oyster bay resort development - Environmental Law Alliance

Transcription

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
OYSTER BAY RESORT DEVELOPMENT
FALMOUTH, TRELAWNY,
JAMAICA
Submitted to
Glyne Falmouth Arkin Ltd.
259 Spanish Town Road
Kingston 11
Jamaica
Prepared by
Environmental Solutions Ltd.
20 West Kings House Road
Kingston 10
Jamaica
JANUARY 2005
Oyster Bay EIA
FRONTISPIECE. AERIAL VIEW OF FLORIDA & BUSH CAY LANDS, TRELAWNY
(photograph by J. Tyndale-Biscoe)
a.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........................................................................................i
1.0
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1
1.1
PURPOSE ................................................................................................1
1.2
BACKGROUND ........................................................................................1
1.2.1
The Location......................................................................................3
1.2.2
The Site .............................................................................................4
1.2.3
The Concept ......................................................................................5
1.2.4
Long Term Vision for the Site ............................................................5
1.3
TERMS OF REFERENCE ........................................................................7
1.4
STUDY TEAM ........................................................................................11
1.5
METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH......................................................12
1.5.1
General Approach ...........................................................................12
1.5.2 Physical Environment ..........................................................................13
1.5.3
Biological Environment ....................................................................16
1.5.4
Socio-economic Environment ..........................................................18
2.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................19
2.1
DESIGN AND LAYOUT ..........................................................................19
2.2
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE AND METHODOLOGY.........................25
2.2.1
Phasing ...........................................................................................25
2.2.2
Piling................................................................................................25
2.2.3
Mangrove Protection .......................................................................25
2.2.4
Building Construction Method .............................................................26
2.3
OPERATIONS ........................................................................................26
2.3.1
Utilities .............................................................................................26
2.3.2
Solid Waste Management ...............................................................26
2.3.3
Sewage treatment and effluent disposal..........................................26
3. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS .............................30
3.1
PERMITTING ASPECTS........................................................................30
3.2
NATIONAL LEGISLATION – NATURAL ENVIRONMENT .....................30
3.2.1 Natural Resources Conservation Act (1991)........................................30
3.2.2
Environmental Review and Permitting Process (1997)....................30
3.2.3
Wildlife Protection Act (1945) ..........................................................31
3.2.4 The Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation of
Trade) Act (1999)...........................................................................................31
3.2.5
The Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas)(Prohibition of Categories
of Enterprise, Construction and Development) Order (1996).........................31
3.2.6
Water Resources Act (1995) ...........................................................32
3.2.7
Country Fires Act (1942) .................................................................33
3.2.8
Quarries Control Act (1983).............................................................33
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3.2.9
The Pesticides (Amendment) Act (1996).........................................34
3.2.10 Air Quality Standards.......................................................................35
3.2.11 Noise Standards ..............................................................................35
3.2.12 Water Quality NRCA Act (1990) ......................................................35
3.2.13 The Beach Control Authority (Licensing) Regulations (1956) ..........37
3.3
NATIONAL LEGISLATION – SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.........................37
3.3.1
Town and Country Planning Act (1958)...........................................37
3.3.2
Land Development and Utilization Act (1966) .................................38
3.3.3
The National Solid Waste Management Authority Act (2001)..........39
3.3.4
Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act (1985) ....................................39
3.3.5
Land Acquisition Act (1947).............................................................40
3.3.6
Registration of Titles Act (1989) ......................................................41
3.4 INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
..........................................................................................................................41
3.4.1
Cartagena Convention (Convention for the Protection and
Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region)
(1983) ........................................................................................................41
3.4.2
Biodiversity Convention ...................................................................42
4.
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA ................................................................44
4.1
TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE ..........................................................44
4.2
CLIMATE ................................................................................................46
4.3
GEOLOGY..............................................................................................46
4.4
OCEANOGRAPHY .................................................................................47
4.4.1
Bathymetry ......................................................................................47
4.4.2
Currents and Waves........................................................................48
4.4.3
Beach Stability.................................................................................50
4.5
TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY ....................................................................51
4.5.1
Flora ................................................................................................51
4.5.2 Fauna....................................................................................................56
4.6
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems ............................................................61
4.6.1
Fore Reef ........................................................................................63
4.6.2
Back Reef ........................................................................................65
4.6.3 Oyster Bay ............................................................................................66
4.7
MARINE WATER QUALITY ...................................................................68
4.8
NATURAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY ..................................................75
4.8.1
Hurricane storm surge, high velocity wind and tsunami...................75
4.8.2
Seismicity ........................................................................................77
4.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.......................................................79
4.9.1
The Tourism Context of The Project................................................79
4.10 THE COMMUNITIES AROUND THE PROJECT...................................80
4.10.1 COOPERS PEN .............................................................................81
4.10.2 ROCK .............................................................................................85
4.10.3 HAGUE...........................................................................................88
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4.10.4
4.10.5
MARTHA BRAE..............................................................................91
FALMOUTH....................................................................................94
5.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS MEASURES ............................99
5.1
ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS .......................................................................99
5.2
6.0
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS......................................................................127
CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES.................................................129
7. OUTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MONITORING PLAN ....................130
7.1
MONITORING PROGRAMME..............................................................130
REFERENCES ...................................................................................................131
APPENDICES.....................................................................................................133
APPENDIX I: SMITH WARNER INTERNATIONAL LTD. REPORT ................134
APPENDIX II: ESL MARTHA BRAE DATA (ESL 2003)...................................135
APPENDIX III: HISTORICAL WATER QUALITY DATA (WEBBER ET AL 1995)
136
APPENDIX IV: BIOLOGICAL DATA...............................................................137
APPENDIX V: PLATES .....................................................................................143
APPENDIX VI: ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
........................................................................................................................150
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
PURPOSE
This document presents the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) of the proposed coastal resort to be constructed on the Florida/Bush Cay
lands in Trelawny, Jamaica.
Resort developments of this nature are included on the list of prescribed activities
under the 1991 Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (NRCA) that
require an application for permission to develop. The National Environmental
Planning Agency (NEPA), which administers the NRCAA, has requested that an
Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) be conducted for this project as a
requirement for obtaining a permit to implement.
Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL) has been engaged by Glyne Falmouth
Arkin Limited the developers, to prepare the EIA and to provide assistance in
other related activities. The Terms of Reference for the EIA are provided at
Section 1.3 below.
1.2
BACKGROUND
The development of a high quality, environmentally sustainable green resort
development to be located on lands known as Bush Cay and Florida Cay in
Falmouth Trelawny. (Figure1.1)
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The major project goals include:
•
Formulation of a conceptual sustainable land use plan for the project that
meets economic objectives and considers creative planning alternatives.
•
Formulation of a business strategy that will engage strategic partners/
operators.
•
Documenting the strategy for solicitation of strategic partners/ operators.
•
Development of a partnership with the English Heritage Trust to encourage
the conservation of Georgian Architecture of Falmouth, the largest Georgian
architecture settlement in the Western Hemisphere.
In addition, the development of eco-tourism along the Martha Brae River and in
the Cockpit Mountains will be explored.
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1.2.1 The Location
Falmouth, Trelawny lies on the northwestern coast of the island and is bordered
on the west by St. James, on the east by St. Ann and by St. Elizabeth and
Manchester on the south. Spanning an area of just over 874 square kilometers,
the parish was formed from the eastern part of St. James in 1770 and has its
place in Jamaican history as being the parish with the most sugar estates and
factories. The parish is approximately 35 kilometers from the Donald Sangster
International Airport in Montego Bay.
Falmouth the capital town of Trelawny, played an important part of Jamaica’s
history. The town served as the exit point for sugar and the landing point for
many essential goods needed by the estates of the interior and was considered
the busiest port on the north coast. During the period when the sugar industry
was thriving, the town prospered and supported many businesses including more
than one weekly newspaper. With the advent of steamships and the decline of
the sugar industry however, the town of Falmouth began to deteriorate and, to
date has not been able to re-capture its former glory days.
Falmouth was laid out in the late 1700s as a model Georgian town deserving of
international recognition. Today, Falmouth is considered a sleepy and quiet town
but its rich cultural heritage is clearly reflected in the remarkable remnants of
Georgian architecture in the town. Isolated from the rapid development that has
affected other tourist towns along the North Coast, the town of Falmouth has
maintained most of its cultural and historical integrity.
Relatively untouched by tourism activity, the parish only has a few major resorts
including – Starfish, Falmouth Resort, Grand Lido, Braco, Glistening Waters Inn,
Martha Brae Resort and FDR Pebbles. Due to its distinctive history, Falmouth
has been targeted for restoration by Tourism Action Plan (TAP), a USAID funded
initiative. There are several major initiatives being implemented aimed at
developing the town of Falmouth as a historic centre for eco-tourism/heritage
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within the parish. These initiatives include the expansion of the rafting activities
along the Martha Brae River as well as the development of a crocodile farm.
1.2.2 The Site
The property is situated on a private peninsula of approximately 220 acres
enclosing Oyster Bay, a phosphorescent lagoon and tourist attraction on the
north coast of Jamaica, and forms part of the eastern arm of Falmouth Bay.
The site boundary extends immediately west of the Starfish and FDR Pebbles
Hotels to the Glistening Waters Motel, 2 miles east of Falmouth, the capital
township of the parish of Trelawny. Mangroves occupy the southern side of the
site, which plays an integral role in the ecology of the Martha Brae estuary, and is
included in the list of Jamaica’s major wetlands. The northern side faces the
Caribbean Sea and an extensive and almost continuous fringing of coral reefs
lies offshore. The tip of the peninsula offers a unique vista of Falmouth. The site
represents the largest remaining stretch of pristine white sand beach in the
island, which is geographically and physically unique to Jamaica and meanders
without interruption for over 3 ½ miles.
The site features the following attractions:
•
Bioluminescent
waters
(once
known
as
one
of
the
most
brilliant
bioluminescent bays in the world)
•
A protected natural harbour/ marina
•
3.5 miles of pristine, white sand beach
•
A protective reef offering excellent snorkeling and scuba diving
•
Unpolluted waters
•
Approximately 60% covered in mangroves providing excellent opportunities
for eco-tours.
•
The Martha Brae River
•
Natural flora and wildlife (birds) of ecological interest
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•
Un-scarred surrounding tracts of land and hills
•
A relatively unscathed economic and social environment
•
The architectural and culturally historic township of Falmouth.
1.2.3 The Concept
The developers are aware of their responsibility for ensuring a truly sustainable,
environmentally sound, green resort development and have adopted an
approach to development which will be informed by an environmental feasibility
study that will guide the planning and implementation process.
Green hotel development criteria parameters will be established for the site. They
will help guide the architectural design, construction methodology and
operational needs for the area. They will help minimize damage and ensure that
resources saving devices and appropriate waste management practices are
incorporated in the operation and maintenance of the resort.
1.2.4 Long Term Vision for the Site
Preliminary Site Plans and Building Designs have been drawn by Kay-Quinton
Architects. The development is still in an embryonic stage however and, as a
result, the concept is expected to change once the feasibility studies have been
completed.
The Government Town Planner and the Eco-Engineering Pre-Design Report
have indicated potential density of 2500 persons for property. However, the
intention is to arrive at a viable site development density based on sustainable,
green parameters as part of the feasibility study. As a result, the conceptual
designs include three hotels, holiday villas/ timeshare development, apartments
(leaseable cluster units), two marinas, a commercial complex, an equestrian
center, nature trails, a health & sports complex, and the necessary support
elements.
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The Resort will also feature a nature park. This park will include a bird sanctuary
and bird watching sites, aquatic life displays, educational walking tours of
mangrove habitats and since the site hosts a large butterfly population, a butterfly
sanctuary and exhibit.
A central feature of the resort layout will be the protection of the mangrove
wetlands bordering the site. Hotel construction will therefore be restricted to the
northern shore of the peninsula such that there will be minimal intrusion on the
mangrove ecosystem.
In order to conform to the availability of hard land, the hotel on the peninsula will
be laid out in a linear fashion along the northern coast.
The developers do not envision creating an all-inclusive, reclusive type of
environment for its guests. Rather, the resort development will take advantage of
the rich history and culture of the town, catering to the eco-heritage tourist, and
all it has to offer vis-à-vis food, shopping and other services. This is expected to
benefit the residents of the neighboring local communities by providing indirect
employment and improving the general economic condition of the communities.
A total green approach, from design development through to operation of all
facilities on the site will be pursued.
The implementation of this project is expected to stimulate significant additional
development in the parish of Trelawny, leading to the restoration of important
historic sites in Falmouth. Given the positive implication for the parish, the
sponsor is seeking grant- funding equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the preimplementation project budget. These funds will be matched by the sponsor,
from his own resources.
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1.3
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment of the
proposed Oyster Bay Resort Development are provided below. These have been
adapted from World Bank guidelines and take account of the contents of the draft
TOR provided by NEPA in their letter of 9 July 2004.
1.
Introduction - Identify the development project to be assessed and explain
the executing arrangements for the environmental assessment.
2.
Background Information - Briefly describe the major components of the
proposed project, the implementing agents, and include a brief history of
the project and its current status.
3.
Study Area - Specify the boundaries of the study area for the assessment
as well as any adjacent or remote areas within the area of influence of the
project.
4.
EIA Team – Identify the individuals responsible for collecting the data and
carrying out the impact assessment and their respective skills..
5.
Scope of Work - The following tasks are to be undertaken:
Task 1. Description of the Proposed Project - Provide a full description of
the overall project (four hotels built in two phases) and its existing setting
using plans, maps and graphic aids at appropriate scales. This is to
include: hotel locations; general layout (size, capacity, etc.); areas slated
for development, mangrove protection and mangrove resuscitation; preconstruction and construction activities; construction methodology
(buildings, piling, etc.), site management, operation and maintenance
activities; project life spans; plans for providing utilities, waste disposal
and other necessary services; and employment. Specific attention is to be
given to the proposed means of sewage treatment, level of treatment and
effluent disposal.
Task 2.
Description of the Environment - Describe the physical,
ecological, demographic, socio-cultural and institutional setting of the
project. Review and present information that provides an insight into
previously existing conditions of the site and the influences of past
development initiatives. Assemble, evaluate and present baseline data on
the relevant environmental characteristics of the study area, including the
following:
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a)
Physical environment: peninsular and coastal mainland and
estuarine features; topography; geology; soils; climate and
meteorology; ambient noise (at site and in area of influence);
hydrology; drainage and storm water runoff; inshore water current
patterns; shoreline structure, stability, and nature of land accretion;
and marine water quality1. Any existing sources of pollution and the
extent of contamination relevant to the project area are to be
identified. The natural hazard vulnerability of the site is also to be
considered, particularly with respect to hurricanes and storm surge.
b)
Biological environment: flora and fauna of the terrestrial, mangrove,
sea grass, and coral reef ecosystems on and adjacent to the
project site as well as the ecology of Oyster Bay2. Specify rare or
endangered species, species of commercial importance, and
species with potential to become vectors or nuisances.
c)
Socio-cultural environment: present and projected population size,
land use, community structure, issues related to squatting and
relocation, current development plans, recreation and public health,
public and community perceptions and attitudes on the proposed
project, and any historical sites affected by the project. Identify the
solid waste management facilities to be used by the project and
assess public perception of the proposed development.
Task 3. Legislative and Regulatory Considerations - Describe the
pertinent environmental laws, regulations and standards governing coastal
structures, land use control, environmental quality, health and safety,
protection of mangroves and other sensitive areas, protection of
endangered species, and tourism facilities. Particular reference is to be
made to the Town and Country Planning (Trelawny Parish) Provisional
Development Order, 1980, and to the Tree Preservation (Bush Cay,
Trelawny)(Revocation) Order, 2004.
Task 4. Determination of Potential Impacts – Identify the major issues of
environmental concern and indicate their relative importance to the design
of the project. Distinguish long-term and short-term impacts, construction
and post-construction phase impacts, positive and negative impacts, and
direct and indirect impacts. Identify the significant impacts and those that
are cumulative, unavoidable or irreversible. Identify impacts through use
of a matrix arraying the project activities against relevant environmental
factors.
Given the physical and ecological sensitivity of the proposed development
site, conduct a comprehensive analysis of the overall master plan in the
1
2
Parameters to include: BOD, TSS, NO3, PO4, and faecal coliforms.
Full reference is to be made to a recent post-graduate study of the dinoflagellates in Oyster Bay.
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first instance to consider the more strategic environmental issues (e.g.
long-term peninsula shoreline stability, mangrove protection, maintenance
of the bioluminescent dinoflagellates in Oyster Bay, sewage treatment,
etc.). and followed by attention to mitigation of the short-term impacts
related to the construction works for each of the four hotels.
a)
b)
Master Plan impact assessment:
•
Vegetation clearance, especially mangrove habitat disturbance,
related to site clearance, road construction, placement of
buildings and services installation.
•
Impact of proposed site layout on existing flora, fauna and
coastal resources, habitats to be protected, areas to be
replanted, and landscaping.
•
Modification of existing drainage patterns and surface runoff
during construction and post-construction phases, particularly
with reference to the hydrography of the fringing mangroves and
discharges to Oyster Bay.
•
Modification of long-shore sediment transport processes due to
construction of piers for ‘above-water rooms’.
•
Potable water supply, demand and resource depletion.
•
Waste water treatment, use, disposal and management.
•
Solid waste management during construction and postconstruction phases.
•
Socioeconomic conditions, effects on existing users of the
coastal areas, infringement on rights of stakeholders,
community involvement and public perceptions of the project.
•
Unplanned squatter housing
•
Potential impacts of the development on adjacent property
owners.
•
Impacts of the proposed nature reserve.
•
Natural hazard vulnerability
Assessment of construction works and resort operations
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•
Construction impacts including earth materials sourcing,
transport and storage; building construction methods; site
management; noise; fugitive dust; traffic obstruction; and
employment.
•
Resort operations and maintenance; use of energy saving and
resource conservation technology, vehicular traffic generation,
and employment.
Reference should be made to the extent and quality of the available data
and any information deficiencies and uncertainties associated with the
prediction of impacts should be clearly identified.
Task 5. Mitigation and Management of Negative Impacts - Recommend
feasible and cost-effective measures to prevent or to reduce the significant
negative impacts to acceptable levels.
Task 6. Development of a Monitoring Plan - Prepare the outline of a plan
for monitoring the impacts of the project and the implementation of
mitigating measures during construction. This plan is to be detailed after
the permit for the project is granted and the construction plans for the
project have been finalized at which time the plan is to be submitted to
NEPA for approval.
Task 7. Determination of Project Alternatives – Examine alternatives to
the project including the no-action option and alternatives involving
reductions in the scale and footprint of the development. The examination
of alternatives should appropriately defend the proposed alternative
examined in the context of the EIA.
Task 8. Assist in Inter-Agency Coordination and Public/NGO Participation
- Assist in co-ordinating the environmental assessment with the
government agencies and in obtaining the views of local NGO's and
affected groups. Manage and coordinate the public hearing on the EIA
findings as required by the NEPA permit approval process.
6. Report - The environmental assessment report is to be concise and limited
to significant environmental issues. The main text is to focus on findings,
conclusions and recommended actions supported by summaries of the
data collected and citations for any references used in interpreting those
data. The environmental assessment report is to be organized according
to the outline below.
o Executive Summary
o Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
o Description of Proposed Project
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o
o
o
o
o
o
1.4
Description of the Environment
Significant Environmental Impacts and Impact Mitigation Measures
Environmental Monitoring Plan
Project Alternatives
Inter-Agency and Public/NGO Involvement
List of References
STUDY TEAM
A multidisciplinary team was identified to conduct the study and comprised the
following persons:
Peter Reeson, M.Sc. - ESL Principal, EIA Specialist and Team Leader - with
many years of experience in environmental impact assessments, project
management and working on a wide range of resort projects in Jamaica and the
Caribbean. He has brought that expertise to bear in his role as project manager
and principal consultant.
Barry Wade, PhD – Coastal Zone Management Specialist, ESL Chairman and
Principal – With over thirty years experience in coastal processes and pollution,
and with previous assessment of this project site, Dr. Wade was instrumental in
analysing the existing site and situation and determination of impacts and
recommendation of mitigation measures.
George Campbell, M.Sc. – ESL Principal and Social Ecologist – has brought his
wide range of experience in socioeconomic assessments and community
surveys to the social development and community aspects of the project.
Ian Gage, B.Sc., PE – ESL Principal and Sanitary Engineer – with many years of
institutional experience in the field of sanitation, Mr. Gage has provided advice
and technical assistance to the EIA team on aspects of sewage treatment and
disposal options and impacts.
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Margaret Williams, Ph.D. – Ecologist and EIA Specialist – using her extensive
knowledge of Jamaican terrestrial environments, she was responsible for the
review and compilation of the ecological aspects of the study and determination
of potential impacts and recommendation of mitigation measures.
