ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
For the proposed reclamation of 15 hectares at Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Proposed by
Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure
Prepared by
For Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives
May 2013
EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
1 Table of Contents 1 Table of Contents ...... 3
2 Declaration of the consultants ...... 8
3 Proponents commitment ...... 9
4 Non Technical Summary ...... 13
5 Introduction ...... 16
5.1 STRUCTURE OF THE EIA ...... 16
5.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA ...... 16
5.3 EIA IMPLEMENTATION ...... 17
5.4 TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 17
6 Project Setting ...... 19
7 Project Description ...... 21
7.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT ...... 21
7.2 PROJECT PROPONENT ...... 21
7.3 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MANAGING THE PROJECT ...... 22
7.4 PROJECT LOCATION AND STUDY AREA ...... 22
7.5 NEED AND JUSTIFICATION TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT ...... 24
7.6 PROJECT DURATION AND BOUNDARY ...... 25
7.7 BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT COMPONENTS ...... 27
7.7.1 Borrow Materials for reclamation ...... 28
7.7.2 Dredging methods to borrow reclamation materials ...... 28
7.7.3 Coastal Protection of the Reclaimed Land ...... 29
7.7.4 Proposed area for the reclamation ...... 30
7.7.5 Layout and the location ...... 30
7.7.6 Concept plan for the project...... 30
7.7.7 Location and size of sand borrow areas ...... 30
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
7.7.8 Quantity, quality and characteristics of fill material ...... 31
1.1.1 Method and equipment’s used for dredging, including description and operational control 31
1.1.2 Justification for selecting the methods and equipment’s ...... 31
1.1.3 Duration of dredging activity ...... 32
1.1.4 Labour requirements and labour availability ...... 32
1.1.5 Housing of temporary labour ...... 32
1.1.6 Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, grease, oil) ...... 32
1.1.7 Measures to control sedimentation ...... 32
7.8 PROJECT INPUTS AND OUTPUTS ...... 32
7.8.1 Project Inputs ...... 32
7.8.2 Project Outputs ...... 34
7.8.3 Reclamation or filling methods ...... 34
7.9 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE AND METHODOLOGY ...... 38
8 Methodology ...... 39
9 Existing Environment of Maldives ...... 40
9.1 EXISTING GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF MALDIVES ...... 40
9.2 EXISTING MARINE ENVIRONMENT...... 40
9.3 METHODOLOGY OF MARINE SURVEYS ...... 41
9.4 CORAL REEF ...... 42
9.4.1 Status of coral reef at site 1 ...... 42
9.5 STATUS OF CORAL REEF AT SITE 2...... 43
9.6 STATUS OF CORAL REEF AT SITE 3...... 44
9.7 STATUS OF CORAL REEF AT SITE 4...... 45
9.8 STATUS OF CORAL REEF AT SITE 5...... 46
9.9 STATUS OF CORAL REEF AT SITE 6...... 47
9.9.1 Marine water quality and bathymetry ...... 49
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
10 Status of fish abundance ...... 50
10.1 EXISTING SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 51
10.1.1 Introduction ...... 51
10.2 EXISTING COASTAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 55
10.2.1 Features of the Coastal Environment ...... 55
10.2.2 Environmental condition of the dredged Material Disposal Areas ...... 55
10.2.3 Beaches ...... 56
11 Environmental Impacts ...... 58
11.1 ASSESSING AND IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACT ...... 58
11.2 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION MATRIX ...... 58
11.3 MAGNITUDE OF IMPACTS ...... 59
11.4 UNCERTAINTIES IN IMPACT PREDICTION ...... 60
11.5 IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 63
12 Stakeholder Consultations ...... 73
12.1 DISCUSSIONS WITH THE RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS AT THE SCOPING MEETING...... 73
12.2 MEEDHOO ISLAND COUNCIL...... 73
12.3 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION ...... 74
12.4 LIST OF PEOPLE CONSULTED FROM THE ISLAND COUNCIL ...... 75
13 Alternatives ...... 81
13.1 NO PROJECT OPTION ...... 81
13.2 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS MATRIX ...... 81
13.3 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS SCORES ...... 87
13.4 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ...... 87
13.4.1 Mitigation Measures for the Preferred Alternative ...... 88
14 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...... 89
14.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 89
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
14.2 COST OF MONITORING ...... 89
14.3 DURATION OF MONITORING ...... 89
14.4 METHODS OF MONITORING ...... 89
14.5 MONITORING RESPONSIBILITY ...... 89
14.6 MONITORING REPORT ...... 89
15 Conclusion ...... 93
16 Recommendations ...... 95
17 Acknowledgements ...... 97
18 Reference Books and Sources ...... 98
19 Annex: Terms of reference ...... 99
20 Annex: Annex: Bathymetry of the lagoon ...... 101
22 Annex: Land-use Plan of Meedhoo island ...... 103
24 Annex: list of stakeholders consulted...... 105
25 Annex: CV’s of unregistered consultants ...... 107
26 Annex: Letter from the Ministry of Housing ...... 109 s Error! Bookmark not defined.
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FIGURE 1: LOCATION MAP AND AERIAL PHOTO OF MEEDHOO ISLAND, DHAALU ATOLL...... 23 FIGURE 2: SHAPE AND SIZE OF MEEDHOO ISLAND IN DHAALU ATOLL ...... 24 FIGURE 3: PROPOSED RECLAMATION CONCEPT FOR MEEDHOO...... 26 FIGURE 4: PROPOSED LOCATIONS TO BORROW MATERIALS FOR RECLAMATION ...... 28 FIGURE 5: METHODOLOGY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECLAMATION COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT ...... 29 FIGURE 6: PROPOSED REVETMENT CONCEPT...... 30 FIGURE 7: PROPOSED BUFFERZONE AROUND THE REEFS NEAR BORROW SITE...... 31 FIGURE 7: TWO POTENTIAL LOCATIONS FOR THE DREDGER ...... 35 FIGURE 8: MARINE ENVIRONMENT SURVEY LOCATIONS ...... 40 FIGURE 9: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 1...... 42 FIGURE 10: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 2...... 43 FIGURE 11: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 3 ...... 44 FIGURE 12: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 4 ...... 45 FIGURE 13: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 5 ...... 46 FIGURE 14: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 6 ...... 47 FIGURE 15: EROSION AND ACCRETION PATTERNS IN MEEDHOO...... 57 FIGURE 16: TOTAL SCORES FOR ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ...... 87
TABLE 1: SOME KEY FIGURES FOR MEEDHOO ISLAND ...... 23 TABLE 2: SOME KEY FIGURES FOR MEEDHOO ISLAND ...... 24 TABLE 3: SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT COMPONENT ...... 27 TABLE 4: KEY PROJECT STATISTICS ...... 27 TABLE 5: MATRIX OF MAJOR INPUTS DURING CONSTRUCTION PERIOD ...... 33 TABLE 6: MATRIX OF MAJOR OUTPUTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE ...... 34 TABLE 7: TENTATIVE PROJECT SCHEDULE ...... 38 TABLE 8: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 1...... 43 TABLE 9: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 2...... 44 TABLE 10: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 3 ...... 45 TABLE 11: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 4 ...... 46 TABLE 12: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 5 ...... 47 TABLE 13: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 6 ...... 48 TABLE 4: RESULTS OF THE MARINE WATER QUALITY TESTS UNDERTAKEN IN DHAALU MEEDHOO ISLAND ...... 49 TABLE 14: RESULTS OF THE FISH CENSUS SURVEY AT MEEDHOO ISLAND ...... 50 TABLE 15: SOME KEY FIGURES FOR MEEDHOO ISLAND ...... 51 TABLE 16: POPULATION STATISTICS FOR DHAALU ATOLL ...... 52 TABLE 17: IMPACT ASSESSMENT MATRIX FOR THE PROJECT ...... 59 TABLE 18: IMPACT MAGNITUDES AND THEIR CORRESPONDING SCORES...... 59 TABLE 19: MATRIX OF SPECIFIC IMPACTS AND THEIR CHARACTERIZATION ...... 71 TABLE 20: SUMMARY MATRIX OF THE STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ...... 79 TABLE 21: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE NO PROJECT OPTION ...... 83 TABLE 22: ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS MATRIX FOR THE PROJECT ...... 85 TABLE 23: ALTERATIVE EVALUATION SCORES ...... 87 TABLE 24: SCHEDULE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING FOR THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD AS WELL AS PER ANNUM DURING OPERATION PERIOD...... 91
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
2 Declaration of the consultants
This EIA has been prepared according to the EIA Regulations 2012, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment. 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: Abdul Aleem ( EIA 09/07 )
Signature:
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3 Proponents commitment
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, c
ސާ ލާ ޙު ދާ ސާ
ެގ ރަޗްކަރްޓްސ ާރްފްދިއ ްޑްދެއ ްގްދިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިދިމ ީކަޓޯޕިރިމ
15 ްދުޅަފ ެގޫދީމ ުޅޮތައ ދ ީކަޓރޯޕިރިމ .ެވެކެޓރޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްފަކަމުތަގިއަޑަވިދެއ
ެގުތަކްތަސަމިމ ީތާވިއަފިއަވްއަލާވަލުކެއ ްދިއ ީރްޓްސިދިމ ްއެއޫރްޝަމ ެގުމުކްއިހ ްދިބ ެގރަޓްކެހ
ްދިއ ްދަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ްދުތޮގ ެގުމުލެބ ޯތްއެމަކެދާރުކްއެރަސައ ާހިކ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސ
ެގުމިބ ާވިއަފެވާމިދ ްފައ ޫދީމ ީކަދަސުގަމ ުޑދަގިއަމ ެގުއޫރްޝަމިމ .ެވެކެޓރޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަަތ
.ެވެމުރުކުލްއަހ ްދަކިތަދ
ްދަކިތަދ ެގުމިބ .ެވެކެފަރ ާވިއަފެވިތަމިރުކ ްފަޑޮބ ްފަރަވ ްދަކިތަދ ެގުމިބ ީކައ ޫދީމ
.ެވެއަފިޓްއެފ ްދެގެދ ްފައިރުބ ިރުބ ީދަވ ެގޭގ ެގުފަރ ިއަގްއެކަތުރަހައ ްއަތެއ ެގީމ ްދެގިވެރުކުދުލްއަހ
ްދުދިދ ިތޯގ ްފަރުތިއ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުމުރުފްފަރިޅުމ .ެވެދްދުމެވެރުކ ީދަދ ްތަކްތަސަމިމ ްސެވުރާހިމ ިދައ
ާމަކ ެގުރާކުރަސ ުކަރަހަފ ްއަތެއ ީކައަލަސްއަމ ެގުމިބ ެގުފަރ .ެވެއަފްސިއައ ްފަކަމުޓްއުހ ްދެހްދިޅުމ ީދަވ
ުމްދިހުމ ްފަރަވ ެގުޅޮތައ ެރުސްއުދާމަޒ ީކައ ޫދީމ .ެވެކެމަކ ާވިއަފިވެރުކާސްއިހ ްސެވާކަތްތާރަފ ޭހެބ
ޭވެލްފޮކ ަގަހާފ ީކަފަރިމ ްސެވިއަގުކަތްތައާދިސ ްދެހިދެހެއ ިދައ ްދުދަބ ުޓޯބ ކާމަކިރެވްސަމ .ެވެކެޒަކުރަމ
ެވެކެފަރ. ްދުރުކަގަހާފ ްދަކ ްދޫދ ްފަމުޅެއ ުރޮދެގ ިތޯގ ިދަކެއ ަމަހ ީދަވިތަދ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުމުތެދ ްދިބ
ަތަވުދ ިބިލުދ ްދުރެއިރުކ ޭހެޖ ްދެބިލ ްސެވ ްފަކަތްތަކްތަސަމ ީއާދިސ ެގުފަރ .ެވެމްދިހުމ ްފަރަވ
ެވެއެވެރުކ ަކަހާފ ްފަމަކ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުމަކިތަދ ެގުމިބ ީދަވިއަފިވެރުކުދ
މިމަޝްރޫއުގައި މިގޮތުދް ހިމެދިފައިވަދީ ރަފުގެ އިރުމަތީ، ުއ ުތ ުރ އަދި ދެކުދު ފަރާތުދް 15
ްދުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްފޮދުޑދޮގ ިއަގުކަތ ުދްއަހަރަސ ްއެއަބ ޭވެރުކަގަހާފ ިދައ .ެވެމުކްއިހ ްދިބ ެގ ރަޓްކެހ
ިމ ްދުކަތާސާރިދ ުދުދެހ ިދައ ްދުކަތްއަތްދަކ ިލެބ ްފޮކްތަޔާއިރ ްފަމަކްދަކިމ .ެވެއެދޭދެމިހ ްސެވ
ެބ ްފަކަތ ާސާރިދ ުދުވެރުކ .ެވެއަފިވެދަގެދެދ ީދަވ ުރަސައ ެދާރުކ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސ ެގޫރްޝަމ
.ެވެއެދެފ ްފަކަމަކެދޭބިލ ްއެކަތ ްދުލްއެގ ެގްއެރަވޭދުފ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސ ެގ ްޓެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ުހަފްފަމުލ
ިއަގުދްއަހަރަސ ާކްއިހ .ެވެފަތާރަފ ުރުތުއ ކާޗްއަމުރިއ ެގުރަފ ީދޭބިލ ްއެމުލްއެގުޑޮބ ެމްދެއ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ
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ްފަރަފ ެގުތާރަފ ީތަމުރިއ ކްދުރުތިއ ެގީމ .ެވެއެދާދ ްދެގެވުކާލަހ ްދެހދިޅުމ ްއަތަކަރުމ ޭރިދ ިރުހ
ެގުރަފ ްދުބަބަސ ެގ ުޑދަގުޑަސިކ ޭދެފުއ ުރިއާކްއިހ ްދިބ ްދުތޮގިމ .ެވެއެދާރުކުރަސައ ްދުތޮގާދީސުދ
ެގީމ .ެވެއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ ީދަވ ިއަގުޓރޯޕިރ ްދަކެދާރުކުރަސައ ްފައަކަރުމޭރިދ ިރުހ ިއަގުކަތުބުާސިހ ުރުދ
ްދުރުތިއ ެގީމ .ެވެއެދާރުކުރަސައ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުމަކިމްފަދްދިރެވްސަމ ާމަދދެއ ްދުޅަފ ްދުރުތިއ
ްފަދްދުހީމ ާދީފ ްފައިޅޮއ ުޑދަކ ުތާރަފ ުރުތުއ ެގ ުރަފ ްދުބަބަސ ެގ ުޑަސިކ ޭދެފުއ ުރިއާކްއިހްދިބ
