E560 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT EMERGENCY RECOVERY and DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROJECT ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES May 2001 Prepared by Ivor Jackson & Associates Environmental & Landuse Planning, Landscape Architecture Edited by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines ILE COPY St. Vintcentt & The Grenzadinies EIA CONTENTS Community Structure 28 Environmental Health 29 Executive Summary 6 2.1.1.1.1 Marine & Coastal Areas 29 1.0 BACKGROUND 15 Marine Communities 29 1.1 Introduction 15 Fishing 29 Coastal Processes 30 1.2 Scope of Work 16 General Description and Site Conditions 30 Beach Profile 30 1.3 Methodology 17 Lithology 31 Storm Surge Analysis 31 1.4 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework 18 Sediment Transport Regime 31 1.5 Description of Proposed Project 19 2.2 Rivers 32 1.5.1 Layou Sea Defence 19 2.2.1 Colonarie River 32 The Colonarie Watershed 32 1.5.2 River Protection 26 River Runoff 32 Watershed Management 32 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 27 Biological Environment 32 Economic Activities 33 2.1 Layou 27 Water Quality 33 Settlement and Community Structure 33 2.1.1 Physical Environment 27 2.2.2 Langley Park River 34 2.1.1.1 Terrestrial 27 The Georgetown (Caratal) Watershed 34 River Runoff 35 Topography, Geology and Soils Biological Environment 35 Climate 27 Economic Activities 35 Settlement 27 Water Quality 35 2 St. Vincentt & The Grenadines EIA Legislation 36 Socio-economic Impacts 47 Settlement and Community Structure 36 3.3 Langley Park River 48 2.2.3 Buccament River 36 3.3.1 The Proposed Site 48 The Buccament Watershed 36 3.3.2 Evaluation of Design Proposal 48 River Runoff 37 3.3.3 Impacts 48 Physical Environment 37 Physical Impacts 49 The Biological Environment 38 Socio-economic Impacts 49 Economic Activities 38 Water Quality 38 3.4 Buccament 50 Settlement and Community Structure 38 3.4.1 The Proposed Site 50 3.4.2 Evaluation of Design proposal 50 3.0 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 40 3.4.3 Impacts 51 Physical Impacts 51 3.1 Layou 40 Socio-economic Impacts 51 3.1.1 Evaluation of Proposals 40 3.1.2 Significant Impacts 40 3.5 Conclusions & Recommendations, River Protection 52 Biophysical Impacts 41 3.5.1 General 52 Stepped Seawall 41 3.5.2 Mitigation Measures 53 Rock Armour Unit 42 Surface (Storm Water) Drainage 42 4.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 54 Socio-economic Impacts 43 Streetscape Improvements 43 4.1 Layou 54 Land Ownership 43 4.2 Rivers 54 Public Access to the Shoreline Along Armour Wall 44 5.0 MITIGATION MANAGEMENT AND 3.2 Colonarie River 46 MONITORING PLAN 55 3.2.1 The Proposed Site 46 3.2.2 Evaluation of Design Proposal 46 5.1 Coordinated Approach 55 3.2.3 Impacts 46 5.2 Layou 55 Physical Impacts 46 5.2.1 Mitigation 55 St. Vincenit & The Grenadines EIA 5.2.2 Monitoring 57 5.3 Colonarie River 58 5.3.1 Mitigation 58 5.4 Langley Park River 58 5.4.1 Mitigation 58 5.5 Buccament River 59 5.5.1 Mitigation 59 5.6 General Actions for all River Bank Projects 60 5.7 Monitoring Gabion Installations 61 5.7.1 Compliance Monitoring 61 5.7.2 Land Use and Environmental Health 62 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING 64 6.1 Agency Responsibility 64 6.2 EIA Procedure 65 6.3 EIA Data Base 66 References 67 Appendices 68 1. Summary of Consultations 68 4 St. Vincentt & The Grenadlinies EIA List of Figures List of Tables Figure 1 Location of Project Sites Table 1. Properties Damaged or Affected by Erosion Figure 2 Site Plan for Seawall Construction At Layou Shoreline (Layou) Table 2. Properties To Benefit From Riverbank Figure 3(a) Cross Section Through Seawall Protection at Colonarie River (Rock Armour) Table 2. Properties To Benefit From Riverbank Figure 3(b) Cross Section Through Seawall (Stepped Protection at Langley Park River Access) Figure 4(a) Langley Park River (Georgetown) Gabion Wall Plan Figure 4(b) Colonarie Gabion Wall Plan Figure 4(c) Buccament Gabion Wall Plan Figure 5 Sections Through Gabion Retaining Walls 5 St. Vincent & The Grena(dinies EIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Major Findings and Recommendations This executive summary provides a concise description of key Biophysical findings and recommendations of the EIA study. It is suggested however that the report be read in its entirety so as to Layou grasp the issues discussed herein. The projects assessed form part of the larger St. Vincent and the Grenadines Emergency The investigations included brief analyses of storm surge and Recovery and Disaster Management Project. coastal sediment transport. Proposals of the Projects Storm Surge Analysis There are two physical components to be funded under the Wave Climate, Tidal Range & Storm Surge. project. The first is coastal protection works at Layou Beach, which has suffered considerable erosion from storm surge over The offshore waves are generally from a southwestern the past few years. The Ministry of Communications and direction. Based on the water level variations observed on the Works (MCW) proposes to construct a sea defence structure in piles of the Layou jetty and at the northern boundary, the tidal the form of a combined stepped seawall and rock armour wall range is estimated to be approximately 0.75 m. Storm surge, along approximately 830 ft of the Layou waterfront. the increase in MSL due to the horizontal force exerted on a body of water by the wind, and wind set-up were estimated for The second is riverbank protection for three rivers that have the analysis. Estimated wind set-up during a one in fifty year suffered flood damage, namely, Colonarie River, Langley Park hurricane is 0.5m and the total estimated increase in MSL is River (Georgetown) and the Buccament River (Vermont). 