Sharonmae Shirley, BSc, M.Phil – Environmental Chemist – with over eight
years experience in environmental chemistry, including water and solid waste
studies, Mrs. Shirley was responsible for analysis of coastal water quality.
Aedan Earle, M.Sc. – Earth Scientist – Experienced in GIS, geotechnical
investigations and terrain analysis, he was responsible for assessment of the
physical impacts, producing the graphical overlays, and compiling the EIA report.
Marlon Hibbert, M.Phil (pending) – Zoologist – Experienced in coral reef
surveys and aiding the design and implementation of research programmes, Mr.
Hibbert has worked on the ecology of the Martha Brae and was responsible for
the marine data collection.
1.5
METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH
1.5.1 General Approach
A
multi-disciplinary
team
of
experienced
scientists
and
environmental
professionals was assembled to carry out the required resource assessment,
generation
of
baseline
data,
determination
of
potential
impacts
and
recommendation of mitigation measures. An iterative approach among the
environmental team members and other project professionals was adopted.
The team utilized the Charette-style approach to data gathering, analysis, and
presentation
whereby
team
members
conducted
the
reconnaissance
investigations together to determine the critical elements for analysis and the
issues to be highlighted for the design and planning process.
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Team meetings
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were held to discuss the progress of investigations and analyses and facilitate
integration of data toward an understanding of the systems at work in both the
natural and built environment.
Baseline data for the study area was collected using a combination of:
o Windshield Survey
o Site Reconnaissance
o Aerial Survey
o Desk Top Research
o Analysis of Maps and Plans
o Review of Reports and background documents
o Public Consultations
o Field Studies
o Laboratory Analyses
o Charette Style Consultations
1.5.2 Physical Environment
Information was gathered on the existing physical environment, particularly as
related to geology, topography, soils, hydrology and drainage, water quality, air
quality and noise.
Geology, Topography, Soils
Information on the climate, geology, topography, soils, was obtained by compiling
existing data from reports as well as from source agencies. Aerial photos,
satellite imagery and other published maps were also examined.
Field work was carried out to augment and verify existing information relating to
geology and soils and to obtain first hand knowledge of the topography.
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Hydrology and Drainage
Surface and ground water characteristics and flows were assessed using field
investigation as well as maps, aerial photographs and data from previous reports.
Water Quality
Water quality determinations, an important component of any environmental
assessment, provide critical data on the condition of the water resource. The
major objectives of the present water quality sampling programme are outlined
below:
◊
To assess coastal/land use practices prior to the construction of the
Oyster Bay Hotel(s),
◊
To determine baseline water quality conditions of the surface water
systems
◊
To determine the nature and extent of existing land use impacts,
◊
To determine the impact of the disposal of treated sewage effluent from
the proposed Oyster Bay Development on surface water quality,
◊
To determine compliance with local and international water quality
standards.
These objectives were largely met through the conduct of a water quality
sampling exercise on November 9, 2004.
Ten sampling stations were selected in Oyster Bay and the coastal waters off
Bush and Florida Cays, based on their location relative to the discharge points of
major water sources, and their current or potential impairment. The station
locations are shown at Table 1.5.
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Table 1.5:
Water Quality Stations
STATION NUMBER
STATION NAME
1
Deep sea control, north of Florida Cay
2
Coastal waters off Time and Place
3
Coastal waters off Florida Cay
4
Coastal waters off Bush Cay
5
Falmouth Harbour Mouth
6
Oyster Bay North
7
Center Oyster Bay
8
Northeast Oyster Bay
9
Oyster Bay South near boat dock
10
Martha Brae by bridge
Samples were collected at a depth of 0.5m. and collection was facilitated by use
of a boat. All samples were collected in pre-cleaned 2 litre polyethylene sample
bottles. Bacterial samples were collected at the water’s surface in sterilized 100
ml glass bottles.
The following parameters were analysed on all of the water samples:
◊
Ph
◊
Salinity
◊
Dissolved Oxygen
◊
Turbidity
◊
Nitrate
◊
Phosphate
◊
BOD5
◊
Total and Faecal Coliform
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Salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ at all
sampling stations using a YSI Model 57 Salinity/Conductivity/Temperature (SCT)
meter and YSI Model 33 oxygen meter respectively. Measurements were taken
at the surface (0.5m depth) of the water column.
Environmental Solutions Limited Laboratory performed or supervised the
analysis of all parameters. Laboratory analyses used certified methodology,
primarily from the text ‘Standard Methods for Examining Water and Wastewater’.
1.5.3 Biological Environment
The status of the flora and fauna of the study area was determined by a review of
literature relevant to the area and field investigations for both the terrestrial and
marine environments.
Flora
The vegetative communities were identified using the method of Grossman et al
(1991) and classified into community types.
Identification was carried out of
dominant tree species, assessment of stage of growth (mature or sapling) and
assessment of canopy cover. The vegetation was identified and described for
seven sites along the property
Fauna
Information on avifauna was gathered from existing literature on reported species
as well as observations in the field. Birds were identified by both sight and call.
Marine Ecology- Fore Reef System and Back Reef Lagoon
The reef system north of the development site was investigated in an effort to
determine the status of the marine community and the possible impacts the
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proposed development might pose to this community. The assessment was
conducted using SCUBA diving.
A qualitative assessment was conducted in three areas, the data collected
provided a species list, each species was then further assessed by using the
subjective (DAFOR) rating for each species. The DAFOR provides an indication
of whether an individual species is Dominant, Abundant, Frequent, Occasional or
Rare in the environment, this rating is useful in giving an overall picture of the
area, but limited because the observation rating for an individual species may
change from day to day.
Qualitative data on general features of the site were obtained using roving swims
aided by underwater photography. Quantitative data on benthic communities
were obtained using three (3) twenty (20) m long transects, percentage cover of
these communities were collected using 0.25m quadrants along the transect line.
Plankton and Chlorophyll ‘a’ analysis
(i)
Identification and Enumeration
A 250 mL opaque bottle was used for collection. Before entering the field 5 mL
of Lugol’s iodine solution was placed in the bottle as a preservative
(Vollenweider, 1969; Steidinger,1979). Once collected the sample was returned
to the lab and analyzed as soon as possible.
(ii)
Biomass (Chlorophyll ’a’ determination)
A one litre dark bottle was used to collect the sample to be used for the
flourometric determination of chlorophyll pigments. Dark bottles were used to
prevent light shock and subsequent degradation of chlorophyll pigments.
Filtration was achieved using the Nalgene Fractionating tower using different
filter sizes to obtain three fractions of phytoplankton.
17
The filtrate obtained was
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collected, chloroform added to prevent nutrient degradation and frozen for later
analysis.
1.5.4 Socio-economic Environment
Rural rapid appraisal techniques were used in 5 communities lying within or
neighbouring Oyster Bay, to identify issues of relevance to the Project. The
process involved windscreen observations, in-depth structured interviews as well
as non-structured ad hoc discussions with key informants, other individuals and
groups. Both Government agencies and private sector enterprises, were
canvassed. Demographic data was sourced from STATIN and hydrological data
from The National Water Authority. Information was gathered on the following
aspects:
•
typology (urban, rural, unplanned residential, housing scheme, etc.)
•
land uses and livelihoods
•
developments underway
•
community facilities
•
water supply and other utilities
•
waste management practices
•
recreational activities
•
heritage
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2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
The proposed resort to be located on the Florida peninsula-Bush Cay lands near
Falmouth will consists of four hotels to be built in two phases along the northern
half of the peninsula, Figure 2.1.1. Each hotel will consist of rooms on land as
well as rooms over the sea referred to as sea-rooms. The four hotels have a
reception area and the land rooms have pools and decks associated with them.
Table 2.1.1 indicates the number of land and sea rooms associated with each
hotel. The resort also has a conference and entertainment center as well as staff
accommodation, water storage and a waste water treatment plant.
Table 2.1.1: Allocation of Rooms to Hotels
Hotel No.
No. of Land Rooms
No. of Sea Rooms
1
2
3
4
432
453
520
736
44
42
36
42
Each hotel consists of a single story reception/lobby area as shown in Figure
2.1.1, and land rooms which consists of three story structures shown in Figure
2.1.2. The sea rooms consist of one bedroom wooden structures built over the
sea on concrete piles. Figure 2.1.3 illustrates the general configuration of the
sea rooms.
The land rooms will be built with the lower floor elevated above the land surface
which is typically about 1 meter above sea level. Figure 2.1.4 shows a section
across the peninsula and illustrates the relationship between the mangroves to
the south and the land rooms in relation to the land surface. Figure 2.1.5 shows
further details of the elevated nature of the lower floor and the relationship with
the beach area along the northern shoreline of the peninsula.
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Figure 2.1.1: Resort Layout
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Figure 2.1.2: Views of Hotel Block (1)
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Figure 2.1.3: Layout and Configuration of Sea Rooms
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Figure 2.1.4: Section across Peninsula showing Land Rooms from North to South
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Figure 2.1.5: Detail of Land Room showing the Raised Lower Floor in Relation to the Landscape
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Staff accommodation, staff offices, laundry area, water storage, and sewage
plant will be located at the extreme eastern end of the property where the
peninsula grades into the limestone foothills to the southeast.
2.2
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE AND METHODOLOGY
2.2.1 Phasing
The resort will be constructed in two phases beginning with the construction of
hotels 1 and 2 followed by hotels 3 and 4. The first phase is anticipated to take
one year to complete.
2.2.2 Piling
All major structures of the hotel including the land rooms and sea rooms will be
founded on piles. These will consist of concrete piles driven until the underlying
soils are of sufficient compaction to provide adequate bearing capacity.
Preliminary results from soil borings suggest that these piles will be in excess of
40 feet in some locations.
2.2.3 Mangrove Protection
The hotels will be built along the northern shoreline of the peninsula with the
overall footprint of the resort occupying areas north of the mangrove covered
portion. Figure 2.1.1 shows the relationship between the existing mangrove area
and the footprint of the resort. A small portion of mangrove fringing the southern
lagoon will be removed for siting the reception area of hotel 1. A large section of
mangrove removed from the southeastern part of the site
for a previous
development over 30 years ago will be rejuvenated. A nature park will be
designed as part of this resuscitated mangrove area and will include ponds and
other wetland features.
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2.2.4 Building Construction Method
The developers intend to use “Tunnel Form “ construction method to build the
major hotel structures such as the reception areas and the land rooms. This
methodology involves the use of reinforced concrete poured in place using
rectangular tunnel shaped formwork. This forms a rectangular tunnel shaped
structure which is then partitioned. The process is repeated laterally and
vertically to form the shell of the building. The sea rooms will be made of water
resistant timber.
2.3
OPERATIONS
2.3.1 Utilities
Water will be supplied from the municipal water suppliers, the National Water
Commission. Electricity will be generated on-site by package electric generators.
2.3.2 Solid Waste Management
Solid waste will be disposed of by haulage to the municipal solid waste land fill at
Retirement in Montego Bay.
2.3.3 Sewage treatment and effluent disposal
A package sewage treatment plant will be installed capable of tertiary level
treatment located on limestone rock at the southeastern end of the property. The
plant is an activated sludge system capable of treating 600 m3 per day. The
process flow diagram of the treatment plant is shown in Figure 2.3.1 and a
diagrammatic layout of the plant is shown in Figure 2.3.2.
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Figure 2.3.1: Process Flow Diagram of Sewage Treatment Plant
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Figure 2.3.2: Diagnostic Layout of STP Installation
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Waste water will be stored temporarily in holding tanks in each hotel. From there
it will be pumped to the treatment plant. The effluent will be gravity fed into
holding ponds within the rejuvenated mangrove area and the overflow dissipated
through multiple outlets through the mangrove. Final design specification will
have to ensure that the effluent produced by the plant meets NEPA standards
that apply to the installation of new waste water treatment systems.
Additional treatment of the effluent will produce irrigation water for the resort. The
final design specification of this aspect of the treatment process will have to
ensure that the grey water produced meets the NEPA standards for irrigation
water. (See Section 3)
NEPA requires an application for a licence to treat and discharge sewage
effluent. During this application process details of the final design will be made
available to NEPA for consideration and approval. However, the requirements
for sewage effluents have been outlined in this report and taken into
consideration for the assessments of impacts for this development.
It is
anticipated that NEPA standards will be met, in the final design.
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3. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
This section presents the legislation and regulations pertinent to the proposed
Oyster Bay Resort Development.
3.1
PERMITTING ASPECTS
The Oyster Bay Resort falls within the prescribed category of ‘Development
Projects’ and a Project Information Form and Permit Application Form were
submitted to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).
An
Environmental Impact Assessment for the project was requested, and is the
subject of this report. Several legal instruments, national and international, are
relevant to the proposed development.
3.2
NATIONAL LEGISLATION – NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
3.2.1 Natural Resources Conservation Act (1991)
The Natural Resources Conservation Act was passed in the Jamaican
Parliament in 1991 and provided the basis for the establishment of the Natural
Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) with primary responsibility for
ensuring sustainable development in Jamaica through the protection and
management of Jamaica’s natural resources and control of pollution. Sections 9
and 10 of the NRCA Act stipulate that an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) is required for new projects and existing projects undergoing expansion.
3.2.2 Environmental Review and Permitting Process (1997)
The environmental Permit and License System (P&L), introduced in 1997, is a
mechanism to ensure that all developments in Jamaica meet required standards
in order to minimize negative environmental impacts.
The P&L System is
administered by NEPA, through the Applications Section (formerly the Permit and
License Secretariat).
Permits are required by persons undertaking new
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development which fall within a prescribed category. Under the NRCA Act of
1991, the NRCA is authorized to issue, suspend and revoke permits and licences
if facilities are not in compliance with the environmental standards and conditions
of approval stipulated. An applicant for a Permit or License must complete an
application form as well as a Project Information Form (PIF) for submission to the
NRCA. The Permit Application and PIF were submitted in January 2004.
3.2.3 Wildlife Protection Act (1945)
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1945 prohibits removal, sale or possession of
protected animals, use of dynamite, poisons or other noxious material to kill or
injure fish, prohibits discharge of trade effluent or industrial waste into harbours,
lagoons, estuaries and streams, and Authorizes the establishment of Game
Sanctuaries and Reserves. Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act are six
species of sea turtle, one land mammal, one butterfly, three reptiles and several
species of birds including rare and endangered species and game birds.
3.2.4
The Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation
of Trade) Act (1999)
This Act deals with restriction on trade in endangered species, regulation of trade in
species specified in the schedule, suspension and revocation of permits or certificates,
offences and penalties, and enforcement. Many species of reptile, amphibian and birds
that are endemic to Jamaica but not previously listed under national protective
legislation, or under international legislation, are listed in the Appendices of this Act.
3.2.5 The Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas)(Prohibition of Categories
of Enterprise, Construction and Development) Order (1996)
The island of Jamaica and the Territorial Sea of Jamaica have been declared a
Prescribed Area. No person can undertake any enterprise, construction or development
of a prescribed description or category except under and in accordance with a permit.
The Natural Resources Conservation (Permits and Licenses) Regulations (1996) give
effect to the provisions of the Prescribed Areas Order.
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3.2.6 Water Resources Act (1995)
The Water Resources Act of 1995 established the Water Resources Authority
(WRA). This Authority is authorized to regulate, allocate, conserve and manage
the water resources of the island. The Authority is also responsible for water
quality control and is required under Section 4 of the Act to provide upon request
to any department or agency of Government, technical assistance for any
projects, programmes or activities relating to development, conservation and the
use of water resources.
It is the responsibility of the WRA as outlined in Section 16 to prepare, for the
approval of the Minister, a draft National Water Resources Master Plan for
Jamaica. Areas to be covered in this Draft Master Plan of 1990 included
objectives for the development, conservation and use of water resources in
Jamaica with consideration being given to the protection and encouragement of
economic activity, and the protection of the environment and the enhancement of
environmental values.
Section 25 advises that the proposed user will still have to obtain planning
permission, if this is a requirement, under the Town and Country Planning Act. In
addition, Section 21 of the Act stipulates that if the water to be used will result in
the discharge of effluents, an application for a license to discharge effluents will
have to be made to the Natural Resources Conservation Authority or any other
relevant body as indicated by the Minister.
With regard to underground water, Section 37 states that it is unlawful to allow
this water to go to waste. However, if the underground water "interferes or
threatens to interfere with the execution or operation of any underground works",
it will not be unlawful to allow the water to go to waste in order to carry out the
required works provided that there is no other reasonable method of disposing of
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the water. The Authority also has the power to determine the safe yield of
aquifers (Section 38).
3.2.7 Country Fires Act (1942)
Section 4 of the Country Fires Act of 1942 prohibits the setting of fire to trash
without prior notice being given to the nearest police station and the occupiers of
all adjoining lands. In addition, a space of at least fifteen feet in width must be
cleared around all trash to be burnt and all inflammable material removed from
the area. Section 6 of the Act empowers the Minister to prohibit, as may be
necessary, the setting of fire to trash without a permit.
Offences against this Act include:
•
Setting fire to trash between the hours of 6.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.
(Section 5a);
•
Leaving open-air fires unattended before they have been completely
extinguished (Section 5b);
•
Setting fires without a permit and contrary to the provisions outlined in
Section 6 (Section 8);
•
Negligent use or management of a fire which could result in damage to
property (Section 13a);
•
Smoking a pipe, cigar or cigarette on the grounds of a plantation which
could result in damage to property (Section 13b).
3.2.8 Quarries Control Act (1983)
The Quarries Control Act of 1983 established the Quarries Advisory Committee,
which advises the Minister on general policy relating to quarries as well as on
applications for licenses. The Act provides for the establishment of quarry zones,
and controls licensing and operations of all quarries. The Minister may on the
recommendation of the Quarries Advisory Committee declare as a specified area
any area, in which quarry zones are to be established and establish quarry zones
within any such specified area.
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Section 5 of the Act states that a licence is required for establishing or operating
a quarry though this requirement may be waived by the Minister if the mineral to
be extracted is less than 100 cubic metres. Application procedures are outlined in
Section 8. The prescribed form is to be filed with the Minister along with the
prescribed fee and relevant particulars. The applicant is also required to place a
notice in a prominent place at the proposed site for a period of at least 21 days
starting from the date on which it was filed.
3.2.9 The Pesticides (Amendment) Act (1996)
The Pesticides (Amendment) Act of 1996 amended sections of the principal act,
which came into effect in 1975 and established the Pesticides Control Authority.
This Act gives the Authority the responsibility of controlling the importation,
manufacture, packaging, sale, use and disposal of pesticides. Section 11 states
that the Authority is required to keep a register or record of all relevant
information such as registered pesticides, restricted pesticides, pest control
operators and persons licensed to import or manufacture pesticides.
Under
Section 16 of the Act, the Authority may also, with the approval of the Minister,
make regulations which relate to areas such as:
¾ Aerial application of pesticides;
¾ Supervision required for the use of pesticides, the prescribed protective
clothing to be worn and other precautionary measures;
¾ The permissible levels of pesticides to be used;
¾ The periods during which particular pesticides may or may not be used on
certain agricultural crops;
¾ The disposal of pesticides and packages.
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3.2.10 Air Quality Standards
The Federal Clean Air Act which came into force in the United States in 1990
established air quality standards for six pollutants: ozone (O3), carbon monoxide
(CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), respirable particulate matter
(PM10) and lead (Pb). An allowable level for each of these pollutants has been
set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) whose
objective is to protect the public from exposure to dangerous levels. National
standards, known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), were
established and they were categorized into two groups. In one group, there are
the primary standards, designed to protect human health and in the other, there
are the secondary standards designed to protect the environment and limit
property damage.
3.2.11 Noise Standards
To date, Jamaica has no National legislation for noise, but World Bank guidelines
are often used for benchmarking purposes. The NRCA is currently preparing a
draft document for national Noise Standards.
3.2.12 Water Quality NRCA Act (1990)
The NRCA has primary responsibility for control of pollution in Jamaica’s
environment, including pollution of water. National Standards exist for industrial
and sewage discharge into rivers and streams. WHO Standards for drinking
water are used and these are regulated by the National Water Commission.
There are no national standards for ambient water quality of riverine systems.
The tables below gives the relevant NRCA Interim Irrigation Standards and
Sewage Effluent Standards.
