ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
For the Construction and Setup of an Island Sewerage System in Dhiggaru Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives
Photo: Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd; October 2016
Proposed by Male' Water and Sewerage Company Pvt. Ltd (MWSC)
Prepared by Ahmed Jameel, Ibrahim Faiz For Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives
November 2016
EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
1 Table of Contents 1 Table of Contents 3 2 Declaration of the consultants 8 4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration 10 5 Non-Technical Summary 13 6 Introduction 15 6.1STRUCTURE OF THE EIA 15 6.2AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA 15 6.3EIA IMPLEMENTATION 16 6.4TERMS OF REFERENCE 16 7 Project Setting 17 7.1LAWS AND REGULATIONS 17 7.1.1 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act ...... 17 7.1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ...... 17 7.1.3 National Waste Water Quality Guidelines...... 18 7.1.4 National biodiversity strategy and action plan...... 19 7.1.5 Waste management Regulations 19 7.1.6 Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas 20 7.1.7 Third National Environment Action Plan ...... 20 7.1.8 Regulation cutting down, uprooting, digging out and export of trees...... 20 7.1.9 Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation...... 21 7.2INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS 21 7.2.1 Climate Change Convention and Kyoto Protocol...... 21 7.2.2 Convention on Biological Diversity22 8 Project Description23 8.1PROJECT PROPONENT 23 8.2PROJECT LOCATION AND STUDY AREA 23 8.3NEED AND JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROJECT 24 8.4EXISTING SANITATION SYSTEM 25 8.5WHAT DOES THE PROJECT CONSTITUTE? 26 8.5.1 The schematic diagramme of the wastewater system...... 26 8.5.2 House hold connections 26 8.5.3 Sea outfall 27 8.5.4 Two Pump stations 28 8.5.5 Treatment of wastewater 31 8.5.6 Technology 31 8.5.7 Design period 32 8.5.8 Population and household projection 32 8.5.9 Flow rates 32 8.5.10 Sewerage network design 33 8.6BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL PROCESS 36 8.6.1 Technical details 36 8.7PROJECT MANAGEMENT 36 8.7.1 Project duration 37 8.7.2 Planning and Programme 37 8.7.3 Waste Management 37 8.7.4 Safety 37 8.7.5 Housing of temporary labour 37 8.8RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT 37 8.9PROJECT INPUTS AND OUTPUTS 38 8.9.1 Project Inputs 38 8.9.2 Project Outputs 39 9 Methodology 40 10 Existing Environment 41 10.1 EXISTING MARINE ENVIRONMENT 41
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10.1.1 Methodology of marine surveys 41 10.1.2 Coral reef 42 10.1.3 Status of fish abundance 48 10.1.4 Marine water quality and bathymetry 51 10.1.5 Prevailing currents around the sea outfall location ...... 53 10.1.6 Waves 55 10.1.7 Tides 55 10.1.8 Risk of storm surges and flood 56 10.1.9 Marine Protected Areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas ...... 57 10.2 EXISTING TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT 58 10.2.1 Section Brief 58 10.2.2 Vegetation at pump stations 58 10.2.3 Ground water 61 10.3 CLIMATE 64 10.3.1 Rainfall and Infiltration 64 10.3.2 Wind 65 10.4 EXISTING SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 69 10.4.1 Introduction to the atoll 69 10.4.2 Dhiggaru island 71 10.4.3 Economic Activities 72 10.4.4 Electricity 72 10.4.5 Health 72 10.4.6 Water and Sanitation 73 10.4.7 Land Use Plan 73 11 Environmental Impacts 75 11.1 ASSESSING AND IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACT 75 11.2 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION MATRIX 75 11.3 MAGNITUDE OF IMPACTS 77 11.4 UNCERTAINTIES IN IMPACT PREDICTION 77 11.5 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 80 11.6 IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 91 12 Stakeholder Consultations 93 12.1 DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MWSC 93 12.2 CONSULTATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY ...... 93 12.3 CONSULTATION WITH THE ISLAND COUNCIL 93 12.4 CONSULTATION WITH MEEMU ATOLL COUNCIL 95 12.5 CONSULTATION WITH HPA 95 12.6 LIST OF PEOPLE CONSULTED 96 13 Alternatives 97 13.1 NO PROJECT OPTION 97 13.2 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS MATRIX 98 13.3 ALTERNATIVE SITES/LOCATION FOR OUTFALL 99 13.4 ALTERNATIVE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS 100 13.4.1 Deep bore disposal 100 13.4.2 Septic tanks 101 13.4.3 Gravity flow systems without septic tanks...... 102 13.4.4 Vacuum sewers 102 13.4.5 Grey water separation system 102 13.5 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 103 13.5.1 Secondary Treatment and Effluent Reuse ...... 103 13.5.2 Mitigation Measures for the Preferred Alternative...... 103 14 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 104 14.1 INTRODUCTION 104 14.2 COST OF MONITORING 104 14.3 DURATION OF MONITORING 104 14.4 METHODS OF MONITORING 104 14.5 MONITORING RESPONSIBILITY 104 14.6 MONITORING REPORT 104 15 Conclusion 108
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16 Recommendations 110 17 People who have assisted in the preparation of this report ...... 111 18 Acknowledgements 112 19 Reference Books and Sources 113 20 Annex: Terms of reference 114 21 Annex: Project Drawings 115 22 Annex: Bathymetry of outfall location 116 23 Annex: Project Schedule 117 24 Annex: Project concept approval letter from Ministry of Environment...... 118 25 Annex: Pump station approval 119 26 Annex: Concept Design Report 120 27 Annex: Methodology of data collection 121 28 Annex: CVs of people who assisted 122 29 Annex: Letter from Atoll Council 123
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Table of Figures and Tables FIGURE 1: LOCATION OF DHIGGARU ISLAND IN MEEMU ATOLL 24 FIGURE 2: SCHEMATICS OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM 26 FIGURE 3: OUTFALL LOCATION OF DHIGGARU AS INITIALLY PROPOSED 27 FIGURE 4: FINAL OUTFALL LOCATION 28 FIGURE 5: PROPOSED PUMP STATIONS LOCATIONS 29 FIGURE 6: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WASTEWATER 36 FIGURE 7: EPA GUIDELINES FOR MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATIONS FOR DISCHARGE INTO DEEP SEA 36 FIGURE 8: MARINE SURVEY LOCATIONS 41 FIGURE 9: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 1 43 FIGURE 10: MARINE PHOTOS FROM SITE 1 44 FIGURE 11: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 2 45 FIGURE 12: MARINE PHOTOS FROM SITE 2 46 FIGURE 13: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 3 47 FIGURE 14: MARINE PHOTOS FROM SITE 3 48 FIGURE 15: WATER CURRENT MEASURED DURING THE FIELD VISIT TO DHIGGARU 54 FIGURE 16: MONSOONAL WIND WAVES AROUND THE ISLAND 54 FIGURE 17: EAST SIDE OF DHIGGARU ISLAND 57 FIGURE 18: AERIAL PHOTO OF DHIGGARU TAKEN DURING FIELD VISIT (OCTOBER 2016) 59 FIGURE 19: LOCATION OF PUMP STATION 1 60 FIGURE 20: LOCATION OF PUMP STATION 2 AND STP 60 FIGURE 21: GROUNDWATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS IN DHIGGARU ISLAND (OCTOBER 2016) 62 FIGURE 22: MONTHLY AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE 2000 (SOURCE: MALDIVES METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE) 64 FIGURE 23: MONTHLY RAINFALL DATA OF HULHULE STATION FOR 2015 (SOURCE: MALDIVES METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE) 65 FIGURE 24: MONTHLY WIND DATA FOR 2015 (SOURCE: MALDIVES METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE) 66 FIGURE 25: MONTHLY WINDROSES (SOURCE: MALDIVES METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE) 68 FIGURE 26: NUMBER OF INHABITED ISLANDS BY ATOLL 69 FIGURE 27: DHIGGARU ISLAND (SOURCE: GOOGLE EARTH) 71 FIGURE 28: PROPOSED AND ALTERNATIVE LOCATION FOR THE SEA OUTFALL 99
TABLE 1: MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATIONS IN DOMESTIC WASTE WATER FOR DISCHARGE INTO DEEP SEA 18 TABLE 2: FLOW RATES OF THE PUMP STATIONS 33 TABLE 3: MATRIX OF MAJOR INPUTS DURING CONSTRUCTION PERIOD 38 TABLE 4: MATRIX OF MAJOR OUTPUTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE 39 TABLE 5: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 1 43 TABLE 6: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 2 45 TABLE 7: PERCENTAGE BENTHIC COMPOSITION AT SITE 3 47 TABLE 8: FISH CENSUS SURVEY RESULTS FOR SITE 1 49 TABLE 9: FISH CENSUS SURVEY RESULTS FOR SITE 2 50
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
TABLE 10: FISH CENSUS SURVEY RESULTS FOR SITE 3 50 TABLE 11: RESULTS OF THE MARINE WATER QUALITY TESTS UNDERTAKEN IN DHIGGARU ISLAND 51 TABLE 12: SUMMARY OF THE TIDE LEVELS HULHULE ISLAND, MALE ATOLL 56 TABLE 13: RESULTS OF THE GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN DHIGGARU, MEEMU ATOLL 61 TABLE 14: LIST OF INHABITED ISLANDS IN MEEMU ATOLL 69 TABLE 15: POPULATION OF DHIGGARU (SOURCE: DHIGGARU ISLAND COUNCIL) 71 TABLE 16: EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR OF DHIGGARU (SOURCE: HARBOUR REDEVELOPMENT EIA BY MEECO, 2015) 72 TABLE 17: IMPACT ASSESSMENT MATRIX FOR THE PROJECT 76 TABLE 18: IMPACT MAGNITUDES AND THEIR CORRESPONDING SCORES 77 TABLE 19: MATRIX OF SPECIFIC IMPACTS AND THEIR CHARACTERIZATION 92 TABLE 20: LIST OF PEOPLE CONSULTED 96 TABLE 21: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE NO PROJECT OPTION 98 TABLE 22: SCHEDULE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD AS WELL AS PER ANNUM DURING OPERATION PERIOD. 106
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu 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: Ahmed Jameel (EIA 07/07)
Signature:
Name: Ibrahim Faiz (EIA T06/15) Signature:
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll c
ާސާލުޙ ާދާސ
ެގ ީދެޕްމޮކ ްޖޭރަވުސ ްޑްދެއ ރަޓޯވ ޭލާމ ީކަޓޯޕިރިމ
ެގާމަދުރަދ ިއަގުރަގްއިދ .މ ީކަޓރޯޕިރިމ .ެވެކެޓރޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްފަކަމުތަގިއަޑަވިދެއ
ާހިކ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސެގ ުއޫރްޝަމ ާވިއަފިވޭރ ްދަގްދިހ ްފަމުރުކުމިއާގ ްއެމާޒިދ
ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަަތ ްދިއ ްދަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ްދުތޮގ ެގުމުލެބ ޯތްއެމަކެދާރުކްއެރަސައ
ްދިއީޖރަދެއ ްޑްދެއ ްޓްދަމްދަރަޔަވްދެއ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިދިމ ީކަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ .ެވެކެޓރޯޕިރ
.ެވެކެޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ
ްފަދަތާހިމ ިއަގުފަރިމ .ެވެކެފަރ ަދްދޮއ ްއެއ ީދާބާއ ެގ ްދުހީމ 1731 ީކަރަގްއިދ .މ
ީދަވ ްދެފ ެގުމިބ ެގުފަރ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުމަކިމ .ެވެއަފިވެރުކުދ ުމިއާގ ީދަވ ްއެއްމާޒިދ ެގާމަދުރަދ
ުޑޮބ ްފަރަވ ީދަވ ްދުވުދ ްސަވ ިއަބުދ ްދުދެފ ްދުބަބަސެގީމ .ެވެއަފެވުރަޔްއަޢަތްފަޑޮބ ްފަރަވ
ިދައ ްދަދްދޮދ ިހެޗްއެއ ިދަކެއަމަހ ުރާހިމ ީކަދެފުޅަވ ެގުފަރ .ެވެއަފެވ ްފަކައަލަސްއަމ ީޙްއިސ
ްދަކާރުކްދުދޭބ ްދެފުޅަވ ުކަޔަބަދިގ ްފަރަވްދެފ ްސެވަމަދ .ެވެދެފ ާރުކްދުދޭބ ްދަރަވްދެފ
ީދަވ ްފަކަތޮގަލަހަކްފޮކްއެއ ްފަރ ކްދުމަކްއެފަރަޑުކ ްދުތޮގ ެގުމިބ ީކަރަގްއިދ .ެވެެއެވެލްފޮކަގަހާފ
ާވިއަފިދެހ ިއަގުދްއަހަރަސ ެގޭގ ީދަދްދުމަދްދިހ ުރާހިމ ްދެފްސިޖަދ ިއަގޭގޭގ ެގުފަރިމ .ެވެއަފިރުފ
ްދަކާރުކުރޭބ ްސިޖަދ ިއަޅައިޅޮހ ްފަދޫމ ިއަގުރަވްދެފުފަރ ްދުކަތީސިބޭގ ްއެއަބ .ެވެފަކަތުޅަވްސިޖަދ
ިއާފަމުރުކުޅަގަރ ުތަލާހ ެގުދެފ ެގުފަރ ީކައޫރްޝަމ ިމ ާމީވ .ެވެއެރުކަގަހާފ ްދުލިސްދުއަކ ުފަރ
.ެވެކެޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ުމްދިހުމ ްފަމުރުކުޅަގަރ ުތަހްއިސ ުމްދާއ ެގުފަރ
ްއަތުޑދަގުޅަވ ާދްދިހ ްދެފްސިޖަދ ިރުހ ުރާހިމ ީދަވިއަފިދެމިހ ްދުތޮގިމ ިއަގުއޫރްޝަމިމ
ިވެރުކްއެއ ްދުކަމާޒިދ ެގާމަދުރަދ ްދެފ ާވުރޭބ ްދުކަތްތާރާމިއ ާދްދިއެގ ޭގ ާހިރުހ ިދައ ިވެލާވުއ
ާދީސ ިއަގުލަދަބ ެގުޅަވްސިޖަދ ާރުކްދުދޭބ ުރާހިމ ިއަގޭގޭގ .ެވެމުރުކުރޭބ ްދުރަފ ެގުފަރ ިދައ
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ްޕްދަޕ ޭދެހ ިއަގުކަތ ުދްއަހަރަސ ިކެއ ެގުފަރ ުހަފްފައެއ .ެވެއެދޭވެރުކުރޭބ ްސިޖަދ ްފައާމަދުރަދ
.ެވެފަރޭބ ްދުރަފ ެގުފަރ ީދޭވެރުކުރޭބ ްދެފްސިޖަދ ްދުދަތެއ ިވެރުކާމަޖ ްފަކަތްދަޝޭޓްސ
ެގޫރްޝަމ ިމ ްދުކަތާސާރިދ ުދުދެހ ިދައ ްދުކަތްއަތްދަކ ިލެބ ްފޮކްތަޔާއިރ ްފަމަކްދަކިމ
ެބ ްފަކަތ ާސާރިދ ުދުވެރުކ .ެވެއަފިވެދަގެދެދ ީދަވ ުރަސައ ެދާރުކ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސ
ްފަކަމަކެދޭބިލ ްއެކަތ ްދުލްއެގ ެގުރަވާވުޑޮބްދަކ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސ ެގ ްޓެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ުހަފްފަމުލ
ަދިގާމ ާވްދުލްއެގ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ުރިއާދްދެގ ްފައިރުކ ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ީކަބަބަސ .ެވެއެދެފުދ
ިއަގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ްސެވ ީކަކަތްއަތްދަކ ަލަހަކ ްދުޑދެކްސަގ ްދުފަރ .ެވެއީތޭދެމިހުދ ްއެކަތްއަތްދަކ
ްދުރުކ ރަޓޯވީޑ ްފަކަރަވ ްސެވެމްދޮކ ުރިއަދްދޮކ ްދަޅައ ްދިއަލިޅޮހ ްސެވަމަދ .ެވެކެމަކ ޭދެމިހުދ
ކެވެކަތްދަކ ެދާގދިހ ިއަގްއެތަދްއުމ ުރުކ ްފަރަވ ްދުތަބްސިދ ީއިމ ްސެވަމަދ .ެވެއެދޭދެމިހ
ިއަގްޓރޯޕިރ ްސެވްދަކެދާރުކ ްއެކަތާދިއަފ ްއަތެއ ްދުބަބަސ ެގ ުޢޫރްޝަމ ިމ
ްފަދްދުތަޔްއަރ ުރަސައ ެގޭއ ިއަފެވަދިގުދަހުދ ްއަތާދިއަފޭބިލ ްދުތޮގިމ .ެވެއެދާވިއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ
ްދުމުލެބިލެބ ްފޮކާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެދޫދ ްއެމަކްތޮއ ްސެވްއެކްއަޝ ީމަކެދާރުކ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ިދައ
ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ .ެވެއާދިއަފ ީދާރުކ ެރުވްފަމުލްއެގ ޭބިލ ްފަޓްއެވާމިތ ްދުބަބަސ ެގުއޫރްޝަމިމ
ިދައ ުމްދިހުމ ްފަރަވ ީކަމުއިދްދެގ ްފައިރުކ ުއޫރްޝަމިމ ްދުމަކެދާރުކ ްއެކަތާދިއަފ ްދުބަބަސ
.ެވެއެދެފ ްފަމަކްއެމަކުޅަގދަރ ެމްދެއ
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5 Non-Technical Summary
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Dhiggaru island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives.
The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken.