3.25m MCW proposes to install gabion structures along sections of three rivers. Sediment Transport Regime The investigations revealed that conditions at the various sites The general long shore transport appears to be in a northerly justify the proposed actions. direction. This is evidenced by the apparent accumulation of sand and wider beach that exist in the northern section of the bay. This is consistent with current circulation patterns and wave direction described by residents and fishermen of the 6 St. Vincent & The Grenaadines EIA area. Sediment particle sizes tend to be larger at the southern Recommendations: section of the bay. This indicates that this area is subjected to greater wave energy than further north, hence the capacity for * Use material with appropriately sized particles for fill greater sediment transport and also greater vulnerability to prior to the instalment of the sheet piles. erosion. * Containment of the temporary fill should be done to reduce turbidity and to prevent loss of the material due Stepped Seawall to wave action. * While the driving of piles themselves is not expected to Pile Driving significantly impact benthic resources, using a fabric with appropriate mesh size as a silt screen could reduce The construction of the seawall will involve the use of concrete the temporary visual impact on water quality. and sheet piles. Reinforced interlocking sheet piles will be placed between the concrete piles. Wave Energy Sediment will be disturbed while the piles are being driven and The stepped seawall will have a back-splash reflector face, it is likely that fill will be emplaced to provide mobility for pile which offers a valuable means of coastline protection. It driving equipment during the installation of the outer line of provides physical protection for the structures behind it and a piles. There are no benthic marine resources (corals, sea grass, profile and medium for wave breaking and dissipation of wave calcareous algae) in the area that will be disturbed. Suspended energy. This wave energy dissipation is required to prevent sediment will however be moved around by wave action and erosion on shore. coastal currents. This will cause a temporary change in water quality. The impact would be more visual than biological. Given the relative vulnerability of the coastline to storms, adequate design protection for the toe of the structure in the Fill with clay-sized particles should be avoided. Also, form of a riprap/rubble mound unit should be considered. This containment of fill deposited to facilitate the movement of would be complimented by adequate placement of fill on the machines or equipment would significantly reduce the element seaward side of the wall. of risk associated with suspended fine material. Recommendations are to: * Provide adequate design protection to the toe of the stepped seawall. 7 St. Vincentt & The Grenatdiies EIA * Ensure that adequate beach sediment is placed along the Recommendations entire length of the wall. * Drains to channel storm water should be incorporated Rock Armour Unit into final design drawings of the seawall. * Considering that the public will use the stepped wall, The rock armour unit wall offers a valuable form of coastal some form of safety device (e.g. guard rail) should be protection at an economical cost. However, if it is installed as used where the drains pass through the seawall. proposed, the beach in the area would be lost. To ensure beach retention, it is imperative that the armour wall be placed as far Socio-economic Impacts landward as possible so that it does not interfere with the daily onshore / offshore and long-shore sediment transport. Streetscape Improvements Recommendation The site plan for the Layou sea defence works indicates that street trees will be planted along a 15 ft pedestrian promenade * It is recommended that beach nourishment pilot project be between the main road and proposed stepped seawall. This carried out towards the southern area of the bay as part of will have a positive effect by: the coastal protection works. This would provide sediment for restoration of the beach and to facilitate the * Providing visual and aesthetic improvement. morphological process and dynamic cyclic seasonal profile * Providing slight but helpful modification of the adjustments to which a coastline is naturally subjected. shoreline temperature if plants are large enough to provide shade. Surface (Storm water) Drainage * Creating a pedestrian friendly sidewalk; a key result being the separation of pedestrians from the busy main There are several existing drains that carry surface water from street vehicular traffic. areas east of the Layou main road, passing under the road and * Helping to bring back some social and economic into the sea. The site plan for the sea defence structures does vigour to life on the main street. not indicate their presence. It is assumed that this is an oversight since provisions to allow the continued flow of storm To reinforce or further enhance these effects, it is water to the sea are essential. suggested that: 8 St. Vincent & Tlte Grenadiines EIA * Appropriate tree species adaptable to a shoreline Public Access to the Shoreline Along Armour Wall environment should be used. * Seating furniture and decorative lighting be considered The armour wall will help to protect private property at the for the promenade. shoreline but would restrict public access and use of the * Some form of protective or safety bollards be used to existing beach. The area north of the public jetty is used to protect pedestrians on the promenade from vehicles. haul boats, and provides for pedestrian access and recreation. The sea defence structure site plan indicates that the armour Land