HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
Island side is about 7150 m 2 , the permanently occupied seabed area by the bridge construction is
about 9856 m 2 .
A temporary construction wharf will be setup in the prefabrication yard of Hulhumalé Island.
The temporary wharf is setup on land area formed by reclamation in Hulhumalé Island. The
impact on benthos habitat and benthos due to construction of temporary wharf will be
insignifcant.
Sand borrow area is proposed to be set in Gulhifalhu Island for this project. Based on
investigation, there is fine sand on the seabed, dredging is likely to impact benthos in the area.
6.3.1.3 Mitigation measures
(1) Strictly execute the mitigation measures on marine quality impact from the bridge
construction in Section 6.1.2.
(2) Prior to construction commencement, a detailed investigation shall be conducted of sea bed
in bridge pier construction area, all live corals that falls within this footprint and 10 m buffer
zone shall be moved and transplanted in a suitable location.
(3) Fabricate an artificial reef by selecting suitable area so as to compensate the area of coral
reef be occupied by the bridge pier construction.
6.3.2 Assessment on marine ecology impact during operating period
The impact on marine ecology, during the operation of the bridge will be mainly due to shading
which is likely to prevent growth of organisms such as corals and algae which are directly or
indirectly dependent on light for nourishment. In addition, accidental spillage of oil into the sea,
especially due to collision of boats onto the piers of the bridge will be major concern to the
marine environment and life in the area.
6.4 Impact assessment on terrestrial ecology
Both Malé and Hulhulé island are highly developed areas with relatively simple terrestrial
ecology. There is small park immediately north of the bridge landing site at Male’. Main fauna
observed in the periphery of project includes common birds as crow, piegons, reptiles such lizard
and mammals cats, rats and bats. No endangered or rare animals are observed at this site.
Therefore, the impact on terrestrial ecology by this project mainly will be adverse impact on
vegetation due to land clearance.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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