ްދުކަތުޓރޯސިރ ިރިއަކ ިދައ ާދްދުކަތ ީރާފަސ ީކައިޅޮއ ުޑދަކ ިމ .ެވެއެދާރުކ ުރަސައ ޭވެދޭދ ްދުމަކިމ
ްފަރަވ ްދުހީމ ާދީފ ްފަރަފިމ ުކަހަވުދ ެމްދޮކ ްފަކަދަދައަދިގ ްސެވުރާހިމ .ެވެކެރަފ ާދީފ ްފޮކުމްދާއ
.ެވެއެވެރުކަގަހާފ ްދަކަދިގ
ިއަގްޓރޯޕިރ ްސެވްދަކެދާރުކ ްއެކަތާދިއަފ ްއަތެއ ްދުބަބަސ ެގ ުޢޫރްޝަމ ިމ
ްފަކަކަތްދުތަޔްއަރ ްއަތެއ ުރަސައ ެގޭއ ިއަފެވަދިގުދަހުދ ްއަތާދިއަފޭބިލ ްދުތޮގިމ .ެވެއެދާވިއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ
ްފޮދުޑދޮގ ްދުރުތިއ ެގުމުބިލ ްއެމަކިއުލ ްފަމަކިތަދ ެގުރޮތެގ ްދުތޮގިމ .ެވެއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ ީދަވ ްދަކެދާރުކ
ިތެޑޮބ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުއޫރްޝަމިމ ްދުމުލެބިލެބ ްފޮކާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެއެދޭވެރުކ ްސެވްތަޔާމިހ
ިތެޑޮބ ްފަރަވ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ީކަކަތ ުއޫރްޝަމ ެގުމުކްއިހ ްދިބ .ެވެއެދެފ ްފަކަމަކެދާވްއެކަތ ްދުލްއެގ
ްއެއަބ ކިއަގްއެމުއަގ ާރީޒަޖ ަޑުކަޑުކ ަލަހަކެޖްއާރ ކްސެވަމަދ ްއެތަކްތަސަމ ޭބިލ ްއެކަތ ްދުލްއެގ
ެގުމުލްއެގ ޭބިލ ްދުބަބަސ ެގީމ ީކަބަބަސ .ެވެކެމަކޭހެޖ ްދަރުކ ްދެހެމްދޮކ ީއިމ ިއަގުކަތްތަލާހ
ްއަތްފަރ ާކްއިހުދ ްދިބ ކްސެވަމަދ .ެވެއީތާވ ްއެކަތާދިއަފ ީއާމިތްޖިއ ްއަތެއ ިއަގުޅޮކްއެދައ
ިއަގޭޖްއާރ ީކަބަބަސ ެގީމ .ެވަމަރުކ ަގަހާފ ްދަކުމްދިހުމ ްސެވްދުލެބ ޯތްދޫދ ަތަވުދ ޯތެދޭވެރުކީގްއަރަތ
ީކަމުރުކުލަދަބ ްދުހީމ ްފަކަތްފަރ ަދަފިމ ކްސެވަމަދ .ެވެމަކަދިގ ްފަކަރަވޭދުފ ްފަތްފަރ ިތެޑޮބ ްދިބ
ާހިކ ްދުތޮގ ީލާމ ީއިމ ިދައ .ެވެއެހެޖ ްދަލަބ ްސެވ ޯތްދޫދ ަތަވުދ ޯތްއެލްއަހ ްތޮއ ްފަމުކްއިހްދިބ
ާމުވިއަފާވަމްދިދ ްދަގްދިހ ުއޫރްޝަމިމ ްދުރާކުރަސ ްސެވަމަދ .ެވެއެހެޖ ްދަލަބ ްސެވ ޯތްއެމަކ ެގްއެރަވ
ެގ ުއޫރްޝަމިމ ާމީވ ެވެކެމަކުރޭބ ްދުޕޯކްސ ެގުޓރޯޕިރިިމ ީކަމުލެބ ްފޮކާސާރިދ ްދަކްދަކިމ ުކެއ
ިދައ ުމްދިހުމ ްފަރަވ ީކަމުއިދްދެގ ްފައިރުކ ުއޫރްޝަމ ުހަފްފަމުލެބ ްފައާދިއަފ ީއާމިތްޖިއ ޭބިލ ްދުބަބަސ
ަދުގ ަދިގ ުދަހުދ ްފަދްދުތަޔްއަރ ެގޫދީމ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުއޫރްޝަމިމ .ެވެއެދެފ ްފަމަކްއެމަކުޅަގދަރ ެމްދެއ
.ެވެމަރުކަކަހާފ ްދަކެދާވ ްފަކަތްއަތްދަކ ެދޭރިކެދިމ ީކަކަތ ާދިއަފިމ ިދައ .ެވެއެދާރުކާދިއަފ
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
4 Non Technical Summary
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.
The project involves reclamation of 51 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaal Atoll. The project aims to increase the available land space in Meedhoo island, mostly to address the housing and industrial needs of the community. This EIA report discusses the findings of the reclamation project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.
One of the biggest development challenge facing Meedhoo island is lack of space for further development. Reclamation is a realistic need for the island as the island is presently saturated with no additional land for housing plots nor industrial activities.
The present population of the island is roughly 1296 of which 706 re males and 590 are females. The island council has got more than 294 applications for new housing plots as existing houses are overcrowded and too many families having to live in the same house is creating social and health issues. Due to lack of space, most of the houses have now been constructed to at least two or more storey’s. Unfortunately, the island council is unable to allocate new housing plots due to lack of space. Fifteen (15) hectares will therefore be reclaimed from the north, south east and east side of the existing island that would be developed and zoned for both residential and commercial use. Reclamation is therefore a serious necessity for the people of Meedhoo.
Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging and reclamation projects constitute significant amount of sedimentation and it is the biggest threat to the marine environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, and sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas to contain sedimentation of the remainder of the reef or at least minimize it significantly. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas. A coastal protection method and extents have also been suggested in the EIA in order to protect the shoreline. The project is mainly driven by the social and economic gain for the development of Meedhoo island through benefits achieved from increased land.
Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced and issues of the island. On a daily basis, the council receives request / complains from the general public on various issues and these have been incorporated in the report.
It is inevitable that there would be a lot of negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socioeconomic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential.
The reclamation of Meedhoo does pose significant threat to the marine environment as a large area of the reef will be destroyed. There will also be direct and indirect damage to corals in the vicinity of the project site. Nevertheless, this project will benefit the community significantly through increased availability of land for housing and commercial activities. The limited space available for reclamation in Meedhoo is something that has its long term impacts. With the implementation of this project, the entire reef system will fully be saturated and there will not be any opportunities for further reclamation. While this is the long term outlook, the area available for expansion on the other is very limited and although there are advantages, the project does pose serious questions about the future development of the island. The additional land created will provide a temporary solution for housing and other commercial activities, but for a limited period.
The government in collaboration with the Island council therefore needs to develop a practical master plan to utilize the additional land in a way to sustain a
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, balance between development and land use. Land use planning should consider the housing needs for the future generation as well as balance with economic and recreational facilities. These are questions that need to be answered as otherwise, the reclaimed land will be fully saturated within a matter of few years.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
5 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 project of reclaiming 12 hectares of the lagoon in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll. The aim of this project is to provide land for social and economic activities of the island.
5 . 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. 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, construction methods and technologies, 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 April 2013. However, due to unavailability of long term site-specific data, the impact assessment methodology has been restricted to field data collected, consultations, experience and professional judgment and field data taken on site. In addition, satellite photos have also been used to study the geography and environmental changes where necessary.
5 . 2 Aims and Objectives of the EIA
The objective of the report is to: Promote informed and environmentally sound decision making. Report the current social and economic issues faced by the community. 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 social aspects of the project are addressed. Propose recommendations to the client based on stakeholder assessments. Identify the real need for increasing land space. Identify a suitable and environmentally sound design for the reclamation. Identify the most cost effective method of dredging.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
5 . 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: Abdul Aleem, BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA-09/07) Ahmed Jameel, B. Eng (Environmental), MSc – Environmental (EIA-07/07) Faruhath Jameel, BSc, - Surveying science Hamdhulla Shakeeb, - Surveyor. Mohamed Affaan, Assistant Surveyor
5 . 4 Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference for this assessment has been included in the Appendix of this report.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
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6 Project Setting
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. Details of these regulations, what they cover and under what circumstances they apply are attached as an annex. Name of legislation Area relevant to this Linkages to this project project (yes/no)
Environmental protection and Generally covering the Yes Clause 5a states that an impact assessment study shall be submitted to preservation act Environment the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water before implementing any development project that may have a potentially detrimental impact on the environment. Therefore, Clause 5 is of specific relevance to this EIA. The EIA Regulations, which came into force in May 2012 has been developed by the powers vested by the above umbrella law. This EIA has also been prepared as per this regulation.
National biodiversity strategy and Environment Yes In implementing the proposed project activities, due care has to be taken action plan to ensure that the national biodiversity strategies are adhered to. To adhere, surveys were undertaken as part of the EIA to find out if biological resources of value and protected nature are affected by implementing any component of the proposed project.
Waste management policy Environment Yes This project will conform to this policy. Construction waste management details and methods have been outlined in the EIA report. Ban on coral mining Coral reefs Yes No mining of corals for any construction or any other infrastructure will be used in this project. Revetments will be either rock boulders or geobags. Consultation and Public Participation Socio-economics Yes During the preparation of this EIA, stakeholder views were taken into laws consideration from the very first stages of planning and also during the EIA process. Stakeholder consultations were conducted in order to take public opinion, views, suggestions and expectations into consideration. Stakeholder Consultation outlines the outcomes of the consultations and provide information about the stakeholder views towards the project. Regulation on cutting and uprooting Environmental Yes Neither the proposed project nor any of the alternatives proposed in this EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Name of legislation Area relevant to this Linkages to this project project (yes/no) trees. Protection report involve clearing land of vegetation. Guidelines for land use planning Planning, Yes The project conforms to the island council’s vision and mission. environment Important elements such as the existing sewer outfall location and pathway will be included in the development of future land use plans for the reclaimed land. Land law Planning, land use Yes The project conforms to the land use plan of the island. and environment Third National Environment Action Environment Yes The proposed project is expected to provide a learning experience in Plan terms of effectiveness of the use of EIA as a planning instrument and appropriate monitoring for which specific focus is laid in Objective 24.1 of NEAP 3 (Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment, 2009).
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7 Project Description 7 . 1 Introduction to the project
Meedhoo is an important island located in the central region of the country. The island. It has been a priority of the government, to reclaim Meedhoo island due to land shortages. Presently, the island is fully saturated. As of today, there are more than 294 applications for housing plots. At present, this is one of the few islands other than the capital Male’, that has a large percentage of multi storey houses. Lack of space has forced the islanders to go vertical as space is not available in the island.