The proposed project aims to establish an island wide sewerage collection and disposal system. At present household wastewater is disposed on site by the use of septic tanks and this has contributed to the contamination of the groundwater to a state that it cannot be utilized. There is also a private sewer main pipes laid in some roads which outfalls into the shallow lagoon by gravity. This is a basic system of pipes that was constructed at the community level, but without any proper assessment or design.
The project therefore involves the following components: a) Installation of an island wide sewage collection network.
b) Installation of new catch pits for each house / institution.
c) Construction of pump stations in strategic locations to collect and convey raw sewage from the households and to the final disposal station.
d) Construction of a sea outfall.
The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments.
The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the groundwater quality. The health benefits of the project are also worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community.
Various alternatives to the proposed system were also studied. One of the options identified include deep bore well disposal and gravity systems among others. Based on the assessment, these alternatives were assessed to identify their potential application in the island against the proposed system.
Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater) as the proposed project does necessitate construction of an outfall but avoids large scale construction activities such as clearing trees. Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dust emission, damage to the reef during outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island and also the quality improvement of the near shore environment. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing. This project does not foresee many negative impacts even during the construction stage and is geared towards improving the environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health.
The project does not pose serious threats to the marine or terrestrial environment and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Nevertheless, negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. Based on this assessment, it is advised to undertake this project.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
6 Introduction
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, law no. 4/93 in order to assess the impacts of the proposed construction of a sewerage system in Dhiggaru island. The aim of this project is to ensure that the project is sustainably undertaken to address and manage the environmental issues.
6 . 1 Structure of the EIA
The report has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA regulations 2012 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment. 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 October 2014 and through the use of available secondary data. 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 and aerial photos have also been used to study the geography and environment where necessary.
6 . 2 Aims and Objectives of the EIA
The objective of the report is to: Promote informed and environmentally sound decision making. Report the existing situation of wastewater treatment and its shortcomings. To fulfill the obligations of the proponent to undertake an EIA under Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives. Undertake the proposed project work with minimum damage to the environment. Ensure that all the environmental and social aspects of the project are addressed. Propose recommendations to the proponent
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
6 . 3 EIA Implementation
This EIA has been prepared by a local environmental consulting firm, Water Solutions. Water Solutions have been chosen by the proponent as the environmental consultants for this project. The team members were: Abdul Aleem, (EIA-09/07) Ahmed Jameel, (EIA-07/07) Ibrahim Faiz, (EIA-T06/15) Hamdhulla Shakeeb, - Assistant Surveyor.
6 . 4 Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference for this assessment has been included in the Appendix of this report.
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7 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. 7.1 Laws and Regulations 7 . 1 . 1 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act
Article 5 (a) of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) addresses the submission of an EIA (Majilis, 1993). It states that an EIA shall be submitted to Ministry of Environment before implementing any developing project that may have a potential impact on the environment. This project complies with this Act.
7 . 1 . 2 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012
The Ministry of Environment has issued EIA regulation on May 2012, which guides the process of undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment in the Maldives – This guideline also provides a comprehensive outline of the EIA process, including the roles and responsibilities of the consultants and the proponents. This regulation outlines every step of the EIA process beginning from application to undertake an EIA, details on the contents, minimum requirements for consultants undertaking the EIA, format of the EIA/IEE report and many more. The Ministry of Environment has issued 3 amendments to this regulation over the past years.
Amendment 1 (issued on 9th April 2013) covers the fines for proponents who fail to obey the regulations.
Amendment 2 (issued on 30th August 2015) covers the EIA report review criteria and review fees. This amendment also includes the latest update to the list of the projects that require EIA and the latest update to the list of the projects that do not require EIA.
Amendment 3 (issued on 11th August 2016) covers the point systems for consultants, categories of the consultants and amendment of the penalties to consultants and proponents who fail to follow the regulation.
The guidance provided in this Regulation and its Amendments was followed in
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll the preparation of this EIA report. The EIA has also been prepared by registered consultants.
7 . 1 . 3 N a t i o n a l Waste Water Quality Guidelines
These guidelines are developed by the Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority and are implemented by the Environment Protection Agency. The guidelines are to improve public health through improved sanitation and cleaner and safer environment by regulating the disposal of domestic wastewater.
Wastewater is referred in this guideline as water produced and discharged by any water user as a result of the non-consumptive use of water, for example to flush the toilet or to wash clothes. The quality of the waste water has usually been changed as a result of the specific use of the water.
According to this guideline deep sea discharge in context of the Maldives means discharge of waste water beyond the shallow reef and at a depth which will ensure proper dispersion and rapid dilution.
Table 1: Maximum allowable concentrations in Domestic Waste Water for discharge into deep sea
Domestic Waste Water Maximum Remarks Component allowable concentration Faecal coliforms 100 org / 100 ml For less than 95% of samples taken E. coli 1 org / 100 ml pH 5 – 9.5
To prevent sludge formation Suspended solids 150 mg/l on corals
Residual chlorine 0.1 mg/l Nitrates as N 15 mg/l Free and saline Ammonia 10 mg/l as N Ortho-phosphate as P 10 mg/l Surfactants 10 mg/l Conductivity < surrounding sea Should be less or equal to water surrounding sea water Soap, oils and grease (food 5 mg/l related) Oils, grease and waxes 5 mg/l Chemical Oxygen demand 50 mg/l After applying chloride correction
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Biological Oxygen demand 40 mg/l Five-day test Phenolic compounds as 1 mg/l Phenol Sum of metals 5 mg/l Cadmium+Chromium+Copp er+Mercury+Lead Acute toxicity Zero No constituents allowed in concentrations which are poisonous or injurious to aquatic life
7 . 1 . 4 National biodiversity strategy and action plan
The goals of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan are conserve biological diversity and sustainably utilize biological resources, build capacity for biodiversity conservation through a strong governance framework, and improved knowledge and understanding, foster community participation, ownership and support for biodiversity conservation (Ministry of Housing and Environment, 2003).
In implementing the proposed project activities due care would be given to ensure that the national biodiversity strategies are adhered to. The proponent has committed on conservation and protection of the environment while undertaking this proposed project. More specifically, the coral reef and generally the marine environment have been assessed in order to assess baseline values. Quantitative and qualitative surveys were undertaken to assess the biological diversity of the marine environment, especially in close proximity to the proposed project area. Practical mitigation measures and solutions have been identified to conserve and protect the biodiversity.
7 . 1 . 5 Waste management Regulations
The Ministry of Environment has developed national waste management regulations. The key elements of the regulations include: ensure safe disposal of solid waste and encourage recycling and reduction in waste generated, develop guidelines on waste management and disposal and advocate enforcing these guidelines through inter-sectoral collaboration and ensure safe disposal of chemical, industrial and hazardous waste.
Waste management for the proposed project during the construction and operation phase will be in line with this regulation. The waste generated from the project site
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll would be taken to the island waste management facility or Thilafushi for processing and disposal.
7 . 1 . 6 Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas
Under Article 4 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, the Ministry of Environment is vested with the responsibility of identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation.
As part of the Environmental Regulation, EPA has established list of „sensitive sites‟ in the Maldives. Although not formalized as a regulation, the sensitive list is mentioned in the recent Regulation on Dredging and Reclamation (Regulation number 2014/R-13, see Section 5.7, page34). The sensitive sites, according to EPA are sites in the Maldives (islands, reefs, mangroves, inter-tidal areas) where developments ought to be restricted, regulated or controlled. Some view those sites mentioned in the sensitive list have no meaning because there is no evidence to show any „sensitive features‟ of the areas.
Dhiggaru is not a protected island and the island is not included in an environmentally sensitive area list maintained by EPA. Hence this regulation is not relevant to the proposed project.
7 . 1 . 7 Third National Environment Action Plan
The Third National Environment Action Plan is divided into principles, results and goals to achieve the results. Some of the fundamental principles prescribed in NEAP 3, which have been incorporated into this environmental impact assessment exercise include local democracy, informed decision making, continuous learning and improvement, right to information and participation and most importantly the complementing role of environmental protection in socio-economic development. The proposed project is expected to provide a learning experience in 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).
By undertaking EIA prior to developmental projects, it ensures that environmental impacts from the project activities are minimized / avoided. 7 . 1 . 8 Regulation cutting down, uprooting, digging out and export of trees
The Regulation on cutting down, uprooting, digging out and export of trees and
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll palms from one island to another was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water. Clause 5 (a) of the regulations states that Prior to the commencement of any project(s) that would require the indiscriminate removal and export of trees/palms from one island to another for the purpose of agriculture, development/development, construction or any other purpose, it is mandatory under the Regulation to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment Report stating clearly the details of the Project(s) with all necessary information and submit the same through the relevant Ministry to Ministry of Environment Energy and Water, and the project(s) can only commence upon the grant of written approval from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water.
Article 8 (a) requires permission be obtained from Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water, if more than 10 coconut palms that are of a height of 15 ft (from base of the palm to the tip of the palm frond) are cut, uprooted or relocated to another island. The regulation also ensures the replacement of the vegetation that is lost by imposing the planting of two palms for every palm tree that is cut or uprooted (Article 2 (d)). Logging on inhabited islands must be done under supervision of the islands chief or an official appointed by the island chief (Article 8 (c)).
The proposed project in Dhiggaru does not require removal of trees. All the proposed pump stations are already cleared of vegetation.
7 . 1 . 9 Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation
The environmental monitoring programme given in EIA report is an important aspect of the EIA process. The monitoring programme outlines the objectives of the monitoring; the specific information to be collected; the data collection program, and managing the monitoring programme. Managing the monitoring programme requires assigning institutional responsibility, reporting requirements, enforcement capability, and ensuring that adequate resources are provided in terms of funds, skilled staff, etc.
The monitoring programme outlined in this report will comply with the EIA Regulations 2012. 7.2 International Conventions 7 . 2 . 1 Climate Change Convention and Kyoto Protocol
The Maldives is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC. The objective of the Convention is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The greenhouse gas inventory of the Maldives forms an integral part of the First National Communication of the Maldives to the UNFCCC.
In March 2009, the government of the Maldives announced the target to make Maldives carbon neutral by 2020. Hence, in the implementation of the project, careful attention needs to be given to ensure energy efficiency and reduce transport related fuel consumption.
7 . 2 . 2 Convention on Biological Diversity
The Maldives is a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The objective of the convention is “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding. The proposed development activities outlined in this project does not fall on any area recognised for its ecological value. Therefore it is unlikely there will be a major loss of biodiversity. The loss is not going to be significant at atoll or national level. Yet, it is recommended that the developer ensures that mitigation measures are taken to reduce the impact of terrestrial biodiversity.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
8 Project Description 8 . 1 Project proponent
This project is proposed by the government of Maldives with Ministry of Environment and Energy as the implementing agency. Ministry of Environment and Energy is the government ministry responsible for the welfare of the environment including water, waste management, sanitation and environmental management. The Ministry of Environment and Energy has awarded the contract to MWSC.
This sewerage system will be designed and constructed by Male‟ Water and Sewerage Company Pvt. Ltd (MWSC) The Company has been established in the year 1995 with the purpose of solving the growing water needs in Malé. The principle objective of the company was to design, develop, operate, manage and maintain the public water, wastewater collection and disposal system in Malé. MWSC has attained achievements including International awards for its success in operations and sharing its knowledge and business practice with regional utility companies. MWSC became an ISO 9001 certified Company in July 2006 on the basis of its good management of business.
MWSC has gained significant amount of knowledge and experience in designing, constructing, managing and operating water and wastewater related facilities during the past 21 years of its existence.
8 . 2 Project Location and Study Area
The project takes place in the island of Dhiggaru in Meemu Atoll. Dhiggaru is located in Mulaku Atoll at 3° 6'42.93"N and 73°33'55.90"E and the land area is 12.8 Ha. The registered population of the island is 982 (Census, 2014) and the actual population, according to island council, is believed to be 1371. Major occupation of the community is fishing and majority of the younger population is involved in the tourism sector. There are 249 registered house plots in the island, out of which 178 are currently occupied. The census 2006 population was 909.
There is an existing water supply facilities established in the island which was installed by MWSC. Electricity is operated by the Fenaka Cooperation. There are few private sewer main pipes laid in the some roads which outfalls into the shallow lagoon by gravity.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Figure 1: Location of Dhiggaru island in Meemu Atoll
8 . 3 Need and Justification for the project
The proposed project, appropriate sewage disposal or wastewater management has always been a high priority for the islands of the Maldives. Maldives being a premium tourist destination promoting sun, sand and sea as the main tourism products has much to offer in terms of pristine environmental quality. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons are among the main attractions of the Maldives. Most of the resort islands boast of the best beaches in the world. Furthermore, Maldives provides nearly “perfect” dives to its guests through designated Marine Protected Areas and even the house reefs of the resort islands.
Despite the importance of the beaches and coastal waters to the economy of the Maldives, the beach and lagoon in inhabited islands of the Maldives has been regarded as a dumpsite and often referred to as “gondudhoh” which directly translates to “dumping ground” or “dumpsite”.
However, the impacts of both burial and disposal into the nearshore and groundwater environment have now become evident. In some of the inhabited islands, the lagoonal waters have been deteriorated to the extent that they are not even suitable for swimming. If people do swim, skin rashes and other health effects become
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll prevalent especially in young children who are fond of the lagoon/nearshore environment. Additionally, the increased nutrient levels in lagoons aid the growth of sea grass making marine waters aesthetically unpleasant.
Similarly, the disposal of improperly treated wastewater to the ground has resulted in the contamination of the groundwater in many inhabited islands of the Maldives and Dhiggaru being among them.
In addition to the improvements in environmental quality which itself has economic benefits, there are several other socio-economic benefits of proper sewage and wastewater disposal. These include:
Protection of the groundwater aquifer, which is the main source of water for the communities. This in turn helps in reducing morbidity and mortality due to water-borne diseases. Health benefits due to improvements in environmental health Protection of groundwater means that the community can rely on a safe source of water for basic needs other than potable use.
Site investigation of Dhiggaru Island revealed that the island is almost flat, and ground water is contaminated and smelly. Housing is clustered in to blocks which have taken up the entire island‟s available landmass. Most households have a septic tank or a pit to which all human waste is disposed. In addition, some private sewers have been constructed with houses connecting their wastewater pipes to this and eventually disposing the sewer in to the nearshore environment.
Proper sewage collection and disposal has now become a key basic requirement for all inhabited islands as human development is significantly impacted without this basic facility.
8 . 4 E x i s t i n g s a n i t a t i o n s y s t e m
At present, the island has two types of wastewater disposal system. 1- Septic tanks that treat and dispose the wastewater in to ground.
2- Private sewer networks laid in some main pipes that connect groups of houses. The final disposal is to the near shore lagoon.
According to Ministry of Environment and Energy, this project does not involve decommissioning of the existing sanitation systems in the island.
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8 . 5 What does the project constitute?
A gravity sewer system is proposed for Dhiggaru island. The gravity sewerage network is divided into two zones. The reason being that two pumping stations have been proposed in this Island. Two Pumping Stations will be constructed in the Island for collection of Sewerage which is integrated by pumping mains. From the main Pump Station sewerage is pumped out by means of the sea outfall beyond the reef. This will ensure that the wastewater disposal takes place in the deep sea where proper dilution will take place.
The project involves the following components: a) Installation of an island wide sewage collection network.
b) Installation of new catch pits for each house / institution.
c) Construction of pump stations in strategic locations to collect and convey raw sewage to the final disposal station.
d) Construction of a sea outfall.
8 . 5 . 1 The schematic diagramme of the wastewater system
The following figure outlines the schematics of the sewerage system.
Figure 2: Schematics of the sewerage system
8 . 5 . 2 House hold connections
The first element and perhaps a very basic component of this project are at the household level. Individual households will have private toilets that are pour flush or
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll fitted with automatic flush tanks to carry the wastewater in to the system. This is the point where the wastewater disposal process begins and therefore forms an important aspect of the disposal cycle. Wastewater will flow by gravity to catch pits located inside each house plots. These catch pits will be constructed as part of the project.
8 . 5 . 3 Sea outfall
Wastewater will be pumped to the deep sea using the sea outfall. The seaoutfall will be constructed on the lagoon by laying the pipeline and securing the pipe with anchor blocks. At the planning stage of the project MWSC proposed an outfall location on the north side of the island. After the EIA study consultation with island council and MWSC the outfall location is changed to the east side of the island. End Figure below shows the location of the proposed outfall for this project and a diagram of how outfall will be anchored on the lagoon. Bathymetry and cross section profile of the outfall location is attached as an annex.
Figure 3: Outfall location of Dhiggaru as initially proposed
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Figure 4: Final outfall location
8 . 5 . 4 T w o Pump stations
There are two pump stations (PS) allocated. The sewer network has been designed to carry the sewage under gravity from households to each of the two pump stations. Pump stations (PS1) will pump sewage to PS2 which will eventually dispose the raw sewage in to the ocean. The land allocated for the Pump Stations were discussed with the Island Council and the approved locations were sent to Ministry of Environment and Energy. Finalized location of the Pump station was decided after Ministry of Environment discussed with Ministry of Housing (Land Authority) and the Island Council. Diagram of the finalized location is attached on the next page.
The two pumping Stations are to be constructed in the Island for collection of Sewerage from the gravity Sewerage main line and are to be pumped to the sea outfall. Civil constructions of the Pump Stations are of RCC. Pumping stations 1 will discharge wastewater through the sewage pumping main (HDPE) to the pumping station 2. The number of pumps in each pumping station will be two (one working + one Stand-by). An automated control panel is provided for the pumps to alternate between the working pump and the standby pump for consecutive pumping events. Each pump capacity will have peak flow capacity. The following table shows the details of the Pumps used in most pump station.