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Table 3.2.12a:
Parameter
Interim Irrigation Standards
Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA)
Interim Irrigation Standards
Standard Limit
Oil & Grease
10 mg/L
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
15 mg/L
Residual Chlorine
0.5 mg/L
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
15 mg/L
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
<100 mg/L
Faecal Coliform
12 MPN/100mL
Table 3.2.12b: NRCA Sewage Effluent Standards
Immediate Technology Based Effluent Standards
Parameter
Effluent Limited
BOD5
20 mg/l
TSS
30 mg/l
Nitrates (as Nitrogen)
30 mg/
Phosphates
10 mg/l
COD
100 mg/l
pH
6-9
Faecal Coliform
1000 MPN/100ml
Residual Chlorine
1.5 mg/l
Proposed Sewage Effluent Standards
BOD5
20 mg/l
TSS
20 mg/l
Total Nitrogen
10 mg/l
Phosphates
4 mg/l
COD
100 mg/l
pH
6-9
Faecal Coliform
1000 MPN/100ml
Residual Chlorine
1.5 mg/l
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3.2.13 The Beach Control Authority (Licensing) Regulations (1956)
The Beach Control Regulations require a permit for any works on the beach,
coastline or foreshore. Application must be made to the Applications Secretariat
at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).
Requirements
include a Notice of Application to be posted on the landward and seaward sides
of the property and said Notice should be served on adjoining neighbours.
3.3
NATIONAL LEGISLATION – SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
3.3.1 Town and Country Planning Act (1958)
Section 5 of the Town and Country Planning Act authorizes the Town and
Country Planning Authority to prepare, after consultation with any local authority,
the provisional development orders required for any land in the urban or rural
areas, so as to control the development of land in the prescribed area. In this
manner, the Authority will be able to coordinate the development of roads and
public services and conserve and develop the resources in the area.
Any person may, under Section 6 of the Act, object to any development order on
the grounds that it is:
•
impractical and unnecessary;
•
against the interests of the economic welfare of the locality.
However, if the Minister is satisfied that the implementation of the provisional
development order is likely to be in the public interest, he may, under Section 7
(2) of the Act, confirm it with or without modification by publishing a notice in the
Gazette. Section 8 of the Act also gives the Minister the authority to amend a
confirmed development order.
Section 10 of the Act states that a development order must include:
•
clearly defined details of the area to be developed;
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•
regulations regarding the development of the land in the area
specified;
•
formal granting of permission for the development of land in the area.
If the provisions of section 9A of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority
(NRCA) Act apply to the development, the application can only be approved by
the Planning Authority after the NRCA has granted a permit for the development.
(Section 11 (1A). The Authority may impose a "tree preservation order" under
Section 25 of the Act if it considers it important to make provision for the
preservation of trees and woodlands in the area of the development. This order
may:
¾ prohibit the cutting down, topping, lopping or willful destruction of trees;
¾ secure the replanting of any section of the woodland area in which trees
were felled during the forestry operations permitted under the order.
The tree preservation order is not applicable to the cutting down of trees which
were already dead, dying or had become dangerous and the order can take
effect only after it has been confirmed by the Minister.
The Minister can, under Section 26 of the Act, make regulations to restrict and
regulate the display of advertisements in any area to be developed if he
considers this to be in the interest of public safety. Section 28 of the Act
empowers the local authority to require the owner or occupier of land in the
development area to take the steps necessary to ensure its proper maintenance.
3.3.2 Land Development and Utilization Act (1966)
Under Section 3 of the of the Land Development and Utilization Act (1966), the
Land Development and Utilization Commission is authorized to designate as
agricultural land, any land which because of its "situation, character and other
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relevant circumstances" should be brought into use for agriculture. However, this
order is not applicable to land, which has been approved under the Town and
Country Planning Act for development purposes other than that of agriculture.
Among the duties of the Commission outlined in Section 14 of the Act is its
responsibility to ensure that agricultural land is "as far as possible, properly
developed and utilized".
3.3.3 The National Solid Waste Management Authority Act (2001)
The National Solid Waste Management Authority Act (2001) is “an act to provide
for the regulation and management of solid waste; to establish a body to be
called the National Solid Waste Management Authority and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto”.
The Solid Waste Management
Authority (SWMA) is to take all steps as necessary for the effective management
of solid waste in Jamaica in order to safeguard public health, ensure that waste is
collected, sorted, transported, recycled, reused or disposed of, in an
environmentally sound manner and to promote safety standards in relation to
such waste. The SWMA also has responsibility for the promotion of public
awareness of the importance of efficient solid waste management, to advise the
Minister on matters of general policy and to perform other functions pertaining to
solid waste management.
3.3.4 Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act (1985)
The Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act of 1985 established the Jamaica
National Heritage Trust (JNHT).
The Trust's functions outlined in Section 4
include the following responsibilities:
¾ To promote the preservation of national monuments and anything
designated as protected national heritage for the benefit of the Island;
¾ To carry out such development as it considers necessary for the
preservation of any national monument or anything designated as
protected national heritage;
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¾ To record any precious objects or works of art to be preserved and to
identify and record any species of botanical or animal life to be protected.
Section 17 further states that it is an offence for any individual to:
¾ willfully deface, damage or destroy any national monument or protected
national heritage or to deface, damage, destroy, conceal or remove any
mark affixed to a national monument or protected national heritage;
¾ alter any national monument or mark without the written permission of the
Trust;
¾ remove or cause to be removed any national monument or protected
national heritage to a place outside of Jamaica.
3.3.5 Land Acquisition Act (1947)
Section 3 of the Land Acquisition Act (1947) empowers any officer authorized by
the Minister to enter and survey land in any locality that may be needed for any
public purpose. This may also involve:
•
Digging or boring into the sub-soil;
•
Cutting down and clearing away any standing crop, fence, bush or
woodland;
•
Carrying out other acts necessary to ascertain that the land is suitable
for the required purpose.
.
The Minister is authorized under Section 5 of the Act to make a public declaration
under his signature if land is required for a public purpose provided that the
compensation to be awarded for the land is to be paid out of the:
•
Consolidated Fund or loan funds of the Government;
•
Funds of any Parish Council, the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation
or the National Water Commission.
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Once the Commissioner enters into possession of any land under the provisions
of this Act, the land is vested in the Commissioner of Lands and is held in trust
for the Government of Jamaica in keeping with the details outlined in Section 16.
The Commissioner shall provide the Registrar of Titles with a copy of every
notice published as well as a plan of the land. The Commissioner will also make
an application to the Registrar of Titles in order to bring the title of the land under
the operation of the Registration of Titles Act.
3.3.6 Registration of Titles Act (1989)
The Registration of Titles Act of 1989 is the legal basis for land registration in
Jamaica, which is carried out using a modified Torrens System (Centre for
Property Studies, 1998). Under this system, land registration is not compulsory,
although once a property is entered in the registry system the title is continued
through any transfer of ownership.
3.4 INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
3.4.1 Cartagena Convention (Convention for the Protection and
Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean
Region) (1983)
Adopted in March 1983 in Cartagena, Colombia, the Convention for the
Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean
Region, also known as the Cartagena Convention, is the only legally binding
environmental treaty for the Wider Caribbean. The Convention came into force in
October 1996 as a legal instrument for the implementation of the Caribbean
Action Plan and represents a commitment by the participating governments to
protect, develop and manage their common waters individually and jointly.
Ratified by twenty countries, the Cartagena Convention is a framework
agreement which sets out the political and legal foundations for actions to be
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developed. The operational Protocols, which direct these actions, are designed
to address special issues and to initiate concrete actions. The Convention is
currently supported by three Protocols. These are:
•
The Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Oil Spills in the
Wider Caribbean Region (The Oil Spills Protocol), which was adopted
and entered into force at the same time as the Cartagena Convention;
•
The Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife in the
Wider Caribbean Region (The SPAW Protocol), which was adopted in
two stages, the text in January, 1990 and its Annexes in June, 1991.
The Protocol entered into force in 2000;
•
The Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-based Sources and
Activities in the Wider Caribbean Region (LBS Protocol), which was
adopted in October, 1999.
3.4.2 Biodiversity Convention
The objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity are "the conservation of
biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and the fair equitable
sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources". This is
the first global, comprehensive agreement which has as its focus all aspects of
biological diversity: genetic resources, species and ecosystems. The Convention
acknowledges that the "conservation of biological diversity is a common concern
of humankind and an integral part of the development process". In order to
achieve its goals, the signatories are required to:
•
Develop plans for protecting habitat and species.
•
Provide funds and technology to help developing countries provide
protection.
•
Ensure commercial access to biological resources for development.
•
Share revenues fairly among source countries and developers.
•
Establish safe regulations and liability for risks associated with
biotechnology development.
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Jamaica’s Green Paper Number 3/01, entitled Towards a National Strategy and
Action Plan on Biological Diversity in Jamaica, speaks to Jamaica’s continuing
commitment to its obligations as a signatory to the Convention.
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4.
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
4.1
TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE
The Florida/ Bush Cay lands consist of a peninsula that projects in an east-west
direction into the estuary embayment of Oyster Bay. (Figure 4.1.1. ) The property
consists of a wider eastern portion known as Florida which has become
connected over time with an island at the western extremity known as Bush Cay
to form a tombolo feature. The Martha Brae River flows into Oyster Bay through
an extensive wetland system found along the inland limestone foothills that run
parallel to the coastline. Where the peninsula is joined to the mainland the
topography rises sharply as a series of flat topped terraces to an elevation of
120 feet.
The land surface of the project site is gently undulating rising at a low angle from
the sea with a maximum elevation of about 2.5 meters. The morphology of the
land surface is defined by the beach structure running along the northern shore
of the peninsula, while the southern shore and eastern portion of the site is
shaped by the low lying wetland. The wetland area occupies approximately 60%
of the surface. 30% of these is old mangrove, 30% is current mangrove and
about 1% is freshwater wetland. 40% of the surface comprises sand flats and
sand dunes. Bush Cay has been joined through sedimentation with the Florida
peninsula to form a continuous stretch of land.
Drainage of the sand covered area of the site is good while extensive ponding of
the low lying wetland area occurs after heavy rains and persists for long periods.
The limestone hills south of the site drain by downward movement of rainfall
through cracks and other solution features. The water table is very close to or at
sea level throughout the site.
44
Oyster Bay EIA
Figure 4.1.1: Topography of Florida Peninsula and Bush Cay
45
Oyster Bay EIA
4.2
CLIMATE
The climate of the site like the rest of Jamaica is subtropical with gentle
northeasterly prevailing winds and average daily temperatures varying from 23oC
in January to about 28oC in July. Humidity ranges from 66% to 87% with a
significant diurnal variation resulting in high morning humidity dropping off
significantly in the afternoon. Rainfall data from the Meteorological Office over
the period 1951- 1980 indicates mean monthly rainfall for Falmouth is in the
order of 85 mm with a high of 163 in November and 105 in May. There are two
distinct periods of higher than average rainfall between October to January and
during May.
During the period June to November each year extreme weather conditions are
produced by tropical systems that develop in the north Atlantic and Caribbean
basins. These system move westwards through the Caribbean region and
generate intense rainfall of long duration as well as high velocity winds when they
pass close to or make landfall. Northers that form over the North American
continent in winter months produce slow moving cold fonts that approach the
island from the north and bring with them intense rainfall that can persist for
days.
4.3
GEOLOGY
The peninsula making up the project site is underlain by a thick sequence of silt
deposited into Oyster Bay estuary by the Martha Brae River. Longshore currents
moving in a predominantly westward direction have caused long term deposition
of this sediment forming the base of the existing peninsula. Onshore drilling has
indicated that these sediments extend to depths in excess of 100 feet . Typically
the silt becomes highly compacted at depths of about 70 feet at the western end
of the site reducing to about 40 feet towards the eastern end of the property.
46
Oyster Bay EIA
Depostion of calcareous sediment from organisms living in the offshore sea
grass beds and from the fringing reefs has been deposited on the northern
margin of the peninsula. These deposits have accumulated over the underlying
silts to form the existing beach berm complex. The beach sand consists of fine to
coarse, moderately sorted calcareous sand.
The southeastern part of the project site where the peninsula joins the mainland
is underlain by limestones belonging to the suite of rocks known as the Coastal
Group formed by offshore reef building processes. At this location the rock is
hard and massive with no well defined bedding. These rocks are well exposed
throughout this area with only a very thin layer of overlying soil in the order of
0.25 to 0.75 meters thick. As a result of periodic tectonic uplift and tilting the
limestone reef-rock formations have been elevated to form what are referred as
raised reefs. This gives the topography a distinctive terrace appearance with
steep scarp faces with flat tops.
There are no significant large scale geological structures that are in the general
area of the proposed site or on the site itself.
4.4
OCEANOGRAPHY
4.4.1 Bathymetry
The peninsula is surrounded the Caribbean Sea along the northern shore while
the southern shore is surrounded by the waters of the enclosed Oyster Bay
lagoon. A fringing reef runs parallel to the shoreline about 50 meters offshore.
Towards the western end the reef becomes patchy and projects further away
from the shore. A detailed bathymetric survey was carried out by Smith Warner
International (SWIL)2004, (see Appendix I).
47
Oyster Bay EIA
An artificial channel was dredged in the passage between the reef and the
shoreline which is about five feet deep about thirty years ago. Towards the
western and eastern end of the fringing reef a distinct passage exists connecting
the channel to the fore reef areas. The eastern most opening was widened by
blasting at the time of dredging and now forms the channel through which most
of the water flows back out to sea. Beyond the reef the seafloor deepens with a
steep slope to depths of 20 meters over a horizontal distance of 300 meters.
Over the past 10 years erosion of some sections of the beach has removed
beach sand along some sections of the shoreline. In these areas the foreshore
is relatively flat and mostly consists of exposed reef-rock that extends up to 20
meters offshore.
The Oyster Bay lagoon is formed by the Florida peninsula partially surrounding
the Martha Brae River estuary. Sediment brought down by the river is deposited
in the lagoon and accumulates so that water depth in the lagoon is typically less
than 1-5 meters. The floor of the lagoon is relatively flat.
4.4.2 Currents and Waves
Near shore currents are confined to the northern shore and result from the
interaction of near shore waves with the bathymetric configuration. Detailed
measurements taken by Smith Warner International, 2004 (Appendix I) indicate
a strong influence of sea tidal levels on these currents. The report indicates that
the currents are longshore currents that move towards the northeast during
periods of rising tide and towards the southeast on the falling tide. Total diurnal
variation in tide levels was found to be 0.5 meters. Current speeds varied
depending on the tide stage and localised bathymetry ranging between 0.03 and
0.9 ms-1 .
A detailed analysis of the wave conditions on the northern shore is provided in
Appendix I. Deep water wind generated waves were shown to approach the
coastline primarily from the east and northeast with wave heights of 1.2 meters.
48
Oyster Bay EIA
The SWIL report indicates that the offshore fringing reef has a significant effect in
dampening the wave energy and reducing the height of waves reaching the
shore. Waves reaching the shoreline were shown to be in the order of 0.05 – 0.3
m when attenuated by the reef and range between 0.25 and 0.75m where there
are gaps in the reef.
Currents
When waves break on the reef, there is a collection of water between the reef
and the shoreline, which runs alongshore current. At several locations, these are
then transformed into a rip current as water escapes through the gaps in the reef.
Rip currents pose a safety issue for users of the beach, as they can be swept
offshore by the force of the current.
It is recommended that designated swimming areas be identified along the
shoreline where the swimming hazard that the rip current poses are non-existent.
As an alternative, artificial reefs could be created in the reef gaps to reduce the
velocity of the rip currents. Re-profiling of the shoreline with the intention of
reducing longshore currents and in turn reducing the rip currents is also another
possible option. Finally, it is possible to construct deepened swimming areas
along with cross-shore barriers to the alongshore current.
Storm Surge
Storm surge computations have been conducted using return periods of 20 and
10 years, in addition to the 50 year return period. The results indicate that 10
year storm surge ranges up to 2.1 metres, and the 20 year, 2.8 metres. It should
be noted that storm surge does not include wave run-up which could carry
moving water at least 1.0 metres higher.
As the ground elevation is rarely
greater than 2.0 metres, this analysis suggests that the entire site would be
inundated at even the 10 year return period. Normal set-back computations are
based on the intersection of the storm surge level with the corresponding
topographic contour. In this case, this is not possible. Instead, the setback
49
Oyster Bay EIA
distance should account for possible shoreline movements, and all permanent
infrastructure should include suitable scour protection measures.
4.4.3 Beach Stability
The northern shoreline of the peninsula is highly dynamic resulting in significant
movement of sediment along the shoreline. The SWIL 2004 study carried out a
detailed analysis of the movement of sediment in response to the prevailing wave
regime. It was found that there is significant net movement of sediment in a
westerly direction due to the dominant prevailing winds from the east and
northeast. The quantities of sediment moved westwards along the coast was
estimated to be as high as 200,000 m3 per year.
While there is a net movement of sediment towards the west, sections of the
shoreline were shown to be areas primarily of erosion or accretion. Additional
estimates of shoreline erosion suggest that the shoreline has receded along
some sections by as much as 15 meters over the past 10 years. Evidence of this
can be seen as remnant tree stumps and old building foundations presently
located along the foreshore.
This reflects the sensitivity of the coastal processes operating on the northern
shoreline to localised conditions as well as to extreme weather events such as
Northers and hurricanes. It therefore suggests that any structural modification of
the shoreline will have to be carefully considered to take into account the
dynamics of this section of coastline.
In particular the study indicated that the placement of piles to support rooms
over- the sea will not a have a deleterious effect on sediment transport and the
near shore wave-current regime if piles have diameters of 0.4 meters and are
placed not less than 3 meters apart.
50
Oyster Bay EIA
4.5
TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY
4.5.1 Flora
The vegetation on the property is composed of two distinct zones the Whistling
Pine zone and the Mangrove zone, and may be classified as secondary modified
vegetative communities based on (Grossman et al, 1991) (Figure 4.5.1.)
It
includes both terrestrial vegetation and coastal species. Ecological details on the
dominant vegetative species is given in Table 4.5.1.
51
Oyster Bay EIA
Figure 4.5.1: Vegetative Communities
52
Oyster Bay EIA
Table 4.5.1: Dominant Trees on the Oyster Bay Site
Scientific Name
Common Name
Habitat
Casuarina equisetifolia
Whistling Pine
Common
Status and Distribution
mostly
in
sandy Native of tropical Asia and Australasia,
coastal and often planted
naturalized
in
the
Wes
Indies
and
elsewhere, also Grand Cayman
Coccoloba uvifera
Sea Grape
Common and locally dominant Florida, Bahamas, Atlantic coast from
along the seacoast on strand, Mexico to the Guianas, West Indies, Grand
sand dunes and in thickets, rare Cayman, introduced in the Pacific
inland
Rhizophora mangle
Red Mangrove
Common along muddy shores Coasts of continental tropical America,
and
in
estuarine
swamps, West Indies, W. Africa and Pacific islands,
occasional inland
Laguncularia racemosa
White Mangrove
Grand Cayman
Common along the margins of Eastern tropical America, West Indies,
lagoons and brackens creeks Cayman Islands, W. tropical Africa
and also on the cays
Avicennia germinans
Black Mangrove
Common
brackish
in
all
saline
communities
around tropics from Florida to Brazil, Ecuador, Peru
the coast and on the cays
Conocarpus erectus
Button Mangrove
and Coasts of the American subtropics and
and W. Africa
Common at the inner margins of Florida,
mangrove
swamps
and
Bahamas,
continental
tropical
in America, West Indies, Cayman Islands, W.
thickets on Salinas and also on tropical Africa
53
Oyster Bay EIA
the cays
Thespesia populnea
Seaside Mahoe
Common in littoral situations. Throughout the tropics
General on sandy or gravelly
shores
and
at
mangrove
margins
Terminalia catappa
Almond
Commonly
planted
and Native of SE Asia, N. Australia and the
naturalized, especially near the Pacific, now widespread, Grand Cayman
sea in et areas
Tamarindus indica
Tamarind
Cultivated and naturalized
Probably native to tropical Africa, now
cultivated and naturalized throughout the
tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres
54
Oyster Bay EIA
4.5.1.1 Coastal Scrubland
The Whistling Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) association tends to be concentrated
on a raised beach berm running along the entire northern shoreline in a narrow
band up to 600 feet (approximately 200 m) wide. This zone can be divided into
three distinct associations as follows:
9 Pure stand of Whistling Pine
9 Whistling Pine and shrub
9 Whistling Pine and mixed forest
At the western tip of the site at Bush Cay the area consists almost entirely of the
Whistling Pine (Appendix V) growing right up to the waters edge, with few other
species present.
Further east the Whistling Pine becomes mixed with other coastal vegetation
such as the sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera). The dense forest cover eventually
gives way to a mixture of scattered Whistling Pine, low shrub and grasses which
is interspersed with areas of bare sand.
Along the remainder of the coast, to the east,
the vegetation once again
becomes very dense now being dominated by a combination of Whistling Pine
and mixed forest species, including Thespesia, sea grape and buttonwood
(Conocarpus erectus).
4.5.1.2 Mangrove Zone
In the southern section of the property, behind the beach berm, the area is
periodically waterlogged thus providing suitable conditions for the growth of
wetland species. In the wetter and more saline areas, particularly at the western
side of the property adjacent to Oyster Bay, the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora
mangle) predominates with some trees reaching as high as 60 feet (the southern
55
Oyster Bay EIA
section of Bush Cay is composed almost entirely of Red Mangrove), Plate 4.5.2.
