HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
during bridge pier construction will be felt mainly during the steel trestle construction stage
and during installation of steel casing. Sediment study at the project site, shows that main
categories of sediment at this site are sand and gravel, with 99% within D50: 0.872-1.61
mm. However, it was noted that the grain size is smaller near the shore areas of the Airport
Island (D50: 0.37 mm), possibly due to land reclamation. The impact of bridge foundation
construction on marine water quality is short term and is expected to be limited to the project
site.
(2) The construction of cast in-situ bored pile will produce dregs or dredge waste, mainly from
the bore holes. Dregs disposal into the sea will pollute the sea. Based on communication
with Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure of Maldives, all drilling dregs shall be
transferred to the waste management centre in Thilafushi.
(3) Accidental oil leakage from the machinery, equipment and vessels may pollute the marine
water. Hence special attention will be given to prevent oil leakages to the sea during the
construction of the bridge.
(4) Sand for this project will be borrowed from the proposed harbour at Gulhifalhu Island. Sand
dredging will produce sediment plumes, and increase the turbidity level and suspended solid
level, reducing the water quality at the site. However the turbid conditions are expected to
subside shortly on completion of dredging.
6.2.1.2 Mitigation measures
(1) Due to the high number of bridge piers in this project and the dreg quantity is high and must
be disposed properly. Based on communication with Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure in
Maldives, all drilling dregs shall be transported to the designated waste management centre in
Thilafushi, which may be used for backfilling or reclamation.
(2) Domestic sewage generated in the bridge construction site must be disposed via septic tanks
and shall not be directly discharged into nearby ditches. Sewage treated in septic tanks must be
cleared and disposed at the designated waste management site in Thilafushi. Domestic waste
generated by workers shall be collected in a designated location, and disposed at waste
management site in Thilafushi. The flushing wastewater for sandstone materials must be
recycled after sedimentation treatment in the sedimentation tank. The final wastewater may be
discharged into the atoll lagoon beyond a depth of 5 m.
(3) Chemicals and hazardous materials on the vessel will be safely stored and secured. The
sandstone, cement and other powdery materials stockpiled on construction trestle, temporarilyconstructed
dock and concrete mixing vessel must be covered for safekeeping.
(4) The machinery and vessels used in construction of the bridge must be inspected strictly in the
process of bridge construction so as to prevent the oil leaking. It is strictly forbidden to dispose
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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