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1.0 PUMPING STATION SUBMERSIBLE PUMP DETAILS
1.1 Pump Maker‟s Name FLYGT 1.2 Level control type(s) Ultrasonic or float switches 1.3 Country of Origin Sweden
Pumping Station Float Levels are as follow;
- Low Level : Pump cut off level
- High Level : Pump I duty level
- Extra High level: Pump 2 duty level
Figure 5: Proposed pump stations locations
Attached on the following page are the pump stations sump and chamber sectional details.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
8 . 5 . 5 Treatment of wastewater
Treatment of wastewater is the most ideal method of disposal, especially when the receiving water body does not have the potential to dilute the sewage. The dilution potential is determined by the prevailing conditions in the receiving environment such as current flow, volume of water and frequency of disposal. Studies and hydraulic modelling undertaken in Male‟ indicate that although treatment is ideal before discharge, it is not required for such a size island as the wastewater is domestic in nature and there is high potential for dilution. In the future, it may be worthwhile to do at least a reduction of the BOD value by holding the wastewater in a large tank before disposal. In the project island, there is potential land area approved for such a facility if it is required in the future, as this project does not included construction and commissioning of a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP).
8 . 5 . 6 Technology
Flygt submersible N series pumps will be used in pump stations. The number of pumps in each pump station will be two (1working + 1 Standby), each having the peak wet weather flow capacity of the zone). The highest efficiency values for typical single vane pumps are around 70% but flygt N pump series deliver 80% or better at 10-15% lower power consumption. And flygt pump maintains this efficiency even in fluids with high solid fibrous content. Required spare parts for operation and maintenance of the pumps will be available from xylem, Hong Kong branch.
The control system will be designed to control two pumps of desired capacity. The pump start stops will work on the high and low water level float switches installed in the collection sump.
The pumps will run on alternate basis i.e if pump P1 is running, P2 will be as standby. On the second start cycle P2 will run while P1 will stay as standby.
Operations of the pumps are controlled by level controllers/switches. A float switch is used as emergency float which will be switched on and alarm buzzer and beacon will be activated if both pumps are faulty or if the water level in the sump reaches the Alarm Level.
The control panel is designed with microprocessor based controller for automatic control and monitoring of the system. The system will alert on situation, as detailed below. Pump failure / trip alarm for each pump
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High water level alarm Supply power failure alarm Standby generator startup and trip alert. Low Low level alarm ( activated after specified period of time – dry run protection )
Panel board shall be fabricated in IP65 enclosures. Yet, the panel boards will be installed under a shed to protect from direct sunlight and rain. Cables from the pumps and float switches to the control panel will be laid through a cable duct or trench put in place from the sump up to the control panel mounting shed.
8 . 5 . 7 Design period
The Sewerage networks have been designed for a period of 35 years.
8 . 5 . 8 Population and household proje c t i o n
The projected populations have been estimated for a 35 year period which is the design horizon for the sewerage collection network. The following table shows the current population and projected population for 35 years. (The data has been collected from the Island record)
Present Population
At the time of the concept design, registered population of the island is 950 and the actual population is recorded as 1334. For the design the current population is taken as 1334. Based upon the above data, projected population in PS1 and PS2 area is distribution in the table below. This will be used as a basis of design.
Projected Population Network area Present population Predicted Growth Projected population PS1 area 640 1.5% 1078 PS2 area 694 1.5% 1169 Total 1334 1.5% 2247
8 . 5 . 9 F l o w r a t e s
The following table shows the flow rates that have been considered for the design of the network. (The flow rate is inclusive of 10% filtration as per EPA guideline).
Peak wet weather flow
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Average Dry Average Wet Peak wet weather weather flow Peak factor weather flow flow Network area (AWWF) (PWWF) (ADWF) (m³/day) PS1 area 129.36 142.30 3.0 426.90 PS2 area 140.28 154.31 3.0 462.93
Table 2: Flow rates of the pump stations
8 . 5 . 1 0 Sewerage network design
Conventional gravity Sewerage system, mainly consisting of uPVC of OD 160 mm OD uPVC pipe has been used for the main Sewerage network and OD110mm have been used for house connection. Network site plan including manhole location is attached on the following page.
8.5.10.1 Design parameters
The following design parameters and considerations according to the EPA guideline (Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems) were taken during the design of the Sewerage network; Minimum slope of 1 in 250 has been taken. The pipe network have been desgined for a full flow velocity of 0.64m/sec Maximum Depth of 2.5m has been considered for pipe laying. Infiltration of 10% had been considered in the flow rates. Peak factor of 3 is considered. Manhole / Access Chamber spacing of not more than 60m and will be provided at street crossings, change of slope, change of size/direction of street sewer. The manhole will be of plastic material like uPVC or HDPE
8.5.10.2 Sewerage Flow formula;
The sewerage network has been designed using the following formula;
Manning Formula
Q=AxV 2/3 1/2 V=1/nxR xI Q: Design wastewater flow incl.reserve capacity(m3/s) A:Sectionareaofsewageinpipe(m2) V: Velocity(m/s) N: Roughness coefficient
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R: HydraulicRadius=A/P(m) P:Wettedperimeter(m) I: Slope
8.5.10.3 Network design
The main sewer is OD 160mm laid at slope of 1 in 250 in all areas. This will provide a peak discharge of 462.93 m³/day according to Island maximum discharge in a PS area. At 120 Lcd with a peak factor of 3, this translates into a population capacity of maximum 1169 in one PS area network. Each road will have a collector of 150 mm main line which will join an inlet into the pump station or last manhole in zones where pump stations located.
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8 . 6 B r i e f d escription of the sewage disposal p r o c e s s
The system will collect raw sewage from households and convey to the pump stations through gravity. The sewage will be disposed to the deep water beyond the reef without any treatment.
8 . 6 . 1 T echnical details
The following table outlines the Raw Effluent Quality (Domestic Sewage & Wastewater) Parameter Characteristics of Influent Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) 350 mg/l Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 650 mg/l Suspended Solids 500 mg/l Oil & Grease 3-30 mg/l pH 6.5-80 Water Temperature 28 0C Figure 6: Characteristics of the wastewater
The following table outlines the EPA guidelines for maximum allowable concentrations for discharge into deep waters EPA guidelines for maximum Parameter allowable concentrations for discharge into deep sea. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) 40 mg/l
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 50 mg/l
Suspended Solids 150 mg/L
pH 5 -9.5
Oil & Grease (After effective fat/Grease trap) 5 mg/L
Figure 7: EPA guidelines for maximum allowable concentrations for discharge into deep sea
8 . 7 Project management
The project will be managed by MWSC by way of subcontracting some of the civil works to contractors. Other technical and engineering services will be managed by MWSC team. The contractor will provide a daily work schedule for the project and will be responsible from hiring labourers to supply, installation and commissioning of the works assigned to that contractor.
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8 . 7 . 1 Project duration
The total project duration is expected to be 12 months after the approval of the EIA. Mobilization is expected to start during first quarter of 2017. A project schedule is attached in annex.
8 . 7 . 2 Planning and Programme
The project will be implemented through a carefully managed plan. Mobilization will be initiated during first quarter of 2017.
8 . 7 . 3 Waste Management
Managing the waste generated during the construction stage is a responsibility of contractor. There is an existing waste management center in the island. Domestic waste can be managed using the existing system. However, it is not recommended to use existing waste management cycle in Dhiggaru to manage hazardous waste produced during the construction. Such waste needs to be transported to Thilafushi for disposal.
8 . 7 . 4 S a f e t y
Full recognition and regard should be taken in the management and execution of project safety plan. Any subcontractors are obliged to provide safety policies, plans and method statements and will be interviewed prior to order placement on all aspects of safety, health and welfare. All sites are subject to independent site safety checks, inspection and reports by independent site safety inspectors and advisors.
8 . 7 . 5 Housing of temporary labour
Housing of labour will also be the responsibility of the contractor. Priority should be given to rent houses from island, so existing utility services can be used rather than constructing temporary facilities. According to Island Council, there are plenty of houses that can be rented for labour housing.
8 . 8 Risks Associ ated with the Project
There are many risk factors associated with this project that could possibly have both financial and environmental implications. The scheduling of the project would affect the lives of many people at the island, especially during the road excavation. Hence proper information needs to be provided to the public to make them aware of
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8 . 9 Project Inputs and Outputs 8 . 9 . 1 Project Inputs
Input resource(s) Source/ Type How to obtain resources 10 to 15 Construction Maldivians +foreign Contractor‟s responsibility workers labours Operational Staff. 3 to 4 Locals Advertise in local papers or obtain local staff trained by through island office contractor and working in shifts. Already MWSC has the technical and human resource capability. Construction materials UPVC pipes, reinforcement Import and purchase where locally steel bars, sand, cement, available at competitive prices – aggregates, etc. Contractor‟s responsibility. Maintenance material. 5- Pump spares, catchpit Import and also local purchase year spares made covers, replacement pipes, available cleaning gear etc. Water supply (during RO and groundwater from From the island. construction) the island Electricity/Energy Electricity from the Diesel-based electricity from island (during construction) island‟s main power grid. mains Electricity/Energy Electricity for operation Diesel-based electricity from island (during operation) mains Table 3: Matrix of major inputs during construction period
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8 . 9 . 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 waste Anticipated quantities Method of disposal materials Effluent ready for Refer to Table 2 Disposed to open sea via pumping discharge to deep sea station. Sludge Approximately 0.38% of Dried and used as fertilizer or disposed the total. in to the deep sea. This will be required to do once in 3 years. Constructional waste Small quantities Reused and sent to landfill (Thilafushi) Noise Localised to the project Unavoidable during the construction site including the stage but will be minimized. Noise will surrounding areas. not be a nuisance as manual labour will be used without the need for any heavy machinery. Air pollution Limited quantities of dust, Mainly arising as a result of emission oxides of Nitrogen and from the construction work such as sulphur from use of from excavation of trenches to replace machinery in the the catch pits and pipes. construction zone. Foul odour Moderate levels at Venting will be done and pump station pumping station during will discharge to the deep sea. Pump the pumping hours stations are located in appropriate areas especially. away from the general community as much as possible. Table 4: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage
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9 Methodology
This section outlines the methodologies used in this environmental assessment. The following table outlines a matrix of methodologies used in this project. Details of these methodologies and their descriptions are attached as an annex.
Methodology type Area / environmental aspect Used in this project (yes/no)
General methodologies of data Generally covering the Yes collection broader Environment Mapping and location identification Coastal, terrestrial and Yes marine environment. Marine Environmental survey Marine environment Yes
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 Yes Shoreline and vegetation line Coastal Environment No mapping Coastal structures mapping Coastal Environment No
Erosion and accretion areas Coastal Environment No mapping Beach profiles Coastal Environment No
Drogues and current Coastal Environment Yes Terrestrial Environment Terrestrial environment Terrestrial floral survey Terrestrial environment Yes Terrestrial faunal survey Terrestrial environment No Groundwater assessment Terrestrial environment Yes 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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10 Existing Environment 1 0 . 1 Existing Marine Environment
The marine environmental survey at Dhiggaru was focused on three sites as indicated in the diagramme below. Site selection for the marine survey was based on the location where the sea outfall will be constructed.
Figure 8: Marine Survey Locations
1 0 . 1 . 1 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
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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.
General impression and quantitative results of the sites surveyed are described in the following pages.
1 0 . 1 . 2 C o r a l r e e f
Three sites were surveyed to assess the marine environment as baseline for reef benthic community. Three sites from east side of the island lagoon and reef was selected.
For more information about marine environment of Dhiggaru island, refer to the report, EIA for Redevelopment of Harbour at M. Dhiggaru (MEECO, 2015) and First Addendum to EIA for Harbour Redevelopment Project at M. Dhiggaru (Water Solutions, 2016).
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10.1.2.1 Status of coral reef at site 1
Site 1 was chosen from the eastern side of the island lagoon. Proposed outfall pipeline will pass on this lagoon bottom. There is an existing brine discharge pipe from RO Plant in this area. Site 1 mainly has coral rubbles and is less than 1.5m deep in most area. Few scattered massive corals were found in this area. However, most of the lagoon bottom of this area is dead with sand and rubble. 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 Dhiggaru island.
Figure 9: Percentage benthic composition at site 1
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 3% 1% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 2% 1% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 20% 0% RB 50% 0% SD 25% 0% SI 0% 0% Table 5: Percentage benthic composition at site 1
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Live coral cover at site 1 was 3%. Of the non-living components, rubble dominated this area with 50%. Percentage of sand is 25%. Below are the photos from the site.
Figure 10: Marine photos from Site 1
10.1.2.2 Status of coral reef at site 2
Site 2 was selected from the east side of the island reef and it is the proposed location of the sea outfall. The reason for selecting this location was to assess the reef health as baseline in order to ensure that the proposed seaoutfall has the least impact on this area, and hence help to monitor the reef. This area has live coral colonies most notably massive coral species. In addition, few Pocillopora sp and Porites rus species were also found. Benthos of this area was dominated by rocks and live corals. Reef slope of this area is very steep and resemble a wall. This site faces the channel between Dhiggaru and Maduvvari house reef. This channel has very strong ingoing and outgoing current especially during tide transition period. Fish population was another indicator that was used to assess the health of the site. Most of the fishes at this site were limited to herbivore species. They were moderate but the diversity of
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll fish population can be considered low. To assess the fish population, fish counts were done for fish families as used by the Reef Check fish survey method. Fish population was considered abundant. The following graph outlines the percentage benthic composition at site 2 and the following table outlines the results of the LIT transect at site 2 in Dhiggaru island.
Figure 11: Percentage benthic composition at site 2
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 18% 3% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 5% 0% OT 5% 0% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 3% 0% RC 39% 3% RB 25% 0% SD 5% 3% SI 0% 0% Table 6: Percentage benthic composition at site 2
Live coral cover at site 2 was 18%. Of the non-living components, rocks
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Figure 12: Marine photos from Site 2
10.1.2.3 Status of coral reef at site 3
Marine survey site 3 is on the east of the island reef as a control site and as an alternative site to outfall. Benthic composition of the site 3 is dominantly covered with rocks and rubbles. Few Massive coral species were observed in this location. This side of the island reef faces the channel between Dhiggaru and Maduvvari. Reef slope of this area is very steep similar to site 2. Underwater photos from this location are attached below.
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Figure 13: Percentage benthic composition at site 3
Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE
HC 8% 0% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 5% 0%
Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 1% 1% RC 56% 4% RB 23% 4% SD 8% 0% SI 0% 0% Table 7: Percentage benthic composition at site 3
Live coral cover at site 3 was 8%. Of the non-living components, rocks dominated this area with 56%. Percentage of coral rubbles is 23%. Below are the marine photos from site 3.
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Figure 14: Marine photos from Site 3
1 0 . 1 . 3 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. For the fish census, only indicator families were recorded as per Reef Check protocol.
Fish counts for site 1 are outlined below
0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m Butterflyfish Family Chaetodontidae Grunts/Sweetlips/Margates Family Haemulidae Snapper Family Lutjanidae 2
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Barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis Humphead (Napoleon) wrasse Cheilinus undulatus
Bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum Other parrotfish ONLY >20cm Family Scaridae Moray eel Family Muraenidae 1
Grouper ONLY >30cm Family Serranidae 0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m 30-40 cm 40-50 cm 50-60 cm >60 cm
Rare animals sighted (#/type/size) 0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m Sharks Turtles Mantas Other Table 8: Fish census survey results for site 1
Fish counts for site 2 are outlined below
0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m Butterflyfish Family Chaetodontidae 2 1 3 4 Grunts/Sweetlips/Margates Family Haemulidae Snapper Family Lutjanidae 3 1 11 Barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis 2 Humphead (Napoleon) wrasse Cheilinus undulatus
Bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum Other parrotfish ONLY >20cm Family Scaridae 6 3 1 7 Moray eel Family Muraenidae
Grouper ONLY >30cm Family Serranidae 0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m 30-40 cm 1
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40-50 cm 50-60 cm >60 cm
Rare animals sighted (#/type/size) 0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m Sharks Turtles Mantas Other Table 9: Fish census survey results for site 2
Fish counts for site 3 are outlined below
0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m Butterflyfish Family Chaetodontidae 1 1 Grunts/Sweetlips/Margates Family Haemulidae Snapper Family Lutjanidae 1 3 2 Barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis Humphead (Napoleon) wrasse Cheilinus undulatus
Bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum Other parrotfish ONLY >20cm Family Scaridae 2 3 1 5 Moray eel Family Muraenidae 1
Grouper ONLY >30cm Family Serranidae 0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m 30-40 cm 1 1 40-50 cm 50-60 cm >60 cm
Rare animals sighted (#/type/size) 0-5m 6-10m 11-15m 16-20m Sharks Turtles Mantas Other Table 10: Fish census survey results for site 3
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1 0 . 1 . 4 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 proposed sea outfall location. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were made on seawater from one location. Chemical properties were tested on site using YSI Multiparameter probe. Samples were taken and sent to laboratory for biological parameter testing. The bathymetry of the lagoon where the sea outfall is proposed is attached as an annex. The following table illustrates the result of the marine water quality test.
Water Quality Site SW1 Optimal range Ref
Physical appearance Clear Electrical Conductivity (us/cm) 55100.00 Temperature C 18 - 32 Degree GBRMPA 2009 29.00 Celcius Salinity (mg/l) or PPT 34300.00 3.2% - 4.2% GBRMPA 2010 pH 8 to 8.3. Levels 8.50 below 7.4 will cause stress Turbidity (NTU) 3 to 5 NTU. > 5 Cooper et al 2008 3.00 NTU causes stress BOD 760 mg/L
COD 8 mg/L DO >800 µg/L
Nitrate 6 ppm Suspended solids (mg/l) 8.00
Total coliform 0
Faecal coliform 0
Table 11: Results of the marine water quality tests undertaken in Dhiggaru island
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1 0 . 1 . 5 Prevailing currents around the sea outfall l o c a t i o n
To understand the water current around the island, current measurements should be taken over a long period of time. Currents data around specific islands are not available in the Maldives. However, during the EIA process, currents were measured around the proposed outfall area to obtain a snapshot of the existing conditions prevailing and to link them with the historical and present conditions. Nevertheless, this data set may not represent the actual current patterns around the island. During the course of the day, currents change twice with the changing tide and monthly with the moon cycles. The result therefore is a very complex change in current direction. Proposed outfall location is discussed with island council and fisherman of Dhiggaru. They informed that construction of outfall to the channel between Dhiggaru and Maduvvaru is the best option in case of Dhiggaru as there is strong current inside channel throughout the day. They also highlighted that putting outfall to north side reef facing out of atoll is also an option. However, this area is not preferred as this area has strong wave throughout the year which may destroy the outfall and increase the maintenance frequency of the outfall. Council also highlighted that brine from RO plant is also discharged to the channel.