Expansion of the island through reclamation has been a priority for the islanders and it has been integrated into the land use plans and numerous other development plans developed over the years. During the harbour construction project, the island was blessed with new additional land that is presently the only available empty space in the island.
This project proposes to reclaim 5 hectares of land in the shallow lagoon on the eastern and southern side of the island. This land will eventually become available for housing and other commercial and industrial activities. The reclamation will be done using a Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) by importing sand to the island. Sand will be dredged from a borrow site using the TSHD. This technology would be a cost effective and a more environmentally acceptable method to undertake reclamation in Meedhoo as there is no possibility of borrowing sand from the island’s reef system. This method would therefore have less environmental impact than the convention reclamation method used in Maldives.
7 . 2 Project Proponent
This project is proposed by the government of Maldives with Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure as the Implementing Agency. Ministry of Housing 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 reclamation and other projects such as ports and harbour development projects also fall under the responsibility of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has implemented several dredging and reclamation projects throughout the Maldives and have also developed standards and criteria’s for developing harbours. EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
7 . 3 Institutional arrangements for managing the p r o j e c t
Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has awarded the contract to Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to execute the project. The contractor, HDC would finance the project though government contractor finance model. HDC will contract the project to qualified companies through an international tendering process.
7 . 4 Project Location and Study Area
The island of Meedhoo is situated roughly 88 km away from and to the south – west of Male’. Its total length is 410 meters and width is 271 meters (Water Solutions Pvt Ltd,, 2007). The total extent of land is 8.9 hectares. There are a total of 137 boundary marked housing plots and a total of 7 unboundary marked plots. There are 209 fully built households in the island. The geographical coordinates of the island are 73°0'22.268"E 2°59'50.036"N (Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd,, 2008). Meedhoo is the second most populated of the 8 inhabited islands of Dhaalu Atoll with a population of 1996 and a land area of 8.90 hectares.The island is situated on its own house reef, well protected from the north and eastern side with a combination of reefs and islands on the South-east and North-west. Velavaru is on the South-east of the island and along with their large reef, provides protection to the southern side.
Meedhoo is considerably a small island with a high population density. The critical environmental problems faced by the island include the management of solid waste and lack of land for further development. Meedhoo lies on the northern tip of the atoll chain that forms Dhaalu atoll. Its closest neighbours are two tourist resorts, namely Vilu Reef and Velaavaru. The main occupation of the inhabitants is fishing and it forms the major source of income to the islanders. The entire land mass of Meedhoo is fully utilized. Housing plots are distributed throughout the island stretching from one end to the other.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Name of the island Meedhoo GPS Coordinates 73°0'22.268"E 2°59'50.036"N Area of islands/Sqm 89375.3 Distance to atoll capital/Km 40.08 Distance to Male'/Km 140.2 Is it on its own reef Yes is it sharing reef with other islands No if sharing how many islands 0 Nearest distance to reef edge/Km 0.13 Longest distance to reef edge/Km 0.76 Area of the reef (including lagoon)/Sqm 574178.03 Nearest Airport Maamigili International Airport Nearest Resort Villu Reef Beach and Resort Table 1: Some key figures for Meedhoo island
Figure 1: Location map and Aerial photo of Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll.
The above figures illustrate the location of Meedhoo island in Dhaalu Atoll and the shape and size of the island is illustrated in the following figure.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Figure 2: Shape and size of Meedhoo island in Dhaalu Atoll
The following table outlines some key statistics for Meedhoo island. Name of the island Meedhoo GPS Coordinates 73°0'22.268"E 2°59'50.036"N Area of islands/Sqm 89,375.3 Distance to atoll capital/Km 40.08 Distance to Male'/Km 140.2 Is it on its own reef Yes is it sharing reef with other islands No if sharing how many islands 0 Nearest distance to reef edge/Km 0.13 Longest distance to reef edge/Km 0.76 Area of the reef (including lagoon)/Sqm 574178.03 Nearest Airport Maamigili International Airport Nearest Resort Villu Reef Beach and Resort
Table 2: Some key figures for Meedhoo island
7 . 5 Need and Justification to undertake the project
Meedhoo is presently one of the fastest growing islands in the region. Many residents have applied for new house plots, but are unable to meet the needs as the island does not have space for new housing developments. Houses have been constructed vertically with some going as high as four to five levels. Land is therefore in dire need for social and industrial use. Reclamation is a therefore an urgen need for Meedhoo as the island is saturated and there are no additional land for housing plots
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, nor industrial activities.
The present population of the island is approximately 1296 (figure obtained from the Island Council) and there are 294 new applications made for house plots. The population density is 145 per hectare which is very high. As the island is fully saturated, in order to provide housing and other social needs of the present population, reclamation is urgently needed to lift the social status and prosper development. Without land, industrial growth will not take place and the housing crisis will further exacerbate. Public health and quality of life will degrade with overcrowding and it will become increasingly difficult to manage the environmental health of the island.
Most of the reclaimed land would be usable for domestic and commercial purposes. This great need for housing development in Meedhoo can only be achieved through creating additional land. Reclamation is therefore very much a serious requirement for the people as lack of space is causing many problems. At present, people willing to undertake industrial activities such as boat repair, boat building, commercial scale fish processing, drying and similar works alike do not have many options.
Reclamation of 15 hectares of land will therefore increase the economic potential of the island in addition to the various social benefits gained by additional space for housing. It is therefore one of the most urgently needed requirement for Meedhoo island.
To address these issues, the government has undertaken various consultations at strategic level to develop this plan. However, it does not support the government’s population consolidation policy for attracting people from other islands to settle in big islands. The reason is that the reclamation will not be adequate to support additional population from outside the island, rather it would be simply adequate for the island’s need. To justify the project, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has issued a statement by means of a letter which is attached as an annex.
7 . 6 Project duration and boundary
The proposed reclamation and coastal protection project involves the reclamation of 15 hectares of shallow lagoon on the eastern and southern side of Meedhoo. As part of the project, coastal protection would be provided to the most critical area of the new land that would be reclaimed, not extending 25% of the total perimeter. HDC is tendering this project as a design and built project. HDC has provided following design specification which would be used by the successful contractor to undertake the detail designing of the reclamation and coastal protection
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, for this project. It is planned that the reclamation and coastal project would start sometimes in July 2013 and the coastal protection work in last quarter of 2013. The project is expected to be completed in February 2014. Detail work plan would be available after the tendering process. The total estimated length of the revetment is 400 meters.
The following figure illustrates the proposed reclamation concept for Meedhoo Island.
Figure 3: Proposed Reclamation concept for Meedhoo
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
7 . 7 Brief overview of the project components
The following table outlines a brief overview of the project components. Project components Details Dredging It is proposed to borrow sand from within the lagoon of Dhaalu Atoll. Refer to Figure 4 map attached on the next page. This borrow area is located 5 kilometers west of Meedhoo island. A Trailer Suction Hopper Dredge (TSHD) will be used for dredging. The TSHD will go through cycles of four to six consecutive operations: Dredging in the Atoll lagoon. Sailing full to the disposal, Meedhoo island. Placement of dredge material at the disposal site by pumping directly to the land reclamation area on the east and south side of the island. Sailing empty to resume the cycle.
The dredging operation will continue 24 hours a day and 7 days a week as weather permits. Dredge operators will maintain a log of the dredge path, volumes dredged Reclamation of 15 Reclamation will be undertaken by filling the proposed Hectares of land to 2 reclamation area with dredged materials obtained from the m above mean sea borrow area. The TSHD will pump the material direct to the level site. Coastal protection Revetments as coastal protection will be constructed along the newly created shoreline not exceeding 25% of the perimeter of the newly reclaimed land. This length is approximately 400 meters long. Table 3: Summary of the project component
RECLAMATION AREA, VOLUME AND CALCULATION OF SEDIMENT REQUIREMENT
Area to be reclaimed (on the, north east and south-east of the island) Total area to be reclaimed in hectares 15 Average depth in the lagoon to be reclaimed at MSL (m) 0.7 Height above MSL to which reclamation will be done (m) 2.00 Total fill height (m) 2.70 Total volume of sediment required for reclamation (cbm) 405,000.00 Table 4: Key project statistics
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
7 . 7 . 1 Borrow Materials for reclamation
It is estimated that 405,000 cubic metres of borrow materials would be needed to reclaim 15 hectares of land. Meedhoo Island and its reef does not have a suitable location to borrow sand nor the quantity is available. To speed up the reclamation project, it has been proposed to undertake the project using a hopper dredger. At this stage EPA has provided a potential location where sand could be borrowed from. It is recommended that no dredging shall be carried by the hopper dredger within 500 m around any reef.
Figure 4: Proposed Locations to borrow materials for reclamation
7 . 7 . 2 D r e d g i n g m e t h o d s t o borrow reclamation materials
The materials will be borrowed using a trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD). Trailing suction hopper dredger is a normal sea-going ship equipped with one or two suction pipes. At the end of each suction pipe is a drag head, which can be lowered onto the seabed while the TSHD navigates at a reduced speed. The material loosened by the drag head, together with some transport water, is sucked into the suction pipe by means of a centrifugal pump, and subsequently placed in the hopper of the dredger.
7.7.2.1 Transportation of fill material to reclamation site
The TSHD will transport the sediments from the borrow area to the Meedhoo island’s reclamation site. The following figure provides a typical scenario where the
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
TSHD will dredge the material from the borrow site and transport it to the reclamation site.
(source: Ministry of Housing and Environment, 2010)
Figure 5: Methodology for the implementation of the reclamation component of the project
7.7.2.2 Creation of bund wall around fill area
The proposed filling area for reclamation will be marked by disposing sand around the boundary of the area to be filled, thus creating a bund wall. Filling will then be taken by disposing dredged sand to this area and compacting. Creating the perimeter bund wall is important to control sedimentation and prevention of silts from dispersing in to the lagoon and ultimately in to the reef.
7 . 7 . 3 Coastal Protection of the Reclaimed Land
After reclamation, coastal protection will be undertaken in order to prevent erosion of the shoreline and to prevent land loss in the short to long term. Revetment will be constructed around the quarter of the perimeter of the reclaimed land. Revetments would be made of rock boulders. Details of the coastal protection would be developed by the contractor. These details would be provided when it is developed by the contractor. The following diagramme illustrate a proposed concept for coastal protection indicating the critical areas. A total of 400 meters of revetment will be constructed.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Figure 6: Proposed revetment concept.
7 . 7 . 4 Proposed area for the reclamation
The proposed area for the reclamation lies on the south and east of the existing island. Refer to the above figure.
7 . 7 . 5 Layout and the location
Refer to the attached maps and above figure.
7 . 7 . 6 C o n c e pt plan for the project
Refer to the attached concept plan and the above figure.
7 . 7 . 7 Location and size of sand borrow areas
Refer to Figure 4. The following figure outlines the buffer zone around the nearby reefs around the borrow site.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Figure 7: Proposed bufferzone around the reefs near borrow site.
7 . 7 . 8 Quantity, quality and characteristics of fill material
The sediment will be sourced from the inner lagoon of Dhaalu Atoll outlined in Figure 4. A total of 405,000 cubic meters of sediment will be obtained from the borrow site using the hopper dredger. Refer to the attached concept plan. The sediment quality will be similar to the existing sediment at the sea bed of the lagoon. Although a detail assessment has not been done at this stage, the contractor is required to undertake a site survey of this area before commencing the works.
1 . 1 . 1 Method and equipment’s used for dredging, including description and opera tional control
The project will be implemented through a carefully managed plan. Reclamation will be initiated as soon as the EIA is approved and the contractor is selected. Dredging will be undertaken using a hopper dredger. The dredger will be mobilized to the borrow site. The filling area will be adequately bunded before filling. Hence, the filling areas will highly prevent sediment spilling in to the lagoon and the reef during the filling process.
1 . 1 . 2 Justification for selecting the methods and e q u i p m e n t ’ s
A hopper dredger is selected for the following reasons:
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
- They are less environmentally damaging, meaning that the sand is borrowed in pre-surveyed sand pockets in the deep Atoll lagoon. These pockets of sand constitute fine sand and no coral. Like a vacumm cleaner, sand is sucked in to the dredger and transported to the filling site. This process does not physically damage coral reefs and is considered to be a very attractive option. Unlike a cutter suction dredger, it physically destroys an area of the lagoon and changes the geography of the entire reef.
- Unlike a cutter-suction dredger, a hopper dredger can execute a given project in a very short time. This factor thus becomes very attractive as it reduces the overall cost resulting from project delays. The reclamation land is available for further development at a fraction of the time it would normally take a cutter suction dredger to work.