Ownership wall will meet the waterline. This would essentially condemn existing public uses of the beach in the affected area. Land has been lost to coastal erosion and/or buildings have been destroyed by storm surges. While the seawall and Recommendations promenade will benefit the community as a whole, and although the amount of land between the road and sea is not * Investigate beach nourishment for this area as an option significant, it appears some privately owned land remains at the to the armour wall. eroded shoreline. In addition, owners of properties lost to * If erecting an armour wall is the chosen course, the coastal erosion may have remaining rights to the use of the design and location of the wall should factor in the need shoreline. to protect shoreline properties and the beach. The latter would ensure that public access along the beach is Recommendations maintained. * Seek legal interpretation on the shoreline rights of Fishing Activities landowners having lost property to coastal erosion. * Conduct a boundary survey to assess whether there are Seine fishing for Jacks, Bonitos and Robins that occur on both other remaining private shoreline landowners, legally sides of the public jetty would not be affected by the assess whether such owners would be eligible for construction of the stepped wall. If the armour wall were compensation, and consult and eventually negotiate constructed as proposed, movement along the beach could be compensation where appropriate. restricted if not made altogether impossible, which would preclude the use of the area to launch boats or pull nets during seine fishing, as is presently done. 9 St. Vincenti & The Grentadines EIA Noise Recommendation Noise from pile driving will be a temporary inconvenience to * The armour wall should be designed to protect the residents of the waterfront. Noise would also disturb court beach and by so doing allow the continuation of proceedings, which are housed in the second floor of the police traditional uses, including seine fishing. This can be building. Mitigating noise impacts would best be achieved by achieved with minimum effort and no appreciable scheduling pile-driving operations for the period of the day that additions in construction cost. would cause the least disturbance to residents. * The contractor should be required to provide a construction program allowing for minimal disruption Recommendations during construction. * Make community residents aware of the Traffic inconveniences that will be caused by construction and reach agreement with them on a schedule for pile Building the seawall will cause temporary inconveniences for driving. vehicles and pedestrians along the waterfront. Traffic * Avoid pile driving and any other noisy operations interruptions can be expected during the dumping of material during court sessions. and the driving of piles. Mitigating the inconveniences to traffic flow along this section of the Western Main Road will River Bank Protection be difficult because property would have to be demolished to allow a detour using the road east of the main road. Colonarie River Recommendations Given the ill-defined river channel and the need to protect the abutments of the main bridge and neighbouring property, * Explore linking the Main Road to the inner road as a riverbank protection is essential. The gabion basket system long-term measure and use this as a detour for traffic offers an environmentally friendly alternative for embankment during relevant stages of the construction. protection. * Alternatively, a construction schedule should be devised to reduce to the degree of disruption to traffic Pltysical Impacts on the Main Road. Positive impacts arising from this proposed project include: I0 St. Vincentt & Tue Grenadines EIA * Improved protection for property near eroding Langley Park River embankments. * Reduced erosion of vulnerable embankments and reduced The proposal is to supply and install gabion basket walls with siltation of riverbed from eroded material. basically the same design as those proposed for the Colonarie * Increase in useful life of bridge abutments. River. Likely negative impacts are: Owing to the lack of definition of the river channel near the bridge and the many houses that are currently under threat * An increase in flood levels under and over the bridge due to there is urgent need for riverbank protection. a slight reduction in channel width. * Depending on the source, the use of stone for packing the As with Colonarie, the gabion wall design shows a stepped baskets may result in erosion theats at the location, feature, which virtually increases the cross-sectional area of the channel as the water rises and reduces the risk of over-topping Recommendations: and flooding. * To the extent possible, narrowing of the channel width PhysicalImpacts should be avoided. * The preferred site for sourcing stones for the gabions is one Among the positive impacts are: already in use for such purposes. If a new site must be identified then an impact assessment study of appropriate * Reduced erosion and siltation design and reasonable cost should be considered. * Increased land area for development * Property protection and risk reduction. Socio-economic Impacts Negative impacts may include: The riverbank protection works will protect a number of properties. According to the Land Valuation Department, land * Over-topping of the existing Langley Park Bridge due to a in the area is valued at about EC$5 per sq ft. Protection offered fixed, confined river channel. would at the very least ensure that land value remains at this level and with the possibility of increasing. * Potentially indiscriminate mining of boulders to fill baskets. St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA Socio-economic Impacts the river after installment is not known. A gabion system similar to that of the other rivers will be used. A possible The major positive impact will be the protection of properties adverse impact could result from a reduction in channel and the maintenance of property values. capacity, namely, an increase in flood water levels and damage to the structure of the bridge. This could be avoided by As with Colonarie River, land ownership and use of the appropriate design. riverbank and riverbed are issues that need to be addressed in the long term. Recommendations Buccament River * The Ministry of Communications and Works should complete the design drawings for the project, including There has been severe erosion and undermining of the bridge relevant cross sections of the channel upstream and abutments. Along the right upstream bank there has also been downstream of the bridge. erosion to the point where the existing main road is also * Mitigation of the possible impacts cited above should threatened. This indicates there is an urgent need for riverbank be an integral consideration in the final design of the protection. protection works. * Measures suggested for other rivers to avoid impacts in The gabion basket system as proposed is an appropriate securing rocks to construct the gabion baskets should alternative, since it is easy to construct and very cost effective. be taken. Plhysical Impacts Because the site is located some distance inland from the coast, it is possible that downstream areas could be affected by scour Among the positive impacts of the proposed gabion walls are: and erosion at the site during construction. Reduction of such impacts could be achieved by * A reduction in the variability of channel depths, which will produce a more uniform, incised single channel pattern. * Using a construction fabric to contain soil from areas * Reduction in both erosion and siltation. subject to soil displacement. * Long-term protection for bridge foundation and roadways. * Committing the contractor and construction workers to an environmentally sensitive code of practice during the Because the design of the gabion structure was not completed project with appropriate penalties for any violations. at the time of the assessment, the channel width and capacity of 12 St. Vincent & The Grenadintes EIA Riverbeds and Riverbanks Legal Rights General Mitigation for River Bank Projects None of the riverbank protection works being considered for The following recommendations are offered as mitigation construction under the Project are located near settlements, measures against potential negative impacts at all riverbank therefore not involving resettlement issues. However, all three protection sites. concerned rivers constitute resources of national importance, and attempts should be made by relevant government agencies * Define river cross-section upstream of the bridge in order to clarify land ownership and land use issues of the riverbeds to maintain or increase the existing river channel. This will and embankments with a view to improving the management reduce the incidence of over topping during peak discharge. of rivers and riparian resources generally. * Utilize PVC coated wire baskets for the areas that are close to the sea and subject to corrosion. Recommendations * Specify and regulate the removal of rocks from the local source. * Seek legal interpretation on the boundary of public and * Prohibit the removal of rocks from existing river channels. private land at riverbanks and riverbeds generally to Rocks should be sourced from local quarries. obtain clear and unambiguous distinction between * Special design consideration should also be given to the private and public ownership of riverbanks and foundation of the baskets. Experience has shown that a riverbeds. The public should be informed of the official concrete footing up to normal channel flow height reduces position through appropriate public information the risk of undermining and reduces the risk of corrosion channels. and damage to wire baskets. * Where lands of national significance are privately * Consideration should also be given to concreting the apron owned, government should explore the use of tried and sections immediately upstream and downstream of the tested mechanisms - such as easements - to achieve respective bridges and including the channel between management objectives for rivers. abutments. * The importance of rivers in helping to regulate hydrological processes, in maintaining landscape Analysis of alternatives stability and as a source of energy suggests the need for the building of an effective institutional capacity for Layou management inclusive of legal and organizational mechanisms. An alternative to the proposed stepped wall would be beach nourishment. This method is considered to be a soft means of 13 St. Vincent & The Grenadlines EIA coastal protection. An advantage over many other forms of coastal protection is that it provides a wider area of beach for Environmental management and training users a sediment source for periodic beach profile adjustment that is nature's natural way of protecting a coastline. Agency Responsibility The major disadvantage of beach nourishment is that re- A number of government agencies have responsibility under nourishment may be required periodically. law for decision-making on development or resource use. Responsibility in this case may vary from regulatory powers to Rivers grant permission for development to the enforcement of laws governing land or resource use. No alternatives have been considered for the river sites. In addition to being suitable for riverbank protection at the In the context of this EIA, key agencies important to the proposed sites, gabion baskets