To measure the currents around the proposed sea outfall location, a drogue test was undertaken. The test was undertaken using a floating GPS and the results are illustrated below.
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Figure 15: Water current measured during the field visit to Dhiggaru
Figure 16: Monsoonal wind waves around the island
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1 0 . 1 . 6 W a v e s
It was not possible to obtain site specific data on wave conditions due to lack of time. Studies conducted elsewhere in the Maldives have been considered as a general guide to wave conditions at Dhiggaru.
Two major types of waves have been reported on the coasts of the Maldives: wave generated by local monsoon wind and swells generated by distance storms. The local monsoon predominantly generates wind waves which are typically strongest during April-July in the south-west monsoon period. During this season, swells generated north of the equator with heights of 2-3 m with periods of 18-20 seconds have been reported in the region. Local wave periods are generally in the range 2-4 seconds and are easily distinguished from the swell waves.
Distant cyclones and low pressure systems originating from the intense South Indian Ocean storms are reported to generate long distance swells that occasionally cause flooding in Maldives (Goda, 1988). The swell waves that reached Malé and Hulhule in 1987, thought to have originated from a low pressure system of west coast of Australia, had significant wave heights in the order of 3 metres.
In addition, Maldives have been subject to earthquake generated tsunami reaching heights of 4.0m on land (UNEP, 2005). Historical wave data from Indian Ocean countries show that tsunamis have occurred in more than 1 occasion, most notable been the 1883 tsunami resulting from the volcanic explosion of Krakatoa(Choi and others, 2003).
1 0 . 1 . 7 T i d es
Tide affects wave conditions, wave generated and other reef-top currents. Tide levels are believed to be significant in controlling amount of wave energy reaching the island, as no wave energy crosses the edge of the reef at low tide under normal conditions. In the Maldives where the tidal range is small (1m), tides may have significantly important influence on the formation, development and sediment movement process around the island tides also may play an important role in lagoon flushing, water circulation within the reef and water residence time within an enclosed reef highly depends on tidal fluctuations.
Tide data is important information in any coastal development project as it determines the elevation of the structures relative to a datum. A permanent tidal record station has been established at Ibrahim International Airport by Maldives
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Meteorological Service. The maximum tidal range recorded at this tide station is 1.2m. The highest astronomical tide level is +0.64m (MSL) and lowest astronomical tide level is -0.56m MSL). The following table gives a summary of the tide levels for the tide datum has been widely used in Maldives.
Table 12: Summary of the Tide Levels Hulhule Island, Male Atoll
Water level referred to Mean Sea Tide Level Level (MSL) (m) Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) +0.64 Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) +0.34 Mean Lower High Water (MLHW) +0.14 Mean Sea Level (MSL) 0 Mean Higher Low Water (MHLW) -0.16 Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) -0.36 Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) -0.56
1 0 . 1 . 8 Risk of storm surges and flood
The primary sources of natural hazard risks in Maldives are strong winds during monsoons or freak storms, earthquakes, island interior flooding caused by heavy rain, coastal flooding caused by high surf, storm surge, prolonged strong monsoonal wind, high astronomical tides or tsunamis, and sea level rise. Coastal flooding related flooding and wind damage can be considered as the most frequent natural hazards that occur in Maldives (see Maniku (1990), Luthfy(1994)). Most of these risk factors (apart from earthquake, wind damage and rainfall flooding), stems from the extremely low elevation of all Maldivian islands: the average elevation is 1.5 meters above sea level. In spite of the occasional natural hazards, Maldives in general is relatively from high risk natural disasters.
Spatial variations in hazards are evident across Maldives (Maniku, 1990). Northern atolls are more exposed to intense storm systems, increasing the risk of wind damage in these atolls. In comparison, southern atolls experience less storms systems, but are more exposed to flooding events, probably as a result of exposure to intense South Indian Ocean storm surges and wind-waves during south west monsoons. Southern atolls are also more likely to experience earthquakes.
Observations from the field visit to Dhiggaru indicate that coastline of the island is heavily modified with seawalls on whole east side of the island. Reef edge is in very close proximity to island shoreline of east side making this side very vulnerable to wave surges. According to island council, east side of the island is very
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Figure 17: East side of Dhiggaru Island
1 0 . 1 . 9 Marine Protected Areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas
There is no Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Meemu Atoll. However, there are 10 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) inside MeemuA Atoll. The closest ESA to project site, Dhiggaru, is Veyvah Faru which is 18km southeast to Dhiggaru. Second nearest ESA is Raabandhi Huraa located 19km west to project site. It is not estimated that proposed project will have any impacts on any of the ESAs.
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1 0 . 2 Existing Terrestrial Environment 1 0 . 2 . 1 Section Brief
The terrestrial environment of Dhiggaru was assessed using the following methods: 1- High definition low aerial photography to assess the vegetation and the island as a whole from above. Particular focus was given to areas where pump stations will be constructed.
2- Ground truthing of the island and by undertaking a visual inspection of the areas where the proposed pump stations will be constructed. The objective of the terrestrial assessment was to identify whether any vegetation clearance would be required to construct the pump stations or while laying the pipe line.
3- Testing the ground water quality both quantitatively and qualitatively.
The sewerage pipes will be laid on existing roads areas and does not require cutting or clearing any vegetation. Hence, no detail tree surveys were undertaken as it is irrelevant for this project.
The diagrammes attached in the following pages depicts the terrestrial environment of Dhiggaru.
1 0 . 2 . 2 Vegetation at pump stations
Dhiggaru island has very few vegetation compared to most of the inhabited islands of Maldives. Whole land area of Dhiggaru island has been used for housing and other infrastructures other than a part of reclaimed land on north side of the island. According to island council, the reclaimed land area is also reserved for housing plots. Most of the roads of Dhiggaru is narrow and has no vegetation. Therefore sewer network construction does not require any vegetation clearing. Proposed pump stations are also cleared land. However, 1 Dhiggaa (Hibiscus tiliasceus) and 1 Hirundhu (Thespesia populnea) tree may be removed near the pump station 1 to make the boundary wall for the pump station (this will be confirmed after a detailed land survey). Below are the aerial and ground photos taken during the field visit.
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Figure 18: Aerial photo of Dhiggaru taken during field visit (October 2016)
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Figure 19: Location of Pump station 1
Figure 20: Location of pump station 2 and STP
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1 0 . 2 . 3 Ground water
Groundwater quality was assessed by taking a sample from a groundwater well. The household wells were visually inspected, and samples were tested for chemical properties such as electrical conductivity and salinity. The water quality results for the sampled wells of Dhiggaru are tabulated in the following table. The survey period coincided with the south west monsoon rains; it is possible that the salinity readings are biased to some extent.
It is assumed that freshwater can be defined by a maximum limit of 2500 µS/cm. WHO guidelines suggest a maximum Chloride content of 250 mg/l for potable uses which equates to a salinity of approximately 1,500 µS/cm. However experience in other small island states (Falkland, 2000) confirms whilst this is desirable, a more realistic limit is 2,500 µS/cm. Using this definition, it is clear that some of the sampled wells in Dhiggaru does not have freshwater.
The results are illustrated below.
Parameters GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6 tested Physical Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear appearance pH 8 7.7 7.6 8 8 7.5 Temp (C) 29.3 29.9 29.4 30.2 30.8 29.6 Salinity (PPT)) 0.7 0.7 0.2 1 1.2 0.5 Electrical 1860 1025 374 1930 2290 985 conductivity (uS/cm) BOD mg/l 8 - 10 - - 13 COD mg/l 760 - 810 - - 920 Total Coliform 26 49 33 2 179 105 MPN/100ml Faecal 2 0 0 0 12 12 Coliform MPN/100ml Table 13: Results of the groundwater quality in Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll
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Figure 21: Groundwater sampling locations in Dhiggaru island (October 2016)
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1 0 . 3 C l i m a t e
There is no site specific climate data available for Dhiggaru. Therefore climate figures given below are either average climate data for Maldives or data for Male‟ region recorded in Hulhule Meteorological Station which is the nearest Meteorological Station to Dhiggaru.
1 0 . 3 . 1 R a i n f a l l and Infiltration
Annual average rainfall in Maldives is about 1900mm. There is a marked variation in rainfall across Maldives with an increasing trend towards south. The annual rainfall in north is 1977mm and for south is 2470mm. the southwest monsoon is known as wet monsoon with monthly average rainfall ranging from 125-250mm. The northeast monsoon is known as the dry season with average monthly rainfall of 50-75mm.
Figure 22: Monthly average rainfall since 2000 (Source: Maldives Meteorological Service)
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Figure 23: Monthly rainfall data of Hulhule station for 2015 (Source: Maldives Meteorological Service)
Groundwater recharge from infiltration of rainwater is one of the primary resources of freshwater available to Dhiggaru. However, currently the groundwater condition of the island is not favorable in some parts of the island. Freshness of groundwater will depend on amount of rainfall to the island as the groundwater recharge from rainfall replenishes the thin freshwater lens that sits on top of brackish salt water beneath the island. Infiltration capacity of the rainwater will depend on the porosity of the soil. Previous studies done in Maldives indicate that most of the islands of Maldives have the recharge capacity of 30% of the total rainfall (Falkland, 2000). This will depend on the porosity of the soil and open spaces available in the island for rainwater to infiltrate to ground. Most islands of Maldives might be assumed to be having a good infiltration capacity as the island consists of coral sand and limestone soils. However, during the field visit to Dhiggaru it is observed that ponds created during the rain remain for hours even after the rainfall event, indicating that soil compaction and mud in the roads has reduced infiltration. For the recharge of the groundwater, it is very important to direct rainwater to open spaces or wells rather than the sewer network to allow the rainwater to seep into ground.
1 0 . 3 . 2 W i n d
Maldives Meteorological Service provides data for wind speed recorded in meteorological stations of Maldives. The windroses below shows the wind speed and direction recorded at Hulhule Meteorological Station in 2015 and for 20 year perios (1990-2010).
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Wind (kts) Month/ Year Mean Maximum Dir Speed Dir Speed Jan-15 ENE 10 ENE 26 Feb-15 ENE 10 ENE 33 Mar-15 ENE 6 NE 27 Apr-15 W 5 W 25 May-15 WSW 11 W 35 Jun-15 WSW 9 W 40 Jul-15 W 9 W 46 Aug-15 W 9 W 39 Sep-15 W 10 W 39 Oct-15 SSW 6 W 30 Nov-15 W 7 NNW 32 Dec-15 NE 8 ENE 30 Figure 24: Monthly wind data for 2015 (Source: Maldives Meteorological Service)
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Figure 25: Monthly windroses (Source: Maldives Meteorological Service)
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
1 0 . 4 Existing Socio - Economic Environment 1 0 . 4 . 1 Introduction to the atoll
Meemu Atoll is located in the central region of Maldives. There are 8 inhabited islands and 2 resorts in Meemu atoll. The following table outlines the list of inhabited islands in the atoll.
Island Name Population (Census, 2014) Raimandhoo 113 Veyvah 254 Mulah 1264 Muli 862 Naalaafushi 426 Kolhufushi 748 Dhiggaru 982 Maduvvari 369 Total 5018 Table 14: List of inhabited islands in Meemu Atoll
Inhabited Islands by Atolls 16 15 14 14 14 13 13 13 13
12 11 10 10 9 9 9 8 8 8
6 6 6 5 5 4 4 3
2 1
0
Figure 26: Number of inhabited islands by Atoll
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Preliminary Results of Census 2014
ތ ވ ލ 15 : ރ ށ ރ ށ ގ އ ބ ދ ، ޖ ނ ސ ގ ނ ސ ބ ތ އ ދ އ ހ ރ ކ ށ އ ބ ދ އ ތ ރ ވ މ ނ ވ ރ - މ . އ ތ ޅ ، 2006 އ ދ 2014 Table P15 : POPULATION, SEX RATIO AND ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH BY ISLANDS- M. ATOLL, 2006 & 2014
Mulakatholhu (M) (މ) ޅ ތ ކ ލ މ Population 2014 ދ ބ އ Maldivian Population 2006 ދ ބ އ ހ ވ ދ Maldivian Population 2014 ދ ބ އ ހ ވ ދ Total ލ މ ޖ Maldivians ނ ހ ވ ދ Foreigners ނ ސ ދ ބ
ވ ރ ތ އ ދ ބ އ ށ ކ ރ ހ އ ތ ބ ސ ނ ގ ސ ނ ޖ ތ ބ ސ ނ ގ ދ ބ އ ޅ ތ އ Locality ރ ވ ނ މ SEX RATIO % INTER-CENSAL ސ ނ ޖ ދ ނ ހ ރ ފ ނ ހ ނ އ ނ ހ ރ ފ ނ ހ ނ އ ސ ނ ޖ ދ ނ ހ ރ ފ ނ ހ ނ އ ސ ނ ޖ ދ ނ ހ ރ ފ ނ ހ ނ އ SHARE OF ސ ނ ޖ ދ ށ ކ ނ ހ ނ އ 100 މ ނ ކ AVERAGE ANNUAL Both Sexes Male Female Male Female Both Sexes Male Female Both Sexes Male Female POPULATION IN Both Sexes GROWTH RATE ރ ވ ނ މ ހ ޖ ނ ނ ހ ރ ފ LOCALITY Males per 100 Female 2006 -2014
Total 5,469 2,993 2,476 4,814 2,409 2,405 655 584 71 4,710 2,419 2,291 100 0.26 100.00 ލ މ ޖ
Administrative Islands 5,018 2,558 2,460 4,703 2,299 2,404 315 259 56 4,654 2,364 2,290 96 0.12 97.69 އ ތ ށ ރ ރ ދ އ
Raimandhoo 113 55 58 113 55 58 0 0 0 156 80 76 95 -3.79 2.35 ދ ނ މ އ ރ Veyvah 254 154 100 214 116 98 40 38 2 174 93 81 118 2.43 4.45 ށ ވ ވ Mulah 1,264 653 611 1,184 581 603 80 72 8 1,129 553 576 96 0.56 24.59 ށ ލ މ Muli 862 445 417 776 385 391 86 60 26 746 389 357 98 0.46 16.12 ލ މ Naalaafushi 426 223 203 408 205 203 18 18 0 321 161 160 101 2.82 8.48 ށ ފ ލ ނ Kolhufushi 748 371 377 714 343 371 34 28 6 811 405 406 92 -1.50 14.83 ށ ފ ޅ ކ Dhiggaru 982 455 527 944 425 519 38 30 8 909 456 453 82 0.44 19.61 ރ ގ އ ދ Maduvvari 369 202 167 350 189 161 19 13 6 408 227 181 117 -1.80 7.27 ރ ވ އ ޑ މ
ރ ސ ޓ ، ސ ނ އ ރ ށ ތ ކ އ Resorts, Industrial 451 435 16 111 110 1 340 325 15 56 55 1 NA NA 2.31 Islands and Others ނ ހ ނ ހ އ
15 EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
1 0 . 4 . 2 D h i g g a r u i s l a n d
The project takes place in the island of Dhiggaru in Meemu Atoll. Dhiggaru is located Mulaku Atoll 3° 6'42.93"N and 73°33'55.90"E and the land area is 12.8Ha. The registered population of the island is 982 and the actual population is believed to be 1371. Major occupation of the community is fishing and majority of the younger population is involved in the tourism sector. There are 249 registered house plots in the island, out of which 178 are currently occupied. The census 2006 population was 909. Whole land area of the island is used except a small land area on north side of the island near the football field. One of the biggest challenges Dhiggaru facing now is lack of land for housing and other purposes. A reclamation project was implemented in the past to ease this problem.
Total Population 1371 (658 Male and 713 Female) Under 18 years 376 18-35 years 470 35-65 years 439 65 years and above 86 Island Size 12.8 hectares Population Density 107 person per hectares
Table 15: Population of Dhiggaru (Source: Dhiggaru Island Council)
Figure 27: Dhiggaru Island (Source: Google Earth)
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
1 0 . 4 . 3 Economic Activities
The backbone of the island economy is fishing. People of Dhiggaru is maily involved in fishing related activities. Pole and Line fishing, Hand line for Yellowfin tuna, reef fishing and grouper fishery is the main type of fishing practised in the island. Post processing of fish is largely practised in the island level and nationwide famous ‘Dhiggaru Rihaakuru’ (fish paste) is a product of this island. The Island has 17 shops owned and managed by individual members of the island. The island has 3 fast-food cafés or tea-shop which caters for the local residents.
Table 16: Employment by sector of Dhiggaru (Source: Harbour Redevelopment EIA by MEECO, 2015)
1 0 . 4 . 4 E lectricity
The island has 24 hours electricity provided by Fenaka Cooperation. The island has diesel generators and all households and institutions are connected with this power grid.