1 . 1 . 3 Duration of dredging activity
The total duration of project is expected to be eighteen months including the time allocated for coastal protection works.
1 . 1 . 4 Labour requirements and labour availability
This project will be contracted to a qualified contractor who has undertaken similar reclamation projects in Maldives. Hence, the contractor will be responsible for obtaining the required labour for this project.
1 . 1 . 5 Housing of temporary labour
Housing of labour will also be the responsibility of the contractor and they will be based in Meedhoo island during the course of the project.
1 . 1 . 6 Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel , grease, oil)
Spillages can be an issue in this project if adequate measures are not taken. Hence, oil, grease and other fuel storage will be held on land in a temporary site that has an adequate impervious flooring surface. Refuelling of excavators, loaders and trucks will be required during the filling and coastal protection works.
1 . 1 . 7 Measures to control sedimentation
Refer to the impacts and mitigation section for more details.
7 . 8 Project Inputs and Outputs
7 . 8 . 1 Project Inputs The types of resources that will go into the project and from where and how
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, these will be obtained are given in the following table. INPUT RESOURCE(S) SOURCE/TYPE HOW TO OBTAIN RESOURCES Construction workers (25+) Maldivians +foreign Contractor labours Water supply (construction Desalinated water / Available from Meedhoo period). mineral water / rainwater island. Electricity/Energy Mobile Diesel generators Contractor (construction period) and from the existing power grid. Construction machinery Excavators, barges, Contractor general construction tools, wheel loaders, dump trucks and loader. Telecommunications Mobile Phones, and radio Contractor two-way communications. Food (during construction From Meedhoo island. Contractor period) Fuel, Diesel, Petrol, Lubricants Contractor to obtain from Meedhoo island or source it from Male’. Table 5: Matrix of major inputs during construction period
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
7 . 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. PRODUCTS AND ANTICIPATED METHOD OF DISPOSAL WASTE MATERIALS QUANTITIES wastewater 250/l/person/day Waste water generated by the labour force of the contractor Waste oil and grease Approximately 100 litres Stockpiled in the island (hazardous waste) per month and later will be disposed at Thilafushi after they are transported during demobilization. Noise Localised to the project site Unavoidable during the including the surrounding construction stage but will areas. be minimized. Air pollution Limited quantities of dust, Mainly arising as a result oxides of Nitrogen and of emission from the sulphur from use of construction work such as machinery in the from the dredgers, construction zone. excavators and machinery. Only localised. Dredged spoil or sediment A total of 405,000 cbm To be dredged using a or sand from the borrow area. trailer suction hopper (TSHD) dredger. Reclaimed land 15 Hectares To be filled at the proposed reclamation area. Revetment 400 meters For shore protection after reclamation at most critical locations Solid waste 10kg/person/day Waste water generated by the labour force of the contractor Table 6: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage
7 . 8 . 3 R e c l a m ation or filling methods
Reclamation or filling will be undertaken by disposing sediment into the area to be filled. The disposed sediment will be spread evenly at the end of filling using excavators, loaders, trucks and bulldozers. The reclamation works will be undertaken in a similar manner to that described below.
- Reclamation will be done in sections.
- Mark the perimeter of the area to be filled.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
- Erect a temporary seawall of adequate height using sand bunds around the area to be filled to minimize sediment flow onto the reef. This will be done initially from the very first materials obtained from dredging or using sand from the lagoon itself.
- Fill the area and create a similar bund around the second bunded area.
- Continue filling to fill the enclosed area.
- Undertake levelling and compacting. 7.8.3.1 Location of the dredger
There are potentially two locations for the dredger to pump sediment after sailing from the borrow area. These two locations are outlined in the following figure. After sailing from the borrow site, the dredger will sail to either of these locations. From these locations, pipeline will be laid with floats. Once the dredger is sails to these loation, the pipe will be connected and all the dredged material will be pumped to the proposed fill area. The most likely location for the dredger is Option 1 in the following figure.
Figure 8: Two potential locations for the dredger
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
7.8.3.2 Compaction and levelling
Compaction will be undertaken as the reclamation goes off by disposing water in to the fill area. As water percolates thorough the filled area, settlement will automatically take place and the area will be compacted. Levelling will be done once the proposed area has been reclaimed.
Before reclamation, the contractor needs to establish a reference network on which the reclamation levels could be measured. The network should be established by the contractor in accordance with the guidelines issued by Maldives Land Surveying Authority. Levelling of the reclaimed land will be undertaken to 2.0 m above mean sea level.
7.8.3.3 Management of general solid waste
All domestic wastes from the construction activities, that is from the reclamation works will enter the present waste management cycle in Meedhoo, that is domestic garbage. All others, such as hazardous wastes, waste oil, grease, construction waste will be stockpiled and transferred to Thilafushi after the project.
7.8.3.4 Expected Environmental Conditions during the Project Implementation Period
The project activities will take place in south-west monsoon, and hence environmental conditions are expected to be mostly unfavourable during the construction period. Reclamation works will be undertaken on the south and east side which will be mostly calm in SW monsoon and hence, the impact on weather would be significant, especially when filling the southern areas. Calm conditions on the eastern sides will create more favourable conditions during reclamation which will mitigate the reef damage to some extent. Nevertheless, the filling would have a greater influence as winds will not always be calm during the reclamation works. Therefore, the strategy would be to complete the reclamation works with proper bunding and within the shortest possible duration and possibly during the south-east monsoon. The eastern side reef will also have a greater possibility of sedimentation as the winds from west will influence sediment transportation east. 7.8.3.5 Risks Associated with the Project
There are few risk factors associated with this project that could possibly have both financial and environmental implications. The most significant risk associated is damage and destruction of the lagoon and the reef caused by direct destruction of the habitats as well as indirect effects.
The scheduling of the project would affect the lives of many people around the
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, area, specially the movement of the dredger. Hence proper information needs to be provided to the public as they need to be aware of the movement of the dredger from the borrow site to the reclamation site at Meedhoo. This is a highly active zone of diving and many dive sites operate in this region including guests from the two nearby resorts, Vilu reef and Velaavaru island. The movement of the dredger will therefore have a major impact on the dive operations of the nearby resorts and safari boats. The northern side reef of Meedhoo and the north-west areas are heavily used by divers and snorkelers on a daily basis. Hence, these activities will be affected greatly.
Proper care needs to be taken to control and mitigate the sedimentation and siltation caused by the reclamation. Sedimentation will be an issue but will be minimized by limiting the filling work hours as well as undertaking work during low tide hours. Sedimentation will be an issue for the coral reefs around the borrow areas as some sedimentation will occur despite sand being borrowed from deep. Nevertheless, it is not expected to spread to the nearby reefs. Evidence from similar dredging undertaken on the western side of Hulhule Island indicates that although there is lot of sedimentation of the area, it does not pose a serious dispersion hazard to the nearby islands.
There is also the risk of project delays caused by bad weather. The project period falls in the south west monsoon. This risk can be minimized if the works are scheduled as such that weather is taken as important aspect in the project planning.
The most important risk associated with this project is the possible damage to the marine environment as a result of dredging and reclamation. The filling area or the lagoon has live corals which will totally be destroyed and to some extent, there will be indirect impacts from sedimentation of the coral reef, mostly on the north and eastern side. The north side is a popular diving channel and sedimentation of this reef will definitely be a high risk.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
7 . 9 Construction Schedule and methodology
The project is expected to be not more than 18 months for reclamation and coastal protection. Following is a tentative schedule for undertaking the proposed project in Meedhoo island. A detail schedule will be provided by the contractor once the project is awarded. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Awarding of contract x
Undertake site survey x
Mobilization x Constructing bund walls x x Preparing the pipe networks for the dredger. x x Dredging process begins at the proposed borrow site. x x
Filling x x x Leveling and x x compacting x x x x Coastal protection x x x x x x
Demobilization x x Complete and handover the project x Table 7: Tentative project schedule
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
8 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
20 m Line Intercept transect (LIT) Marine environment Yes
50 m photo quadrate analysis Marine environment No
Qualitative assessment of the reef Marine environment Yes Permanent photo quadrate Marine environment No Ref fish visual census Marine environment Yes
Marine Water Quality Marine environment Yes Coastal Environment Coastal Environment Shoreline and vegetation line Coastal Environment Yes mapping Coastal structures mapping Coastal Environment Yes
Erosion and accretion areas Coastal Environment No mapping Beach profiles Coastal Environment Yes
Drogues and current Coastal Environment Yes Terrestrial Environment Terrestrial environment Terrestrial floral survey Terrestrial environment No Terrestrial faunal survey Terrestrial environment No Groundwater assessment Terrestrial environment No Bathymetry Marine / Coastal Yes Environment Aerial Photos Generally covering the Yes broader Environment Long term weather data Generally covering the Yes broader Environment
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
9 Existing Environment of Maldives 9 . 1 Existing general environment of Maldives
The general environmental conditions of Maldives is well documented in many EIA reports and here reference is made on EIA report prepared for the reclamation of Maadheli island in Dhaal Atoll (Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group (LAMER),, 2008).
For details of the existing general environment of Maldives including the climate, wind patterns, current, tides and others, refer the above mentioned EIA report.
9 . 2 Existing Marine Environment
The marine environmental survey at Meedhoo was focused on six sites as illustrated in the following figure. Sea water quality was tested from two locations, SW1 and SW2 for reference.
Figure 9: Marine environment survey locations
Site selection for the marine survey was based on representative points that will ensure that the reef system is well represented, that includes filling areas as well as other areas of the reef.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
9 . 3 Methodology of marine surveys
To assess the benthic composition of the survey site, an LIT transect of 20 meters were undertaken. The benthic categorization was focused on categorizing life forms followed under the Reef Check protocol, which emphasises 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. Recording corals to their species levels will pose difficulty if the surveyor is not familiar with the different coral types. This method is universally used throughout the world by Reef Check surveyors and hence it has been used.
This LIT method was also complimented by qualitative methods, such as visual observations and through the use of photos. Fish counts were also undertaken to get a snapshot of the fish population. Details of these methodologies are discussed in the methodology section.
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: Include zoanthids but not anemones (OT) RKC: Coral that has died within the past year; appears fresh and white or with corallite structures still recognizable NIA: 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 yr 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. Under Reef Check protocol, there is no categorization of sea grass hence, it was recorded under OT.
General impression and quantitative results of the sites surveyed are described in the following pages.
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9 . 4 C o r a l r e e f
Six sites were surveyed to assess the marine environment as baseline for reef benthic community.
9 . 4 . 1 Status of coral reef at site 1
Site 1 was chosen from the south side. This site was chosen as the proposed reclamation will cover this area as well. The entire area is considered as sea grass beds and as a result, the depths in this location were approximately 0.5 to 07 meters at mean sea level. Heavy growth of sea grass has created very stagnant conditions in this region and hardly any fish species were encountered except for some juvenile herbivores. This is considered as lagoon, which will entirely be destroyed during the filling process. In addition to sea grass, coral rubble and sand were the other benthic categories intercepted in the survey.
The following graph outlines the percentage benthic composition at site 1 and the following table outlines the results of the LIT transect at site 1 in Meedhoo island
Figure 10: Percentage benthic composition at site 1.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 0% 0% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 80% 0% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 0% 0% RB 8% 5% SD 13% 5% SI 0% 0% Table 8: Percentage benthic composition at site 1.
Live coral cover at site 1 was 0%. Sea grass dominated this site which is categorized as OT. Total percentage of sea grass was 80%. Other benthic compositions include coral rubbles (8%) and sand (13%).
9 . 5 Status of coral reef at site 2
Site 2 was selected from the east of the island, north of the site 1.
Figure 11: Percentage benthic composition at site 2.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 0% 0% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 0% 0% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 10% 0% RB 70% 0% SD 20% 0% SI 0% 0% Table 9: Percentage benthic composition at site 2.
The above table and graph illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 2. Live coral cover at site 2 was nil. As the location is quite close to the shoe and from the lagoon, this area does not contain any living corals. It appears that they have been destroyed by human activities and from the previous filling process. Of the non living components, coral rubbles dominated this site with 70% recorded on the LIT survey. In addition, 20% of the area constitute sand and rocks accounted for 10%.
9 . 6 Status of coral reef at site 3
Site 3 was selected from the north of the island. The following graph illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 3.
Figure 12: Percentage benthic composition at site 3
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 3% 2% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 0% 0% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 48% 9% RB 40% 7% SD 10% 0% SI 0% 0% Table 10: Percentage benthic composition at site 3
The above table illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 3. Live coral cover at site 3 was 3%. Of the non living components, rocks dominated this site with 48% recorded on the LIT survey. Coral rubbles were recorded at 40% and sand at 10%.
9 . 7 Status of coral reef at site 4
Site 4 was selected from the north of the island. The following graph illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 4.