can be easily removed if future implementing of environmental assessments, along with their adjustments are required to further mitigate impacts caused by responsibilities are identified in the report. upstream developments including other river protection projects. EIA procedure Mitigation management and monitoring plan The Physical Planning Board can be considered the EIA authority for SVG. The EIA procedure is therefore its The report recognizes that riverbank protection and sea defence responsibility. It is recommended that a consultant be hired to as proposed in the Emergency Recovery and Disaster consolidate and elaborate elements of the existing EIA process Management Project are of themselves mitigation actions into a formalized EIA procedure. against storm surge and floods. It concludes that a piecemeal approach to riverbank protection is counterproductive and Inter-agency and public/NGO involvement recommends a coordinated approach to impact mitigation. The scope of work for the EIA required that the Consultant A mitigation management and monitoring plan is outlined with seek to obtain the views of NGOs and communities in areas objectives and related actions to be taken for each site included affected by the projects. Views of community members were in the project. obtained through onsite discussions with fishermen and others at Layou and community residents at the other areas. 14 St. Vincent & Tue Grenadines EIA Additional meetings will be held at the community level by the 1.0 BACKGROUND Ministry of Communications and Works in coordination with the Environmental Management Unit under the Ministry of 1.1 Introduction Agriculture and the Physical Planning Board at the time of completion of the final detailed design of the proposed works. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study was In addition, a workshop will be held before the inception of commissioned by The World Bank for sea defence and project implementation. riverbank protection projects to be funded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These projects form part of the larger St. Vincent and the Grenadines Emergency Recovery and Disaster Management Program (ERDMP). The ERDMP aims, among other things, to mitigate damages to coastal areas caused by frequent storms and to reduce the risk to property and life from flash floods. Under the UNFCCC, parties are required to present a national report to the Secretariat of the convention as part of their obligation. St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as a signatory to UNFCCC has just completed its national report. One component of the report dealt with coastal resource vulnerability. The report indicated that the most likely impacts of accelerated sea level rise are: * Increased coastal erosion * Inundation of low-lying coastal areas * Increased flooding and storm damage * Wetland loss * Increased salinity of surface and ground water * Higher water table 15 St. VincentJ & The Grenadines EIA Key sections of the SVG coastline have been retreating due Figure 1 - Location of Project Sites to frequent storms and sea level rise. The Sea Grant College Program based at the University of Puerto Rico -p. shows the Caribbean region as having a 0.3m/yr rate of I x\ coastal erosion. Specifically, St. Vincent is showing a 1.6m/yr erosion on the Windward Coast of the island for the last three years. 3 The report also indicates that: j SJ' d--b;__ ) v --T _ The main population centers (housing 85% of the v / . population) lie in a narrow coastal strip less than A, -\ ,-VS'l3 five kilometres from high water mark. / \rEAU, * >80% of the island total infrastructure base falls CH' ttF L Par within this area. ' - - " -C a * Ninety percent of the country's economic , investment is situated in this narrow coastal band. -l '--'-- -\ .-- The government of SVG has proposed civil works to -'' Colonarie address some elements of coastal and riverbank instability , ST. DA.:IK near the Leeward Highway in Layou and river banks at the , '. Colonarie, Langley Park and Buccament Rivers (See Figure 4 - - \ x 1.2 Scope of Work w r The EIA was prepared with reference to existing Buccament IDA/IBRD EIA guidelines and in compliance with the World Bank Safeguard policies for Category B projects. ' -- -.-» i 1,3 I' 1 NT 16 St. Vinzcentt & The Grena(ijies EIA Generally, it is expected that the "EIA will examine the project's potential negative and positive environmental In addition to field visits, rainfall data was also collected impacts and recommend any measures needed to prevent, from the local meteorological office and from the St. minimize, mitigate or compensate for the adverse impact Vincent Electricity Services at their hydroelectric plant and improve environmental performance." located upstream of the Colonarie River. The report includes the following: Data collection and information gathering were also enhanced by a review of earlier watershed management 1. Description of proposed project areas; studies, particularly in the Colonarie and Buccament 2. Description of the environment; valleys. The Cumberland River Hydroelectric Project 3. Legislative and regulatory considerations; Feasibility Study supported this. 4. Determination of potential impacts of the proposed project; Maps were collected from the local Lands & Surveys 5. Development of a Management Plan to Mitigate Department and drawings and sketches were provided by Negative Impacts; the Engineering Department of the Ministry of 6. Identification of institutional means for Communications and Works. implementing environmental assessments; 7. Development of a monitoring plan; Coastal and marine investigations for Layou were carried 8. Inter-agency coordination and consultations with out on 20th and 21st June 2000. The