1 0 . 4 . 5 H e a l t h
The Island has a government owned Health centre with one doctor, a laboratory technologist and 3 nurses. The centre is equipped with basic medical treatment facilities. There is also a registered pharmacy in the island.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
1 0 . 4 . 6 Water and Sanitation
Issues related to water, sanitation and garbage disposal is among the biggest problems for this island as indicated by the public consultation sessions. The island does not have a proper sanitation system. The existing sanitation system comprise of septic tanks and private sewer networks with pipes laid on the main streets and disposing to near shore lagoon. There is an existing water network in the island with house connections.
1 0 . 4 . 7 Land Use Plan
The draft land use plan of the island is attached on the following page. Draft land use plan includes land allocation for commercial use, housing plots, sports and recreation, institutional and community facilities, buffer zones and green areas. However, majority of the island is already filled up with very few open spaces left for future purposes.
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North DRAFT
7.8 LEGEND: PROPOSED:
EXISTING: RESIDENTIAL PLOTS (1200 SQF) PLOTS ALLOCATED FOR HOUSING UNITS (60 Nos)
RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL PLOTS (1200 SQF) PLOTS ALLOCATED (57 Nos) INSTITUTIONAL & COMMUNITY 14.2 FACILITIES INSTITUTIONAL & COMMUNITY 01. ISLAND OFFICE 11.4 2.1. COMMUNITY RESIDENCE (2.2 - 2.3) FACILITIES 3.1. MOSQUES (3.2 - 3.3) 8.1. SCHOOL (EXT) 8.2. PRE SCHOOL (EXT) 11.3 4.1. SCHOOL 4.2. PRE SCHOOL 09. HEALTH CENTER (EXT) 14.1 05. HEALTH CENTER
6.3 COMMERCIAL SPORTS AND 10. SHOPS / CAFE / RESTUARANT RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL FIELD INDUSTRIAL 11.1. STORE / WAREHOUSE / WORKSHOPS INDUSTRIAL 11.2. FISH PROCESING 6.1. STORE (OIL) 11.3. BOAT MOORING AND REPAIR (WOODEN) 11.4. BOAT MOORING AND REPAIR (FIBERGLASS) 6.2. FISH MARKET 6.3. DHONI MOORING & REPAIRE
UTILITIES & UTILITIES & MUNICIPAL SERVICES MUNICIPAL SERVICE 7.1. POWER HOUSE 12.1. POWER HOUSE (EXT) 7.2. POWER HOUSE (OLD) 12.2. WATANIYA (EXT) 7.3. CEMETRY 12.3. R/O PLANT (EXT) 7.4. WATANIYA RIPEATER STATION 12.4. FERRY TERMINAL 7.5. DHIRAAGU RIPEATER STATION 8.2 4.2 7.6. R/O PLANT 7.7. WATER STORAGE 2.2 HARBOUR AREA ACTIVITY 7.8. WASTE MANAGEMENT SITE 13. LOADING AND UNLOADING 9 7.2 1 3.2 5 2.1 RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE 7.3 3.1 14.3 (Not for Residential purpose)
7.7 RECREATIONAL AREA PARK 3.3 14.3 14.1. PLAY GROUND 14.2. FOOTBALL FIELD 14.3. PARK 4.1 12.4 7.5 BUFFER ZONES
8.1 EPZ 13 2.3 10 7.6 LARGE CONSERVED TREE 12.3 12.2 7.4 11.1 12.1 0 10 20 30 40 50 100 150 m 7.1 6.1 6.2 0 50 100 150 200 250 500 ft
NATIONAL OFFICE, CENTRAL REGION TITLE: PROJECT: SURVEYED BY: MAC DRAWN BY: IS MINISTRY OF HOMEAFFAIRS DH. KUDAHUVADHOO PROPOSED DRAFT ZONING PLAN M. DHIGGARU LANDUSE PLAN SCALE: (given) MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING AMEENEE MAGU, 1308 CHECKED BY: IS Tel: 6760653 / 6760652 Fax: 6760654 DATE: 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 email: [email protected] EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
11 Environmental Impacts 1 1 . 1 A ssessing 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 two 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.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
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. Impacts Total score Negative Neutral Positive (1-3) (4 -7) (8 -10) Air pollution 5.00 x Waste 5.00 x Water pollution * 8.00 x Water pollution ** 3.00 x Noise/Vibration 5.00 x Amenity 8.00 x Ground water 8.00 x conservation Energy 4.00 x Energy efficiency 4.00 x Access to quality green 5.00 x space Flooding 5.00 x Transport 5.00 x Biodiversity 3.00 x Local environmental 9.00 x quality Resource depletion 5.40 x Health gain 8.00 x Employment 5.00 x Socio-economic 8.00 x implications Scale Score 1-3, Negative Environmental Impact Scale Score 4-7; Neutral Environmental Impact Scale Score 8-10; Positive Environmental Impact
Note: * Bacteriological water quality; ** Salinity of water quality. Table 17: Impact assessment matrix for the project
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
1 1 . 3 Magnitude of impacts
Environmental impacts of the proposed work have been examined through the above mentioned three 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 18: 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 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 Uncertainties in Impact Prediction
Environmental impact prediction involves a certain degree of uncertainty as the natural and anthropogenic impacts can vary from place to place due to even slight differences in ecological, geomorphological or social conditions in a particular place. There is also limited data and information regarding some sites under consideration, which makes it difficult to predict impacts.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
However, the level of uncertainty, in the case of this project is expected to be very low as this project requires very limited or little environmental modifications. The reef area proposed for the construction of the deep sea outfall was not considered to be a high sensitive area as the percentage of coral cover is very low. As a result, extensive damage to the marine environment during this construction period is not expected to occur.
During construction period, inside the island, no trees will be cut nor will any clearing of vegetation take place to lay the sewer pipe lines as they will be laid in existing roads. Therefore, unlike in a new project, the environment will not be significantly impacted from the civil works and hence, prediction is very high. The only uncertain elements during construction period remain the issue of dewatering during the pipe laying works.
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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73°33'45"E 73°34'0"E 3 4 0
7 Legend 4 6 M .. D h ii g g a r u S e w e r a g e S y s tt e m Proposed_Outfall Breakwater Seawall Quaywall Direct_Impact_Area µ Shoreline Oct 2016 Reef
344236 344236 N N " " 5 5 4 ' 4 ' 6 6 ° ° 3 3
72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E N N " " 0 0 ' ' 0 0 ° ° 6 6 N N " " N N 0 0 " " ' ' 0 0 0 0 ' ' ° ° 0 0 3 3 ° ° 3 3 " " 0 0 ' ' 0 0 ° ° 0 0
72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E
Geodetic Parameters Coordinate Systems :Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone: 43 North Projection :Transverse Mercator (TM) Datum : WGS 1984 Longitude of Origin :0.000000000 Central Meridian:75 W Scale Factor :0.999600000000000040 False Easting :500000.000 False Northing :0.00000000 Semi-Major Axis (a) (Meters) :6378137.000 Semi-Minor Axis (b) (Meters): 6356752.3142451793
Scale: Meters 0 10 20 40 60 80 0 50 10 Met rs
Project: M.Dhiggaru Beaching Area
Client: MTCC
Contractor:
Water Solutions Pvt Ltd Ma.Fas Eri 1st Floor, Ameenee Magu, Male', Maldives Tel: +(960)3341643, Fax: +(960)331643 www.water-solutions.biz 6 4 7 0 4 3 73°33'45"E 73°34'0"E EIIA PURPOSES ONLY
1 1 . 5 I mpacts and mitigation measures Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Construction period Impacts on the terrestrial environment from civil works The impact from civil works in the construction phase will have the direct, shot-term impacts and long-term impacts on the islands terrestrial environment. The impact on the terrestrial environment will result from the following activities. Groundwater Impacts on the groundwater due to excavation of Ensure that dewatering during the Included in the contract. The trenches. excavation for trenches and other contractor will be required to During the construction stage, excavation will occur to construction works is done as per EPA do the dewatering, hence all lay the sewer networks. Pipe network will be laid below guidelines and methods of dewatering. associated costs of pumps, (in pump station areas) or just above the groundwater Ensure that no leaks and accidental labour and other work are to table of the island as the island's groundwater table is spillages of oil occur from vehicles and be included in the contract. quite shallow. Hence, the project anticipates some that they are maintained adequately. dewatering of groundwater for laying of the sewer Nominate a site manager, to be network. Dewatering will exacerbate the ground water responsible for good site practices, quality and increased the chance of salt intrusion, arrangements for collection and accidental or construction related leaks of chemicals and effective disposal to an appropriate oils in to the ground and the possibility of salt intrusion facility, of all wastes generated at the triggered by disturbances that may be caused due to site during construction stage. excavation works and dewatering. Training of site personnel in proper waste management procedures and This project does not anticipate large scale dewatering general environmental care. Dewatering as only the pump station areas will require excavating to be done in to the island to prevent deep. If dewatering is to be done, then EPA guidelines wastage of fresh water from the island will be followed. system. EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Groundwater Excavation and withdrawal of ground water especially Ensure that dewatering during the Included in the contract around the periphery of the island will increase the excavation for trenches is minimized likelihood of “up-coning” of the water lens below any and that extracted water is pumped back given point, thereby allowing salt water intrusion. to the aquifer, rather than disposing to the sea. No excavation will take place along the periphery of the island. Groundwater There is the likelihood of groundwater becoming saline Limiting dewatering only to the Criteria and guidelines for (Construction if excess water is extracted, especially from sensitive required amount. dewatering methods will be period) areas such as around the periphery of the island. Ensuring that the pipe laying works are included in the contract undertaken within the minimum time period. Not expected to impact as the project does not require period. large scale dewatering. Strategically phasing the pipe laying works, so that dewatering will be done in limited amounts. Solid waste Accumulation of solid waste during the construction Appropriate waste handling, Contractor to manage the stage is a potential hazard that is always inevitable transportation and disposal methods for waste in consultation with the during the construction stage. Solid waste will be all waste generated during the island. Cost included in the generated as they will result from construction construction works should be contract. activities. The excavated material is anticipated to implemented to ensure that construction consist mainly of waste pvc pipes, empty cement bags, wastes do not pollute the environment. wood pieces and small quantities of sand. In view of Excavated sand must be filled to the scale and nature of the land-based construction trenches and all construction waste to works, the volume of construction and debris and be collected at the waste management excavated materials requiring off-site disposal to public area of the island. Waste should be filling areas or any other location is anticipated to be disposed to Thilafushi at the end of the minimal. The materials excavated will be used to fill the construction period. trenches. This will eliminate the potential of this waste All left over pipes, manhole covers, from being introduced in to the marine waters during cement and other materials that can be which they will pollute the marine environment. It is not reused should be taken back by the anticipated that adverse waste management related contractor at the end of the project. impacts would arise, provided that good site practices
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation are strictly followed.
Noise Noise generated during construction will not be an issue Elimination of noise may not be totally Work protocols will be as the construction process will not generate high noise achieved, as construction takes place outlined in the contract throughout the work cycle. However, there will be noise within the island. Sewer pipes will be document generated to some extent, which cannot be avoided at laid on existing roads and pathways and all. during most times in close proximity to the general public. Despite being The project will not use large machinery for temporary, all construction activities construction such as excavators or require the use of that generate noise will be carefully generators or other noise generating equipment on site. supervised by project supervisors to Hence, noise will not be an issue. ensure they cause minimal noise. Work will be minimized at night as much as possible to avoid disruption to the community. Visual impacts During the constructional period, there would be some During constructions stage, visual No cost. visual impacts. The visual impact may disrupt the impacts are going to be felt as visitors to the island during the day time. Any construction work will inevitably be construction work is expected to create negative visual required and this will lead to increase in impacts among visitors but it is not necessarily going to construction related activities, despite have any negative impacts on the islands. how controlled the work is undertaken. Most of these community developments projects are However, construction stage will be viewed positively by most people. temporary and expected to last a few months and therefore visual impacts will be temporary.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Construction of Anchoring the sea outfall pipe will cause sedimentation Sea outfall construction should be Mitigation measures reflect the marine during the construction process that will create negative contracted to an experienced contractor mostly work methods and outfall impacts on the coral reef as well as any live corals in the who have undertaken similar procedures. Hence, the lagoon. construction works. contractor is to include this in Use qualified divers during the outfall the contract document. Direct destruction of live corals along the pipe pathway construction to minimize unnecessary will be destroyed; especially corals at the reef crest and damage. reef slope areas will be impacted heavily during the Ensure that outfall construction period construction of the sea outfall. is limited as much as possible. Marking the perimeter of the work area to ensure that workers don't damage unnecessary areas. If possible, transplant significant live corals colonies that can be rescued to another area of the reef. Use manual methods, rather than using excavators to lay and join the pipe. Create awareness and brief the workforce on how to minimize impacts on corals. Minimize sedimentation and siltation on reef by using silt screens or other appropriate methods and materials such as sand bags. Work during low tide as much as possible. Complete the work in shortest time period. Do regular inspection to ensure that work is followed and that no unnecessary damage is done to the reef.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Operational period
Impacts on the terrestrial environment Energy use and Contribution of greenhouse gases through the emissions Greenhouse gas emissions can be Cost reductions methods will air quality of gases from the resulting increase in power reduced by reducing or maintaining the need to be followed during consumption. The increased energy demand for the operation more efficiently. This can be the operation period. operation of sewage pumps will contribute to CO2 achieved through regular monitoring of emissions. This impact is considered as an indirect waste water discharge to understand the impact, minor and cumulative, although it is expected peak demand periods both during the that its operations would contribute very little towards day and during the night. Automatic the national emissions of greenhouse gases. detectors will be controlling the pumps so that they run intermittently when required.
Ground water It is expected that the bacteriological quality of the Regular inspection and cleaning of the See below. ground water will improve whereas the salinity of the catch pits is also essential in preventing groundwater will also likely to get better when the future leaks to ground water. proposed sewerage network is fully implemented. The main reason behind this is that with the construction of Community must enhance the capability a sewerage system, potential leaks to the groundwater of groundwater recharge as much as will be prevented. possible through facilitating this. Some Nevertheless, the groundwater salinization will still not of these includes directing storm water be solved if appropriate measures to recharge to streets rather than in to the sewers. groundwater are not taken at community level. As no Other measures include utilizing large water will be recycled, the only potential for empty areas such as soccer grounds to groundwater recharge will be through rain, which has to recharge groundwater during rain. In be taken in to consideration. addition, reducing wastage of water is also a crucial element in recharging and maintaining the freshness of the groundwater.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Ground water There is also the possibility of groundwater Proper construction and inspection Annual maintenance cost contamination through possible leakage from pipes and before commissioning the system. includes full time hired staff. pumping station, which can occur if the system is not Additionally, regular inspection of the It is expected to have 3 full maintained properly. catch pits, for leaks from the network time staff for regular and pumping stations to be done. maintenance at a monthly Inspection chambers or catch pits to be salary of 7000 to 10000 checked regularly and solids removed rufiyaa. periodically.
Foul odor During the operation phase, sewers and pumping Mitigation measures include: (i) Cost of mitigation is stations are potential sources of foul odors that can be a isolation of the pumping stations in included in the pump station nuisance to the island. non-residential areas as much as design. possible (ii) enclosing of pumping stations, (iii) provision of odor scrubbing facilities, and (iv) Planting, re-vegetating and landscaping the pump station area (v) Regular maintenance of pump station (vi) Having appropriate and adequate spares in case the pump station breaks and to ensure that it keeps running without disrupting the operation. Corrosive and Corrosive and toxic gases and liquids may accumulate Mitigation measures shall include: (i) toxic gases in sewers and result in sewer structural damage and inspection and regular maintenance of leakage from the sewers, as well as danger to human sewer system; (ii) reasonable spacing life. pump stations to allow access and inspections; (iii) ventilation of sewers for dispersion of gas to minimize the risks; and (iv) implementing emergency response plans.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Operation and Lack of maintenance of sewer systems can be a major The client should ensure that financial maintenance hazard to the environment. Proper maintenance is provisions to operate and manage the required to ensure that sewers, manholes, and pump system is made available to operate and station is maintained without creating and maintain. In addition, environmental environmental risk. monitoring components should be implemented to ensure that the system is performing as planned.
Noise Noise from operation of the pumping station will be a Mitigation measures shall include: (i) nuisance on the surrounding areas. Noise from pump noise enclosures or buffers, (iv) semi stations will not be an issue as noise reduction pumps underground setting of pump stations, will be in place. Nevertheless, the mitigation measures and (v) Use of submersible pumps. are proposed.
Pump failures Impacts on the environment can be felt if the pumps fail Preventive measures will include (i) and result in adverse impacts particularly during rainy installing standby equipment to provide season. extra capacity, (ii) performing routine maintenance to increase equipment performance, (iii) using a dual power supply system and emergency power generators for pumps, (iv) implementing a proper maintenance program and (v) enhancing operational monitoring. Impacts on the marine environment
Marine Impacts from disposing the wastewater will have both The best possible measure is to ensure environment benefits and negative consequences to the coral reef and that wastewater is at least primarily the surrounding environment. This is thus going to be treated before discharging to reduce the both positive and negative impact.
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Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Positive impact will be felt through elimination of Ensure that the discharge wastewater wastewater discharge to the near shore environment. conforms to the EPA guidelines on When raw sewage is disposed to the near shore disposing to the marine environment. environment, it promotes eutrophication caused by nutrient loading. This promotes algal growth and also reduces the fish productivity. On the other hand, when sewage is discharged in to the open sea, there is a very high degree of dilution and avoids the pollution and contamination of the near shore environment. However, the discharge of raw sewage in to the open sea and how it affects the environment is unclear and needs more research. If sewage does not contain industrial wastes and chemicals, the natural dilution will breakdown the polluting properties of the wastewater. Dilution is one of the key methods of reducing BOD in treatment plants as well. Marine water Marine water quality is not likely to be impacted The wastewater from the island will be quality significantly as wastewater will be disposed to the deep discharged into the ocean. The location sea. Considering the large dilution potential in of the proposed outfall is ideal for combination with the effect from saltwater, most maximum dispersion and dilution as the pathogens and nutrients will be dispersed and diluted, currents flow both east to west and vice though one might assume long term impact, but not versa during both tides. Disposal in to with huge impacts on the marine biota. The baseline the deep ocean will ensure that data have indicated that bacterial loads are zero around maximum dilution takes place. the edge of the reef, along the proposed discharge area.