In some places, there is a sharp transition from the dense stand of fringing
Whistling Pine to the equally dense stand of Red Mangroves.
Between the pine and the mangroves other species are found distributed based
on the degree of wetness of the sand - Buttonwood, and White Mangrove in the
dryer areas and Black Mangrove on the fringes of the wetter areas.
The two main north-south property roads which transect the open areas are
devoid of vegetation and are fringed primarily by the Black Mangroves. These
areas lacking in vegetation have been caused by the obstruction of the natural
water flow in 1968. These areas contain only relics of what was once a densely
vegetated mangrove forest.
In the eastern section of the property behind the mixed forest association is an
extensive area of dense vegetation dominated by the Red Mangrove.
4.5.2 Fauna
The natural wildlife of the area is composed mainly of birds. A number of freshwater birds were observed particularly in the water logged areas. These included
Sand Pipers and Common Stilts observed in groups feeding in the shallow
waters. Other types of birds such as Herons were also observed. The densely
forested areas provide ideal nesting and feeding habitats for migratory birds.
The avifauna is largely comprised of waterfowl and other species associated with
coastal/wetland ecosystems.
Several micro habitats are found in the area
including mud flats and salvas, mangrove forests, and coastal waters.
A list of the birds reported from this site, the Martha Brae estuary and from on
site observations is given in Table 4.5.2 including data from Webber et al 1998.
56
Oyster Bay EIA
The sandy nature of the soil provides the ideal habitat for burrowing crabs such
as Uca. Numerous burrows were observed throughout the property.
Several species of insects have been reported from the project area and are
typical of marine areas and coastal systems.
No endangered species were
reported from a study by Webber et al (1998). A list of species identified from
that 1998 study is given in Table 4.5.3.
57
Oyster Bay EIA
Table 4.5.2: List of Dominant Bird Species Identified on the Oyster Bay Site
Scientific Name
Common Name
Caladris spp.
Sand Pipers
Himantopus mexicanus
Common Stilts
Tachornis phoenicobia
Antillean Palm Swift
Loxipasser anoxanthus
Tyrannus dominicensis
Yellow-shouldered
Grassquit
Gray Kingbird
Columbina passerina
Common Ground Dove
Bubulcus ibis
Cattle Egret
Habitat
Several species common on
mudflats and beaches, some
uncommon winter visitors
and transients
Common resident in fresh
and saline ponds
Range and Status
Several species throughout
C. and S. America and the
West Indies
Bahamas, Greater Antilles,
northern Lesser Antilles, N.,
C. and S. America. Large
flocks
of
visitors
and
transients from N. America
increase
Jamaican
populations in winter
Lowlands, common near Very common resident
human habitations, over golf
courses, dry swamps and
canefields
Common
in
hills
and Locally common resident, An
mountains
endemic genus and species
Open
wooded
areas, North America, Bahamas,
cultivations and gardens
West Indies and mainland
coasts around the Caribbean
Dry limestone forest edges Very
common
and
and clearings, in the plains widespread
resident.
and foothills, but less Jamaica. C.p. jamaicensis is
common in the mountains
an endemic subspecies.
Pastures and open areas
Very
common
resident.
Worldwide
58
Oyster Bay EIA
Scientific Name
Common Name
Egretta thula
Snowy Egret
Quiscalus niger
Greater Antillean Grackle
Vireo modestus**
Jamaican Vireo
Columba leucocephala
Saffron Finch
Coerebo flaveola
Bananaquit
Tringa flavipes
Lesser Yellow Legs
Dendrocygna arborea
West Indian Whistling duck
Habitat
Common
wetlands
Range and Status
in N. America and the West
Indies.
Local populations
are increased by migrants in
the winter
Cow pastures, cultivated Jamaica. Q.n. crassinostris
land and around human is an endemic subspecies.
habitations especially where
they are fed.
Bushy areas, forest edges Very common. Jamaica. An
and
roadsides
at
all endemic species
elevations
Open
grassy
areas, Common
resident.
S.
gardens, from sea level to America and introduced to
the mountains (except the the
Hawaiian
islands,
highest).
Often seen on panama, Puerto Rico and
roads, near cattle ponds at Jamaica
feeding stations and chicken
farms
Ubiquitous. Found wherever Abundant and widespread
flowering plants occur
resident.
Jamaica. C.f.
flaveola is an endemic
subspecies.
Beaches,
Salinas
or Fairly common winter visitor.
mudflats
N. America wintering south
to S. America
Mangrove
swaps
at Resident, probably locally
Parottee, Black River Lower common but extremely shy
Morass,
Negril
morass, and rarely seen. Bahamas,
Falmouth
Swamp,
Salt G. Antilles and northern W.I.
59
resident
Oyster Bay EIA
Scientific Name
Common Name
Mimus Polyglottus
Northern Mocking Bird
Pelecanus occidentalis
Brown Pelican
Ardea herodias
Great Blue heron
Tyrannus dominicensis
Loggerhead Kingbird
Tiaris bicolor
Black faced Grassquit
Egretta caerulea
Little Blue Heron
Habitat
Island lagoon, Grant’s en,
Caymanas Dam
Found in winter up to about
600 m, but goes to higher
elevations in the summer
In coastal waters, on
reservoirs, fish farms and
marshy areas
Common winter visitor in
wetlands, a few may spend
the summer
Open
wooded
areas,
cultivations and gardens
Range and Status
islands
Very common resident. M.p.
Orpheus Bahamas and G.
Antilles, also N. America
P.o.
occidentalis
West
Indies. Also n, C and s
America
N. America, wintering in W. I.
and C. America south to
northern S. America
N. America, Bahamas, W. I.
and mainland coasts around
the Caribbean
Gardens and open situations T.b.
marchii
Jamaica,
Hispaniola and adjacent
island.
Other subspecies
throughout the Caribbean
except mainland Cuba
Wetlands
Common
resident.
Bahamas, W.I. and the
Americas.
Ecological information taken from Downer and Sutton, 1990
60
Oyster Bay EIA
Although the area periodically becomes waterlogged it does not appear that
these areas support an abundance of fish life. Some species may live in the predominantly wet areas associated with the Red Mangroves but generally,
seasonal variations in water availability and the lack of water exchange with the
marine environment reduces the attractiveness of the site for fish species.
4.6
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
The shoreline of the Florida/Bush Cay peninsula consists of Mangrove and Sand
Beach environments (Plate 4.6.1). The Mangrove shores are on the south side of
the peninsula in Oyster Bay (Glistening Waters) and are almost entirely Red
Mangrove. (At one time, Bush Cay which, is predominantly mangrove was
separated from the rest of the peninsula). These mangroves are very dense and
impenetrable and are unlikely to be disturbed by the development.
The sandy beach which is continuous over more than three miles extends from
the east of the Starfish Hotel (previously the Trelawny Beach Hotel) in the east to
the tip of Bush Cay in the west. As such it is one of the longest remaining
stretches of undeveloped beach in Jamaica.
The beach consists of white to golden white calcareous sands made up of algal
and coral remains. The texture is generally fine to medium size with really coarse
sediments occurring in only a few locations. Visually and texturally, the beach is
first class.
In the late 1960s, in an attempt to improve the beaches and swimming areas,
some of the lagoonal areas between the beach and the fringing reef were
dredged to 5 ft. depth or more.
61
Oyster Bay EIA
Figure 4.6.1: Coastal Eco Systems
62
Oyster Bay EIA
An extensive and almost continuous fringing reef occurs about 200 - 600 ft.
Offshore of the beach. Between the beach and the reef the sea bottom is
covered by healthy seagrass beds (Thalassia and Syringodium). These occur
almost up to the back reef which, however, is devoid of much live coral. The
corals are on the reef flat and breaker zone have been damaged to a great
extent by recent hurricanes, but much less so than at Ocho Rios and even
Discovery Bay. On the other hand the reef below the breaker zone and lower
palmate zone is in reasonably good condition and is still a diverse and interesting
environment.
4.6.1 Fore Reef
The reef system is situated between 60m and 100m from the shoreline. The fore
reef stretches for 2km from Time ‘n’ Place in the east to Bush Cay in the west. A
total of 112 species were identified including 22 scleractinian corals, 29 algal
species, 8 sponge species,15 invertebrate species and 45 fish species (Table
4.7.1 in Appendix). Coral cover at all three transect were relatively high ranging
from 32% at Time n Place, 35% at Split Rock and 30% at Bush Cay.
Fleshy macroalgal cover was low averaging 5-7% at all three sites. The substrate
was dominated by bare rock. The incidence of the herbivorus Diadema antillarum
was also quite noticeable. Density of individuals averaged between 8 m-2 at Time
‘n’ Place to 13 m-2
at Bush Cay. Density of coral recruits recorded were also
high ranging from 7 m-2 to 10 m-2 (Table 4.6.2).
A list of species identified on the reef and within the coastal waters is given in
Appendix IV.
63
Oyster Bay EIA
Table 4.6.2: Percent cover of Benthic substrate and Diadema on the Fore
Reef
Site
Hard
Coral
Fleshy
macroalgae
Calcareous
macroalgae
<5
Crustose
coralline
algae
<5
Time’n
32
6
Spilt rock
35
5
<5
Bush Cay
30
7
<5
Sand/bare
rock
55
Coral
Recruits
m-2
10
Diadema
Density
m-2
8
<5
50
7
10
<5
52
7
13
Place
The reef system at all three sites was similar, with reef buttresses starting at the
reef crest. At 3m-6m these buttresses lead into finger like projections (spur and
groove) separated by deeper sand filled canyons. These buttresses lead onto a
reef flat at 8m-10m, this reef flat is contiguous for approximately 150 m. There is
a patchy distribution of corals dominated by the boulder type corals. Algal cover
at this depth is higher and the absence of Diadema noticeable, gorgonian density
was also seen to be higher. This reef flat then ends abruptly and merges into
sheer wall dropoffs leading down to >30m.
On the reef buttresses the dominant coral types were plate-like (Agaricia sp) and
boulder type (Montastrea).
At the transect conducted at the Split Rock the
dominant species was the branching Acropora palmata. This species before
Hurricane Allen in 1980 was the common reef coral species on the North Coast.
The abundance exhibited here is unexpected but indicative of the good health of
this reef.
The fore reef system can be described as healthy. High coral cover, low
macroalgal cover as well as the frequency of the Diadema allows significant coral
recruitment. The absence of algae and smothering sediments gives these
recruits the proper environment for development and continuity of the reef
building process.
64
Oyster Bay EIA
4.6.2 Back Reef
The back reef community is characterized by shallow water between <1m and
3m deep. The substrate slopes gently from a white sand beach into slightly
deeper areas and reef flats with sporadic patches of corals. The substrate
consists mainly of hard pavement with a thin layer of medium to coarse-grained
sand. The pavement is coralline in nature and tufts of turtle grass (Thalassia) are
found frequently.
Coral recruitment on this substrate is high, dominated by the Porites sp. The
other dominant benthic community is seagrass meadows. Extensive in their
distribution sometimes extending up to within a few centimetres of the beach
front. Three species of seagrass were found Thalassia testudinum (Dominant),
Syringodium filiforme (Frequent) and Halodule wrightii (Occasional).
The seagrass meadows were punctuated by halos (large sand filled depressions)
that were populated with juvenile fish. The dominant invertebrate species was
Diadema while Juvenile parrots were the dominant fish species. The seagrass
meadows provide an Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for these reef fish and their
importance cannot be over emphasised.
The algal community was dominated by calcareous algae namely Halimeda sp.
and Galaxaura sp.the incidence of which indicates a fairly healthy reef system.
The benthic survey revealed only two suitable areas along the back reef area
that were suitable for swimming. The first is located in the area called Florida is
shallow and can barely support wading. The second located close to the western
tip of the site (Figure 4.6.1) is much more suitable having the necessary depth
required 1m –2m and is fairly extensive. Sand in this area is not coarse but has
a silt-like texture, the extensive seagrass beds may have a lot to do with this as
they are highly productive systems and readily trap sediments as well.
65
Oyster Bay EIA
4.6.3 Oyster Bay
The Oyster Bay area is a shallow embayment extending from the eastern end of
the Falmouth Harbour at a depth of 0.6m to a depth of 1.7m. The bay is particular
in its significance, as it has been described as having one of the most
spectacular displays of bioluminescence in the world (Seliger and McElroy,1968).
The organism responsible for the bioluminescence is Pyrodinium bahamense
and has been previously reported in numbers of up to 273,000 individuals/ L.
Recent anecdotal reports point to a reduction in the brilliance and numbers
recorded as recently as 1998 Webber, Edwards and Hibbert saw a decrease to
44,000 individuals.
The samples collected were in the Inner Bay at the water quality stations 7 and 8.
Along with the enumeration of the individuals, chlorophyll analyses were done to
determine productivity of the area. This productivity can be linked to the presence
of nutrients in the water column.
Average number of cells per litre for site 8 was
98, 297cells/L, at site 7 that number was slightly lower at 94,014 cell/L.
The numbers would seem to indicate an increase in the numbers over the last
few years.
There has been a mechanism put forward to explain the
accumulation of the Pyrodinium within Oyster Bay (Seliger and Carpenter,1970),
but generally the combination of low flushing, high reproductive rates, high
nutrient concentrations from both interstitial sediments and surrounding
mangroves can support the numbers reported. Eight (8) species were found and
are listed in (Table 4.6.3).
66
Oyster Bay EIA
Table 4.6.3. List of phytoplankton species found at two sites in Oyster Bay
Site 7
Site 8
Pyrodinium bahamense
Pyrodinium bahamense
Ceratium furca
Ceratium furca
Ceratium fusus
Ceratium fusus
Thalassionema frauenfeldii
Unknown Species A,B,C,D
Total Chlorophyll ‘a’ readings recorded were 4.25 ug/L at site 8 and 1.95 ug/L at
site 7., (Table 4.7.4). These readings though higher than the recommended
international standard of 1 ug/L for oceanic waters could be perceived as normal
for an estuarine environment such as Oyster Bay. Previous studies have
recorded values less than 1 ug/L (Hibbert,2004 pers. comm.) but these were
averaged results over a longer time period. The dominant size fraction was the
nanoplankton at site 8 and net plankton at site 7. The significance of this is that
Pyrodinimum belongs to this fraction.
Table 4.6.4: Total chlorophyll ‘a’ and numbers of Pyrodinium bahamense.
Site
#7
Average #of Net
individuals/L Plankton
ug/L
94,014
1.63
NanoPlankton Picoplankton Total
ug/L
ug/L
Chlorophyll’a’
ug/L
0.30
0.029
1.95
#8
98`297
2.26
1.55
0.44
4.25
The Oyster Bay region has as its main threats uncontrolled runoff from
businesses and residential properties. The new Northern Coastal Improvement
Highway also increases the potential for runoff, on the southern shore of the bay
drainage pipes from the highway exit into the Bay adjacent to the Fisherman’s
Inn Hotel and Restaurant. The Martha Brae River also plays a significant role,
sediments and nutrients are brought from upstream into the Bay. There is the risk
67
Oyster Bay EIA
that if the nature of these inputs change, a loss of the bioluminescence could
occur.
4.7
MARINE WATER QUALITY
Results
The results of the water quality sampling exercise conducted on November 9,
2004 are presented at Tables 4.8.1 below. The locations of the sampling stations
are shown above at Figure 4.8.1
Table 4.7.1: Water Quality Data for Oyster Bay, Trelawny, Jamaica
SAMPLING STATIONS
PARAMETERS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
NRCA
Draft
Ambient
Marine
Standards
pH
8.4
8.3
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.0-8.44
Salinity (ppt)
36.1
34.9
36.1
36.0
19.5
6.0
32.2
34.9
6.8
6.2
-
Dissolved Oxygen
5.6
6.0
6.6
5.8
6.1
6.5
5.2
5.9
6.2
6.4
4.5-6.8
BOD (mg/L)
2.0
6.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
7.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.57-1.16
Nitrate (mg/L)
0.25
0.99
0.24
0.07
2.79
1.12
0.68
1.67
4.77
2.36
0.001-
(mg/L)
0.081
Turbidity (NTU)
0.29
0.67
0.66
0.79
4.64
4.12
6.99
4.38
4.63
31.1
-
Phosphate (mg/L)
1.1
0.01
0.04
0.06
0.2
0.03
0.03
0.1
0.03
0.03
0.0010.055
Oil & Grease
2.0
1.0
0.9
1.6
1.1
2.0
2.3
0.9
1.1
1.5
-
<3
3.0
<3
<3
1100.0
460.0
43.0
75.0
1100.0
460.0
48-256
<3
<3
<3
<3
<3
240.0
<3
7.0
21.0
43.0
<2-13
(mg/L)
Total Coliform
(MPN/100ml)
Faecal Coliform
(MPN/100ml)
68
Oyster Bay EIA
Figure 4.7.1: Location of Sample Stations
69
Oyster Bay EIA
It must be stated for the record that the following discussion is based on data
generated from only one sampling exercise. Therefore, no conclusive inferences
can be drawn from the limited data although it does provide a good indication of
the current status of water quality in Oyster Bay. The current data is compared
with the historical water quality data from the North Coast Highway Monitoring
Project -Martha Brae River [Environmental Solutions, 2003] and the Ecological
Assessment for the Martha Brae River Estuary/Wetland Management Project
[Webber, Edwards and Hibbert, 1998].
Oyster Bay, also known as Glistening Waters on the north coast of Jamaica is
one of the world’s most brilliant bioluminescent bays. This bay shares some
similarity to Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico. Mosquito Bay is described as one of
the world’s healthiest bioluminescent bays.
Both bays have been studied
extensively by scientists from John’s Hopkins University.
Mosquito Bay is
surrounded by mangroves, and is very shallow at its entrance. The mouth of the
bay is situated in such a way that the currents allow ocean waters to enter the
bay. The shallowness of the bay results in high evaporation, with the saltier
surface water sinks to the bottom. This heavier water moves out to sea and the
surface waters which are abundant in plankton flow into the bay bringing
populations of Pyrodinium the dinoflagellate responsible for the bioluminescence.
[www.stjohnbeachguide.com/Vieques_HTML/Bioluminescent_Bay.html]
and
[Grasso in Verde, 1993].
Vitamin B12, the essential nutrient for dinoflagellates is produced by scavenging
bacteria from the rotting detritus from the mangroves.
Because of the
shallowness of the bay, B12 and other nutrients stay in the bay rather than being
flushed out [Tom Verde, 1993 (www.biobay.com)]. This balance is very delicate,
if the rate of flushing of the bay increases or the nutrient balance is altered then
the Pyrodinium population may decline considerably. A bioluminescent bay in
Hawai and the Bahamas suffered severe damage because of changes in the
70
Oyster Bay EIA
water movements in the bay. Oyster Bay should be managed with the intention
of preserving or regenerating existing stocks of Pyrodinium.
The water quality data generated for the present study as well as the historical
data is presented in the following sections.
◊
Salinity and Conductivity
Salinity measurements at the coastal stations, Stations 1 -4, ranged between
34.9 and 36.1 psu. These are typical of Jamaican coastal waters. The salinity
regime in Oyster Bay is somewhat unsual.
At the mouth of the Falmouth
Harbour the surface waters are brackish reflecting the influence of freshwater
inflowsfrom the Martha Brae. North of the bay near the thickest wetlands the
surface water is fresh. Similarly, south of the bay near the boat dock the water is
also fresh. At Stations 7 and 8, center and northeast of the bay the water is
pretty saline 32.2 and 34.9psu respectively.
Research has shown that the
salinity balance in bioluminescent bays is also a critical environmental factor for
the health of dinoflagellates [www.stjohnbeachguide.com].
The proposed
discharge of treated sewage effluent to the mangroves should be evaluated, to
ensure that the salinity balance in the bay is not adversely affected.
◊
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Dissolved oxygen concentrations at almost all the stations sampled is at or near
saturation levels.
◊
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5)
BOD levels in excess of 2.0 mg/l indicates elevated organic loading, which is a
cause for concern.
The BOD levels at all stations sampled were within the
required guideline except at Stations 2 and 6, waters off Time and Place and
Oyster Bay North, respectively.
71
Oyster Bay EIA
◊
Oil and Grease
The oil and grease level recorded for each station were all within acceptable
levels <2 mg/l.
◊
Total and Faecal Coliform
Faecal coliform bacteria counts are used as indicators of the presence of
pathogenic organisms. The generally accepted limit for faecal coliforms in human
contact waters is 100 MPN/100 ml. Coliform bacteria levels were all within the
recommended limits except at Station 6, Oyster Bay North.
◊
Turbidity
Turbidity measurements are good for the coastal stations, Stations 1-4, ranging
between 0.07 and 0.99 NTU. Turbidity levels at the stations within the bay are
elevated, ranging between 4.12 and 6.99 NTU.
