTR/2020/072:ުރަބްމަނ

ްށަމީއަނ ާޔިފާސ ާލިޟާފްލައ ްޓްސިޖޮލޯތަޕ ްކިޓަވްކެއ .ެވެމަވަންނަދ ުހަފްށަމާލަސ ްނުދެވ

ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިލެދުޅުހ .ދ

ްޓޯޕިރ )ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ( ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގުއޫރްޝަމ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިލެދުޅުހ .ދ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެއަފްށޮކުލާވަހ ިއާއ ްސްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ީނަވ ްނުތާރަފ ެގ ީސ.ީސ.ީޓ.ްމެއ ްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުދެހ ަދަފޭވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރ ްނުށަދ ެގ )39/4 ުރަބްނަނ ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ޭހެޖްނަރުކާޔްއަތ ްނިރުކ ެގުމުގްނިހ ްއަތުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެނާދެވުތައ ްއެލަދަބ ްއެކަތުލަދަބ ްށަޓްއެވ ެގުށަރެއ ްނުމުއިދްނެގ ްށަޔިރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމިމ ީކަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިލެދުޅުހ ެގޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ާވިއަފްށޮކޫދ ްނިއ ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރުޕ ްޓްނެމރަޔަވްނެއ ްށަމުދެހ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ިމ ްނުމަކްއެތަކްއަސަމ ެނޭދިއަވުނެގ ްނުތާރަފިތ ިދައ .ެވެއަފާވްއަރުކ ަގަހާފ ީނަވްށަމުރުކ ްޓްލަސްނޮކ ްށަހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގާމަކިމ ިއަގްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމްނރާޓ .ެވެއަފިވެންނެދ ީނަވ ްށަމުވްއެރުކަގަހާފ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ްއަތްނަކ ާވްއަރުކަހާފ ްނުތޮގ ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ވީމާ، ހުޅުދެލި ބަނދަރު ހެދުމުގެ މަޝްރޫއާ ގުޅޭގޮތުން ތިޔަ އޮފީހުގެ ކަމާބެހޭ ބޭފުޅުންނާއި ކޮންސަލްޓް ކުރުމަށް ޕްރޮޖެކްޓްގެ އީ.އައި.އޭ ޓީމުން ބޭނުންވާތީ، ވީހާ އަވަހަކަށް މީޓިންގް އެއް ހަމަޖައްސަވައި ދެއްވުމަށް އެދި ދެންނެވީމެވެ. ތިޔަ އޮފީހުގެ މިމަސައްކަތާއި ބެހޭގޮތުން އިތުރު މަޢުލޫމާތެއް ބޭނުންފުޅުވެ ލައްވާނަމަ، އީ.އައި.އޭ ޓީމުގެ މެމްބަރ .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއުޅުގ ިއާއ )3341643/9930606/[email protected]( ުރަމުއ ުދަމްއަހުމ .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއެރުކ ްލޫބަޤ ްމާރިތްޙިއ .މ 0303 ްޗރާމ 39

ްމުކްމިދާޚ

ުރަމުއ ުދަމްއަހުމ ްލަޓްނެމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޓްނަޓްލަސްނޮކ

ްޓުއިޓިޓްސްނިއ ްޗރާސީރ ްނިރެމ ްސްވިޑްލޯމ ކ. މާލެ، ެޖްއާރިހެވިދ

Tel: (960) 334 1643, Fax: (960) 333 1643 www.water-solutions.biz; [email protected] EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

28 Annex: EIA Submission Letter from Atoll Council and Island Council

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 109 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Expansion Project at Hulhudheli. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

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Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, April 2020 Page 110