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Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Marine water Possible eutrophication of water around coral reef and Effluent disposal from the outfall will quality lagoon from leaks in the outfall. This may lead to be to the open sea. proliferation of sea grass in the lagoon bed resulting in Regular inspection of the outfall should changes in hydrology and thus alteration of natural be taken to ensure that leaks don‟t occur sediment transportation patterns around the island. This to the lagoon. may ultimately lead to beach erosion if the growth of Regular water quality from end of the seagrass close to the shore is extensive. Ecology of the outfall location to assess the water lagoon could also be changed from a heterotrophic quality changes in the marine condition to more phototrophic condition thus fish environment. population in the lagoon may also be altered to more Regular underwater photos of the grazing fish population. outfall to be taken as part of the monitoring to assess the outfall and maintenance requirements. Regular photos and surveys from the disposal areas need to be properly documented. Marine Nutrient enrichment in the coral reef environment is Impacts of the operation of the environment more detrimental to coral reef and its ecology in terms proposed sewerage system can only be of coral growth, diversity and reef benthic communities. assessed through long-term monitoring It could increase growth algae in the reef substrate and of the marine environment of the compete for the coral. Excessive nutrients would trigger locality of the outfall and in the whole population explosion of algae thus light penetration may marine environment of the island. be reduced resulting in poor coral growth and especially Therefore the monitoring programme recovery of the reef if the reef is impacted. given in this document will be followed to assess the operational impacts in order to take necessary mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts that may arise from the operation of the proposed sewerage system.
Impacts on the socio-economic environment
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Activity / Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation measures Cost of Mitigation Improved Improvement of the wellbeing of the people. With the public health establishment of the system, the groundwater will improve in quality due to reduced pollution of ground water and reducing the incidences of skin diseases.
Improved Improvement to complementary businesses such as quality of life restaurants and hospitality services as a result of improved sanitation will increase the quality of life for the islanders Awareness Increased awareness on water and sanitation issues. Once the system is in place, the community will become more aware of the net potential benefit of such a system and also the importance of protecting groundwater and of creating and maintaining a healthy unpolluted lagoon and a coral reef.
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1 1 . 6 Impacts on the Environment and their mitigation measures
The following table outlines the matrix of specific impacts and their characterizations.
e (NEG or or (NEG e
Impact indicator
Impact typ Impact + POS) (H/M/L)* Significant Direct Indirect # Maginitude (N/M/MA/MoA/MaA) term Short term Long Unavoidable Reversible Irreversible Cumulative Required Mitigation
Environmental impacts during construction phase Transportation and Storage of Construction Materials Neg L x N x x x x Management of Construction Debris Neg L x N x x x x Ground Water pollution Neg L x M x x x Injuries and accidents Neg L x M x x x x Poor quality work Neg M x M x x x x
Increase income to the contractors POS H x x x x x
Environmental impacts during operational phase
Location of pump stations - L x N ------Noise - L x N x x x Energy Consumption Neg H x M x x x x Air Quality Neg L x N x x x x Groundwater (Bacteriological) POS H x MA x x Groundwater (Salinity) Neg L x N x x Broader environment Neg L x M x x x x
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e (NEG or or (NEG e
Impact indicator
Impact typ Impact + POS) (H/M/L)* Significant Direct Indirect # Maginitude (N/M/MA/MoA/MaA) term Short term Long Unavoidable Reversible Irreversible Cumulative Required Mitigation Marine Resource Neg L X M X X X X Solid waste Neg H x N x x x Economic impacts Improve environment quality of the island POS H x x x x x x Indirect financial savings POS H x x x x 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
Table 19: Matrix of specific impacts and their characterization
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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 wit h t h e MWSC
Discussions with the project contractor were held on several occasions regarding the project and the following is the summary. - MWSC has been awarded the contract to design and construct the sewerage system in M. Dhiggaru by the government of Maldives.
- The project therefore will be undertaken by MWSC.
- After completion of the system will be handed to government who will then have to manage the system through the island council or a utility company.
- Various discussions and consultations were held with the island council and initial surveys have also been undertaken to understand the island environment and also to develop the concepts. Selecting and finalizing the locations for the pump stations were done in consultation with Ministry and Island council. Refer to the annex for documents proving the approval of the council regarding the pump station locations.
- Outfall location will be finalized after the EIA survey and in consultation with Island council, Ministry of Environment and EIA team.
1 2 . 2 C o n s u l t a t i o n with the Ministry of Environment and Energy
The project has been designed in consultation with the ministry and they have also issued their approval to the development concept. Refer to Appendix for the approval from Ministry of Environment. Ministry of Environment and Energy has contracted the project to MWSC as a design and built basis. MWSC will hand over the sewerage system once it is completed. Official from Ministry of Environment and Energy highlighted that decommissioning of the existing septic tanks or private sewer pipes will not be undertaken under this project. It is a responsibility of the island council to decommission those after consulting the public.
1 2 . 3 Consultation with the Island Council
Consultations were held with the island council on 6th October 2016 at Dhiggaru Island Council Office. Following are the main outcomes of the discussion.
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- Groundwater of the island is smelly and salty in most areas. However, many households use them despite that because of no other option. But recently water plant in finished and all the households are connected. However, many houses still use groundwater for daily purposes and it comes free of charge.
- The locations for all the pump stations have been approved by the council and communicated to the Ministry and the MWSC.
- MWSC team visited the island and studied 3 locations for pump stations and STP. Later they informed that in Dhiggaru only 2 pump stations will be constructed.
- The council is well aware that the contract has been awarded to MWSC and that the project will be implemented by MWSC.
- According to the council, already there is a private sewer network on some parts of the island laid by community groups. Most of the houses have septic tanks within the house boundary to dispose waste water.
- The proposed outfall location is agreeable to island council and public. There is an existing outfall pipe in the same location that disposes brine from water plant. Water plant is also constructed by MWSC. MWSC studied the area well and they will be well aware of the environmental condition of the area.
- Fish waste is also dumped to this area/channel and it‟s washed away with strong current in the channel. Likewise, council predicts waste water will not be problem to nearby beach if it is disposed to deep water into the channel.
- The council is not aware how the system will be handed after the construction.
- Disposing waste water to north side of the reef is also acceptable to island community as long as the durability of the outfall is taken into consideration during designing and construction. The north side of the island receives very strong waves throughout the year, and council feels durability and maintenance of the pipe will be a challenge if it is disposed to north side reef.
- This is a project, community is waiting for a very long time and they expect that this time it will be implemented. Council. Council will give their full support to implement this project.
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1 2 . 4 Consultation w i t h Meemu Atoll Council
Meemu atoll council is happy with development projects, such as this, that take place in any island of Meemu atoll as it brings development to the atoll. Atoll council have no concerns regarding the project. A copy of the EIA is shared with atoll council and the receipt is attached in the annex.
1 2 . 5 Consultation with HPA
Consultations were held with HPA officials on 18th October 2016 at Health Protection Agency. Following are the main points of discussion. HPA emphasized that providing safe water and good sanitation facilities to islands of Maldives is very important to improve general public health of the community.
During the construction stage of the projects, particular importance should be given to adhere site safety guidelines. Staffs should be provided with safe drinking water, food and housing during construction. HPA noted that they have identified that some of the temporary housing provided to staffs during construction stage is very poor and lacks basic needs.
The trenches that will be excavated for pipe network installation should be backfilled within the shortest timeframe possible to avoid mosquito breeding
Fueling of machineries should be carried out in hard floors to avoid groundwater contamination.
Lack of a STP installation in the proposed project concerns HPA, as they it is very important waste water needs to be treated well before disposal
Sea outfall should be kept away from any recreational areas/swimming areas to avoid any potential contamination
HPA highlighted that training staffs is very important for the maintenance of the system as most of the councils do not have the capacity to do the maintenance work.
In the past in some islands, sewage leak to groundwater occurred because of lack of monitoring and maintenance of the network and such problems have escalated because councils do not have technical capacity to solve such a problem.
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Groundwater contamination from such an event could be very detrimental to public health.
Overall, HPA pleased to see such project being implemented in island of Maldives.
1 2 . 6 List of people con s u l t e d Table 20: List of people consulted
Name Designation Office Contact Aminath Shaufa Public Health Program HPA 7504075 Coordinator Moosa Haneef Senior Public Health HPA 7423150 Program Officer Sunan Mohamed Engineer MWSC 7777273 Mohamed Imran Adnan MWSC Fathimath Fazeela MWSC 7892325 Mohamed Fazeeh Assistant Director Ministry of Environment 3018300 and Energy Abdul Rahman Wafir Vice President Dhiggaru Island Council 7792872 Abdulla Mufeed Director Dhiggaru Island Council 7674009 Abdul Gafoor Ismail Council Member Dhiggaru Island Council 7904547 Ahmed Nishan Council Member Dhiggaru Island Council 7575871 Mohamed Ismail Contract Worker Resident of Dhiggaru 7889459 Easa Mahir Fisherman Resident of Dhiggaru 7974315 Mohamed Ahmed Fisherman Resident of Dhiggaru 7549218
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 13 Alternatives
This section looks at alternative ways of undertaking the proposed project. There are two basic options: (1) leave the problem as it is (no project option), or (2) take measures to resolve the problem (undertake the project option). If the project were to continue, it would be necessary to take economic, ecological and environmental aspects of the project into consideration and ensure that these concerns exist within a delicate balance. Neither the economic benefits nor the environmental and ecological concerns can be avoided. Therefore, it is important to consider all options and ensure that the best available option(s) is chosen to solve the issues/problems.
A single activity can bear effects on a considerable number of key components determining a range of closely interconnected impacts. The relative importance of each of these beneficial and detrimental impacts has to be evaluated in the context of a set of alternative options. The effectiveness of an EIA process depends on the successful identification of these alternatives. We can then aim at minimising negative impacts and maximising positive ones acting on specific activities through selection of best alternative options and / or mitigation measures.
1 3 . 1 No Project Option
It should be noted that the “no project” option cannot be excluded without proper evaluation. Direct benefits from the project implementation include establishment of an appropriate wastewater collection and disposal system that will benefit the community in many ways. The project will improve the environmental value of the island, have economic benefits and promote sustainable development. Without this project, a large amount of wastewater needs to be continuously discharged in to ground or the near shore environment without having the opportunity to prevent pollution. In addition, the ground water contamination will continue to further exacerbate. In this report this alternative was considered as the baseline against which to evaluate the other various options.
Hence, the no project option takes the following into account. The existing sanitation system in the island (septic tanks and private sewers) continues to operate with its current shortcomings. No additional measures or upgrading are proposed. The community will continue to face the ongoing difficulties due to present issues in the system, most notably the contamination of the groundwater.
The main advantages and disadvantages of these are given in the following
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll table.
Strategy Advantages Disadvantages
Allow the Environmental problems related No upgrading means that the existing to upgrading can be avoided. community will continue to sanitation No upgrading costs to the suffer with the worsening of the system to proponent and hence there is a groundwater. operate short term benefit. Pollution of the groundwater. without Pollution of the near shore installing a lagoon. proper sewage Environmental value of the island collection and cannot be increased. disposal Increased frequency of skin system. diseases. Table 21: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option
1 3 . 2 Alternative analysis matrix
For this project, an alternative analysis was carried out on the basis of various biophysical and socioeconomic parameters including the following using an analysis matrix: Technical feasibility, Economic viability 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.
The following table outlines the various alternatives proposed for this project, their economic, technical, environmental as well as social factors taken in to consideration.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 1 3 . 3 Alternative sites/location for outfall
An alternative location of sea outfall is outlined in the following figure. The following factors were considered when this location was chosen. - The reef edge is not very far.
- There is a suitable area for locating the final discharge pump station that is away from the general public areas.
Figure 28: Proposed and alternative location for the sea outfall
The diagram above shows the preferred outfall location and alternative outfall location for Dhiggaru island. In Dhiggaru, the only side outfall pipe can be constructed is the east side of the island reef. Reef edges from other sides are very far meaning long outfall pipe needs to be installed to reach the reef edge for deep water disposal. The second nearest side, north side of the island, has a deep lagoon area through which the pipe will pass. This makes it technically more challenging. Other factor is lengthy outfall pipe will destroy more area of marine environment.
After the field visit and public consultation, EIA team consulted with MWSC (project designer and contractor) to finalize an outfall location. After considering the environmental, technical, economic and social side of the proposed outfall options, it was finally agreed to proceed with the proposed option. The proposed outfall location seems to be the environmentally favourable location. Alternative outfall route requires
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll excavation of one of the main roads of the island which is not considered as it may require huge amount dewatering. Furthermore, the end of the pipe of this route is very near to the outside of the east harbour quaywall. Small beach created in this area is usually used by the kids for recreational purposes.
Disposing the waste water to the channel, where the water current is very strong, will have minimal impact on the marine environment. However, it is very important to continue monitoring the area for reef health and water quality. It is also important to note that pump station can only be placed on the northern side of the island as there is no land space for any other areas in the island for pump stations and STP.
1 3 . 4 Alternative Sewerage Systems
In evaluating an alternative to the proposed system, various options are available. These include:
1 3 . 4 . 1 Deep bore disposal
There is also an affordable and appropriate technology that can be applied to reduce risks of marine pollution. This method involves the disposal of effluent in to deep disposal wells in to the salt water strata, below the upper fresh water zone. The well is designed and constructed so as to isolate the upper zone from any risk of contamination from the effluent being disposed of. The depth of well is approximately likely to be 20 to 40 meter, depending on the hydro-geological situation.
The benefits of disposing sewage effluent to the lower zone are a much-reduced environmental impact and health risk because of the following. Dispersion and dilution in to a large body of underground water that is very unlikely to come in to contact with man or the near shore environment
Possibility of anaerobic treatment taking place over a significant period of travel time, killing off most of the dangerous contaminants and substantial dentrification before the water flows to the open sea
In islands with large reef systems, the construction of the outfall may require damage to the reef and sometime blasting of hard coral. In such instances, deep disposal wells are extremely practical thought the initial investment may be higher.
Outfalls may be aesthetically unappealing, especially reducing the snorkelling and the recreational value.
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Likelihood that if the groundwater does flow to the open sea, then the depths encountered probably mean that it would not enter the open sea until far out from land. This will mean that elevated nutrient levels caused by disposal of sewage to near shore environment will not occur, preventing the marine damage that is evident from the existing systems.
The well can be located at the edge of the island where fresh groundwater is unlikely to exist, and reducing risks even further as the groundwater flow will always be from the center of the island to the sea.
The disadvantage in this type of system though is that drilling deep bore holes require high capital costs. Deep bore hole drilling equipment‟s are not available in Maldives which makes it unavailable to implement such a system without increasing the cost. This is also a technology that has never been used in Maldives and therefore lacks experience. It will take few years to prove the effectiveness and the applicability of such a system. This system also provides challenges and difficulty in environmental monitoring. It is practically difficult to monitor the affected environment and involves much more complexity. Thirdly, the deep bores extend up to the saline zone beyond the freshwater lens. This means that valuable water is lost without the opportunity of any water being recycled back in the freshwater aquifer. It will also be a difficult technology to be acceptable for Maldives since the theory behind the system is more complex. Therefore though deep bore wells are an option, it has not been considered for this island.
1 3 . 4 . 2 Septic tanks
Septic tanks are a common method for small communities and also presently used in the island. Septic tanks is also a good option but with some limitations. Advantages and disadvantages that have been identified include: - May recharge groundwater but deteriorate groundwater quality.
- High cost of septic tank and soakage pit and land availability need to be checked.
- Requires sludge removal by house holders.
Septic tanks are rejected mainly because of the high cost involved. The Ministry of Environment had recommended avoiding septic tanks if possible since septic tanks take a great proportion of the project cost. Also, there has been ownership problems associated with septic tanks and sometimes catch pits within household boundaries for that matter when household plots get divided.
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In addition, septic tanks only remove less than 50% of the BOD and therefore still require deep sea outfalls, which will be achieved with pumping stations. Furthermore, as some residents would not like to have a system in which they may have to do the work of emptying the septic tanks since most of the householders cannot do it themselves. This is the present means in the island and it will not be acceptable to the community.
1 3 . 4 . 3 Gravity flow systems without septic tanks
This cannot be considered solely due to its failures in the past. Similar systems have been provided in places such as Naifaru, Hinnavaru and Komandoo in the past and have failed to achieve the objectives. However, gravity flow systems with septic tanks have been seen to be working effectively in some places such as Gulhi and this is the most commonly accepted method of sewage disposal in the Maldives so far. Yet, as explained earlier, these systems have the problems associated with septic tanks described earlier. There are also aesthetic concerns. According to the island chief of Gulhi, they had made requests to the government to provide pumping stations and pump the effluent away from the near shore environment areas due to pollution.
1 3 . 4 . 4 Vacuum sewers
These systems have been installed in some islands in the Maldives. The effectiveness of this system is yet to be seen. Vacuum systems have also been rejected based on the cost, which is expected to be higher than the cost of the proposed system. Other disadvantages, as well as advantages of vacuum sewers include; well preserved groundwater quality, suitability for flat land but additional cost of vacuum pumps, cost of holding tanks, unknown technology and limited service support and need full time operator (high O&M cost).