The highest turbidity level
(31.1NTU) was recorded at Station 10, the mouth of the Martha Brae River.
◊
Nitrate
Nitrate levels are also used as an indicator of contamination by wastewater from
sewage and/or fertilisers from agriculture. Nitrate levels in coastal waters higher
than 1 micro-mole (µM) or 0.65 mg/l NO3 usually indicate nutrient enrichment
from one or both sources.
Nitrate concentrations exceeded 1.0 µM at all stations sampled, with a maximum
of 73.0µM measured at Station 9, south of the bay near the boat dock. Nitrate
concentrations within the bay generally ranged between 10.5 and 43.0 µM (0.68
and 2.79 mg/l). In the coastal waters the nitrate concentration was somewhat
lower, ranging between 1.08 and 15.2 µM. Similar high nitrate concentrations
were recorded during the Webber, Edwards and Hibbert study in 1998 (Appendix
III). During this study nitrate levels in the bay reached a high of 91 µM, while at
the mouth of the Martha Brae a concentration of 200µM was recorded. The data
72
Oyster Bay EIA
for the Martha Brae reported by Environmental Solutions (Appendix IV) also
support the current findings.
The data show that nitrate enrichment in the coastal waters and within the bay is
considerable. At present the dissolved oxygen levels are good, this could easily
change with any alteration of the present environment, such as change in the
flow or addition of an additional nutrient source(s).
◊
Phosphate
Of the ten stations sampled phosphate concentrations are elevated at only four
stations. Of these four stations only Station 1 has very high phosphate levels.
The Environmental Solutions Martha Brae data as well as the Webber, Edwards
and Hibbert report showed similar results.
Phosphate is clearly the limiting
nutrient in this ecosystem. The introduction of phosphate rich effluent from the
proposed sewage treatment plant could impact the delicate balance that now
exists in Oyster Bay.
◊
Chlorophyll a
Chlorophyll is the pigment that allows plants (including algae) to convert sunlight
into organic compounds (photosynthesis). Clorophyll a is the predominant type in
algae and its concentration in the water column is used as a substitute for the
actual measurement of algal biomass [USEPA 2004]. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) is
thus used as an indicator of the primary productivity of an area. High Chl a levels
indicate the presence of blooms. The use of target Chl a levels as indicators of
eutrophication is region and area specific. The USEPA based on the findings of
the Chesapeake Bay study use Chl a levels up to 15 µg/l to indicate good quality
waters, while Dr. Brian Lapointe indicates that Chl a levels of 0.7µg/l exceeds the
critical threshold for eutrophication of coral reefs [Lapointe cited in Smith-Shirley
2004].
73
Oyster Bay EIA
Chlorophyll a measurements were done for Stations 7 and 8, with the higher
concentration of 4.25µg/l measured at Station 8. This station clearly has a higher
level of productivity and it would be interesting to determine the reason for its
productivity in comparison to Station 7. The extent of productivity at the different
salinity zones within the bay should be investigated to assess the optimal salinity
regime.
Summary
The water quality data obtained from the present investigation confirms data
obtained during the 1998 Webber, Edwards and Hibbert study and the Martha
Brae data [Environmental Solutions, 2003] and validates the concerns regarding
the delicate ecological balance in Oyster Bay.
High suspended solids loading, resulting in a shallow harbour, appreciable nitrate
enrichment and low phosphate levels within a complex salinity regime contributes
to the health of the dinoflagellates in Oyster Bay. Any disturbance of this fragile
ecosystem may cause irreparable damage to the Pyrodinium population. The
phytoplankton assessment conducted during this current study indicates that
there is an increase in the Pyrodinium population (when compared with the
Webber, Edwards and Hibbert Study). This should be encouraged.
The Martha Brae River empties into the Falmouth Harbour and discharges
significant amounts of total suspended solids and nutrients. The combination of
river discharge, other surface drainage and surface/groundwater discharges from
the proposed development, if not properly managed, has the potential to
significantly impact the water quality of the bay and coastal waters.
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Oyster Bay EIA
4.8
NATURAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY
The proposed resort site is located along the north coast of Jamaica and is
exposed to the coastal hazards of storm surge associated with hurricanes as well
as tsunami. The site is also susceptible to high velocity winds produced by
hurricanes and earthquakes.
4.8.1 Hurricane storm surge, high velocity wind and tsunami
Jamaica lies in the path of tropical weather systems that form in the Atlantic and
Caribbean basin from June to November each year. These systems range in
intensity from tropical waves to full blown hurricanes of varying strength. These
tropical weather systems move westwardly through the Caribbean region. Figure
4.8.1 illustrates the historic tracks taken by hurricanes over the 1962 to the
present.
These weather systems generate intense sustained rainfall and elevated wind
speeds that are most intense when they develop into hurricanes.
The low atmospheric pressures and high winds associated with hurricanes
generate elevated sea levels and high energy waves referred to as storm surge.
Hurricanes passing over or close to the coastline will generate storm surge
waves causing accelerated erosion and inundation of low lying areas along the
coastline. Storm surge analysis was conducted as part of a coastal dynamics
study Appendix I, for this location. The results indicate that storm surge wave
heights of 5.7 to 6.6 meters can be generated offshore from 50 and 100 year
hurricane events. The effect of the offshore bathymetry especially the presence
of fringing reefs was shown to reduce the potential maximum storm surge wave
height at the shoreline to 3.7 meters for a 50 year event and 2.3 meters for a 20
return period.
75
Oyster Bay EIA
4.8.1 – Historic Hurricane Tracks Across Jamaica – 1880-1988
76
Oyster Bay EIA
The site is susceptible to high velocity winds generated by hurricanes which can
be in excess of 150 miles per hour. The site is at sea level and is flat and
therefore will not experience accelerated wind speeds due to topography.
However the absence of wind barriers will result in full exposure to high velocity
winds in the event of a hurricane passing over or close to the north coast of
Jamaica.
The north coast of Jamaica is susceptible to deep oceanic waves called tsunami
that are generated by submarine earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides.
While the exact nature of the potential sources and possible magnitude of
tsunami that could affect the north coast is not known, the project site is exposed
to this threat. The occurrence of a tsunami would result is extreme shoreline
erosion and inundation of the entire project site. The effect of long term sea level
rise will exacerbate the potential for coastal flooding and tsunami. The estimated
rise of mean sea level over time has been estimated to be in the order of 0.25
meters.
4.8.2 Seismicity
Jamaica lies in a seismically active area close to the northern boundary of the
Caribbean tectonic plate and is therefore susceptible to earthquakes. The island
has experienced destructive earthquakes generated offshore and on land
associated with active geological features. Probabalistic analysis of historic
seismic activity in Jamaica has been carried out by Periera et al (1986). The
seismic hazard map of Jamaica shown as Figure 4.8.2 indicates the number of
earthquakes magnitude 6 or greater that have occurred throughout the island
since 1962. The project site lies in an area of relatively low activity but is still
susceptible to damaging ground shaking from earthquakes with historical
magnitudes 3.
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Oyster Bay EIA
Figure 4.8.2: Seismic Hazard Map of Jamaica
78
Oyster Bay EIA
4.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
4.9.1 The Tourism Context of The Project
Based on figures supplied by The Jamaica Tourist Board, there are currently only
3 large hotel properties in Trelawny. Two are neighbouring properties to the
Project and are located in close proximity to Oyster Bay. As reflected in Table
4.9.1 the Project, upon completion, will more than double the rooms currently
available from these properties and will account for 63% of the total hotel rooms
available, prior to the advent of Harmony Cove.
Table 4.9.1: Large Hotels In Trelawny
Property
Grand Lido
Braco
Star Fish
Resorts
FDR Pebbles
Oyster Bay
on completion
Totals
Trelawny, St.
James & part of
Hanover
Trelawny
No. Of Rooms
2003
186
Guest Nights
2003
95,234
350
% Of Total
Rooms
7
% Of Total
Guest Nights
30
196,221
12
61.
526
1,800
28,595
-
18
63
9
-
2,862
320,050
100
100
5,877
2,14 7,471
100
100
49
Oyster Bay
included
11
Oyster Bay
excluded
Montego Bay, accounts for 31% of visitor arrivals to Jamaica. The four main hotel
properties in Montego Bay lying closest to the Project, and about 15 minutes
away by the new Highway, account for just under 40% of all visitors to Montego
Bay. The Project, must therefore be seen as significantly contributing to the
eastward expansion of tourism along this expanding corridor. With the
completion of the Harmony Cove complex at Braco, which will comprise 3 hotels
79
Oyster Bay EIA
and villas, Trelawny will be importantly repositioned in terms of its contribution to
the industry.
4.10
THE COMMUNITIES AROUND THE PROJECT
The communities comprise a mix of both villages and rural towns, and include
the important commercial and government agencies that operate in or close to
them. These communities are:
•
Coopers Pen
•
Rock
•
Hague
•
Martha Brea
•
Falmouth
Other than contextual comments, only community features and information
considered relevant to the Project are addressed for each community. These are
grouped under the headings:
Demographics, Land Use & Livelihoods,
Developments Underway and Heritage. Where necessary, a comment is
included. Issues pertinent to the Project, but shared in common with this part of
Trelawny are dealt with separately under the headings Public Health & Safety,
Water Consumption and Flooding. A Conclusion discusses the main negative
impacts associated with the Project, such as housing needs and training, and
recommendations for addressing these are offered.
The Project itself, is being developed on a Greenfield site with only one or two
small squatter structures in evidence. The Project should have no difficulty in
negotiating their relocation from the site in a mutually acceptable manner. No
resettlement planning is required.
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Oyster Bay EIA
4.10.1
COOPERS PEN
Coopers Pen is a seaside village located less than 2 miles east of the Project
site. More recently the impetus to its growth has come from the presence of the
350 room Starfish Trelawny hotel, originally Trelawny Beach Hotel.
Demographics
From observation and information offered by residents, the population is about
400 with about 65% under the age of 40. The average size household is
estimated at 6 persons and females are estimated to head 65% of households.
The dependency ratio is likely to reflect that 6-7 persons out of every 10 are
economically dependent on the rest. This would still be lower than the parish
actual of 75%.
The profile therefore, of Coopers Pen is of a relatively poor, lower income coastal
community, with a high proportion of youth and female headed households. This
demographic profile, is generally representative of the coastal communities found
in the Parish. Its implication in relation to Project impacts, is dealt with in the
Conclusion.
Land Use and Livelihoods
The main land use is residential. Land use density within the community is
dominated by Starfish Resort, with both community residences and the much
smaller fishing beach accounting for the remainder. Agricultural production is of
minimal importance, though no clear sense of illicit drug cultivation emerged. A
striking contrast is the co-existence of the hotel property and the surrounding sub
standard residential housing. Coopers Pen itself comprises an older, sea-fronting
section which includes a fishing beach and a newer unplanned community on
land, edging the new north coast highway. Livelihoods inside the community
come mainly from a mix of poorly constructed corner shops, entertainment
81
Oyster Bay EIA
venues and eateries. Unemployment and underemployment are reported as
being very high. One resident and shop keeper of many years, estimates
permanent employment at 20%, with half of the jobs being in the hotel and the
remainder within the community or outside of it. The remaining 80% it was felt,
were hustling in craft, fishing and other construction type occupations. Some coal
burning is also undertaken.
The presence of the hotel was seen as an important source of income for the
community, as tourism spending filtered down through curio & food vending,
transportation, and such few labouring or domestic occupations as found
employment in the hotel.
The fishing beach berths approximately 30 boats, of which about 15 were in
evidence on visiting. It is a NEPA licensed beach and supports about 50
fishermen. In common with Rock fishing beach to the West, line, trap, net and
spear fishing are practiced. The fishermen spoken to were articulate in relation to
the Project. They drew on their own experiences with the construction of
Trelawny Beach to support their concerns for the Oyster Bay development.
These included warnings of the depletion of the mangroves which the built
environment brought with it. They cited their experience of serious reef damage
and fish depopulation arising from poorly treated sewage effluence and chemical
contamination by the original Trelawny Beach Hotel. In this respect, the
renamed, Starfish Resort is seen as an improvement.
They felt that Jet Skis within the Lagoon should be impermissible due to both oil
and noise pollution. Similarly, the creation and management of any artificial
beaches must ensure that sand is not simply removed from one location and
transferred to another, as also happened when groins were built by Trelawny
Beach.
82
Oyster Bay EIA
The fishermen made reference to a earlier planned protest against Starfish
Resorts, which was only aborted when management stopped relocating sand
from the fishing beach to the hotel beach under threat of being reported to
NEPA. The killing off of sea grass in order to create bathing spots, is another
danger they point to, based on their own experience. As at Rock, further East,
the fishing beach is said to be growing in size. Hurricane Ivan was not regarded
as having a serious negative impact on the beach. Most fishermen have their
homes within or nearby the community and not on the beach. However, no
sanitary conveniences or fresh water sources were observed on the beach. The
fishers are affiliated to the Falmouth Fishermen’s Co-operative.
Lying between the community and the Project area is FDR Pebbles, operated by
the FDR chain of hotels. This property comprising, 96 rooms, employs
approximately 250 staff, mainly drawn from outside of the community because of
the hospitality skills needed.
Developments Underway
The only pending development identified, is the Greenfield Cricket Stadium
project. This is to be located, within a few miles of the project and will impact
several communities in the area. The US$20M-US$35M development is to be on
approximately 40 acres. To the extent that Greenfield may also offer venue
facilities in other sports, the Project should benefit from its proximity.
Retreat Heights, a high income residential community, has developed a few
miles East of Coopers Pen, and comprises about 50 upscale houses on
individual lots, many with commanding ocean views. Construction is active and at
least another 50 units can be accommodated in the scheme. Its significance to
the Project, is that any major hotel development between Falmouth and Rio
Buena, is likely to find executive type accommodation in the development.
83
Oyster Bay EIA
Unfortunately this is not the same situation facing the housing needs of low
income workers of the Project, as is discussed below.
Heritage
The community members spoken to were not able to point to any special
heritage features within the community. However there are in fact several
interesting heritage sites in close proximity, that, if enhanced, could be of benefit
to the Project.
-
At Spring Gardens Estate, just beyond the entrance to Retreat Heights, are
preserved elements of an old sugar estate.
-
A few miles beyond Spring Estate, are the remains of a once very imposing
fortified great house known as Stewart Castle built around 1750. It is under
the care of the National Heritage Trust.
-
Further along, in the environs of Duncans, several points of historical interest
await the visitor.
Comments
The extent of the exchange of benefits between Coopers Pen and the Project, is
uncertain, more so if the property is managed as an all-inclusive one. It is likely
that the construction phase may contribute some work to the community. This
would be more certain, if training programs offered by HEART could somehow be
accessed by unemployed community members. The experience of the North
Coast Highway, which has not provided very much employment to the
community, points to the uncertainty of jobs necessarily materializing from major
projects. The relatively small numbers of persons from within the community
currently working at Starfish Resort, is a second indicator. The skills pool
required in hotel construction and operations is unlikely to exist outside of a
special training initiative targeted at the community.
84
Oyster Bay EIA
Tourism spending on craft, entertainment and food, will contribute some income.
However this may not lead to a corresponding increase in social development as
is discussed below. In addition, communities that are closer (for example Rock)
and certainly Falmouth, will likely enjoy a greater share of income flows that
leave the property.
4.10.2
ROCK
This unplanned community lies less than two miles to the West of the proposed
development. Formerly an important port, it now supports a number of small and
micro businesses, a fishing beach, but is essentially a residential dormitory of
Falmouth.
Demographics
From observation and information offered by residents, the population is about
500 persons, although the STATIN data puts the 2001 population of the 3
Electoral Divisions containing the entire strip as well as Hague and Martha Brea
at 1,600. The population profile is reported as being very similar to Coopers Pen,
being relatively young, with a high percentage of females, and with the majority
of households headed by females. It can be inferred that a similar dependency
ratio applies.
The assessment of land use, livelihoods, public health and safety, which follow,
suggest that because of proximity, some positive benefits may arise from the
Project as a result of both indirect income and direct employment generated. This
however, is unlikely to translate into really consequential and sustainable
development for this community unaided by very focused integrated planning
between the developers and government agencies as suggested below. An
indirect, but real threat that the Project poses for Rock, is the risk of outside
settlers further burdening the inadequate housing and other social infrastructure
in the community.
85
Oyster Bay EIA
As mentioned earlier and elaborated on below, large developments drive the
expansion of existing low income communities near the developments and in
some cases spawn new squatting communities. Because Rock is an established
lower income community, it will be the prime focus of new settlers. The majority
of these new settlers will probably not be hotel workers seeking accommodation,
but persons seeking income earning opportunities associated with major tourism
infrastructure.
The main land use is residential although there is a small fishing beach, which
also provides temporary berthing for pleasure boats. The community lies along
the original main road, with a ramp up onto the North Coast Highway. Like
Coopers Pen, the village comprises a mix of poorly presented shops,
entertainment venues and eateries, but also including auto repair shops,
barbering and hair dressing establishments. In all about 200 structures were
counted.
The fishing beach, which community memory puts at over 100 years of age,
comprises a small sandy beach. About 10 fishing boats are berthed, several
giving the appearance of being
un-seaworthy. There are about 15 regular
fishers. The Lagoon is said to contain
Mullet, Shad, Grouper, Snapper and
Jack. Fishing is regarded as an important part of the economy of the community.
Residents estimated that about 60% of the community relied on fishing for some
part of their income. Fishing, construction work and tourism were given as the
main sources of livelihoods but unemployment and underemployment were
reported as being very high.
With respect to tourism and the Project, the community is very aware of the
uniqueness and main attraction of the bay. One younger member of the group
86
Oyster Bay EIA
correctly attributed the name ‘dinoflagellate’ to the micro organism Pryodinium
bahamene
to which the famous phosphorescence effect is attributable. The
older fishers, volunteered that the decline of the dinoflagellate population
coincided with the operations of a tie dye factory, which, over a period of several
years, emptied its waste chemicals into the bay. The technical section of this
report however does not fully support the perception. Hurricane Allen also did
extensive damage to the bay’s ecosystems.
An interesting consensus, was that the population of dinoflagelattes has fully
recovered, but the luminosity once observed easily, is now severely
compromised by the lights associated with the built environment. One community
member (perhaps repeating a guided tour presentation) referred to the John
Hopkin’s University study on the ecology of the bay, undertaken in the “early
60’s”
Subsequent documentary research confirmed, that this study was
undertaken by a team led by Dr. William D. McElory a world authority at the time
on bio-flourescence. It was conducted over several years and involved the
setting up of a complete research laboratory.
The proposed project was rated as ‘badly needed’ by community members, and
seen as a potentially important contributor to the development of the community.
It was also felt that the community had the vision and capability of preparing itself
to offer various visitor attractions to the hotel. Entertainment, rafting tours and
restaurants were seen as the main vehicles for offering this.
The community members and fishermen, were not as vocal in their concern for
the protection of the Bay as were the fishers at Coopers Pen, perhaps because
of the absence of any recent major construction activity around the bay. They
regard silting of the bay as the major threat, they claim that the Martha Brae river
is increasingly loaded with sediments and support this observation by pointing to
how shallow the lagoon has become.
87
Oyster Bay EIA
Lying East of the community, are a number of hospitality properties, the best
known of these being Fisherman’s Inn and Glistening Waters. These properties
offer visitors a mixture of accommodation, boating and fishing, and dining.
The community was aware of the planned development, if not in any detail.
However they were unaware of any other pending projects, other than the
completion of the North Coast Highway and the sports facility.
Heritage
The beach contains traces of a little known historical landmark, the remnants of
an old sugar wharf discernable on the beach. This dates back to the days when
Rock was the port for the original parish capital of Trelawny, Martha Brae. Rock
was originally settled by an American John Mitchell, who gave the Project site its
name, ‘Florida’. Associated with this period, is also a prominent stretch of old
wall, which borders a guest house by the name of Taylor’s Bodmint. The property
also forms part of the land settled by Mitchell.
The beach was also the departure point for Jason Whyte, a teenaged community
member, who came to national prominence after drifting alone for days, after the
death of his father on a fishing trip. Eventually rescued by a passing ship, Jason
returned to a heroes welcome, and although no longer residing in Jamaica,
remains both the subject of a book, and a national icon of heroism.
It is not anticipated that heritage remnants within the community will be adversely
affected by the Project.
4.10.3
HAGUE
This residential community lies about 3 miles South West of the Project site, on
the road to Martha Brea. The community is centered on the Hague Housing
Scheme, which comprises about 200 lower middle income units. The community
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Oyster Bay EIA
is a dormitory community of Falmouth on which it relies for nearly all social
services. It is best known for its annual Agricultural Show, which in recent years
has been trying to recover its former status as a showcase for agricultural
produce in the western parishes.