investigations included local communities. gathering site data for analysis and to establish beach profiles, a detailed reconnaissance survey of the general 1.3 Methodology area and extensive discussions with residents and fishermen. The methodology used in conducting the EIA investigation involved interviews, review of reports and other relevant An integral part of the survey was the bathymetric survey documents including maps and aerial photographs, field where depths were measured relative to shore- reconnaissance and field surveys. perpendicular distance. This provided information on the near-shore profile and consequently the water depths and Several field visits to project sites were undertaken between wave breaker zones. It also provided cross sectional data July and November 2000. During these visits interviews used in the analyses. were held with residents in the area, photographs were taken, and visual inspections and measurements were made and recorded. 17 St. Vincent & The Grena(dines EIA 1.4 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework Beach Protection Act of 1981 makes provision for the control of sand mining and general protection of beach Government policy for the development of coastal areas areas (relevant to the Layou area). and riverbanks can be ascertained from a review of various statutes and from an understanding of the regulatory The Central Water and Sewage Authority Act of 1992 practices of relevant government agencies. Over the years permits the protection of areas for water resource related to recommendations have been made to overcome weaknesses water supply needs. It should be noted that this Act speaks in the regulatory framework for land use and resources mainly to water catchment areas. However, it does not management. exclude water resources used by small groups. While some changes have been made, the general view is The Town and Country Planning Act (45 of 1992) makes that deficiencies remain in monitoring and enforcement, provision for the orderly development of land and the due to some extent from human resource and budgetary proper planning of town and country areas. This act constraints but also from public indifference to land and establishes setbacks from beaches, highways, riverbanks resource management objectives. and other sensitive areas. The Town and Country Planning regulations are currently being reviewed but the major With the region experiencing the effects of climate change, weakness, as it relates to this project, is that of notably the increase in the frequency of storms, buildings enforcement. and coastal infrastructure have become more vulnerable to natural hazards (storms) and riverbank properties more Environmental quality issues are not fully covered in vulnerable to floods. Thus a review of land use and existing statutes. The Public Health Act of 1977 makes resource use policy for shorelines and riverbanks appear to provision for the abatement of nuisance, the control of be urgent. Major issues to be resolved include land pollution and the maintenance of environmental health. ownership at the shoreline and river bed/bank, building setback, building standards, disposal of solid-and-liquid Although the Town and Country Planning Act of 1992 waste, chemicals use, animal rearing and farming generally. makes provision for zoning and land development, the current squatting problems in the country is testimony to Dumping of solid waste in rivers or other undesignated weak enforcement of applicable laws. areas is an offence under the Environmental Health Services Act (14 of 1991). Lack of clearly defined roles have also created some problems, for while the Ministry of Communications and The Litter Act (15 of 1991) also makes this practice illegal Works is responsible for river protection, it is the Ministry and provides penalties for violation of the same. The 18 St. Vincentt & The Grenadines EIA of Finance and Planning that is responsible for mining as it 1.5 Description of the Proposed Project relates to removal of boulders or sand. 1.5.1 Layou Sea Defence In a review of legislation for resource conservation and watershed management in SVG, B. Lausche (1986) The Beach at Layou Bay has suffered considerable erosion indicated that no specific regulations for riverbanks existed over the past few years. As a consequence, coastal but that: protection works to the area have been considered necessary. * The Central Water and Sewage Authority Act (1978) allows the Authority to exercise control The Ministry of Communications and Works proposes to over activities that threaten the water supply construct a sea defence structure along approximately 830 including such activities at riverbanks. (Water ft of the Layou waterfront. The Plan for the structure is supply is read to mean potable water so that it does shown on Figure 2 (Site Plan for Seawall Construction). not appear that the Authority can exercise such control for riverbanks where the water supply is not threatened). * The Public Health Act provides the authority to regulate activities, including pollution that threatens public water supplies and watercourses and hence public health. Lausche believed that if the definition of pollution included sedimentation that the law could be used for erosion control also. * The Pesticide Control Act could be used to control chemicals use within certain distances from river. There are no enforced building codes for SVG although a draft of uniformed codes prepared for use in the Caribbean is under consideration. However, it is a requirement that application be made to the Physical Planning Board for approval in respect of any proposed construction in SVG. The Board with regard to site location, health and safety issues and structural integrity then scrutinizes these plans. 