1 3 . 4 . 5 Grey water separation system
A system which separates grey and black water is also suitable and will enable recharging of the groundwater if grey water is recycled back in to the aquifer. However, such a system will require additional reticulation system for grey water separation and ultimate discharge. Although grey water is relatively free from contaminants, it has several harmful substances such as phosphates from soap and detergents. These chemicals can be harmful if they are allowed to enter water bodies. Therefore though grey water disposal is an option, it has also to be treated to some stage prior to disposal. These factors make it unattractive as such a system will increase the capital costs of the project. Furthermore, maintenance is also going to be a significant challenge.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 1 3 . 5 Preferred Alternative
1 3 . 5 . 1 Secondary Treatment and Efflu e n t R e u s e
Secondary Treatment and Effluent Reuse packaged treatment plant is a preferred alternative. This is a treatment system that is capable of secondary treatment to reduce BOD and nutrients to acceptable limits. This kinds of systems have been used in several resorts and in some islands. However, these are small treatment units, which are costly. Dhiggaru would require larger plants of similar models or if other secondary treatment options were to be considered, adequate space for treatment would be an issue in addition to the cost.
1 3 . 5 . 2 Mitigation Measures for the Preferred Alternative
The following mitigation measures are proposed for this preferred alternative. - Create awareness of the public as the fees that may be collected from the households would be higher due to the higher operating cost of the plants
- Develop the minimum required area for the treatment beds or filtration beds by estimating population growth accurately.
- For more mitigation measures refer to the impact and mitigation measure section which highlights the mitigation measures that need to be implemented during construction and operational phase.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 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 and other technical aspects only. The proposed scheduled for monitoring has been prepared for 12 months during the construction period as well as annually for 2 years during the operational stage. During the annual monitoring, some aspects will need to be monitored more frequently during the year. Hence, this schedule will be applicable for monitoring during the construction period and annually during the operational stage after the project. Monitoring will be undertaken by subcontracting the work to an independent consultant or a consulting firm.
1 4 . 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
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll construction stage and should adhere to EIA Regulations, 2012. During the operational stage, regular monitoring reports should be provided once every three months. This report will be submitted to the relevant government agencies for compliance. The report will include details of the site, data collection and analysis, quality control measures, sampling frequency and monitoring analysis and details of methodologies and protocols followed.
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Cost during Cost Per annum Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction (operational phase) phase). Construction Operational stage stage Marine environment Live Coral cover at survey Percentage live Qualitative & - Annually $5,500.00 sites cover Quantitative 2 and 3 Diversity and abundance of Number / Qualitative & - Annually $2,500.00 fish communities at sites 2 percentage of Quantitative and 3 selected fish Marine water quality at pH, DO, temp, Onsite or Lab - Thrice annually $1,500.00 survey sites 2 Faecal coliform analysis Terrestrial Environment Ground water quality from EC, Faecal and On site and Lab - Thrice annually $1,200.00 locations identified Total coliform, analysis Socio-economic and engineering aspects Volume of wastewater Decrease or Engineering - Annually $200.00 discharged monthly increase in records and logs cases Frequency of pump Decrease or Engineering - Annually $200.00 breakdown increase in records and logs cases Logs of monthly $200.00 maintenance Regular logs of pump Number of Engineering Annually $200.00 operations. employees records and logs Table 22: Schedule for environmental monitoring during the construction period as well as per annum during operation period.
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15 Conclusion
This EIA report is prepared for the construction of a sewerage system in the island of Dhiggaru in Meemu Atoll. The project contractor is MWSC.
Environmental impacts of the project would occur during the construction stage and the operational stage. At the construction stage, excavations and dewatering to lay the pipes and the construction of pumping stations would be the main activities resulting in environmental impacts. Dewatering has been identified as the most important aspect by the client and community and is considered in the design of the sewerage system.
Dewatering is a temporary and short-lived impact and given the current abstraction rates, there will be no particular concerns. Dewatering for the construction of pumping stations is not expected to affect the groundwater lens of the island.
At the operational phase, impacts of energy requirements for pumping, pollution of groundwater and nearshore marine environment due to leaking sewers and outfall pipes would be the main environmental concerns. There is also the potential for faecal matter to flow towards the shore with the tides and currents. However, experience with the outfalls that had been laid in other island, it is confident that the proposed location will not favour the contaminant to be washed on to the lagoon or beach even under worst case scenarios.
The increased abstraction of groundwater for toilet flushing would be a cumulative impact which would arise. The most severe impact of sewerage system on the island is increased abstraction of groundwater from the aquifer. This will cause greater salinisation of the groundwater lens.
The benefits of the project (including positive environmental impacts) far outweigh the minor to moderate negative impacts of the project identified. These include the economic benefits of improved groundwater quality and improved health over the investment for the sewerage system. In addition, the space constraints levied by existing sewage disposal systems on individual house plots would also be an advantage.
The proposed project work will need to be closely monitored by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in consultation with atoll and island councils. As the success of such projects can only be undertaken with proper monitoring, it is strongly encouraged to undertake the monitoring programme outlined in this report. The monitoring programme has been focused for marine environment and most
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll importantly social environment. Monitoring during the construction stage has also been suggested.
Several alternatives for the proposed project have been identified and they are discussed in detail. The report highlights this as the preferred alternative and what mitigation measures need to be followed if the preferred alternative is to be implemented. Disposal of untreated wastewater to the deep ocean is not the best option but it has to be compared with the associated cost of providing treatment, on- going maintenance, condition of the receiving environment and sustainability of such a system and its suitability to the island environment. In light of this assessment, the proposed project has been found to have more positive than negative impacts, both environmentally and socially. The biggest fear of this system is the pollution of the marine environment and pollution of the groundwater from lack of maintenance of the system. The disposal of wastewater will be undertaken in deep sea where currents will dilute and breakdown the wastewater, leaving very little opportunity for marine water pollution. It is therefore crucial for the proponent to manage the project in consultation and assistance with other stakeholders if the environmental impacts are to be minimized.
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16 Recommendations
Following are some of the recommendations based on this EIA assessment.
During the consultations, the Island Council indicated that they were not aware of the arrangements in place for handing over the project. However, the proponent, MWSC indicated that the government of Maldives has contracted them to design and install the system and handover thereafter to the ministry of Environment. No agreement is made yet to run the system by MWSC.
As the project is planned to be handed to Island council or a utility company, the Ministry of Environment and Energy and MWSC must work together and develop a mechanism whereby human resources could be developed for the project takeover. This should include training of staff from the island for system operation and maintenance.
During the EIA consultations, most of the islanders were willing to pay a monthly fee for maintenance. However, when the project is taken over by the Island Council/utility Company, monthly household fees must be finalized after further consultations with the community.
Any removal of existing septic tanks or pipes should be carefully removed and ensure that pollution of the groundwater does not take place.
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17 People who have assisted in the preparation of this report
EIA registration People who assisted Page number (only Chapter in data collection and Signature number for those report writing registered consultants)
Introduction Ibrahim Faiz EIA T06/15
Ibrahim Faiz EIA T06/15 Project Description Hamdhulla Shakeeb
Project Setting Ahmed Jameel EIA 07/07 (Legislative section)
Ibrahim Faiz EIA T06/15 Existing Environment Hamdhulla Shakeeb
Ahmed Jameel EIA 07/07 Impact and
Mitigation Ibrahim Faiz EIA T06/15
Abdul Aleem EIA 09/07
Stakeholder
Consultations Ibrahim Faiz EIA T06/15
Monitoring Ibrahim Faiz EIA T06/15
Ibrahim Faiz EIA T06/15 Recommendations and conclusion Ahmed Jameel EIA 07/07
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
18 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. Abdul Aleem, EIA consultant
2- Mr. Faruhath Jameel, Chief Surveyour, Water Solutions.
3- Hamdhulla Shakeeb, Surveying Assistant, Water Solutions.
4- MWSC
5- Dhiggaru Island Council
6- Water Solutions staff
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
19 Reference Books and Sources
Department of National Planning. (2009). Statistical Year Book. Male: DNP.
Falkland, T. (2000). Report on Groundwater Investigations, . Male': Ministry of Atolls Administration.
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.
Ministry of Planning and National Development. (2006). Analytical Report of Population and Housing Census. Male': Ministry of Planning and National Development.
UNEP, M. o. (n.d.). State of the Environment Report . Maldives: UNEP2002.
Water Solutions Pvt Ltd. (2006). EIA for the development of Sewerage system in Nilandhoo Faafu Atoll. Male': Water Solutions Pvt Ltd.
Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. (2006). EIA for the development of a resort in Kalhufahalafushi in Thaa Atoll. Male': Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd.
Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. (2012). EIA of Harbour development and rehabilitation in Maavah island, Laamu Toll. Male': Water Solutions.
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EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll
20 Annex: Terms of reference
Page 114
arl =T Environmental Prolection A8ency EPA
No: 203-EIARES/438/201 6/1 72
Terms of Reference for the Environmental lmpact Assessment of the Sewerage System at Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll
The following is the Terms ofReference (ToR) for the propos€d s€werage systerh at Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll.
While cvery atiEmpt has b€en made to ensure that this TOR addresses all of the major issues associated with development proposal, they are not necessarily exhaustive. They should not be interpreted as excluding fiom consideration matters deemed to b€ siSDificant but not inco.pomled in them, or matteB currently unforcseen, thar emerge as important or significant from environmenEl studies, or otherwise, during the course of preparation of the EIA repon. l. !4!Sg.C.9!.9!-!q-Og-.pEigS! - Describe the purpos€ of thc sewerage treatment syslem Clearly idenliry the rationale and objectives to enable the formulation of altematives. Define the arranSemenls required for the environmenral impact assessment including ho\r work carried out under this contract is linked and sequenced with other projects exccuted by other consultants, and how coordination between other consultants, contractors and govemment institutrons will be carried out. List the donors and the institutions the consultant will b€ coordinatrng with and the methodologies used
2 glgdfjIgg - Submit a minimum A3 size scaled plan with indications ofall the proposed infrastructures. Speciry the agreed boundaries of the study area for lhe environmental impact assessment highlighting the proposed development location. size and important elements of the proposed sewera8e system. Relevant developmenls in the areas must also be addressed includrng residential areas, all economic ventures and cultural sites.
3, Scope of work - Idenlify and number tasks of the project including site preparation, construction and decommissioning phases The following tasks shallbe completed:
T,sk l. Descriptior of the pmpGcd project - Provide a description and justification ofthe relevant pans of the project, using maps at appropriate scales where necessary. The following should be provide/ (all inputs and outputs related to the proposed activities shall bejustified):
House connection and latemls . Descriprion ofcatch pits and expected depth of thcse catch pits
Colleclion System . Type ofcollection (gravity or forced) . Liflin8 stations ( ifany), type and number oflifting stations o Road maaholes (rype and expected number), indicate using site plans . Sumps and pump stations
Sea outfall oipeline . Justiry outfall site s€lection includinS the distance from the reef and depth of the pipe using oceanographic and ecological information. Currents and waves ought lo quickly dispers€ thc discharged
Envrcnm.ni.l Prordron Al.n y Grd B{udn! rt n@r, H.ndhuwaHr.,un MJ. , na ol raElv6, r0r92 - T.I O-r, l.960I lal 599 I|9OI 33! t9tr ,-.,,, *,"..,-".r" -, * w.bin : ww.pr lov mv i:-; il?
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water with minimum impacts on marine ecosystems and economic activides lllustrate the extent ofthe sedirnent plume. The public and stakeholders should support the location ofthe outfall site: . Describe equipment needed and consEuction methods for laying the offshore pipeline including handling and transportation.
Scwage collcclion and disposal nelwork . Delailed sewage and waste water disposal mechanisms, equipmentused and periodicity
Tesk 2. D6cription ofthe existing envircnment Assemble, evaluate and prcs€nl the environmenlal baseline studieJdata reSarding the stwly oea and timing of the prcject (e.9. nonsoon season). ldentiry baseline data gaps and identiry studies and the level of detail to be carried out by consultant. Consideration of likelv monitorins bas€line. As such all baseline data must b€ presented in such a way that they will be usefully applied to future monito.inS The report should outline detailed methodolog/ ofdata collection utilized.
The baseline data will be collected before construction. ion euideline oublished on
All survey locations shall be referenced with Geographic Positioning Sysrem (GPS) including water sampling points, reef ransects, vegetalion transects and ma a tows sites for posterio. data comparison. Information should be divided into the categories shown below: aThere is o descriptiot of tlp sryctjc dato collection requiremenls attocl0d in the appendi, oI this TOR teDplale.
General climatic conditions . Rainfall data to measure infiltration and wind including extreme situations, and
Geoloqv and qeomorDhologv . Bathymetry(at the proposed outfall location and altemative localions) . Characteristics of seabed sediments to assess direct habital deslruction and turbidity impacts du.ing construction including marine habilat status including coral reef health. sea grass beds and benthic and fish community description around the island. Select a control site far from the oulfall location and a test site at representative distances iiom lhe outfall discharge site;
Hydrography/hydrodynamrcs (localized maps) . Tidal ranges and lidal currents; . Sea water quality at outfall location measuring lhese parameters: Temperature. pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids, BOD, COD, Total Coliform, Faecal Coliform, DO and nifate.
Socio-economic environment . Demography: total population, sex ratio, density, growth and pressure on land and marine rcsources; . Land use planning, natuml resource use and zoning ofactivities al sea;
Existing Seweraqe In frastructure (ifexists) Assess the existing sewerage facilities including household septic tanks, soap pits, collection tanks near shore outfalls
tnvironn. al ftotdio. ^a.ncY Gr..n 3u' d n& l!rboL Htndhuv ..Nin!un .rt., ,t).t ,irlri ,i3 e'i:i, ,tt M.r..R.D orM.ldrri.20192 20to2,:1t,ta ,jt
T.l: t.e6ot rl! 5q9 I.9&l llt 59' tdl: kori.tp.D. ,.v tu j:j; w.brn.: ffi .P:.3d mv ;-i l;tP s* ol EnYironmental Protection Agency EPA
Identiry and suggest b€st possible of mea-n of de' sludging and cle{ning of ary such septic tank and collection lanks Suggest and .@ommend the most environmentally sound melhod for disposal of any sludge removed from any such system
Croundwater Aquifer . Ass€ss the quality ofaquifer for physical, chemical a-nd biological parameters such as Temperature, pH, Salinity, Elecr.ical Conductivity, BOD, COD, Total Coliform and Faecil Coliform fiom 3 different locations.
Identiry marine protected areas (MPAS) and sensitive sites such as breeding or nursery grounds for protected or endangered species (e-g. coral reefs, spawning fish sites, nurseries for crustaceans or specific sites for marine mammals, sharks and turtles). lnclude description ofcommercial species, sp€cies with potentialto become nuisances or vcctor, Include map;
Terrestrial moniloring for selecting the sites for PS/STP facrlity. lnclude a description ofthe flora within the PS/STP and lifting stations and quantification ofthe significant vegetation types; also include the locations and types of vegetation tha! requires to be removed
HaTard vulnerabiln!
Vulnerability ofarea to floodinS and storm sur8e.
T&rk 3. Irgislrtiye and regulstory coDsiderstiotrs - ldentiry the pertinent legislation, regulations and standards, and environmental policies that are relevant and applicable to the proposed project, and identiry the appropriate authorityjurisdiclions that will specifically apply 1o the project
Land Approval from relevart govemment authority Concept approval lefter
Task 4. PoteDtirl imprcts of the proposed project- The EIA report should identiry all the impacrs (direcq indirect a,ld cumulative) aid evaluate the magnitude and significance This shall include:
Tedestrial impacts fiom constmdion . Loss ofveSetation and fauna from land cleamnc€ 6ctivities, lifting stations and pipe works (deployment and dewatering); . Ground water quelityi lmoact fiom installinq the sewaqe outfall oioe . Impacts from marine habitat destruction which may affect fish slocks and sp€cies diversity and density of invertebrates. . Incressed turbidity and changes in s€diment transport due to pipe introduction when pipe is on the sea bed; . Equipmenl technical and spillage impacts durinS constructioni Sewace waste collection snd disposal impacE . Speciry methods ofcollection and transportarion to dump sire. Social impacts: . Odor ard noise impacts;
tnwonru@l Prordion aa.^.y
Grar B{rdn& rd rr@r, [email protected]
M.l.', R., dls.|d6, m,92 203e: ,i-t-,z it r.r t.*ot 31 5e.9 tra.ol t3r 5es1 tD tueda.p. ad n i:;, w.bce ltl .p. ad 6v el) t'?'r'-
Environmental Protection Agency EPA
. Aesthetics onland and underwater from outfall pipeline and turbidity for recreational users; . Increased demands on natural resources and services (domestic water supply, waste water disposal, treatment systems, solid waste disposal sysEms, cner$/ supply, etc);
The methods used to idenliry the significance ofthe impacts shall be outlined. Justification must be provided to the selected methodologies. Thc report should outline the unce(ainties in impact prediction and also outline all positive and negative/short and long{erm impacts.
Trsk 5. Altemetiv6 to propded project - Describe altematives includinglhe no aclion optron should be presented. Determine the best practical environmental options Altematives examined for the proposed project that would achieve the same objective including the "no action altemative". This should include altematives for environmental, socral and economic considerations The repon should highlight how the lffation for tie outfall was determined. All altematives must be compared according to commonly accepted standards as much as possible.
Te3k 6. Mitigrtiotr rrd mrtrrgeDetrt of negstive imp.cts - Identiry possible measures to prevenl or rcduce si8nificaot negative impacts to acceptable levels. MitiSation measures must also be identified for both construction and opemtion phase. Cost of the mitigation measures, equipment and resources required to implement those measures should be specified The confirmation of commitment of the developcr to implement the proposed mitigation measures shall also be included An Environmenlal management plan for the proposed pro.jecl, identirying responsible p€rsons, their duties and commitments shall also be grven.