Demographics
The population of this community is about 600. The average size household is
reported to be about 6 persons, and females are estimated to head 60% of
households. Demographically, the profile of Hague is one of a relatively under
serviced lower middle income community, with pockets of low income
settlements.
The main land use is residential. Land use density within the community is
dominated by the large housing scheme mentioned earlier. Agricultural
production appears to be of minimal importance to the community, though the
large agricultural show ground is maintained. There are two important
manufacturing entities located in the community. The largest is Windmill Garment
Manufacturers & King Pepper Products a food processing establishment.
However, employment in these companies is mainly drawn from the parish and
not the community.
Unemployment is not considered high, since most housing scheme residents are
employed outside of the community. However there is a growing pool of
unemployed youth, centered mainly on Hague Settlement, a once Operation
Pride Project, which lies just Southwest of the housing scheme. This comprises a
population of about 250 low income residents in an upgraded squatter
community.
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The Project is viewed
positively as a source of potential income by the
community. This would arise as tourism spending filters outwards through curio &
food vending, transportation, and project employment.
Community members were not clear on what Hague itself, could offer the Project
by way of tourist attractions, except the annual agricultural show. It was surmised
that the Project’s demand for agricultural produce, could give impetus to
agricultural production in the Parish, and thereby the annual show.
There is a current PRIDE project underway at Cave Island, above and to the
eastern side of the Hague housing scheme. When completed it will provide just
under 400 upgraded lots. To date it has handed over 286 titles. It represents one
initiative that will contribute to upgrading housing conditions in the wider Project
area.
Heritage
The community members spoken to were unaware of any special heritage
features close by, that could enhance the marketing of the Project. However as
they lie on the shortest route to the starting point for rafting on the Martha Brea
there is some potential for developing community based eco tourism attractions
and vending opportunities to take advantage of their location.
Comments
Hague will share in the general economic benefits brought about by the Project,
but has no special claim to these benefits. Nevertheless, it is a community of
lower middle income occupational skills, which could confer an advantage as a
source of clerical, administrative and technical skills to the Project. The alignment
of the new highway, allows the community easy access to the Project area. One
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Oyster Bay EIA
possible threat to the community, could be an influx of construction and post
construction workers seeking housing accommodation in the two PRIDE
schemes. Hague Settlement (the former PRIDE project, already shows the
potential for reverting to a predominately squatter community.
4.10.4
MARTHA BRAE
Martha Brae is another dormitory residential community to Falmouth. It lies about
6 miles South West of the Project area. Once the north coast highway is
completed, the traveling time between the Project area and Martha Brae will be
under 5 minutes. The community is of historical importance, being the former
capital town of Trelawny, and considered the site of a Spanish settlement called
Melilla. It is one of the main gateways to southern Trelawny, an agriculturally
and heritage endowed part of the Parish. The community itself is surprisingly
compact and lacking in civil infrastructure, belying its well known name and
historical associations.
Demographics
The population of this community is about 1,000. The average size household is
reported to be about 5 persons, and females are estimated to head 60% of
households. The population is reported by members, to comprise mainly the
middle aged and the very young. Young adults tending to leave the community
for more developed urban centers.
The main land use is residential. Members characterize the community as one in
which ‘outsider workers’ come to find accommodation. There are no important
manufacturing entities located in the community and only a few small, sole
proprietor service type businesses.
cited as the locations in which
Falmouth, Duncan's and Montego Bay are
community members seek work.
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However,
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unemployment is reported to be high among the labouring class, which
comprises mainly construction and domestic type skills and other hustling
occupations.
The Project was viewed positively, and as a source of potential income for the
community. Rafting, sightseeing, transportation, and direct project employment
were viewed as the most likely activities for achieving this. The center of rafting
activity lies just on the outskirts of the community. The main attraction is a 90
minute 3-mile raft ride on the Martha Brae, as it winds through the Martha Brae
river valley on its way to the lagoon (Oysters Bay). Rafters Village, which is the
starting point of the journey, is a well appointed and spacious parkland, offering a
variety of attractions to the visitor. According to management, it has resources to
accommodate up to 140 visitors on the river, at any one time. It is an important
source of employment in this part of Trelwany, providing income earning
opportunities to about 35 raft captains and about as many supporting personnel.
The William Knibb Memorial High School, is located just at the border of the
community. In recognition of the growth in the hospitality sector, they are
introducing in the 2004-2005 school year starting in Grade 10, a revamped Home
Economics program to include core hospitality courses. They anticipate
graduating about 20-30 students annually once the programme is underway. In
addition, for the same reason, Spanish is now taught throughout the school.
The community was not aware of any pending developments that would impact
the Project, other than completion of the Highway.
Heritage
Access from the Project to several well known heritage sites and points of
interest, will lie through Martha Brae.
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The community therefore has some
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potential for developing community based tourism attractions and vending
opportunities to take advantage of its location. These sites include:
-
the old town bridge across the Martha Brae River and
-
the old Falmouth Company’s disused Persian Wheel preserved beside it.
-
Potosi with its crumbling sugar works and plantation relics.
-
The ruins of the Retreat Great House and
-
the sugar works of Hampstead Estate.
-
The eighteenth century restored plantation house of Good Hope Property
and its many other well preserved estate buildings. Until recent times Good
Hope was operated as a hotel.
-
The Windsor Cave, about 10 miles from Martha Brea, is one of Jamaica’s
longest explorable cave systems (about 1.5 miles in length) and a once
popular and much promoted visitor attraction.
Both the communities mentioned and the Project, will need to seriously assess
how these heritage assets can be exploited to best advantage.
Comments
Martha Brae should benefit from the Project, particularly as rafting should prove
an important attraction to the hotel’s customers. It is a community of lower
middle income occupational skills, so it could
provide a source of clerical,
administrative and technical skills to the Project. However, as commented on
earlier, this is more likely to materialize if a purposeful and targeted training
opportunity is developed in association with training agencies such as HEART.
A threat to the Project could be the influx of construction and post construction
workers seeking housing accommodation in the squatter community of Zion. This
large and growing settlement lies just West of Martha Brae. The new Highway
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will give it easier access to the Project site, and if such an influx is not managed
properly could further exacerbate the already deteriorating social infrastructure.
4.10.5
FALMOUTH
Falmouth is the parish capital, and as its administrative and commercial center it
will probably be the community most positively involved with the Project.
Demographics
The population of Falmouth was 8,188 at the time of the 2001 Census. Between
1991 and 2001 its population had grown by only 1.85 %. This compares with a
51 % change in the population of Ocho Rios over the same period and a 13%
change in the population of Montego Bay. Growth in population, even allowing
for the redefinition of some boundaries, must be viewed as relatively slow, when
compared with Jamaica’s overall rate of growth of 5%. It is likely that population
growth will increase more rapidly as tourism development in the parish takes
place, as has been the pattern elsewhere. Between 1991 and 2001 there has
been a net loss of about 7,100 persons from the parish mainly to KMA, St.
Catherine and St. James. This movement may also be slowed.
In two respects the demographic profile of Trelawny, underscores the uncertainty
of Project employment benefits to the communities. Fifty one percent (51%) of
the age 15 and over population is reported as having been exposed to some
secondary level of education, the second lowest percentage among all parishes.
Similarly for university level training Trelawny has the second lowest ratio at
1.22%.
Although overall demographic characteristics are unlikely to have a direct impact
on any individual project, they do reinforce the data collected in the communities,
that point to high unemployment among youth, low levels of economic activity
and low job skills. The demographic data underscores the challenging social
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Oyster Bay EIA
environment in which the Project will operate.
Land use in Falmouth is shared between commercial and residential activity. It is
an important market center for produce distributed throughout the parish, and as
earlier mentioned is the administrative capital of the parish. Employment covers
the full spectrum of large town occupations. Tourism though present, is not the
main source of its revenues, since most tourist traffic transits the town on the way
to Ocho Rios or Montego Bay. With the completion of the Highway, which bypasses the town, this trend is likely to be intensified. The project is likely to draw
on the pool of construction, domestic, administrative, technical and managerial
resources that are associated with any large town of this size, if not for its full
needs, certainly for some proportion of it.
If the Project promotes the unique heritage assets found in the town, particularly
its rich Georgian architecture, it would be supporting the comparative advantage
in heritage tourism that Falmouth shares with only Spanish Town, Kingston and
Port Royal.
Public Health & Safety
In this and subsequent sections, issues pertinent to the Project, but shared in
common with the communities are dealt with.
Garbage collection in all of the communities is undertaken regularly by Western
Parks & Markets. Hague Settlement reported that irregular scheduling led to
frequent burning by residents. Sanitary conveniences are mainly a combination
of pit latrines and flush toilets although none of the residents in the communities
felt that human waste was entering the lagoon or sea via gullies or waterways. In
Coopers Pen, for example, the juxtaposition of the squatter community which
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slopes towards the sea, and the degraded algae covered fringing reef as
reported by the fishermen, suggests the impacts of nutrient loading of that bay.
In Rock where 100% of toilet facilities run to pits, the degraded wetlands
bordering the area which might otherwise have offered some filtration, suggests
that this may be all source of nutrient loading into the lagoon. There is only one
sewage treatment plant in Falmouth, which was built to serve Falmouth Gardens
(a housing scheme of about 150 units) but to which the hospital and food market
have also been connected. The remainder of the town uses flush toilets. Again,
because Falmouth itself is at sea level (some anecdotal reports place it below
sea level), sewering the town is an urgent public health prioirty.
The nearest health facilities available to the communities are in Falmouth, where
a Type C Hospital is located. Falmouth also has a Type 4 Health Clinic, which is
considered adequate for serving the needs in this area. Falmouth has the only
fire station in the parish but this station has only one unit. Fire services must be
considered totally inadequate in the event of there being a significant occurrence,
not to mention a multiple event. Considering Falmouth’s heritage assets, this
situation is deplorable. However, because of
pending tourism and sports
developments in the parish, plans are underway for a new station in Falmouth.
With respect to both police and postal services for the communities, these are
centered in Falmouth.
A potential health problem for the Project, or at least one that will pose a
nuisance, is the mosquito population in the wetlands. This has proved a
challenge to both Pebbles and Starfish. Yet another anecdotal story claims that
after Ivan, sevaral garbage bags of dead mosquitoes were removed from the
foyer of one of these properties. A month long ‘fogging’ program, at a cost of
J$50,000 commenced post Ivan, and covered the coastal strip between Silver
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Sands and Greenwood. A sustained mosquito eradication program is required if
this problem is to be contained.
Water Consumption
The communities are supplied water by NWC and in each community, the
service is regarded as adequate. Most dwellings are reported to be metered.
Trelawny is regarded as having more than adequate water resources. These
resources exist in the Martha Brae River Basin, from which the parish satisfies its
needs but also exports water. The following figures are based on the 1990
Master Plan of the Water Resources Authority of Jamaica.
Table 4.10.5: MCM/Year
Martha Brea Supply:
River Basin
Average
Yield
Supply:
Consumption: Unused :
Reliable
or
Reliable
or
Safe Yield
Safe Yield
Surface Water
279.4
19.7
1.4
18.3
Ground Water
202.1
150.6
22.6
128.0
Total
481.5
170.3
24.0
146.3
The NWC maintains two main treatment plants. Treatment Plant #1 (as it is
referred to) is located on the Martha Brea to Perth Town Road. It is responsible
for supplying treated water from Coopers Pen in the East to Wiltshire in the
West (near Greenwood in St. James). Any NWC water supplied the Project will
be from this plant.
In recognition of the tourism development that has taken place and is planned
for the planned for the Parish. Treatment Plant # 1 at Martha Brae is to be
refurbished to restore it to its designed capacity of 6M gallons per day. Up from
the roughly 4M gallons that it can treat currently. Upon completion, it is expected
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Oyster Bay EIA
that the 3M gallons currently exported to St. James will continue, and the
remaining 3M gallons will serve increased demand eastwards to Braco.
Treatment Plant #2, is located just outside of Falmouth. Currently most of its
water is exported to St. James.
However, the larger hotel properties neighbouring the Project area, report
problems with inconsistent water pressure. Starfish had to resort to putting in a
tank to maintain a dependable supply. This is obviously a distribution problem,
which the refurbishing of the treatment plant and associated pumping works is
designed to alleviate.
Electricity supply is considered adequate and available, although current
proposals to have major new power consumers purchase their own transformers
is likely to meet considerable resistance.
Telephone services particularly to large users such as the existing hotels, is
considered very inadequate. Cable & Wireless appears unable or unwilling to
provide the level of service.
Flooding
The communities reported that this stretch of coastline is not prone to flooding.
However, periodic flooding is a serious challenge in a community called
Mangrove, just south west of Falmouth. The community, in addition to being on a
very low water table is also apparently part of the natural drainage system. This
example is cited to underscore the hydrological challenges faced by high rise
major developments in this part of the parish. The Martha Brae Drag Line is the
main waterway that drains the wetland area to the south west of Falmouth into
the sea at Half Moon Bay.
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5.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS MEASURES
5.1
ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
Several impacts have been identified for this development , which includes both
negative and positive impacts. Consideration has been given to the scale of the
impacts (major or minor), the deviation of impacts (long term or short term) and
the permanency of the impacts (reversible or irreversible).
The environmental aspects likely to be impacted by this development, a
description of the main impacts and the proposed mitigation measure have been
described for the natural environment (Table 5.1) and the socio-economic
environment (Table 5.2).
Several key environmental issues have been identified for this site and for the
proposed development. Environmental Guidelines are presented in Appendix VI.
The main issues are outlined below and are relevant to the determination of
impacts and the proposed mitigation measures, as described in the following
sections.
Issue 1: Low-Lying Coastal Lands
The proposed resort site, comprising low-lying coastal lands known as Bush Cay
and Florida, and the more elevated interior land at Hope Gate, is located near
Falmouth on a peninsula situated closely behind the fringing coral reef from
which it is separated by a narrow back reef lagoon. The peninsula is exposed
and vulnerable to storm waves and storm surges as evidenced by the large
amount of coral rubble deposited on beach berm and elsewhere by erosion
scarps along sections of the beach face.
An early map shows that in the 1880’s Bush Cay was separate from the
mainland. More recent aerial photography shows that since then the peninsula
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Oyster Bay EIA
has grown in a westerly direction, incorporating the original Bush Cay, by sand
accretion along the northern side and probably also by the deposition of soft
sediments from the Martha Brae river along the southern side.
In physical terms the site is dynamic and the sea grass bed at the tip is essential
for the binding of the sediments in this process of accretion, as well as the
mangroves growing incrementally along the southern side.
Issue 2: Coastal Protection and Setbacks
In addition to the more conventional type rooms on the land the development
proposes to provide rooms situated on piles over the water along the northern
shore of the peninsula. There are no specific international guidelines governing
the operation of such structures nor is there any particular negative
environmental issue associated with them. Placed on piles such structures do not
have any more effect on the ecology of inshore waters than do ordinary boating
piers and it should be noted that they are in common use throughout the world.
The rooms are raised above sea level and as long as they are not tightly
clustered, as would be the case for the proposed development, they do not
obscure the seascape in an unacceptable fashion.
Land rooms and other
buildings will require some setback. Sewage from toilets in sea rooms is to be
taken in pipes secured below the pier to the mainland and then treated in the
onshore facilities.
Issue 3: Mangrove Swamps
The mangroves of Falmouth and Salt Marsh are listed among the major wetlands
of Jamaica in the NRCA’s Mangrove and Coastal Wetlands Protection Draft
Policy and Regulations, 1997. Specific reference is made to Bush Cay and
Florida
swamps
in
that
document,
including
the
statement
that
“the
phosphorescence was lost subsequent to indiscriminate clearing of mangroves
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around the lagoon”. That allegation has never been proven. Other possible
factors include the following:
a. leaching of marl from newly constructed roads across the
mangroves
b. marsh drainage and reclamation activities that were then being
carried out in the Martha Brae estuary, and
c. discharges from the commercial tie-dying operation at Rock.
However, the most likely cause was channel dredging in the bay at that time in
order to accommodate a proposed marina. Dredging would have disturbed the
soft sediments in the bay, brought them into suspension, and adversely affected
the quality of the water such that the dinoflagellates could not survive.
In 1967, a resolution was passed by the Trelawny Parish Council to impose
theTree Preservation (Bush Cay, Trelawny) Order on that part of the peninsula
‘to promote rejuvenation of the mangroves on Bush Cay which had been
destroyed prior to that time’. Since then the TPC passed a resolution on 8th July
to have the Order revoked so as to allow for replacement of the willow trees with
native species. The application is now before the Minister prior to being gazetted.
The mangroves are clearly important to coastal stability and to ecological
functions of the Bay and their conservation is essential.
Issue 4: The Glistening Waters/Oyster Bay
The peninsula encloses Oyster Bay, an estuary into which debouches the Martha
Brae River.
Oyster Bay is reknowned for its phosphorescence, which is due to
the presence of microscopic bioluminescent dinoflagellates in the water.
Vegetation on the western end of the peninsula is partly dominated by
mangroves. These border Oyster Bay and are an integral part of the coastal
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ecosystem, contributing to the biological productivity of the estuary. This
productivity supports the existence of the dinoflagellates as well as the marine
nursery function of the bay.
Oyster Bay and its waters are susceptible to pollutants and contamination arising
from inappropriate activities that may take place in the Martha Brae watershed
and along the coast.
For this reason it would be prudent to put in place a
resource use and management plan for Oyster Bay.
No untreated sewage effluent or other untreated effluent is to be released into
the Bay.
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Table 6.1: Natural Environment – Potential Impacts, Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Environmental
Aspect
Drainage
Potential Impacts
Mitigation Measures
Impacts on drainage are both direct and indirect.
1. The engineering design for each component of the
They relate to all phases of the development and to
development should use the 100-yr. event as design criterion
high volume events (major drainage) as well as to
for drainage structures, to accommodate flash floods and
drainage requirements for run-off from more
catastrophic events.
frequent events (minor drainage).
2. Storm water runoff (more frequent events) will be handled by
curbs, channels, and retention ponds. These must be designed
Two-thirds of the land is wetland and typically
to prevent ponding and flooding on the property.
inundated. Rehabilitation of the wetland will retain
3.
the wetland area.
Retention ponds should be created for the collection of storm
water from which over flow can lead to the mangroves.
Landscaping will necessitate gradation to facilitate this over flow
movement. This will prevent the collection of stagnant pools of
water, and will prevent the direct drainage of stormwater to the
coast.
4. All existing drainage lines must be kept open and no
obstructions must be built within these lines. Culverts and drains
should be designed to channel surface run-off into existing
drainage lines.
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5. Retention ponds can also be used for irrigation purposes.
These mitigation measures are the responsibility of the
developer.
Operation Phase
During the operation phase the mitigation measures incorporated in
the engineering design should prevent:
1. Problems of ponding,
2. Facilitate surface run-off. Scheduled inspections and
maintenance of drainage channels is critical
3. Prevent direct channelling of stormwater to the coast
4. Reduce potential of the development of nuisance issues
through the elimination of stagnant ponds which encourage
mosquito breeding
5. The establishment of the retention ponds and overflow into
the mangroves will prevent direct inputs of freshwater into
Oyster Bay, that can affect the bioluminescence of the bay.
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Hazard
Vulnerability
Impacts during site preparation or construction
1. Site preparation and construction schedules should take
relate to the effect of flood events and stormwater
account of the traditional rainy season between May and
run-off in the project area.
October, and of the hurricane season from June to November,
during which tropical systems sometimes cause flood rains.
With respect to man-made/technological hazards,
Extraordinary tropical systems have also caused problems of
accidents can occur as a result of construction
supersaturated soils, so that schedules should factor this
activities directly on-site and as a result of activities
eventuality.
off-site, such as transportation of equipment and
materials.
2. A safety management plan including traffic handling and
equipment management procedures should be developed as
part of the construction scheduling.
Health and safety aspects must be considered with
respect to workers existing residents on the site
and
the
motoring
public
during
both
the
Construction and the Operation Phases.
A major risk due to the proximity of the site to the
coast is storm surge.
Operation Phase
3. Engineering design must take account of appropriate design
During the operation phase the mitigation measures
incorporated in the engineering design should
105
for wind, storm surge and seismic activity.
4. An Evacuation Protocol must be established to safeguard
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public health and safety in the event of predictable events.
prevent problems associated with hazards.
These would include the annual hurricane season from June to
November.
developer.
Air Quality
1. Watering of un-vegetated areas and stripped road surfaces
Site Preparation and Construction Phase
Movement of trucks and heavy-duty equipment
along which construction vehicles and trucks travel will
to and from the project area, as well as
control dust emissions by up to 70%. A full-time watering
construction work and stockpiling of earth
truck should be maintained on site for watering road
material, will contribute to dust emissions.
surfaces as needed to minimize fugitive dust emissions.