19 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA Figure 2 Site Plan for Seawall Construction , R &~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . . .....- ,... ;.~~~~~~~~~~~ -if I -, 4F...m c.:de 'it 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2 H ,^. \ ~ ~ G--v"' ,j, .&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2 St. Vinicentt & Tlte Grenadiines EIA Figure 3(a) Cross Section Through Armour Seawall .~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 EA- ;. Scs Bes Hall 6eneroia Bml (e Access) ;hLe' 1 * W-2 22 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA Figure 4 (a) Langley Park River (Georgetown) Gabion Wall Plan Figure 4(a) Langley Park River (Georgetown) Gabion Wall Plan SOO ft long.x 15 fl high . Gabion Walls mg x 9 ft hig2 />w\&--,,-C K r4jW\ ~~~~~~~~ U- / J:. 4 , 1,. ti~ 1, \ f \ ¶ = - 7 t_S 9 9 l~~~i -R _ $ CL, t'<~~~~~~~ St. Vinicentt & The Grenadines EIA A stepped seawall of 445 ft. is to be constructed south of Figure 5 shows typical cross sections of the gabion the existing jetty and an amour wall of approximately 384 retaining walls to be used. Gabion structures have varying ft. will begin south of the jetty and continue on its northern heights of nine, 15, and 21 feet and corresponding base side. The Site Plan shows a 15ft. promenade, which is to widths of six, nine and 12 feet respectively. be constructed adjacent to the stepped seawall and landscaped with street trees. The gabions are to be balanced by gravity and are to be constructed of PVC coated galvanized double twist Figures 3 (a) and (b) show cross sections through the hexagonal mesh boxes measuring 3 ftx3ftx6ft. stepped wall, 3 (a) is a section through the wall's general configuration and 3 (b) is a section through the step access Detailed technical specifications have been produced by intended to be used by the public. The sections also MCW for materials to be used in the construction of the indicate the relationship of the wall to the pedestrian woven mesh gabions (namely, wire, PVC coating, promenade and existing 20ft roadway. galvanize or PVC coated lacing wires and internal stiffeners and overlapping fasteners). The technical These works are intended to protect the Layou main road specifications are to meet ASTM standards. and properties on the landward side of the road from coastal erosion. The stepped wall is also intended to serve Langley Park River (Georgetown). At the Langley Park as access to the beach/sea by users. River (Georgetown) the gabion wall is to be 15 ft high and 500 ft long on both sides of the river, west of the existing The likely influence of the walls on the coastline and the bridge; and 9 ft. high and 50 ft. long on both sides of the impact of these influences on the coastal zone are therefore river, east of the existing bridge (see Figure 4 (a). of concern to government and the funding agency, hence the decision to commission an assessment of the proposal. Colonarie River. At the north side of the Colonarie River, gabion walls will be 21 ft. high and 300 ft. long west of the 1.5.2 River Protection existing bridge and nine ft. high and 300 ft. long east of the existing bridge. On the south side of the river gabion walls MCW proposes to install gabion structures along sections will be 9 ft. high and 300 ft. long on both sides of the of three rivers namely: Colonarie River, Langley Park bridge. River (Georgetown) and the Buccament River (Vermont). Figure 4 (a) shows the Langley Park (Georgetown) Gabion Buccament River. The gabion wall will be installed at Wall Plan; Figure 4 (b) the Colanarie Gabion Wall Plan and Hope Bridge. Figure 4 (c) the Buccament Gabion Wall Plan. 26 St. Vincenit & The Grenadlinies EIA 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE Layou is located west of this ridge and its surficial geology ENVIRONMENT is described as volcanic ash and scoria - evidence of volcanic influences. The southern part of the central ridge, including the area above Layou, is said to be the eroded 2.1 Layou remnants of extinct volcanoes two-to-five million years old, compared to the younger and active Soufriere Volcano, 2.1.1 Physical Environment which is less than one-half a million years old (IRF, 1991). 2.1.1.1 Terrestrial Soils of the Layou basin are predominantly alluvial and derived mainly from river-transported sediment. Steep Topography, Geology and soils slopes at the sides of the basin would contribute some . . . ~~~~~~~~~~~amount of colluvial soils, affected more by gravity than Layou sits in the valley of a relatively small drainage basin, wash. Alluvial soils are among the most fertile and drained by the Rutland River. This drainage basin forms Alluvilson are amont. part of the larger Rutland Watershed (see Appendix 3). The productive soils on St. Vincent. river empties into Layou Bay approximately 300 meters Climate north of the proposed sea defence construction site. A smaller watercourse empties into the sea less than 200 Average annual rainfall in coastal environents on St. meters south of the proposed sea defence works at the foot Vincent, including Layou and other project sites, range of the headland on the southern side of the bay. from 70-90 inches/year. Rainfall of wetter central mountains range from 260-275 inches/year. Mean monthly In addition to the Rutland River, a major physiographic temperatures vary from 79 to 83 degrees F and mean feature is the steep slopes that define the narrow valley of relative humidity between 70 and 83. There are no the drainage basin and the headlands on both sides of the sgfat y signficant differences in climate throughout the year, Bay. These also give the village itS character. Most despite slight variations in rainfall and temperature between buildings of the community, including those