Figure 13: Percentage benthic composition at site 4
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 10% 0% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 8% 2% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 0% 0% RB 63% 5% SD 20% 7% SI 0% 0% Table 11: Percentage benthic composition at site 4
The above table illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 4. Live coral cover at site 4 was 10%. Of the non living components, coral rubble dominated this site with 63% recorded on the LIT survey. Sand as recorded at 20%.
9 . 8 Status of coral reef at site 5
Site 5 was selected from the south east side of the island. The following graph illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 5.
Figure 14: Percentage benthic composition at site 5
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 5% 4% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 8% 2% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 64% 8% RB 16% 8% SD 8% 6% SI 0% 0% Table 12: Percentage benthic composition at site 5
The above table illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 5. Live coral cover at site 5 was 5%. Sea grass has been recorded as OT in the LIT survey as the Reef Check protocols does not have a category specific for sea grass. Sea grass was recorded at 8%. Coral rubble was recorded as 16% and sand recorded at 8%.
9 . 9 Status of coral reef at site 6
Site 6 was selected from the southern side of the island’s reef, further away from the proposed reclamation site. This site was selected as a control site. The following graph illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 6.
Figure 15: Percentage benthic composition at site 6
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 93% 2% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 0% 0% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 5% 0% RB 0% 0% SD 3% 2% SI 0% 0% Table 13: Percentage benthic composition at site 6
The above table illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 6. Live coral cover at site 6 was 93%. This site is very healthy and totally opposite to all other surveyed sites. Most of the live corals were hard corals, belonging to the Acropora branching and tabular types. Of the non-living component, sand and rocks were recorded at 3% and 5% respectively.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
9 . 9 . 1 Marine water quality 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 one location. The bathymetry map is attached as an annex. The following table illustrates the result of the marine water quality test.
Water Quality Site SW1 Site SW2 Optimal Ref range Physical Clear Clear appearance
Electrical 55000.00 55500.00 Conductivity (us/cm Temperature C 27.00 29.00 18 - 32 GBRMPA 2009 Degree Celsius Salinity (mg/l) or 33300.00 33300.00 3.2% - 4.2% GBRMPA 2010 PPT pH 8.30 8.30 8 to 8.3. Levels below 7.4 will cause stress Turbidity (NTU) 1.00 0.39 3 to 5 NTU. Cooper et al 2008 > 5 NTU causes stress Suspended solids 8.00 1.00 (mg/l)
Table 14: Results of the marine water quality tests undertaken in Dhaalu Meedhoo island
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
10 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. Similarly, more live corals will attract more fish and some of the fishes are associated with different types and growth forms of corals. For example, Damselfish like Dascyllus sp. or Chromis sp. are common fish found in branching corals and large schools are often seen around healthy branching corals. Butterfly fishes are associated with live corals because they feed on healthy coral polyps. High nutrients promote eutrophication that deprives a given area of oxygen and hence fish population decreases.
Details of the fish census survey is outlined in the following table.
Family Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) - C - Anthias - - A Batfish - C - Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) C R A Fusiliers (Caesionidae) - A - Gobies - - R Groupers - - C Hawkfishes R - - Jacks R - - Moorish idol (Zanclidae) R R C Parrotfishes (Scaridae) R - C Pipe fish - C - Rudderfishes (Kyphosidae) - C - Snappers (Lutjanidae) - - C Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) C C A Sweetlips - - R Triggerfishes (Balistidae) - - R Wrasses (Labridae) R R C
Table 15: Results of the Fish census survey at Meedhoo island .
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
1 0 . 1 E x i s t i n g socioeconomic Environment
1 0 . 1 . 1 Introduction
The project site is the island of Meedhoo in Dhaalu Atoll. The geographical coordinates of the island are 73°0'22.268"E 2°59'50.036"N (Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd,, 2008). Meedhoo is the second most populated of the 8 inhabited islands of Dhaalu Atoll with a population of 1996 and a land area of 8.90 hectares. Name of the island Meedhoo GPS Coordinates 73°0'22.268"E 2°59'50.036"N Area of islands/Sqm 89375.3 Distance to atoll capital/Km 40.08 Distance to Male'/Km 140.2 Is it on its own reef Yes is it sharing reef with other islands No if sharing how many islands 0 Nearest distance to reef edge/Km 0.13 Longest distance to reef edge/Km 0.76 Area of the reef (including lagoon)/Sqm 574178.03 Nearest Airport Maamigili International Airport Nearest Resort Villu Reef Beach and Resort Table 16: Some key figures for Meedhoo island
10.1.1.1 Population
The total population of Meedhoo is 1296, as per latest records from the island council. However, according to the information from Island Council, although this is the present population, it is different from the actual census data as since the last census lot of migration has occurred. The female population composition is 45% and male composition is 55%. The population density of Meedhoo is 145 persons per hectare and this is higher than the national average, which stands for 25 persons per hectare.
The following table outlines the statistics for Dhaalu Atoll which compares population figures with the island and the others in the atoll.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Sex ratio Avg. (males per Population 2006 Population 2000 annua 100 Locality l females) growt Both Mal Femal Both Femal 200 200 Male h rate sexes e e sexes e 6 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10 South Nilandhe Atoll 2,57 (Dh) 4,967 7 2,390 5,067 2,562 2,505 -0.33 108 102
Administrative 2,33 Islands 4,720 5 2,385 4,927 2,422 2,505 -0.71 98 97 Meedhoo 919* 519 400 908 476 432 0.2 130 110 Badidhoo 578 294 284 578 293 285 0 104 103 Ribudhoo 207 98 109 420 193 227 -11.75 90 85 Hulhudheli 566 261 305 524 240 284 1.28 86 85 Gemendhoo3 0 0 0 322 146 176 NA NA 83 Vaanee 211 93 118 346 168 178 -8.22 79 94 Maaeboodhoo 600 295 305 597 293 304 0.08 97 96 Kudahuvadhoo 1,639 775 864 1,232 613 619 4.74 90 99 *note the difference in the present statistics and the census 2006 statistics.
Table 17: Population statistics for Dhaalu Atoll
10.1.1.2 Employment
The major income earning activities of the island people are recorded as fishing, boat building and resort employment. Although fishing is the main occupation of the island people, some men are engaged in sand mining, sea cucumber fishery and also employed in the government jobs.
10.1.1.3 Health
Meedhoo Health Centre is the main health facility that serves the population of the island. The quality and availability of better services is still a concern for most of the island people. Meedhoo health centre has one general doctor, two nurses, and administrative and support staffs.
10.1.1.4 Education
Quality of education and lack of trained teachers are still a main issue in most of the islands. The current teacher training policy and educational policy of the
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, government is a main concern for the public. The government of Maldives has claims to have been reached the universal school enrollment rate, whilst most schools in the islands are facing lack of facilities including teachers, laboratories and teach training institutions. The growing demand of schooling has increased the demand on skilled teachers which are often met by importing expatriate teachers from nearby countries. The lack of skilled teachers and facilities in island schools are one of the main reasons why people are still migrating to the capital Male’.
Meedhoo has a government run school which offers education up to grade 10. Most skilled teachers of the school are expatriates. And the council mentioned that they will soon be introducing education up to A’level
10.1.1.5 Housing
Meedhoo is a densely populated island. Most of the houses are built from modern bricks and concrete. The defining characteristic of most houses are that they are multi storey, some even as high as five storey’s. This is due to the lack of space and growing population in the last one and half decade.
10.1.1.6 Water
There is a community water supply network in the island, but the demand is high only during dry periods. The island population depends on rain water harvesting from roof tops as their main source of potable water. Households are provided with 2500 Lt, rain water tanks after the Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004. The available rain water harvesting facilities are insufficient to meet the demand of the people throughout the year. There are no piped drinking water network yet.
10.1.1.7 Sewage
There is an island wide sewage network for the island which all households share. The island council has informed that the outfall pipe has been damaged recently and they are currently working on fixing it. The council also informed that the sewerage system has a number of operational issues and maintenance is not undertaken properly. At present, the sea outfall is located immediately on the shoreline.
10.1.1.8 Solid waste disposal
There is no engineered solid waste disposal location in the island. All types of waste generated from the houses are disposed to a waste disposal site on the island. However, indiscriminate waste dumping is a common practice in the island and the
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, eastern coastline is heavily infused with wastes of all kinds including baby diapers, plastic bags, kitchen waste etc.
10.1.1.9 Electricity
Electricity is provided by diesel generators to all institutions and households, 24 Hours daily.
10.1.1.10 Telecommunication
There are some domestic land line telephone facilities available in the island and few telephone booths and the land lines in the government offices. The island council, island court and facilities are equipped with telephone and fax facilities. The population has access to mobile telephones provided by two local service providers including Dhiraagu and Wathaniya. Prepaid telephone cards available from local shops. Internet facilities are available widely throughout the island. There are Computer systems in most houses, which is mainly used by school children for educational purposes.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
1 0 . 2 Existing Coastal Environment
The coastal environment of Meedhoo consists of the beaches, shores, coastal vegetation, and shallow lagoons. The beach environment consists of rocky beach areas in north, north-eastern and eastern sides of the island. The eastern shoreline has been previously modified by nourishing the coastline with sand dredged from the lagoon. This was undertaken in order to prevent erosion that was affecting the land structures.
1 0 . 2 . 1 Features of the Coastal Environment
The coastal environment of the island and in general the project area can be described as having the following components:
They are: 1. The natural shallow lagoon on the north, east and south sides. 2. The eastern side coastline is highly modified through filling to control erosion. This has resulted in a beach with rocks and coarse material that are more energy tolerant. As a result, there are no proper sandy beach areas on the eastern side. 3. A highly modified and reclaimed piece of land on the southern end of the island. This was the result of harbour construction, which created additional land using the materials obtained from dredging the basin. 4. There are no natural coastal vegetation around the island as the entire island is over populated and houses and other developments had encroached as far as the shoreline, leaving no room and space for coastal vegetation.
1 0 . 2 . 2 Environmental condition of the dredged Material Disposal Areas
The project takes place on the shallow lagoon of the island covering the areas north, east and south of the island. These areas where the reclamation is proposed is covered has various habitats within them. Some areas near the coastline have se grass while other areas have high percentage of coral rubbles. Most of the lagoon area with sea grass will be completely filled, and hence, their habitat will be destroyed in the event. The lagoon also contains coarse sand and unconsolidated coral rubbles, and occasional large rocks in some areas. Refer to the marine environmental survey results to assess the baseline conditions of the proposed reclamation area. The further the lagoon from the shoreline, the higher the percentage of live corals and this is one of the interesting observations in the lagoon area.
One of the most significant impacts would be the direct destruction of sea grass beds and the live corals in the fill areas as well as destruction of corals on the reef
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, indirectly through sedimentation.
The areas close to the coastline No significant benthic life was encountered during the visual observation. The proposed site do not possess any significant environment except the occasional sea grass beds and live corals on the seaward side, close to the reef flat and slope areas. No significantly important benthic life was encountered during the visual observation. Since sea grass beds are of no ecological value to the Maldivian society, they are not preferred in many islands despite the environmental benefits they provide.
1 0 . 2 . 3 B e a c h e s
Since this project focus mainly on the marine environment, no detail accounts of the beaches will be described here. Within the project boundary, there is no distinct beach environment as the shoreline has been modified both on the east and west sides. On the east side, it has been modified through nourishment to compensate for erosion. The southern side has been modified through filling resulting from the harbour project. The western side has been highly modified by the construction of the harbour.
Therefore, there is no distinct beach environment in this island. The filling will have impacts on the movement of sediment on the eastern, northern as well as south- east side. Filling will hinder the natural sediment flow. Together with coastal protection, the beaches will get further stabilized. One of the advantages of reclamation is that it brings a temporary solution to erosion and together with proper coastal protection, it will completely avoid the possibility of erosion. The following figure outlines the accretion and erosion patterns observed from data obtained in 2006 and 2013.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Figure 16: Erosion and accretion patterns in Meedhoo.
The above figure indicates sediment has been added to the coastline as large accretion areas are seen in comparison to the previous shoreline of 2006. Most of the northern side and eastern side has been filled to combat erosion and these are reflected in the shape and size of the island as well from changes to the shoreline width. On the southern tip of the island, the additional area has been the result of harbour construction.
The coastal environment of Meedhoo is therefore a highly modified environment and none of the natural features that exists in the original island are seen today. The modification has brought geomorphological changes to the shoreline and also several benefits. These benefits include, controlling erosion and protection of vital infrastructure, especially on the eastern side.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
11 Environmental Impacts 1 1 . 1 Assessing and identification of I m p a c t
Environmental Impact identification has been undertaken by considering the proposed activities and examining the level of impact the proposed development will have on the environment. Each activity was then examined in detail to identify the construction methods, technology and other factors that would determine the potential impact of the various activities. The following methods were used to identify the impacts of this project. Impact Identification Matrix (refer to the matrix) Expert judgment. This method relied on experience gained from similar projects in Maldives.