Construction activities will also result in the removal
Over-saturated conditions, which would cause outgoing
of vegetation that will expose and loosen soil which
trucks to track mud onto public streets, should be
can become airborne with medium to strong winds.
avoided. Watering would not be necessary on days when
This would add fugitive dust to the area, which is
rainfall exceeds 2.5 mm (0.01 inch).
already dust prone because of previous land
clearance. The transport of aggregate for road and
drainage culvert construction will also contribute to
the fugitive dust levels. Construction vehicles will
106
2. Stock piling of earth materials for construction should be
carried out within temporarily constructed enclosures to limit
fugitive dust. Vehicles transporting earth materials should be
covered en route. Mixing equipment should be sealed properly
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emit air contaminants such as nitrogen and sulphur
and vibrating equipment should be equipped with dust
oxides as well as particulates.
removing devices. Stockpiles of fines should be covered on
windy days.
3. A monitoring program for dust is recommended to assess the
effectiveness of control measures in meeting ambient air
quality standards.
Operation Phase
4. Provide dust masks to operators in order to protect them
from dust impacts.
5. Take account of prevailing wind direction and plant tall leafy
and dense vegetation between roads and human settlements
to filter pollutants.
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1. Emissions from the generator must take account of
Operations Phase
Electricity will be produced on site by a Caterpillar
machine.
ambient standards.
2. Vibrations should take account of existing international
standards in the absence of national standards.
Coastal
Processes
1. Due
Operations Phase
•
Stability of the beach is affected by accretion
Construction of solid structures can impact beach
processes.
dynamic
nature
of
the
beach
it
is
recommended that no hard structures (groynes) be
2. Setback and elevation must be such that the 50-year
situ period surge (3.7m) does not affect critical areas.
•
Establishment of structures on the beach.
•
Elevation and set back of buildings can impact
Design
coastal processes and put buildings at risk during
should
construction.
include
the
use
of
tunnel
form
This will allow flow through of water and
reduce obstruction impacts.
3. The design of buildings on land should not interfere
storm surge.
•
the
established until further detailed studies are done.
and erosion and the beach is dynamic.
•
to
with existing coastal processes.
Placement and density of sea rooms, piling
design and construction can increase drag and
4. Piling design should take account of scour protection.
prevent water movement, and lead to scour.
5. Mangroves and seagrasses must be conserved to
Safety of the beach and swim area. A breach in
the reef has resulted in the creation of a rip
maintain accretion of sediment on the western point.
6. The piling design and density must take into account the
current which will make swimming hazardous at
108
coastal process and not reduce flow of water, create
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this point.
obstruction impacts and lead to scouring.
7. To eliminate the rip current
it is recommended that the
breach in the reef be sealed. This would be by underwater
groyne with a vertical height that allows overflow to prevent the
creation of a closed area.
8. Piles cannot be placed directly on the reef structure.
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Noise
The noise level is expected to increase during site
1. Although not expected to create a significant negative
preparation and construction with the use of heavy
impact, noise impacting on the existing components of the
machinery and earth moving equipment, and during
development from construction activities can be minimized by
piling.
limiting noisy construction activities to the hours between 7 am
and 6 pm, where construction is in close proximity to residential
areas.
Construction machinery and vehicles should be
serviced at regular intervals in order to keep noise to a
minimum.
2. Workers must be equipped with ear muffs as appropriate.
3. Adhere to NEPA noise standards.
Operation Phase
Siting of the generators should be away from guest rooms,
bird roosting sites in the mangroves and adjacent property
owners.
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Marine Water
Quality
and Reefs
Construction Phase
•
Erosion
and
Construction Phase
terrestrial
run-off
during
the
construction and operational phases of the
development will cause serious degradation of
the seagrass meadows and coral recruitment
1. The creation of a drainage containment area further inland
where run-off could be channelled and held.
2. Establishing setback limits for Buildings situated close to
beach front.
areas. This is particularly true because of the
shallow nature of the back reef area. Storm water
run-off
can
also
become
deleterious
by
4. Creating footpaths throughout the development that will
substances (especially petroleum based) to the
minimise loss of vegetation and the compaction of soil caused
marine environment. It must be noted that a
by pedestrian traffic.
nutrients,
sediments
and
significant deposition of sand is occurring on the
5. Measures to control or limit sedimentation in drainage
western tip of the area extending around to the
channels during the construction phase will include storage of
fringe mangroves. Any increase in sediments
earth materials within containment berms
could
have
serious
consequences
for
the
6. The deployment of sediment traps during any approved filling
mangrove root community
Physical damage to the reef structure during
Suspended
solid
loading
garbage) to the coastal
in the coastal environment.
7. The engineering design must incorporate measures for slope
construction of over-sea units.
•
sea.
toxic
introducing
•
3. Maintaining a vegetation barrier between the land and the
(sediments
and
waters (from earth
moving activities and terrestrial run-off)
stabilization and reinforcement to prevent slope failure on steep
slopes.
8. The proper removal and disposal of construction spoil, so as
111
Oyster Bay EIA
•
Increased bacterial levels due to indiscriminate
disposal
of
human
waste
(particularly
construction camp activities).
•
not to block drains and gullies.
9. Take all necessary measures to prevent refuse (solid waste)
and wastewater produced in construction camps from entering
Oil and grease from heavy equipment and
into drains and water bodies.
trucks.
10. Provision of portable chemical toilets at work sites, with
appropriate sanitary arrangements for disposal of the contents.
11. Oil and grease which may be generated from construction
equipment should not be allowed to run into the sea and should
be properly stored and disposed of, off site, to prevent
washdown in terrestrial run-off during rainfall events.
The above mitigation measures are the ultimate responsibility
of the developer, working with contractors and subcontractors.
12. Durng the operation phase proper receptacles for the
collection of solid waste must be installed and guests must be
sensitized to solid waste issues.
13. The services of a reliable, certified contractor must be
engaged for the timely and efficient removal of solid waste to
an approved site.
14. A proactive policy for waste management must be put in
Operation Phase
place to prevent dumping in the coastal zone by guests and
The most important impacts relate to physical
112
Oyster Bay EIA
damage to the reef structure from visitor activity.
staff.
This
could
include
improper
waste
disposal
practices from over-sea rooms.
management entity for each component of the development.
15. Monitoring of the coastal environment should be conducted
against baseline data and to assess cumulative impacts on
water qualtiy.
The
increase
in
number
of
snorkelers
and
recreational SCUBA divers may lead to physical
damage of the reef due to trampling, breaking
16. Establish regulations and promote environmental awareness
amongst visitors and residents e.g. using posters or signs, giving
talks in hotels/communities.
corals or removal of organisms for souvenirs.
The requirements and implementation of coastal water quality
monitoring to determine the impacts of all coastal developments
is the responsibility of NEPA. Water quality monitoring may
be the responsibility of the developer if speciefied by NEPA
in any permit issued. Other mitigation measures are the
responsibility of the developer.
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Oyster Bay EIA
Back Reef
Environment
Construction of Cottages within the shallow back
1. Construction methods used must ensure that intrusion into
reef environment as proposed by the developers
the seagrass/coral pavement areas be limited and carefully
poses
monitored.
several
problems.
Firstly,
during
the
construction phase of the development, the shallow
and sensitive nature of this area predisposes it to
degradation. Seagrasses and coral recruits do not
2. During construction phases sediment screens should be
used to reduce the transportation of sediments to other
seagrass areas as well as to the fore reef system.
do well in areas that have high sedimentation rates.
The use of heavy equipment could be problematic.
3. Minimise use of heavy equipment in environmentally
sensitive areas.
The use of pilings to support these structures would
mean the interruption of the current flows now
occurring. Changing flow characteristics could lead
to loss of beach sand due to erosion and absence
of natural replenishment. Scouring would also occur
around the foot of the pilings. The structures
themselves would also create an additional problem
of
shading.
Seagrasses
and
corals
are
photosynthetic and do not occur where sunlight is
not optimal.
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Oyster Bay EIA
Vegetation
1. Mangrove and scrubland will have to be cleared to provide
Site preparation and construction activities will
land for the development works.
result in the removal of several acres of mangrove,
stands should be carried out on a phased basis to reduce the
removing the airshed purification function and
amount of exposed top soil that can be washed down in rainfall
habitat for birds.
events.
Clearing of the vegetative
2. Clearance of vegetation should be done in accordance with
The
removal
of
mangroves
can
impact
the
production of vitamin B12 by dinoflagellates who
obtain
their
food
from
decaying
the Terms and Conditions specified in any permit from NEPA
and in respect of pre-designated mangrove areas for retention.
mangrove
3. Trees to be retained should be ‘red-flagged’ to alert
vegetation.
contractors.
4. Construction monitoring is recommended.
Scrubland and casuarina will be removed.
The development also proposes the construction of
the entrance to the property on the Northwest
mangrove fringed shore. The construction would
5. To continue to provide airshed functions of purification it is
recommended that verges be replanted with trees and shrubs
where appropriate.
also involve the erection of docking facilities to
6. Selection of plants for landscaping should consider the
accommodate vessels used to transport guests.
following: habitat suitability, feeding trees, trees of national
Potential impacts include the clearing of mangroves
interest, flowering trees and shrubs.
and dredge and fill activities to consolidate the soil.
7. Replace Casuarina with native coastal species.
Dredging might also be necessary to give vessels
8. A nursery should be established to provide material to be
115
Oyster Bay EIA
enough draught.
used.
9. Resuscitation of dead mangroves is to be undertaken to
facilitate the creation of a Nature Park, to encourage habitat for
wildlife.
10. Though undesirable the removal of any mangroves must be
accompanied by an equal restoration effort at another section
of the property.
11. Dredging activities should be kept to a minimum; liberated
sediments can prove deleterious to marine flora and fauna.
12. During the operational phases, care should be taken in the
case of vessel maintenance and operation to avoid spills of oil,
gasoline and the containment of runoff from cleanup activities.
The requirement for construction monitoring and the establishment
of Permit Conditions are the responsibility of NEPA. Other
mitigation measures are ultimately the responsibility of the
developer and any contractors or subcontractors.
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Oyster Bay EIA
Birds
1. Design of golf courses should ensure that feeding trees
Site Preparation and Construction
Vegetation clearance will result in loss of habitat for
(particularly
both endemic and migratory bird species.
corridors.
sweetwoods)
are
connected
by
vegetation
2. Efforts should be made to retain forest strips along gully
slopes.
3. Landscaping and vegetation buffers, will result in the
replacement of some habitat for selected species.
4. Selective vegetation clearance should be exercised to ensure
that feeding, nesting and roosting sites are maintained in
suitable numbers.
5. It is not expected that poachers will be a threat, as the
development is secure and access is limited.
developer and the design engineers.
Operation Phase
The creation of a Nature Park will facilitate habitat creation for
several species of birds including migrating species.
117
Oyster Bay EIA
Nusiance
Species
Operation Phase
1. the removal of casuarinas will be a benefit as these are
Casuarina is a alien invasive species which will be
introduced and invasive species. The pine needles coat the
soil and prevent natural ecological process.
removed.
Standing water in this environment can lead to the
2. Sloping and grading of the landscape to facilitate water flow
must be done to prevent ponding and build up of standing
breeding of mosquitos.
water.
3. Contractor needs to develop a site management plan for
construction.
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Oyster Bay EIA
Table 6.2: Social Environment – Potential Impacts, Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Environmental Aspect
Potential Impacts
Mitigation Measures
Traffic, Transportation Site Preparation and Construction Phase
and Access Roads
Site preparation and construction activities will see
an increase in the movement of heavy vehicles and
construction equipment.
1. Scheduling of construction work should seek to
minimise disruption to traffic flow along the main
north coast artery and allow for the movement of
material and heavy equipment.
Operation Phase
Disruption to traffic is not anticipated during the
operation phase. Exit ramps from the main road to
access property on both the north and the south
side of the property should be considered.
2. Arrangements for parking and storage of material
should be made on-site as is feasible for efficient
operations.
3. Discussion should be had with the National Works
Agency regarding the provision of underpasses and
exit ramps.
4. Properly trained flag persons and road side signs
should be used where the movement of heavy
machinery and construction equipment may cross
the main road.
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Oyster Bay EIA
developer and the contracters in consultation with
the National Solid Waste Management Authority, as
required.
Business Enterprises
Employment
Construction Phase and Operation Phase
No business enterprises will be disrupted.
No mitigation measures are required.
Employment opportunities will be created during
the site preparation and construction phases. This
will mostly be unskilled labour for the duration of
the construction activities. Additionally, economic
opportunities
will
involve
the
sourcing
of
construction material and linkages created with
local and regional suppliers and industries.
1. Casual labour will find employment and this is
expected to be a positive impact for the surrounding
communities.
2. Workers should be briefed on traffic management,
solid and liquid waste disposal, dust management,
parking, idling of equipment and oil spill control.
3. The “politicization” of employment opportunities
often poses some challenge to contractors, and the
need for security and relevant dialogue have to be
factored into construction planning.
4. Training should be sought for unskilled labour
from local communities as required.
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Oyster Bay EIA
developer.
Solid Waste
Management
Solid waste generated from the site preparation
1. Construction sites generate considerable waste
and construction activities will include construction
and provision must be made for suitable separation
debris, vegetation, solid waste from beaches, and
and storage of waste in designated and labelled
solid waste generated from the construction camp.
areas throughout the site and at the site camp.
2. Collection of waste by certified contractors and
disposal at an approved site, as recommended and
approved by the National Solid Waste Management
Authority.
3. Any hazardous waste should be separated and
stored in areas clearly designated and labelled, for
future entombing and disposal as directed by the
National Solid Waste Management Authority.
4. Worker training should include instructions on
how to dispose of food and drink containers
emphasizing the need to protect the coastal
environment.
5. Construction camps and work areas along the
proposed alignment must be adequately equipped
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Oyster Bay EIA
with portable chemical toilets.
6. Portable chemical toilets must be provided,
maintained and removed by a certified contractor.
7. Consideration
establishment
should
of
an
be
given
Integrated
Solid
to
the
Waste
Management Plan.
developer.
Proposed
Major developments within the areas include the
1. It is uncertain as to the impact of these
Developments
Harmony Cove Developments at Harmony Hall,
developments on the proposed development in
Trelawny and the Green Field Site for World Cup
relation to market share.
Cricket 2007.
2. Cumulative impacts related to traffic management
may occur if construction schedules overlap. The
mitigation measures as described under traffic
management would need to be applied by other
developers.
3. Discussions should be held with the relevant
government agencies to determine the solution for
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Oyster Bay EIA
the potential squatter settlements that have been
arising
in
close
proximity
to
these
major
developments.
Public Health and
Safety
Site preparation and construction will involve,
1. To minimise risk to the public the construction
transportation and storage of significant volumes of
activities which will directly affect the movement of
construction material,
traffic
and proper disposal of
construction spoil and any hazardous waste.
Mitigation Measures
and
pedestrians,
should
be
properly
scheduled and standard construction techniques for
sign–posting and flagging should be adhered to.
Increased levels of fugitive dust and construction
2. Dust control by wetting is essential.
noise are also public health issues as the air
quality is already deteriorated in this region and
3. Unnecessary
idling
of
construction
related
vehicles should be discouraged.
noise and activity levels are high.
4. Proper sign posting of speed limits and entrances
and exits.
Operation Phase
Increased human activity in the areas could stress
5. Discussions should be held with the relevant
the existing pressure on a diminished Fire Services
authorities regarding facilities for fire protection and
Department.
health and safety.
developer.
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Oyster Bay EIA
Zoning
Some types of recreational water sports are
incompatible, such as snorkeling and jet skiing.
Some areas of the reef are in shallow water, and
accidents could occur.
1. Zoning of areas for swimming/snorkeling and for
other sports such as jet skiing.
2. Placing markers to identify shallow parts of reef
which may be hazardous to jet skiers.
3. Hazardous
swim
areas
should
be
clearly
demarcated and restricted in access.
These mitigation measures are the responsibility of
the developer.
Archaeological
Cultural Heritage
and Site Preparation and Construction Phase
1. The JNHT should be informed of the construction
The general area is rich in heritage value and site
schedule and given an opportunity to conduct a
preparation and construction could result in the
Watching Brief during the construction phase and to
unearthing and discovery of artefacts.
perform Rescue Archaeology if any artifacts are
discovered.
2. These mitigation measures are the responsibility
of the developer in association with the JNHT.
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Oyster Bay EIA
Sewage Treatment
Operation Phase
3. Raw sewage must not be pumped into the sea.
The development proposes in excess of a
4. Treated sewage effluent from the package plant
thousand rooms. Sewerage that is untreated or
must be fed to irrigation holding tanks. From the
poorly treated contains high levels of nutrients that
holding tanks aerated effluent will be used for
can cause the smothering of the reef systems and
irrigation and dissipated through the mangroves via
seagrass areas. Potentially it would mean loss of
multiple outlets.
clean water surrounding the development.
5. NEPA Sewage Irrigation Standards must be met
Establishment of a package plant on the east side
of the site.
Each hotel will be equipped with
retention facilities fed by each room.
Treated
sewage will be fed into a retention pond.
for sewage effluent and the Sewage Irrigation
Standard also if waters are to be used for irrigation.
Irrigation standards indicated in Section 3.2.12 must
be adhered to.
6. A permit and license for sewage treatment and
Nutrients and bacteria can impact the coastal
discharge must apply.
Monitoring of effluent
waters resulting in entrophication of coastal waters.
discharge must be conducted during the operation
of the facility.
Organic loading and phosphates can impact bay
7. A sewage treatment plant must be constructed to
waters altering the delicate balance that now exists
take and contain all sewerage, inclusive of the
causing the reduction of bioluminescence in the
structures that are proposed offshore.
bay.
8. The treated water from these activities can be
used
125
to
irrigate
the
lawns
and
Oyster Bay EIA
gardens of the property.
Utilities
Operation Phase
Operation Phase
1. Increased demand on water supply
2. Generation of solid waste
1. Confirm discussion with the National Water
Commission regarding the supply of potable water.
3. Solid waste facilities are required in local
communities
2. The developer should participate in the upgrade
of the Martha Brae Treatment Plant.
3. All solid waste must be taken to the Retirement
Site.
Lighting
Increased lighting will decrease the visibility of the No lighting should be directed toward the Oyster Bay.
luminescent bay and reduce its attractiveness.
126
Oyster Bay EIA
5.2 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative Impacts have been taken into consideration as the north coast
supports a thriving tourism industry and is projected to expand based on the
increase in tourism facilities. For the north coast in general, these include the
Royal Georgian Resort and Spa at Llandovery in St. Ann, the Bahia Hotel at Pear
Tree Bottom also in St. Ann, and the Harmony Cove Resort near Braco also in
St. Ann as well as the 2,000 room Spanish hotel and Cruise Ship Pier in Lucea,
Hanover.
Much closer to the proposed development site is the location of the Trelawny
Stadium which is to be constructed for hosting the World Cup Cricket in 2007.
The site is on 40 acres of land just off the main north coast road from Rock.
The main cumulative impact relates to the potential increase in opportunitic
persons hoping to capitalize on the benefits to be derived from increased visitor
arrivals to the areas.
This could lead to squatting, illegal roadside vending,
informal and illegal residential communities, poor sanitation practices and
congestion on small roads and near to entrances.
The main mitigation measures to counteract this, are not the responsibility of the
developer, but the government regulatory and enforcement agencies.
•
Accommodation must be provided to facilitate the influx of persons seeking
job opportunities (at different levels) anticipated from the hotels and sport
facility
•
Enforcement against squatting, vending and other unapproved activities must
be immediate at the first sign.
These impacts are not specific to this project and evidence of the lack of
provision of accommodation and the lack of enforcement in other resort area is
127
Oyster Bay EIA
obvious. It would be beneficial for the government agencies to cooperate with
developers within the project area.
128
Oyster Bay EIA
6.0
CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES
Alternative Site
An alternative site was not selected as this site is owned by the developer, and
chosen specifically for its environmental attributes.
Alternative Design
Alternative designs to building were considered but the concept of a Bora Bora
style units is the concept that the developer desires for this development.
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Oyster Bay EIA
7. OUTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MONITORING PLAN
7.1
MONITORING PROGRAMME
If a permit is granted for the proposed project, and before site preparation and
construction activities begin, the developer should submit a Monitoring
Programme to NEPA for approval, if required to do so. The aim of the Monitoring
Programme is to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, implementation of
the mitigation measures and long-term minimization of negative environmental
impacts. The Monitoring Programme should include a Construction Plan and
Schedule with a description of any proposed phasing of activities, recommended
Mitigation Measures and proposed methods of compliance. The Monitoring
Programme should also include an Inspection Protocol; planned Supervision of
Site Preparation and Construction Activities and implementation of Post
Construction Monitoring.
During construction reports should be submitted to
NEPA as well as a final summary report of the effectiveness of the mitigation
measures.