Trsk 7. DevelopmeDt of monitoring plsn Identiry the critical issues requirinS monitoring to ensure compliance to mitigation measures and pres€nt impact managemenl and monitoring plan for . Physical paremete.s such as ground and sea water quality assessments and oceanogaphic studies. . Biological parameters such as terrestrial monitoring. coral reefand benthic monitoring. fish community census and terrestrial monitoring The monitoring program including the physical and biological parameters for monitoflng, cost commitmenl fiom responsible person to conduct monitoring in the form ofa commitm€nt letter, detailed reporting scheduling, costs and methods ofundertaking the monitoring program must be provided.
Tesk 8. Stekeholder cotrsultrtion - EIA repon should include a list of people consulted and what were the major outcomes. Identiry appropriate mechanisms to supply stakeholders and the public with information about the developmenl proposal and its progress. Mejor stakeholder consultation shall include Ministry of Environmenl and EnereC/(Coastal Section), Dhiggaru lsland Council, Meemu Aloll Council and HPA
A9t94!!gl!j9L- The enrironmentol impuct a\sessneht rcpo , to be presented ih digital fomal \rill be concise and Jocus on signiJicont environmental issues It vill conlain lhe rtndngs, conclusions dnd reconmended actions supportetl by summories of the dald collected and cilalions f or any rcIerences used in inlerprelinq lhose doto. The enrironmental assessment rery )ill be otganized occording to, but not necessatily limited b), lhe oulline given in the EIA Regulations,2012
Thrreframe for submilting lhe EU rcoort The developer must suhmt the conpleled EIA reporl u)ilhin 6 nonthtflom the dak of fi^ Tem oJ Rekrence
l2 October 2016
tmronmd.r Prtuon ^a.i 2ore2,;:tri. ,it j:j: Lr t.ecol33 5e.e t.e6ot rn 59sl rmiLsd.tinC.p.sd.m w.b3n:rw.pra@d a--j EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 21 Annex: Project Drawings Page 115 EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 22 Annex: Bathymetry of outfall location Page 116 73°34'0"E Legend M .. D h ii g g a r u S w e r a g e P r o jj e c tt Proposed Outfall Contour Breakwater -1 .4 Seawall -1.2 µ Quaywall Shoreline Oct 2016 - 1. 3 Reef -1 .4 -0.9 -1 -1 .1 -0 .6 - 0 N O N " . P 8 u " 5 i p t 5 4 e f ' a 4 ' 6 L ll ( 6 ° 2 e ° 3 5 n 5m gt 3 ) h - 0 . 7 72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E 4 . 1 - .2 .6 -1 -1 N N .2 " " 2 2 0 0 .7 - - ' ' 1 0 0 - ° ° 9 . 6 6 1 - 6 . 8 4 . - 5 - 8 . 3 1 6 . . .1 - 2 3 8 - - - N N 2 " " 5 . N N . 0 0 1 2 " " 1 1 . ' ' - - 0 0 4 0 0 1 ' ' 1 ° ° 0 .3 - 4 0 0 0 . 3 3 .4 .2 0 3 6 ° ° -6 8 0 -1 1 3 3 - .4 .3 - 8 0 2 . -1 -1 .1 5 .9 2 8 4 . 6 - 7 6 . 6 1 5 . . 7 6 2. - 1 -1 4 5 - . 1 - - - 4 9 .7 - 5 1 . - 1 4. 1 0 6 7 0 . 1 1 0 0 6 - .8 - - 0 0 1 2 - 9 0 0 - 0 - 2 0 " " 5 4 8 .5 8 .3 . . . . . 6 7 0 0 0 3 -4 8 2 4 1 1 0 ' ' - .2 - -1 1 8 - - .3 0 0 5 - . ° ° -6 . 2 1 5 8 2 5 8 . 1 .1 0 0 . . .5 - 0 0 3 -1 - 3 5 0 . 7 .9 9 - - -7 -1 0 4 1 0 1 1 -1 7 - 2 - 0 -1 3 7 . 9 0 3 - - . 6 5 . 9 1 . 0 6 . .5 - 1 0 . 9 1 2 - 3 9 1 8 1 - - 9 1 . . 1 - . 0 - 5 7 - 1 1 .3 4 - -1 - 6 - -2 .3 3. 1 3 - 3 6 1 0 .1 .7 - 7 . . 0 . 1 1 8 0 3 1 0 72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E 4 2 . . - 1 2 . - 4 7 7 5 - 0 - - . 1 8 2 6 - - . .2 . - - 1 9 3 3 5 9 - . . 1 - 1 - 0 1 5 2 .6 -5 - 7 - 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 - 4 - - . 1 .1 0 0 2 Geodetic Parameters -7 0 0 . 9 0 0 4 2 5 8 1 0 4 . . - 8 . 1 1 0 5 Coordinate Systems :Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone: 43 North . 1 3 - . 4 9 1 1 - 0 1 4 - - - - 2 Projection :Transverse Mercator (TM) . 1 6 1 . -2 3 .2 0 . 0 5 0 Datum : WGS 1984 - 6 7 0 0 1 0 . .4 . - 0 1 . 8 2 1 6 0 - 3 0 - 1 Longitude of Origin :0.000000000 . - .4 1 0 1 1 2 8 - 9 - .6 1 - 4 - 2 . 0 1 Central Meridian:75 W - .3 1 4 0 9 0 7 5 - 0 0 1 0 Scale Factor :0.999600000000000040 . -7 0. -1 0 0 - 0 6 5 1 8 0 0 . False Easting :500000.000 - 1 - . 0 1 7 1 0 6 2 0 . 2 0 13 1 . 0 0 - False Northing :0.00000000 .2 00 - 1 6 - 8 0 2 -4 9 00 . -1 0 1 - Semi-Major Axis (a) (Meters) :6378137.000 .7 . 7 0 15 .3 0 -4 -6 -8 1 . 40 - 9 0 .1 Semi-Minor Axis (b) (Meters): 6356752.3142451793 .2 1 2 . 1 0 1 7 -5 .3 - -1 14 - 0 . -6 6 .7 - 1 3 -2 .9 -3 .4 . 8 .1 8 6 00 . -2 5 -7 - 0 .5 . 6. 0 0 Scale: - 1 1 3 -1 .80 1 -2 Meters 3 3 - 1 8 -1 1 7 00 .8 . . - . . -1 00 3 -5 -8 -9 .1 2 6 .8 01 0 5 10 20 30 40 - 5 -1 -1 18 0 01 . 11 .6 - 00 0 01 -6 - 4 9 .8 0 0 1 .5 1 19 80 0 .1 . 9 8 -1 0 1 - . 0 .9 8 - . 1 - 0 .7 5 9 - 0 0 -2 1 Project: 3 5 - . 0 7 1 0 1 -2 - . 5 1 -1 0 . 0 .5 4 - . 0 4 0 0 2 - .9 9 0 3 0 .9 2 - 7 0 -1 0 . 1 1 - M.Dhiggaru Swerage Project 7 . 9 7 0 0 9 - 9 0 6 . 0 5 -2 . - 1 . 2 2 1 0 0 . 6 6 - 1 . - 7 0 . - 1 . 0 6 6 -1 - 6 4 0 2 . 2 . 1 . 8 - 2 Client: 8 - 7 1 .7 1 - - .3 8 5 - 2 0 . 1 1 9 - 1 11 4 - - 1 MWSC - - -1 7 - .9 7 . 6 0 2 . 5 . 2 13 -1 7 .9 -2 - - .1 -1 8 15 5 1 - 6. - .4 -1 .4 0 .5 Contractor: 8 -2 1 -1 .9 2 19 - - 1 -2 Water Solutions Pvt Ltd Ma.Fas Eri 1st Floor, Ameenee Magu, Male', Maldives Tel: +(960)3341643, Fax: +(960)331643 www.water-solutions.biz 73°34'0"E EIIA PURPOSES ONLY M .. D h ii g g a r u S w e r a g e P r o jj e c tt -1 .3 -1 .2 -1 .4 - 1 .1 - 1 - 0 . 7 4 2. .2 - 6 2 6 . - . 8 1 .1 . 0 - 2 .4 - 3 2 - 1. 7 - 7 -4 8 - . . . 1 9 2 . 0 - .5 - 7 - 2 3 - . 1 - - 8 1 9 1 . . 8 . - - .4 1 5 3 0 - . - - 1 -2 - 1 2 . 5 - .1 7 1 .9 -4 - - 1 6 .2 .8 2 - . 6 1 0 2 4 - - - - 1 2 -1 9 - -4 -6 7 -1 .3 -3 3 -1 2 9 -1 - 5 - - 0 21 -1 4 - -1 8 -1 72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E N N " " 0 0 ' ' 0 0 ° ° 6 6 N N " " N N 0 0 " " ' ' 0 0 0 0 ' ' ° ° 0 0 3 3 ° ° 3 3 " " 0 0 ' ' 0 0 ° ° 0 0 72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E Geodetic Parameters Coordinate Systems :Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone: 43 North Projection :Transverse Mercator (TM) Datum : WGS 1984 Longitude of Origin :0.000000000 Central Meridian:75 W Scale Factor :0.999600000000000040 False Easting :500000.000 False Northing :0.00000000 Semi-Major Axis (a) (Meters) :6378137.000 Semi-Minor Axis (b) (Meters): 6356752.3142451793 Scale: Meters 0 30 60 120 180 240 0 50 10 20 30 Met rs Project: M.Dhiggaru Swerage Project Client: MWSC Contractor: Water Solutions Pvt Ltd Ma.Fas Eri 1st Floor, Ameenee Magu, Male', Maldives Tel: +(960)3341643, Fax: +(960)331643 www.water-solutions.biz EIIA PURPOSES ONLY EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 23 Annex: Project Schedule Page 117 EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 24 Annex: Project concept approval letter from Ministry of Environment Page 118 EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 25 Annex: Pump station approval Page 119 EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 26 Annex: Concept Design Report Page 120 EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 27 Annex: Methodology of data collection Page 121 EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 28 Annex: CVs of people who assisted Page 122 Curriculum Vitae of Surveyor 1. PROPOSED POSITION : Surveyor 2. NAME : Hamdhulla Shakeeb th 3. CONTACT DETAILS M.Araaraiykuri, 4 Floor Blookiyaa Magu Male’ Maldives Mobile:+(960) 7567075 th 4. DATE OF BIRTH : 26 Feb 1988 5. NATIONALITY : Maldivian 6. EDUCATION : General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level Cambridge University, 2005 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level Cambridge University, 2008 Certificate in Surveying, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2009 7. OTHER TRAINING : PADI Open Water Diver Reef Check Eco Diver Program Leica GNSS Training Program Advance Certificate in Computing Multi Beam Training 8. LANGUAGE & DEGREE OF Speaking Writing Reading PROFICIENCY : English Excellent Excellent Excellent Dhivehi Mother tongue Mother tongue Mother tongue 9. MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES : - 10. COUNTRIES OF WORK : Maldives & Sri Lanka EXPERIENCE 11. EMPLOYMENT RECORD : FROM: 1st August 2008 To: Present EMPLOYER Water Solutions Pvt Ltd POSITION HELD AND Surveyor DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES Undertake field surveys required for environmental studies, development and monitoring. Produce CAD drawings of completed surveys and other drawings required for environment and sewerage projects Page (1) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Project Name : Setting out all Structures in L.Olhuveli Client : Evason Laamu Financing: Period : 2008 Time Spent: 2 months Position Held : Assistant Surveyor Duties : Setting out of water villas Project Name : Bathymetric Survey of K.Summer Island Client : Summer island Financing: Period : 2008 Time Spent: 2 days Position Held : Assistant Surveyor Duties : Bathymetric Survey Project Name : EIA Survey - redevelopment of in K.Giraavaru Client : TBI Period : 2008 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Assistant Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA for Coastal Protection of Embudu Village Client : Embudu Village Period : 2008 Time Spent: 2 days Position Held : Assistant Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Topographic Survey – Redevelopment of Bolifushi Resort Client : Jumeirah Maldives Period : 2008 Time Spent: 2 Weeks Position Held : Assistant Surveyor Duties : Mapping the Existing structures Project Name : Environmental Monitoring B.Muhdhoo Client : Coastline Group Period : 2008 Time Spent: 1 week Position Held : Assistant Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : K. Thulusdhoo Huraagadu Client : Island Community Period : 2009 Time Spent: 1 week Position Held : Assistant Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Topographic survey of Bolifufushi Resort Client : Eon Resorts Period : 2009 Time Spent: 5 months Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Setting Out the all the strucures Project Name : AA. Moofushi Client : Constance Hotels Period : 2009 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Page (2) Project Name : Gdh. Madaveli Land Reclamation EIA Client : MHTE Period : 2009 Time Spent: 1 week Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Ghd. Hoadehdhoo Land Reclamation EIA Client : MHTE Period : 2009 Time Spent: 1 week Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Environmental Monitoring of Gdh.Meradhoo Client : Jumeirah Maldives Financing: Period : 2009 Time Spent: 2 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Topographic Survey of Lh.Felivaru Client : Northern Province Office Financing: Period : 2009 Time Spent: 1 month Position Held : Surveyor Dties : Mapping the structures Project Name : Topographic Survey of Sonevafushi Client : Sonevafushi Financing: Period : 2010 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Mapping the structures Project Name : Topographic and Bathymetric Survey of K.Baros Client : Baros Financing: Period : 2010 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Collecting depths and mapping the island Project Name : Coral Planting in K.Boduhithi Client : Sunland Financing: Period : 2010 Time Spent: 3 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Coral Planting Project Name : EIA Survey of K.Summer Island Client : Summer Island Period : 2010 Time Spent: 2 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA Survey of Conventional Centre in Addu City Client : MHE Financing: Period : 2010 Time Spent: 2 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA Survey of Maradhoo Football Ground Client : - Financing: Period : 2010 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Page (3) Project Name : EIA Survey of Halaveli Client : Halaveli Period : 2011 Time Spent: 2 Weeks Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Environmental Monitoring of AA.Nika Island Client : Nika Island Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA Survey of Nolhivaramfaru Client : MHE Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA survey of Sh.Vagaru Client : Viceroy Maldives Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA survey of Bandos Island Resort Client : Bandos Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA survey of AA.Maafushivaru Client : Maafushivaru Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Topographic Survey of Evasaon Laamu Olhuveli Client : Evason Laamu Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 2 Weeks Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Mapping Existing Beach Villas and corrected the map Project Name : EIA Survey of Hulhumale’ Marina Client : HDC Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA Survey of Ha.Kela Sewerage project Client : DCP Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 2 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : EIA Survey of Fihaalhohi Client : Fihaalhohi Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Topographic Survey of K.Summer Island : Field data collected for the EIA report Client : MOOKAI Financing: Period : 2011 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Setting out of breakwaters and reclaim area Page (4) Project Name : EIA for 8 island Harbour Project Client : MHE Financing: Period : 2012 Time Spent: 14 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Halaveli Coral Rehabilitation Project Client : Halaveli Resort Financing: Period : 2013 Time Spent: 3 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the EIA report Project Name : Bathymetry Survey of Kihaadhu Resort Client : HM Lulu Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2013 Time Spent: 2 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collection for Bathymetry. This Bar calibration, GPS Setup and echo-sounder operation during data collection Project Name : Land Survey of Adh.Thelaveligau Client : Thelaveligau Retreat Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2013 Time Spent: 4 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collection for the Land Survey Report Project Name : Bathymetry Survey of Jumerah Dhevanafushi(Meradhoo) Client : EON Financing: Period : 2014 Time Spent: 3 weeks Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collection for Bathymetry. This Bar calibration, GPS Setup and echo-sounder operation during data collection Project Name : Land Survey of Ga.Innahera with 4 islands Client : SIMDI Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2014 Time Spent: 6 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the Land Survey Report Project Name : Land Survey of Sh.Ekasdhoo Client : SIMDI Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2014 Time Spent: 4 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the Land Survey Report Project Name : Bathymetry Survey of Maavarufalhu (Faafu Atoll) Client : Boston Consulting Group(BCG) Financing: Period : 2014 Time Spent: 4days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collection for Bathymetry. This Bar calibration, GPS Setup and echo-sounder operation during data collection Project Name : Topographic Survey of Rihiveli Resort Client : Castaway Financing: Period : 2014 Time Spent: 7 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Setting out of all structures Project Name : Bathymetry Survey of Rihiveli Resort Client : Castaway Financing: Period : 2014 Time Spent: 4 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the Bathymetric Survey Page (5) Project Name : Bathymetric Survey of Kuramathi Resort Client : Universal Enterprises Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2015 Time Spent: 3 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collection for Bathymetry. This Bar calibration, GPS Setup and echo-sounder operation during data collection Project Name : Bathymetric Survey of S.Gan Bathymetry( Near Main Jetty) Client : Blue Logisitics Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2015 Time Spent: 1 day Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collection for Bathymetry. This Bar calibration, GPS Setup and echo-sounder operation during data collection Project Name : Bathymetry Survey of Maafalhu Survey Client : WATG Financing: Period : 2014 Time Spent: 3 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collection for Bathymetry. This Bar calibration, GPS Setup and echo-sounder operation during data collection Project Name: Land Survey of B.Muthaafushi Client : Well land Investment Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2015 Time Spent: 3 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the Land Survey Report Project Name: Land Survey of B.Dhandhoo Client : Well land Investment Pvt Ltd Financing: Period : 2015 Time Spent: 3 days Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Field data collected for the Land Survey Report Project Name : Land Survey Demarcation of 8 Islands Client : LSA Financing: Period : 2016 Time Spent: 1 month Position Held : Surveyor Duties : Setting out of Blocks CERTIFICATION: I, THE UNDERSIGNED, confirm that: (i) To the best of my knowledge, this CV correctly describes myself, my qualifications, and my experience (ii) I have given my full consent to be included in this Proposal (iii) I am available for the assignment as indicated/scheduled in this Proposal. Hamdhulla Shakeeb Page (6) EIA for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Meemu Atoll 29 Annex: Letter from Atoll Council Page 123