1 1 . 2 Impact identification matrix
This matrix was designed to help provide an assessment and screening of the potential environmental impacts of this project. The matrix considered 17 potential environmental factors. Indicators are listed for each factor and these are used as a weighing scale. The project components are then assessed against each factor, scoring them on a scale of 1 to 10. This tool was thus utilized to help provide an assessment and screening of the potential environmental impacts of this project. The matrix will identify the impact types. Once the impact types are determined, the matrix is then used to assess the impact significance together with the network diagramme and expert judgment.
This matrix contains: An impact assessment matrix which lists all of the 17 environmental factors and allows, for each one, to provide a score (1-10) and any additional comments. Each factor considers several sub categories (not indicated in the following matrix), depending on the project type and a total score is derived by averaging the individual scores.
A summary of scores for each factors and the impact type, negative, positive or neutral.
All types of projects that are listed in the EIA Regulation of 2012 can be assessed using this tool. The following table outlines the impact assessment matrix and the scores for the 17 categories derived for this project.
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Impacts Total score Negative Neutral Positive (1-3) (4 -7) (8 -10) Air pollution 3.00 x Waste - x Water pollution 1.00 x Noise/Vibration 4.00 x Amenity 3.00 x Ground water conservation 5.00 x Energy 5.00 x Energy efficiency 5.00 x Access to quality green 6.00 x space Flooding 3.00 x Transport 8.25 x Biodiversity 1.20 x Local environmental 9.00 x quality Resource depletion 3.00 x Health gain 9.50 x Employment 8.00 x Socio-economic 9.00 x implications
Scale Score 1-3, Negative Environmental Impact Scale Score 4-7; Neutral Environmental Impact Scale Score 8-10; Positive Environmental Impact
Table 18: Impact assessment matrix for the project
1 1 . 3 Magnitude of impacts
Environmental impacts of the proposed work have been examined through the above mentioned two processes and the results are outlined in the following pages. By using the impact assessment matrix as a tool, the magnitude of the impacts can be assessed as outlined in the following table. Scores based on the impact assessment matrix < Negative Impacts > < Neutral Impacts > < Positive Impacts >* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Magnitude Major 2, Minor 4 &5 Minor, 6 & 7 Good Very Excellent of adverse adverse Negligible good impacts. 3, Moderate adverse Table 19: Impact magnitudes and their corresponding scores.
This EIA identifies and quantifies the significance of impacts on the environment from the proposed project. Impacts on the environment were identified
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, and described according to their location/attribute, extent (magnitude) and characteristics (such as short-term or long term, direct or indirect, reversible or irreversible) and assessed in terms of their significance according to the following categories: Negligible – the impact is too small to be of any significance; Minor– the impact is minor; Minor adverse – the impact is undesirable but accepted; Moderate adverse – the impact give rise to some concern but is likely to be tolerable in short-term (e.g. construction phase) or will require a value judgment as to its acceptability; Major adverse – the impact is large scale giving rise to great concern; it should be considered unacceptable and requires significant change or halting of the project. Positive – the impact is likely to bring a positive change in the sense that it is aimed at further minimizing the impacts as a result of the proposed actions.
1 1 . 4 Uncertainti es 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, geomorphologic or social conditions in a particular place. There is also limited data and information regarding the particular site under consideration, which makes it difficult to predict impacts.
However, the level of uncertainty, in the case of this project at Meedhoo is expected to be low as reclamation has been undertaken in many islands of Maldives. Therefore, the damage to coral reef is easy to quantify based on past experience in other islands.
However, despite this, in the marine environment, there is a higher degree of uncertainty as the marine environment is more sensitive in extreme cases such as severe weather conditions. The areas where filling will be undertaken are the east side lagoon with moderate percentages of live corals. The proposed filling area also cover sea grass and live corals among other benthic compositions. Hence, in terms of coral damage, the fill areas will have negative impact and filling will completely destroy and alter the lagoon bottom as well as cause indirect impacts through sedimentation. Therefore, sedimentation will affect the coral reef and the lagoon.
Perhaps a more concerning issue is the impact of operating a TSHD in this project especially when the island of Meedhoo is only 600 meters east of Vilu reef
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, resort and about 900 meters to the reef of Velaavaru Resort south of Meedhoo Island. Operating such a large vessel inside the atoll has never been undertaken and it will definitely impact the traffic flow as the channel between the island of Meedhoo and Velaavaru is the main entrance to the atoll. Traffic movement as well as resort operations such as diving, snorkelling and excursions will be impacted. Hence, there is high degree of uncertainty as to how these operations and social activities will be impacted.
However, dredging and reclamation activities are developments that have been undertaken in other parts of the Maldives and their impacts as far as the environment is concerned are well known and have been well documented. Therefore, there is very little uncertainty involved in this project with regard to environmental impacts.
The following matrix outlines the impacts and mitigation measures and their significance.
The following tables outlines the impacts and mitigation measures proposed as well as the matrix of impacts and their characterization. Reference to the matrix was derived from (Hoepner, 1999).
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
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1 1 . 5 Impacts on the Environment and their mitigation measures Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Energy generation Energy for construction (filling and coastal protection Energy generation will be controlled and works). monitored. Contractors will be required to use Use of energy for construction activities has an indirect the power from the island grid to avoid negative impact on the environment through separate generator sets, which will increase consumption of fuel. emission of green house gases as much as possible and in practical situations where it can be used. Impact of the During the construction stage, the large number of Fishing from the house reef of the project site No cost. temporary workforce workforce and their behavior could have significant will be banned during the construction stage. Operation impact on the environment. The contractor and all construction staff will protocols to be been informed of this. Due to the fragile followed and will It is not expected that any damage would be caused by nature of the coral reef, walking on corals be included in the workers fishing or walking on the lagoon, as the while swimming and working in the lagoon contract environment does not encourage such behavior. environment will also banned. This document. preventative measure will also be informed to Improper and indiscriminately dumping of solid waste to all staff. In Meedhoo island, live corals are in the reclamation area, especially the marine environment areas away from the fill area, so damage to can impact the marine environment, such as throwing corals in this way is almost impossible. garbage, plastics etc. Appropriate signs will be placed to keep the site clean.
Fines and discharges for not obeying the environment protection rules. Workers will be briefed about proper disposal of litter and avoid damaging the surrounding environment. EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Noise and air Noise impacts will be localized. Noise is not expected to be a concern due to No cost pollution the intermittent nature of noise sources such as dredger (during filling process), excavators and other construction heavy vehicles. However construction workers, who are prone to high noise levels such as machinery operators, will be provided with proper personal protection equipment’s (PPE) such as ear muffs. Reclamation of the Sedimentation The following mitigations measures are Cost to be lagoon Reclamation of the lagoon will permanently alter the proposed included in the seabed and disperse sediment plumes to the coral reef 1. Filling shall be undertaken by creating a contract areas. This is an inevitable result of reclamation sand bund around the reclamation area to document. activities. Corals can tolerate sedimentation to a certain reduce sedimentation impact. These can be Contractor to extent. However, coral growth and recruitment will be sand bags or sand and will only be removed follow the affected in the moderate term. Prolonged exposure will once the works are completed. This activity mitigation eventually lead to death of the corals. The impacts of will be undertaken during calm weather at low measures, excessive sedimentation on corals include; tides. including bund • Direct physical impacts like smothering of corals and 2. Proper timing of reclamation works, most wall and silt other benthic organisms. importantly the filling to be carried during curtain. • Reduced light penetration reducing the productivity low tide. and growth, calcification and reproduction rates of 3.Limiting the fill area to exactly what is corals. proposed. • 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.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Reclamation of the Changes to the hydrodynamic regime. When areas of the There are not many options that can be Cost of coastal lagoon. lagoon, whether connected to an existing island or undertaken to reverse this as reclamation and protection detached are reclaimed, there will be a huge impact on its effects on hydrodynamic regime. However measures (25% near-shore current and wave patterns, as well as bottom the following mitigation measures will help revetment) is hydrodynamics. This can lead to. and will be undertaken. proposed in this • Erosion and loss of vegetation at the low energy areas Undertake coastal protection of fill project and hence during either monsoons. area using revetments to absorb the mitigation cost is • Sedimentation and turbidity resulting in poor water wave energy as well as reduce erosion. included. This quality which negatively impacts vitality of marine Revetments are proposed only on 25% mitigation cost is organisms. of the reclaimed area. Hence, the reflected as the • Alteration of bottom substrate topography. entire reclaimed land will not be cost for coastal • Degradation of sea water quality due to turbidity. protected. protection. • Continual re-suspension of dredged sediments leading Revetment will prevent erosion and to sedimentation and formation of dredge silts. reduce the percentage of suspended • Degradation of sea water quality due to alteration to fines in the water column. littoral sediment transport regime causing turbidity. • Alteration of current patterns on the leeward side leading to changes to existing island. Reclamation of the Habitat loss 1. Only fill the required area in order to limit No cost. lagoon Filling of the reclamation area will lead to direct loss of the direct impact foot print. Mitigation habitat for corals and marine organisms in the fill area. 2. When sand bunds are created, the bund measures are The habitat will be modified permanently. should be created inside the reclamation area procedural in as it will be destroyed anyway. nature. Habitats such as sea grass and live corals in the fill area 3. Designate one location to load and unload will be totally destroyed. In Meedhoo island, the goods, materials and machinery rather than occasional sea grass beds will be completely destroyed. using a large area. 4. Undertaking coastal protection works in the Direct habitat loss to corals is moderate as the most critical areas to avoid sediment loss from percentage of live corals in the fill area is good. erosion that will impact a large area.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Indirect impacts to live corals in the eastern and northern reef will be moderate to high due to sedimentation. Reclamation and Deterioration of marine environment and water quality 1. Providing bund wall before filling takes associated works. Transportation of equipment, heavy machinery, people place. and fill material for the site and materials all require 2. Undertake work in low tide hours. transportation processes which increases the following 3. Avoid work during bad weather. risks; 4. Educate the workers and create awareness • Accidental spillage of construction materials. about good waste management and • Accidental oil and other chemical spills, including oil responsible behavior with regard to leaks from vehicles etc. environmental care. • Accidental grounding of large vessels on the reef and 5.Good site management including proper lagoon.In addition, pollution of the lagoon and reef supervision during loading and unloading system can be caused by waterborne and windblown materials, handling materials and processes debris escaping from the construction as well as such as pipelines in the marine environment accidental oil/chemical spills. are essential components in this project that must be carefully supervised and managed. Waste and residue arising from the project activities can also affect the marine environment. These can include hazardous waste such as used filters, empty luboil cans and oil filters as well as various solid waste arising from humans and construction activities. No major solid waste is expected to be generated from the reclamation work. Re-suspension of fine sediments and dispersal of sediments induced by erosion can lead to turbidity and deterioration of water quality in the immediate vicinity of the project site.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Reclamation of the Material Handling 1.Fuel will be handled with care at all times lagoon Materials such as fuel for dredger, excavators, barges 2. No waste fuel will be disposed into the and trucks have the potential to damage to the marine marine environment. environment. Since fuelling is required for the 3. Designate a separate area for fueling. machinery, spillage would be a possibility. Therefore, 4.Fuel handling area will be kept free from appropriate care has to be taken in handling fuel. Fueling spills and every effort must be made to will be required during fill process for excavators, minimize spills. loaders and other machinery. 5.Fuel handling area to have a hard impervious floor surface. 6. All fuel storage and fueling to be undertaken in the same location. 7. Designate a separate person to manage fueling and refueling as well as maintain the fueling area to ensure that unnecessary spillages do not take place. Reclamation of the Storm water drainage and coastal flooding The reclamation area will be filled to the same Contractor to lagoon Reclamation of land will increase the risk of storm water height as the existing island of Meedhoo. level the island to flooding to adjacent land / lagoon. 2 meters from A temporary drain to be constructed at the mean sea level. interface between the existing island and the proposed reclamation area to drain off the water in to the lagoon. This method has been proved to be successful when new reclaimed areas are filled higher than the existing island. Site mobilization Majority of the impacts will be felt through mobilization 1. If additional machinery is to be mobilized, No cost, but the works. mobilize only the required materials. contractor will be Land clearing will not be required and there will not be 2.Only required workforce and machinery to required to any need for the construction of large-scale temporary be mobilized on the island. follow proper structures. However, temporary fuel storage and other 3. Designate one location to store fuel, protocols.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation facilities for site workers will be constructed. machinery and other construction related Dredging is proposed from the deep sea and so a large materials that is approved by the Island chunk of mobilization works within the island will not Council. be necessary in the island.