Parameters to be included in the Monitoring Programme should
include, but not be limited to, Air Quality, Coastal Water Quality, Noise, Coral
Reef Structure, Solid Waste Management, Mangrove Rehabilitation and
Vegetation Conservation.
The monitoring of the reef systems is also important, the Reef Check
methodology instituted by Reef Check International and used world wide is a
quick and relatively easy method used to monitor the health of the reef systems.
The use of this method also gains points towards the Blue Flag accreditation
sought after by hotels and marinas around the world.
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Oyster Bay EIA
REFERENCES
Adams, C.D., 1972. Flowering Plants of Jamaica. University of the West Indies.
Ahmad. R. 2003. Natural Hazard Maps in Jamaica: Foundations for Sustainable
Developement. First National Scientific Conference on the Environment. April 910, 2003, Kingston, Jamaica.
Bond, J. 1985. Birds of the West Indies. Collins.
Bull, J. and J. Farrand Jr. 1977. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North
American Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
Downer A. and R. Sutton. 1990. Birds of Jamaica – A Photographic Field Guide.
Cambridge University Press.
Eaton, A.D., L.S. Clesceri and A.E. Greenberg, 1995. Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater. American Public Health Association,
American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation.
Environmental Solutions Ltd. 1992. Environmental Evaluation of the New
Falmouth Resort Development Site, Florida/Bush Cay, Trelawny.
Grossman, D.H., S. Iremonger and D.M. Muchoney. 1991. Jamaica: A Rapid
Ecological Assessment Phase 1. The Nature Conservancy.
Humann,P.,N. Delaoch. 2002 Reef creature identification: Florida, Caribbean,
Bahamas. New World Publication, Inc Jacksonville, Fl, USA. pp248.
Humann,P.,N. Delaoch. 2002 Reef coral identification: Florida, Caribbean,
Humann,P.,N. Delaoch. 2002 Reef fish identification: Florida, Caribbean,
Scullion Littler, D., M. Littler, K Bucher, J.N.Norris 1989. Marine plants of the
Caribbean: A field guide form Florida to Brazil. Smithsonian Institution Press.
Washington Dc, USA. Pp 263.
Seliger H.H, J.H. Carpenter, M. Loftus and W.D. McElroy: Mechanisms for the
accumulation of High Concentrations of Dinoflagellates in a bioluminescent Bay:
Limnology and Oceanography, 1970. Vol 15 No.2. pp 234-245.
Seliger H.H and W.D. McElroy, Studies at Oyster Bay in Jamaica, West Indies. I.
Intensity Patterns of Bioluminescence in a Natural Environment: Journal of
Marine Research Vol 26. No.3. pp 245-255.
131
Oyster Bay EIA
Schwartz A. and R. W Henderson. Amphibians and Reptiles of the West Indies –
Descriptions, Distributions and natural History. University of Florida Press. 1991.
Steindinger, K.A. 1979. Collection ,enumeration and identification of free living
dinoflaggellates. Toxic Dinoflagellate Blooms. Taylor/Selinger(EDS).Elsevier
North Holland Inc., pp. 435-442.
Tomblin and Robson. 1971. Catalogue of Felt Jamaican Earthquakes.
Vollenweider, R.A. 1969. A manual on methods for measuring primary production
in aquatic environments. IBP Handbook 12, Blackwell Scientific Publications,
Oxford. pp. 213.
Webber, D.F, P.E. Edwards, M.H.Hibbert, Report on The Environmental
Assessment and Management of the Martha Brae River Estuary, Falmouth
Trelwany, Jamaica. 1998.
Eaton et al 1995. Eaton A.D., Clesceri L., Greenberg A.E. and Franson M.A.H.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 1995. 14th
Edition, American Public Health Association/American Water Works
Association/Water Environment Federation, Washington D.C.USA.
Environmental Solutions Limited. 2003. North Coast Highway Construction
Monitoring Report prepared for Stanley Consultants Limited.
Lapointe, B., 1992, Eutrophication thresholds for macro algal overgrowth of coral
reefs, pg. 105-112 in K. Thacker (ed.), Protecting Jamaica's coral reefs: water
quality issues, Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society, Negril, Jamaica.
Smith-Shirley, Sharonmae. 2004. The Chemistry of the South Negril River: A
Pollution Assessment Study, Master's Thesis, Department of Chemistry,
University of the West Indies, Mona.
Bioluminescent
Bay.
URL:
stjohnbeachguide.com/Vieques_HTML/Bioluminescent_Bay.html
Http://www.
Verde 1993. Wildlife Conservation, Wild Places by Tom Verde.
Http://www.biobay.com
URL:
Webber, Edwards, Hibbert. 1998. Ecological Assessment and Baseline Data for
the Martha Brae River Estuary/Wetland Management Project. Report to
Trelawny Environmental Protection Agency by Dale Webber, Peter Edwards and
Marlon Hibbert.
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APPENDICES
133
Oyster Bay EIA
APPENDIX I: SMITH WARNER INTERNATIONAL LTD. REPORT
134
Oyster Bay EIA
APPENDIX II: ESL MARTHA BRAE DATA (ESL 2003)
Martha
Brae
River at
Bridge
January
03
Martha
Brae River
at Bridge
February
03
Martha
Brae
River at
Bridge
March 03
Martha
Brae
River at
Bridge
April 03
Martha Brae
River
at Bridge
May 03
Martha
Brae River
at
(Rafters
Rest)
May 03
Martha
Brae
River
at Bridge
June 03
Martha
Brae
River
at Bridge
July 03
TSS (mg/L )
101.0
4.3
6.3
7.8
8.6
19.3
19.0
Nitrate(as Nitrogen) (mg/L )
9.7
11.0
12.3
11.9
11.0
7.9
Phosphate (mg/L )
0.09
0.17
0.10
0.10
0.11
Total Coliform (MPN/100ml
)
Faecal Coliform
(MPN/100ml )
∃2,400
1100
1100
210
1,100
1100
1100
Oil & Grease (mg/L )
7.0
5.9
1.60
PARAMETERS
Martha
Brae
River
at Bridge
August
03
4.3
Martha
Brae
River
Upstream
of Bridge
August
03
5.3
11.7
30*
3.5
3.52
1.7
1.6
0.1 - 7.5
0.09
0.12
0.09
0.08
0.03
0.01 - 0.8
460
460
∃2400
240
460
93
<1,000*
210
460
460
∃2400
43
460
11
1.6
2.9
1.2
1.8
4.50
12.25
2.60
90% of
sample
<10
10*
135
NEPA
Standards
Oyster Bay EIA
APPENDIX III: HISTORICAL WATER QUALITY DATA (WEBBER
ET AL 1995)
136
Oyster Bay EIA
APPENDIX IV:
BIOLOGICAL DATA
Scientific Names
Common Name
DAFOR
Invertebrates
Echinodermata
15 species
Diadema antillarium
Long Spined Urchin
D
Echinometra lucunter
Rock- Boring Urchin
R
Lytechinus variegatus
Variegated Urchin
F
Tripneustes ventricosus
Sea Egg
F
Eucidaris tribuloides
Pencil Urchin
O
Echinometra viridis
Reef Urchin
A
Lytechinus williamsi
Jewel Urchin
R
Linckia guilingii
Common Comet Star
R
Meoma ventricosa
Red Heart Urchin
R
Holothuria mexicana
sea cucumber
O
Davidaster rubiginosa
Golden Crinoid
O
Ophiocoma paucigranulata
Spiny Brittle Star
A
Ophiocoma echinata
Blunt Spined Brittle Star
F
Ophioderma rubicundum
Ruby Brittle Star
O
Ophioderma appressu
Banded Arm Brittle Star
O
Porifera
8 species
Plakortis angulospiculatus
Viscous Sponge
D
Aplysina cauliformis
Row Pore Rope Sponge
A
Xestospongia muta
Giant Barrel Sponge
F
Diplastrella megastellata
Red Orange Encrusting Sponge
F
Agelas conifera
Brown Tube Sponge
F
Aplysina fistularis
Yellow Tube Sponge
F
Tedania ignis
Fire Sponge
O
Calyx podatypa
Dark Volcano Sponge
O
Cnidarians
9 species
Sertularella speciosa
Branching Hydroid
O
Actinoporus elegans
Elegant Anemone
F
Bartholomea annulata
Corkscrew Anemone
F
137
Oyster Bay EIA
Scientific Names
Common Name
DAFOR
Epicystis crucifer
Beaded Anemone
O
Lebrunia globulifera
Branching Anemone
F
Condylactis gigantea
Giant Anemone
F
Palythoa caribaeorum
White Encrusting zooanthid
O
Zoanthus pulchellus
Mat Zooanthid
F
Ricordea florida
Florida Corallimorph
O
1 species
Ctenophora
Mnemiopsis Mccradyi
Sea Walnut
O
Annelida
6 species
Hermondice carunculata
Bearded Fire Worm
O
Arenicola cristata
Southern Lug Worm
R
Notaulax occidentalis
Yellow Fan Worm
F
Spirobranchus giganteus
Christmas Tree Worm
F
Bispira variegata
Feather Duster
F
Eupolymnia crassicornis
Spaghetti worm
O
Anthropoda
8 species
Paguristes erythrops
Red Banded Hermit
O
Paguristes punticeps
Whit Speckled Hermit Crab
O
Stenorhynchus seticornis
Arrow Crab
O
Gonodactylus oerstedii
Mantis Shrimp
R
Anilocra laticaudata
Soldierfish Isopod
O
Calinectes sp.
Blue Crab
R
Lepas anatifera
Goose-neck barnacle
F-O
Panulirus argus
Carribean Spiny Lobster (juvenille)
R
Ectoprocta - Bryophytes
Canda simplex
1species
Brown Fan Bryozoan
Mollusca
O-R
8 species
Lithopoma tectum
Stocky Cerith
Cyphoma gibbosum
Flaming Tongue
O-R
Tridachnia crispata
Lettuce Sea Slug
R
Tellina radiata
Sunrise Tellin
R
Pinna carnea
Amber Penshell
O
Octopus briareus
Caribean Reef Octopus
O-R
Strombus gigas
Roostertail Conch
R
138
Oyster Bay EIA
Scientific Names
Common Name
DAFOR
purple snails ??
Corals
Cnidarian
Hydrocorals
2 species
Millepora alcicornis
Branching Fire Coral
A
Millepora complanata
Blade Fire Coral
A
Octocorals
9 species
Erythropodium caribaeorum
Encrusting Gorgonia
A
Plexaura homomalla
Black Sea Rod
F
Plexaura flexuosa
Bent Sea Rod
F
Pseudoplexaura sp.
Porous Sea Rod
F
Plexaurella nutans
Split Pore Sea rod
O
Muricea pinnata
Long Spine Sea Fan
O
Pseudopterogorgia sp.
Sea Plumes
F
Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata
Bipinnate Sea Plume
F
Gorgonia vetalina
Common Sea Fan
A
Stony Corals
20Species
Acropora palmata
Elkhorn Coral
A
Porites branneri
Blue Crust Coral
A
Porites porites
Finger Coral
A
Dendrogyra cylindrus
Pillar Coral
O
Madracis mirabilis
Yellow Pencil Coral
O
Montastrea annularis
Boulder Star Coral
D
Montastrea cavernosa
Great Star Coral
F
Dichocoenia stokesii
Elliptical Star Coral
O
Porites asteroides
Mustard Hill Coral
A
Siderastrea radians
Lesser Star Coral
F
Diplora strigosa
Brain Coral
F-O
Diplora labyrinthiformis
Grooved Brain Coral
O
Meandrina meandrites
Maze Coral
F-O
Meandrina forma danae
Butterprint Rose Coral
R
Agaricia fragilis
Fragile Saucer Coral
F
Agaricia lamarcki
Lamarck's sheet Coral
F
Agaricia agaricites
Lettuce Coral
F
139
Oyster Bay EIA
Scientific Names
Common Name
DAFOR
Mycetophyllia lamarckiana
Ridged Cactus Coral
R
Scolymia cubensis
Artihoke Coral
R
Mussa angulosa
Spiny Flower Coral
R
Common Name
DAFOR
Marine Plants
Scientific Names
3species
Sea Grass
Thalassia testudinum
Turtle Grass
D
Siringodium filiforme
Manatee Grass
A
F-R
Halodule wrightii
Algae
Scientific Names
Common Name
DAFOR
Phaeophyta
6 species
Dictyota sp.
Y Branched Algae
A
Padina jamaicensis
White Scroll Algae
O
Labophora variegata
Encrusting Fan-Leaf Algae
O
Sargassum natans
Sargasso Weed
D
Turbinaria tricostata
Saucer Leaf
F
Turbinaria turbinata
Blistered Saucer Leaf
O
Chlorophyta
18 species
Halimeda discoidea
Large Leaf Watercress Alga
O
Halimeda tuna
Stalked Lettuce Alga
F
Halimeda goreaui
Small Leaf Hanging Vine
O
Penicillus pyriformis
Flat Top Bristle Brush
O
Penicillus dumetosus
Bristle Ball Brush
F
Caulerpa racemosa
Green Grape Alga
R
Dasycladus vermicularis
Fuzzy Finger Alga
O-R
Codium isthmocladum
Dead Man's Finger
O
Venticaria ventricosa
Sea Pearl
O
Valonia macrophysa
Elongated Sea Pearls
O-R
Dictyospaeria cavernosa
Green Bubble Weed
R
Avrainvillea longicaulis
Saucer Blade Alga
O
Udotea sp.
Mermaid's Fan
O
140
Oyster Bay EIA
Scientific Names
Common Name
DAFOR
Rhipocephalus phoenix
Pine Cone Alga
R
Acetabularia crenulata
White Mermaid's Wine Glass
O
Acetabularia calyculus
Green Mermaid's Wine Glass
F-O
Ulva sp.
Sea Lettuce
R
F-O
Enteromorpha
Algae
Rhodophyta
5 species
Galaxaura sp.
Tubular Thicket Algae
O
Amphiroa rigida
Y Twig Alga
O
musa
Liagora sp
O
Liagora sp
F-O
Fish
48 species
Stegastes leucostictus
Beaugregory Damselfish
A
Stegastes diencaeus
Longfin Damselfish
F
Abudefduf saxatilis
Sargeant Major
A
Stegastes fuscus
Dusky Damsel
D
Microspathodon
Yellowtail Damselfish
A
Thalassoma bifasciatum
Bluehead
A
Halichoeres pictus
Rainbow Wrasse
F
Holocentrus adscensionis
Squirrel Fish
F
Myripristis jacobus
Soldier Fish
F
Ocyurus chrysurus
Yellow Tail Snapper
F
Aulostomos maculatus
Trumpet Fish
O
Gobionellus saepepallens
Dash Goby
F
Gobiosoma horsti
Yellowline Goby
R
Epinephelus guttatus
Red Hind
R
Bothus lunatus
Peacock Flounder
R
Scopaena plumieri
Spotted Scorpion
R
Dasyatis americana
Southern Ray
O-R
Lutjanus analis
Mutton Snapper
O
Pseudupeneus maculatus
Spotted Goat Fish
O
141
Oyster Bay EIA
Scientific Names
Common Name
DAFOR
Haemulon flavolineatum
French Grunt
A
Haemulon striatum
Striped Grunt
O
Haemulon carbonarium
Ceasar Grunt
F
Haemulon sciurus
Bluestriped Grunt
F
Haemulon chrysargyreum
SmallmouthGrunt
F
Canthigaster rostrata
Sharpnose Puffer
O
Sphoeroides testudineus
Bandtail Puffer
O
Diodon holocanthus
Balloon Fish
F-O
Myrichthys ocellatus
Gold spotted Eel
R
Chrmois multilineata
Brown Chromis
F
Chromis cyanea
Blue Chromis
A
Echineis neucratoides
Remora
R
Chaetodon capistratus
Foureye Butterfly Fish
O
Chaetodon aculeatus
Longsnout Butterfly Fish
O
Acanthurus bahianus
Ocean Surgeon
A
Acanthurus chirurgus
DoctorFIsh
F
Sphyrena barracuda
Great Barracuda
R
Caranx ruber
Bar Jack
O
Bodianus rufus
Spanish Hogfish
R
Myrichthyus ocellatus
Goldspotted Eel
R
Gymnothorax miliaris
Goldentail Moray
O
Archosargus rhomboidalis
Sea Bream
O
Lagodon rhomboides
Pinfish
F
Serranus tigrinus
Harlequin Bass
O
Serranus tabacarius
Tobaccofish
O
Scarus taeniopterus
Princess Parrotfish
F
Scarus croicensis
Striped Parrotfish
F
Sparisoma aurofrenatum
Redband parrotfish
F
Ophioblennius atlanticus
Redlip Blenny
O
Synodus intermedius
Sand Diver
O
142
Oyster Bay EIA
APPENDIX V: PLATES
Plate 1:
Transect tape and quadrat, note presence of Diadema and lack of algae
Plate 2:
Clean Reef with Milleopora, note absence of algae and presence of
Diadema
143
Oyster Bay EIA
Plate 3:
Plate 4:
Reef buttress showing dominance of plate and boulder type corals
Reef flat, note increased algal cover, lack of Diadema and healthy coral
mounds
144
Oyster Bay EIA
Plate 5 :
Reef canyon looking from reef crest into reef flat
Plate 6:
Reef buttresses separated by sand channels (Spur and groove)
145
Oyster Bay EIA
Plate 7:
Seagrass bed in back reef, Thalassia sp and Syringodium sp.
Plate 8:
Coral pavement in the back reef. Note coral recruits in the fore ground
146
Oyster Bay EIA
Plate 9: Seagrass Halo providing nursery for juvenile fishes
Plate 10. Southern stingray Dasyatais americana buried under sand in back reef
147
Oyster Bay EIA
Plate 11: Coastal Vegetation
Plate 12: Overgrown scrubland
148
Oyster Bay EIA
Plate 13: Drill
rig in
operation.
Beach sand is
shown in the
foreground
and coastal
vegetation in
the
background
149
Oyster Bay EIA
APPENDIX VI: ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND DESIGN
GUIDELINES
Land/Marine Resources Use
¾ Comply
with
NEPA’s
physical
planning
and
environmental
regulations.
¾ Maintain/enhance shoreline stability.
¾ Respect traditional water lanes and fishing areas.
¾ Establish a public reservation for a nature park
¾ Allocate sufficient land to ensure complete treatment of sewage
effluent.
Mangrove ecosystem
¾ Plan development with reference to ‘Mangrove and Coastal
Wetlands Protection Draft Policy and Regulation’, NRCA, October
1997.
¾ Functional mangroves should not be destroyed or damaged.
¾ Minimise encroachment of development on mangrove areas.
¾ Minimise road construction in mangroves.
¾ Replant equivalent amount of any mangroves removed due to
development.
¾ Rehabilitate mangroves at eastern end of Oyster Bay (southeast
corner of Florida lands), including removal of westernmost marl road
to restore tidal flushing.
¾ Design and develop wetlands nature park as part of corporate
commitment to environmental protection and management.
150
Oyster Bay EIA
Beach and shoreline
¾ Ensure buildings and structures do not impede long-shore sediment
transport or induce beach erosion.
¾ Ensure physical and biological processes leading to accretion and
growth of Bush Cay are not constrained.
¾ Ensure protection of sea grass meadows at western tip of Bush Cay.
¾ Ensure protection of mangroves at southwestern tip of Bush Cay.
Phosphorescent coastal lagoon
¾ Ensure resort development and construction activities do not
adversely affect or diminish phosphorescence in Oyster Bay or the
population of bioluminescent dinoflagellates.
¾ Present water circulation pattern in the bay and adjacent tidal areas
should not be disturbed.
¾ There should be no direct discharges of waste or fresh water to the
lagoon.
¾ No bright lights or sources of noise should be placed near the shore
of the bay.
¾ Promote and assist establishment of environmental management plan
for Oyster Bay.
Resource conservation
¾ Seek to minimize use of potable water resources and fossil fuels:
o Maximise collection and storage of rainfall,
o Utilise treated STP effluent for irrigation of green areas,
o Install aerators on water taps,
151
Oyster Bay EIA
o Utilise solar heaters where practical,
o Employ available energy saving technology (e.g. passive cooling),
o Other appropriate technology.
Sewage treatment
¾ Ensure effluents meet or exceed NEPA standards for effluent
quality.
¾ Use treated effluents for grounds and landscape irrigation.
¾ Locate STP downwind so as not to cause odour problems for hotel
or any residential area.
¾ Only completely treated sewage effluents should be discharged to the
back end of the mangroves, if so required.
Worker housing
¾ Seek provision of adequate housing by relevant authorities for hotel
workers to reduce incidence of squatting and unplanned development
associated with resort development in Jamaica.
******
152

oyster bay resort development - Environmental Law Alliance

Transcription

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