Waste management Impact of solid waste. This can be detrimental to the Work force will be provided with RO or rain marine and the terrestrial environment if they are not water for drinking thereby reducing the need managed properly. Solid waste generated during the for mineral water and hence reducing the construction stage will include organic, inorganic and impact of plastic bottles and their hazardous materials and all of which require adequate management and disposal. Furthermore, disposal. workforce will be based in Meedhoo island and therefore waste generation at construction site will be minimal. All garbage or domestic wastes generated on site will be transported to Meedhoo waste disposal site. Socio-ecoomic More housing units will be open for the residence in impacts. Malé especially at an affordable rate because the Greater opportunity project’s primary objective is to find a solution for the for Meedhoo congestion issue in Malé. The reclamation project will residents. simulate the development of Meedhoo thereby attracting those residents living in Male’ to migrate. In addition, people from other islands will also consider moving and definitely this will be a huge positive drive for them as well. Less environmental Additional space means congestion of the existing island burden for the will finally be traded off. The burden for providing existing island. housing and other services within the island will ease and hence it will open up opportunities to free some space in the island.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Better quality of Low density residential living is essential to maintain a health better quality of life through improved environmental and public health. Outbreaks like dengue and other infectious diseases spread more rapidly in crowded areas. The result of creating new land will definitely improve the quality of life for most residents as congestion will be reduced greatly the eventual development of new housing. The end result will be better public and environmental health. Increase tourism Demand for Guest house and City Hotels are increasing development in the at a faster speed in the outer islands and along with these island. developments, they bring other fringe benefits like development of restaurants, souvenir shops, dive centres and other complimentary businesses. As a result, Meedhoo is a potential centre where the guest house market could flourish in Dhaalu Atoll. The proposed reclamation project would facilitate the allocation of additional land for tourism related development in the island. More employment Guest Houses and city hotels have created employment opportunities for opportunities for women. Increasing guest houses and women. related business in tourism in islands will create employment opportunities for women. This is a positive impact to the society. Women can stay with the family, raise kids and at the same time contribute to the economic development and earn income at the same time.
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Development of the This project will create job opportunities directly and construction industry indirectly starting from the planning stage to, construction stage. The reclamation project will create a huge demand for the construction industry as new houses, buildings and other infrastructure development projects commences. This will create an environment where the demand for construction is high resulting in participation of youths in the development of the island economy.
The end result will be creation and development of the construction industry in the locality and create more jobs. Opportunities for Reclamation will add additional land area to Meedhoo foreign investments and this will attract foreign investments such as shops, modern road networks, International and local construction companies, mega Infrastructure projects, high speed ferries between Malé and Meedhoo and more investments in different sectors. Creates employment opportunities directly or indirectly and contributes a bigger percentage to the economy if the implementation goes in a well-planned process.
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Matrix of impacts and their characterization
A)
Direct
POS) + POS)
Indirect
(H/M/L)*
Long term Long
Significant Significant
Reversible
Short term Short
Cumulative
Irreversible
Unavoidable
Maginitude # Maginitude M/MA/MoA/Ma
Impact indicator Required Mitigation
Impact type (NEG or or type (NEG Impact
(N/
Environmental Impacts Energy for construction ( filling and coastal protection works). Neg L X X N X X X X Impact of the temporary workforce Neg L X X N X X X Noise and air pollution Neg L X N X X X Sedimentation of the lagoon Neg H X MaA X X X X Changes to the hydrodynamic regime. Neg H X MaA X X X X Habitat loss Neg H X MaA X X X X Deterioration of marine environment and water quality Neg H X MA X X X X Impactof Material Handling Neg L X MA X X X Storm water drainage and coastal flooding Neg M X MA X X X Site mobilization Neg L X M X X X Impact of solid waste Neg L X M X X X
Socio -economic Impacts Greater opportunity for locals. POS H x x Less burden on environmental health POS H x x Better quality of health POS H x x Increased tourism development POS H x x More employment opportunities for women POS H x x Development of the construction industry POS H x x Opportunities for foreign investments POS H 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 # N=Negligible, M=Minor, MA=Minor Adverse; MoA= Moderate adverse; MaA=Major Adverse
Table 20: Matrix of specific impacts and their characterization
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
12 Stakeholder Consultations
For the purpose of this project, stakeholder consultations were limited to the following groups. Methodology for undertaking these discussions was through meetings and discussions.
1 2 . 1 Discussions with the relevant stakeholders at the scoping meeting.
Discussions were held with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the scoping meeting to obtain and incorporate their concerns in the project. Scoping meeting is one of the most effective platform / occasion to exchange and discuss every aspect of the project. It provides the opportunity for the island council, consultants, client and other relevant stakeholders to come together and raise their concerns. The scoping meeting was held at EPA and following were the points discussed:
- The Island Council’s Vice President, Mr. Moosa Ahmed indicated that the islanders want to reclaim the entire reef of Meedhoo as a reclamation project in the future is unlikely to be implemented in the island due to the size of reef. - The islanders have approved the proposed government plan, but have requested more area if budget allows. - The islanders want to extend the reclamation further south to cover the shallow lagoon on the south side pass the deep lagoon. The main reason for this is that the present power house is located in the residential area and soot / smoke from the stacks is a serious environmental health issue as well as a nuisance to the neighborhood. It is the wish of the islanders to relocate the power house away from the residential areas so as to avoid these. - The Atoll Council indicated that the government should implement projects based on the needs of the people and not what the government wishes. - The Atoll and island council representatives indicated that the community is eagerly waiting for the project. - The community has a vision to develop the deep lagoon into a marina.
1 2 . 2 M e e d h o o Island Council
The following are the summary of discussions held with the island council. Discussions were held on 17th March 2013 at 9:00 pm at the Island Council Office.
The council indicated that these plans have been there for some time and it has
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll, been a big expectation of the island community. The need to reclaim land in Meedhoo is very great as 294 people have already applied for housing plots and are waiting. These new housing plots are almost impossible to be allocated from the existing island. Most of the houses are overcrowded and is multi storey and congestion is a big social issue for the island.
At present, the island does have a small boat repair area that was created from the harbour development project. A small strip of land was reclaimed on the southern side which is presently the only empty space for recreation and other industrial uses.
The council indicted that if 100% revetment is not provided along the reclaimed coastline, then there will be lot of erosion.
According to the council, Boskalis International Dredging company has recently done a survey in the atoll lagoon and informed indirectly that plenty of sand is available to borrow from the atoll lagoon, not very far from Meedhoo. However, these locations have not been shared with them.
People who want to engage in industrial and commercial activities such as carpentry are presently working in their house, but with many difficulties. These kinds of work become a nuisance for the neighbourhood as they emmit not only air pollution, but high noise as well. It has been more than 20 years without allocating any housing plots due to lack of space.
There is presently no appropriate area for managing waste. For long, the island council and some of the business people have longed to develop an area in the harbour for fuel distribution, but due to lack of space in the island, this activity has also been on hold for many years.
The island is presently overcrowded and population density is very high. Although the sewerage system is constructed, the emergency outfall remains on the beach and it is not maintained properly. This vaccum system is a failure according to the island council.
If reclamation is to be undertaken, then this emergency outfall needs to be extended beyond the reclaimed boundary.
1 2 . 3 Housing Development Cooperation
Housing Development Cooperation noted that the reclamation projects are executed by HDC as part of a contract signed between Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and HDC. The timeline provided by the Ministry of Housing and
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EIA for the reclamation of 15 hectares in Meedhoo island, Dhaalu Atoll,
Infrastructure to complete the reclamation projects could only be met using a hopper dredger. Hence the reclamation would be undertaken using a hopper dredger. The reclamation would be finance by contractor through a contractor finance model which is being implemented by the Government.
HDC has indicated that some of the leading hopper dredger operators in the world have undertaken some baseline surveys to assess potential borrow areas, but the details of these surveys are not shared to HDC.
1 2 . 4 List of people consulted from the island council
A list of people consulted as part of the stakeholder consultations are attached as an annex.
The following table is a summary matrix of the stakeholder consultations undertaken. This summary matrix is prepared based on the various consultative meetings held with the relevant stakeholders.
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Island Council Project proponent Project Engineer Atoll Council
Views regarding the Generally positive about Positive, but within the Not relevant Very positive about the reclamation. the project and in agreed limits. project and in favour. favour. However, the council proposes to increase the reclamation area.
How flexible is the The council wishes the The proposed budget is Cost is always a factor - proposed plans. largest possible area to tight and hence the total to consider in such large be reclaimed including area increase is not projects, especially the shallow lagoon on flexible. However, when it is taken in the south side of the altering the orientation multiple locations. island. and shape is acceptable Hence, the government as long as it does not cannot allocate funds to have serious be over-flexible in this environmental issues. regard.
View regarding the Would like to see the Due to the limited Only 25% of the total Is acceptable as the Atoll coastal protection entire reclaimed budget, the coastal perimeter of the land Council understands the perimeter protected protection can only be reclaimed will be budget issues. using revetments. considered in critical protected.
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Island Council Project proponent Project Engineer Atoll Council areas.
View regarding Solving the housing and Strictly left for the EIA When considering Strictly left for the EIA environmental impacts other social problems consultants. environmental impacts, consultants. with lack of land the cost factor also has precedes environmental to be considered. concerns. Damage to Although hopper marine environment is a dredger is less lower priority than the environmentally social problems damaging, their high currently faced by the cost is a factor to islanders. consider.
Social benefits achieved Numerous benefits as Will support the Multiple benefits that from the project outlined in the population consolidation will be felt in the short stakeholder consultation policy of the and long term. notes. government. This project will help many families of the island and the broader island community in alleviating the housing shortages. There will be numerous benefits including the
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Island Council Project proponent Project Engineer Atoll Council potential to develop commercial activities.
Views regarding the The council prefers the The hopper dredger is The hopper dredger is borrow method proposed method as this preferred to meet the preferred to meet the will avoid any dredging timelines. timelines. from the island’s reef. There is also appropriate borrow area from the island’s reef.
Table 21: Summary matrix of the stakeholder consultations
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13 Alternatives
EIA Regulation requires at least two alternatives to be suggested for such projects and therefore two alternatives have been suggested in addition to the no project alternative. These alternatives are discussed below:
1 3 . 1 No Project Option
The no project option considers the following. No additional reclamation will be done in Meedhoo island. No additional land will therefore be available for housing and industrial activities. Less cost to the proponent. No further damage to the coral reef of the island and to the lagoon.
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: Technical feasibility, Economic viability and Environmental acceptability of the project and Social benefits
Based on the above four factors, an alternative analysis matrix was developed with scores given for each factor from 1 to 5. This analysis provides information about the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative considered with regard to its technical, economic and environmental factors. The purpose of this matrix is to obtain a favourable implementation of alternatives proposed by considering alternatives in terms of site selection, design and operational methods, the project scale and timing of project. The total for all factors gives an overall score for a given alternative. The highest total score provides the most desirable and preferred alternatives and vice versa.
Table 23 outlines the various alternatives proposed for this project, their economic, technical, environmental as well as social factors taken in to consideration. The following table outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the no project option.
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Strategy Advantages Disadvantages No reclamation Environmental damage related can be avoided. Meedhoo residents will not have the opportunity for undertaken. No capital costs to the proponent, short term housing. benefit. Housing issues will get worse and overcrowding of No indirect effects on the coral reef through houses will continue to get worse. sedimentation. Lack of an appropriate land for industrial activities Already stressed coral reef will get time to grow. will hamper development and limit the potential of Already destroyed areas of the lagoon will get local industries and will affect development of the time to recover. island and people. Environmental and public health problems will continue to worsen. Management of solid waste will become difficult day by day. Further erosion of the eastern side will occur, threatening property. Table 22: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option
The following table discusses the alternatives proposed for this project and their technical, economic, environmental and social factors considered.
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Alternatives Environmentally SN Technical feasibility Economic viability Social benefits proposed acceptable
A1 Rock boulders as Highly desirable and Expensive and Imported rock boulders Increase in cost is a revetments technically feasible. Very long difficult to source. pose no damage to negative factor for lasting and durable with zero coral reefs nor the the society as the maintenance if properly placed. natural environment. high cost will absorb Their strength comes from more finance that weight and so suits different can be sourced to environments as the size is other areas of the adjustable. Their placement is project. Hence, it is also easily executable with not very attractive excavators which are available socially. in plenty in Maldives.
A2 Use of geo-bags as Feasible and lasts longer than It is a much cheaper There is no Low cost method is an alternative normal sand-cement bags. option than rock environmental damage always beneficial for Material for Suitable for such a project as boulders and a good to the reefs except the society as revetments. heavy machinery will be alternative. With the filling geo-bags will available funds can available to place them. limited budget require sand. then be directed to available, more linear other uses. length of shoreline can be protected.
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Alternatives Environmentally SN Technical feasibility Economic viability Social benefits proposed acceptable
A3 Alternative fill The reef is very limited and Filling areas away Environmentally the Not relevant. area. there are not many options for from the existing closer the fill is to coral this, except the southern part of island will increase the reefs, the more damage the reef. This is not a cost. Economically not it will have. Hence, technically feasible option. feasible. these two are directly proportional to each other.
A4 Use of cutter Not feasible to Meedhoo island. - - - suction dredger
Table 23: Alternative analysis matrix for the project
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1 3 . 3 Alternative analysis scores
The following table outlines the results of the alternative analysis scores calculated for this project as well as graphical representation of the scores.
Alternatives proposed
viability
feasibility
Technical
Economic
acceptable
Total scores
Social benefits Environmentally
A1 Rock boulders for revetment 4 1 4 2 11 A2 Use of geobags 5 5 4 5 19 A3 Alternative fill areas 1 1 1 1 4 A4 Use of cutter suction dredger 0 0 0 0 0
Table 24: Alterative evaluation scores
Figure 17: Total scores for alternatives considered
Based on the analysis, Alternative 2 ranks the highest in terms of score and thus, it is considered as the preferred alternative for this project apart from the proposed revetment method of using rocks.
1 3 . 4 Preferred Alternative
The preferred alternative for this project is to use a geo-bags for revetment as with this material, the cost of revetment can be considerably reduced. Hence, more linear length can be protected if geo-bags are used.
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1 3 . 4 . 1 Mitigation Measures for the Preferred Alternative
The following mitigation measures are proposed for the preferred alternative. 1. Geo-bags of appropriate size, at least one tons or more should be used
2. Geo bags should be from a reliable manufacturer in order to ensure that the design life is at least 50 years .
3. Dredging process should provide additional sand adequate to fill the geo-bags and avoid borrowing sand at a later stage.
4. Placement of geo-bags should be done by an appropriate and experienced contractor who has experience in similar works.
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14 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 1 4 . 1 Introduction
Environmental 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 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 . 3 D u r a t i o n of Monitoring
Monitoring will include marine, coastal and social aspects only. The proposed scheduled for monitoring has been prepared for 12 months during the construction period as well as for two (2) years in the operational period. Hence, this schedule will be applicable for monitoring during the two years of the operational stage after the project. Monitoring will be undertaken by subcontracting the work to an independent consultant or a consulting firm.
1 4 . 4 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 . 5 Monitoring Responsibility
Monitoring responsibility will be with the client and financial provisions will be made in the project to undertake the monitoring.
1 4 . 6 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 two 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
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Table 25: Schedule for environmental monitoring for the first 12 months of the construction period as well as per annum during operation period.
Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency Cost during Cost Per annum (construction (operational phase). phase) Construction Operational stage stage Marine environment Marine water quality Physical Onsite or Lab analysis Every two Twice annually $600.00 $200.00 at survey site SW2 appearance, months during turbidity, pH, period. Suspended Solids, Temp & EC Live Coral cover at Percentage Qualitative & - Annually $5,500.00 survey sites live cover Quantitative M5 and M6 Diversity and Number / Qualitative & - Annually $2,500.00 abundance of fish percentage of Quantitative communities at sites selected fish M5 and M6 Siltation Sediment Qualitative & Every other Four times No cost. $2,000.00 deposited on Quantitative day during annually Contractor to reef substrate work. undertake this. Coastal Environment Sand transport Nearshore Drogue on the eastern Every three Every three $600.00 $400.00 currents side and north side. months months
Sand transport Shore line Using DGPS No need Once after - $550.00 mapping completion
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Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency Cost during Cost Per annum (construction (operational phase). phase) Construction Operational stage stage Sand transport Erosion Physical inspection and No need Annually - $550.00 shoreline mapping
Social Environment Public consultation Feedback Interviews/Questionnaire - Annually $200.00 about the project. Proponent consultation Feedback Interviews/questionnaire - Annually $200.00
Number of new houses Number of Council records Annually $200.00 developed or allocated houses in the reclaimed area Number of industrial Number of Council records Annually $200.00 establishments plots established in the newly reclaimed land. This should include tourism sector developments such as guest houses. Average population Heads per Council records Annually $200.00 density per hectare house $1,200.00 $15,150.00
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15 Conclusion
This EIA report has identified the main impacts of the proposed reclamation works. It has been assessed that the project will have its main negative impact on marine environment and several positive social impacts. Environmental impacts appear to be major but with multiple social benefits.
Mostly reclamation projects have impacts arising from both dredging and reclamation works. In this project, there will be reclamation component only as sand is proposed to be sourced from outside the island system. Nevertheless, the significance of the impacts is quite high, in terms of damage and destruction to the marine environment. The project will saturate a large part of the island’s lagoon and will therefore be completely destroyed. The implementation of the project is also seen as a last resort to solve the congestion currently facing the island.
The main factors to justify this project are lack of space in the island of Meedhoo. Meedhoo island is presently one of the highest densely populated islands in Dhaalu Atoll. Lack of space for new housing and industrial development is presently not available in the island. As such, the residents of the island have limited capacity to expand their economic activity, let alone the need to fulfil the housing requirements.
Once the reclamation is finished, an additional 15 heactares of land increase will stimulate the development of the island and open new opportunities in many areas such as better housing, industrial activities and social development among others. The project will ease congestion and bring a solution to the presently overcrowded island. The overall quality of life and public health status of the islanders will be lifted as the island’s burden to manage the population becomes less with the possibility of increased land. The increase in land area is expected to be developed in to a combination of housing and industrial and recreational uses, majority of which will be developed for housing.
Although reclamation is not a solution to all islands, it appears justified from a social point of view, to carry out the proposed reclamation in Meedhoo. There are good reasons from a socio-economic point of view to undertake the project. There will definitely be negative environmental impacts, but they are unavoidable and balanced by this project is driven by the urgent need to address the housing issues of this community. The negative environmental effects of the project therefore appear to be acceptable, but will be quite significant. Once the reclamation is complete, the island would have reached its maximum capacity to expand, except for the small area on the southern side of the reef system. Hence, the potential for further growth and
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Unlike conventional dredging projects in Maldives, this project requires much more planning and good communication among the government, the island community, the Atoll and Island Councils and the Tourism sector. The project site being very close to two resorts, will definitely have a huge impact on the operation of these resorts. Diving activities and traffic movement from these two resorts will be the most affected and is therefore vital to establish communication protocols that will ensure that dredging operation as well as resort operations are harmonized.
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16 Recommendations
Following are some of the recommendations based on this EIA assessment. These recommendations cover both environmental and the social aspects. Recommendation: The contractor needs to undertake a detail survey at the identified borrow sites to determine availability, quality and quantity of the materials that could be dredged from the site. The contractor shall undertake a detail mapping of the site before and after the dredging activity to quantify the amount of materials that had been dredged from the site. The contractor shall submit the initial survey report before commencing the dredging work and final survey report after dredging work to EPA and Maldives Land Survey Authority.
The detail designing of the revetment and other coastal protection structures should be designed by the contractor. The contractor shall submit the detail designs of the revetments and other coastal structures to EPA which should be approved by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure before commencement of the project. The contractor shall be designing the coastal protection structures based on the design specification provided by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The design specification would be based on the recommendation of the EIA.
The contractor needs to control the sediment plume around the dredger during the dredging work. The sediment plume shall not impact inhabited islands, resorts and diving sites during the dredging activity. The dredging plume shall not be visible more than 2 km radius of the dredger. The turbidity inside 1 km radius of the dredger shall not exceed 100% of the background turbidity level. Monitoring station need to be established by the contractor to monitor the turbidity level around the dredger and report to EPA as outlined in the EIA report.
Controlling sedimentation during reclamation: The contract needs to control the sedimentation as such that it has the least impacts on the coral reef areas around the island.
Environmental monitoring is essential to ensure that potential impacts are minimized and to mitigate unanticipated impacts. It is recommended that environmental monitoring to be carried by the contractor during the dredging and reclamation phase to monitor the impact of sedimentation at the dredging location and reclamation site. The monitoring programme need
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to be implemented by the contractor during the implementation of the coastal protection It is recommended that this activity would be carried out as per the proponent’s committed for this development.
Aerial photos and satellite photos could be used to monitor the progress of reclamation project in Meedhoo island. Hence it is recommended to obtain satellite photos on a weekly basis to monitor the progress of the reclamation at the project site.
It is recommended that Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to undertake the environmental supervision during the implementation of the project as to ensure the project is implemented as outlined in the EIA report. The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure or its consultant needs to provide necessary technical advice and guidance to the design of the project and undertake supervision and environmental monitoring during the implementation of the project.
The contractor shall establish a geodetic control network at Meedhoo island before any work is carried out at the island. The primary need to establish a geodetic control network is to provide accurate and reliable 3D reference coordinates (Easting, Northing and Height) for the project, and also to determine relationship with the global mathematical reference frame for GPS or WGS84 coordinates. A single coordinate system shall be selected for the project and used for all aspects of the project, including for boundary demarcation, as-built surveys, topographic survey, hydrographic surveys, engineering surveys and etc. As reclamation progresses, the control network shall be expanded in to the newly reclaimed land with high precision (it is recommended to maintain a minimum precision 5 mm +1 ppm horizontally and 10 mm+1 ppm vertically) and maintaining high redundancy. The establishment of the control network and undertaking any survey work shall be carried out by registered surveyors at Maldives Land and Survey Authority.
The emergency sewer outfall which is located on north side of island need to be extended beyond the proposed perimeter of the fill area. It should then be protected as such it is not damaged during the reclamation phase of the project. The client and the Island Council should sort this issue before reclamation begins as not addressing this will have its negative consequences. The client should also inform the contractor of the location of the sewer outfall.
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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- Mr. Ahmed Jameel, EIA consultant
2- Mr. Faruhath Jameel, Chief Surveyour, Water Solutions.
3- Hamdhulla Shakeeb, Surveying Assistant, Water Solutions.
4- Dhaalu Meedhoo Island council
5- Water Solutions staff
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18 Reference Books and Sources
Allison, W. (15: 215-218). Snorkeler damage to reef corals in the Maldive Islands,. Coral Reefs.
British Hydrographic Society. (1990). British Admiralty Charts. London: British Hydrographic Society.
English, S., & Wilkinson, C. a. (1997). Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Resources. Australian Institute of Marine Science.
Hoepner, T. (1999). A Procedure for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Seawater Desalination Plants. Desalination, vol.124, pp. 1-12.
Jameel, A. (2007). Developing a Disaster Profile for Maldives, A thesis for the Masters Degree. Chirstchurch, New Zealand: University of Cantebury.
Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group (LAMER). (2008). Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Male': LAMER.
Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group (LAMER),. (2008). EIA or the proposed Reclamation works at Dhaal MaaDheli,. Male': LAMER.
Services, M. m. (2010). Maldives meteorological Services. Retrieved from www.meteorology.gov.mv
UNDP. (2006). Developing a Disaster Risk profile for Maldives. Maldives: UNDP.
UNEP. (2005). Maldives Post Tsunami Environmental Assessment. Geneva: United Nations.
UNEP, M. o. (n.d.). State of the Environment Report . Maldives: UNEP2002.
Water Solutions Pvt Ltd,. (2007). EIA for the proposed development of sewerage system in Dhaalu Meedhoo island. Male',: Water Solutions.
Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd,. (2008). Maps of Maldives, the complete guide to the Atolls and Islands of Maldives. Male': Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd.
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19 Annex: Terms of reference
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20 Annex: Annex: Bathymetry of the lagoon
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22 Annex: Land-use Plan of Meedhoo island
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24 Annex: list of stakeholders consulted. Person Title Organisation Amir Musthafa Assistant Engineer Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Aishtah Bariya Engineer Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Amjad Abdullah Director-General Ministry of Environment and Energy Ahmed Anawar Environment Analyst Ministry of Environment and Energy Mr. Ahmed Shahid Deputy Managing Director HDC Abdulla Fayaz Deputy Director HDC Ibrahim Naeem Director General Environmental Protection Agency Fidhaadh Jaleel Director General EPA Mohmaed Abdul Rahman EPA Fathimath Mansoor Oceanography Observer EPA Hamdhee Dhaal Atoll Council Moosa Ahmed Dhaal Atoll Council Mohamed Shahid President Meedhoo Island Council Ahmed Ali Membr Meedhoo Island Council Salim Alsodi Member Meedhoo Island Council Ali Shareef Member Meedhoo Island Council
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25 Annex: CV’s of unregistered consultants
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26 Annex: Letter from the Ministry of Housing
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