at the the dry and wet seasons. waterfront, are located at the foot of the steep slopes at the southern side of the basin. St. Vincent is relatively young geologically. A main ridge Settlement with a north-south axis is a dominant feature of the island's geology. The Soufriere Volcano, which last erupted in The main Leeward Highway passing through Layou runs 1979, sits at the northern end of the ridge, parallel to the coast for about 80 meters before it turns 27 St. Vinicent & The Grenadines EIA inland. The portion that runs along the coast is now significantly eroded and in some case have been lost to the routinely washed by the Caribbean Sea (see Plate # 1 sea. Appendix 1). Table 1 Properties Damaged or Affected by Ten years ago there was a row of buildings housing a Erosion at Layou Shoreline public library, shop, a gas station, a shed serving the jetty and two dwelling houses between the sea and the Leeward Registered Parcel # Owner Highway at the point of interest. Today, slabs of concrete and fragments of steel are the only reminders of these buildings. At high tide there is no distinction between the road and the sea. 106 Elroy Patrick 107 Dotsie Agard Community Structure 108 Robbie Cambridge 109 Vilna Sam Layou is a coastal village of approximately 5,800 persons 110 Government (Public Library) (St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1991 Population and 111 Veda Thomas (Gas station) Housing Census Report), with fishing and agriculture being 112 Government (Market) the main means of livelihood. It is located approximately 113 Gerald & Ivy Hendricksen six miles from downtown Kingstown (the capital of SVG). 114 Franklyn Walker Much of the community's social, cultural and commercial 115 John Grant life is centered along the shoreline around the public jetty. Sea defence structures are proposed for either side of the jetty. Source: Land Valuation Department, St. Vincent Storm damage to buildings on the seaward side of the main road, particularly south of the jetty, has impacted on the structure and rhythm of community life. Discussions with Property tax is based on the rental value of the property. residents confirmed damage or loss of the buildings cited The last assessment done for the above properties ranged above. from EC$30/yr to EC$80/year. The Land Valuation Department gives EC$5 per sq ft as the average value for Information obtained from the Department of Land land at the Layou waterfront because of the "risk" posed by Valuation indicates that at least 10 properties located on storms. Indication is that the value would otherwise be both sides of the jetty (registered for tax purposes) have upwards of EC$7 per sq. ft. 28 St. Vincent & The Greniadiines EIA likely to be given more attention when improvements to the Properties in the area - landward of the main road - have waterfront occur. not been badly damaged by storm surges but reportedly have been affected by flooding. Their general appearance 2.1.1.2 Marine and Coastal Areas would suggest a trend towards economic decline. These are one-and-two storey buildings of concrete and/or wood Marine Communities serving as residential dwellings and/or shops. There are no sensitive habitats in the immediate area of the One consequence of storm surge risk is higher insurance proposed sea defence works. Patches of sea grass exist in premiums. Insurance rates for concrete structures in good different parts of the bay (K. Lynch, pers. comm.). Lynch condition is about EC$4 per EC$1000 in value and for also reports the presence of sea fans around the southern wooden structures about EC$5 per $1000 in value. headland of the bay. Buildings located at shorelines or next to rivers without the benefit of protective walls are charged an additional Lynch, along with R. Patterson, speaks of a relatively EC$0.50 to $0.75 per EC$ 1000 of value. diverse community of reef fish among the sea fans near the southern headland, including butterfish, barracuda, doctor Environmental Health fish, kibber, goatfish and snapper. Jacks and other species normally caught with seines are found occasionally but do Wastewater from household kitchens and showers (grey not live or breed in the area. water) in Layou is disposed into open drains and then to the sea. This practice is common in St. Vincent. Green algae Several species of sea mosses and algae are found in the on rocks at the beach (see Plate #2, Appendix 1) suggest area but not in significant quantities. While it is difficult to nutrient enrichment. attach an economic value to these plants, they obviously contribute to the presence of fish in the area. Solid wastes dumped at the banks of the Layou River are washed to the bay. Water from a public bath on the beach Fishing drains to the sea. Seine fishing is a traditional and current activity in Layou. The volume of grey water entering the sea at Layou is Seines are pulled on both sides of the jetty. Fish caught by small compared to Kingstown and because the practice is seine include Jacks, Bonitos and Robins but the value of fairly widespread in St. Vincent, environmental health the fishery has not been determined. Line fishing along the authorities do not consider this a priority public health issue rocks and headlands occur but there is no pot fishing of any at this time. It is, however, an aesthetic concern that is significance. 29 St. Vincent & Tlhe Grenadines EIA buildings seaward of the main road and north of the jetty Coastal Processes (Plate # 3, Appendix 1), and remnant foundations of buildings destroyed by storms. A number of properties also The coastal investigation was geared at determining inter exist at the southern end of the bay but not along the main alia: road (see Plate # 4, Appendix 1). * The existing conditions including beach cross Large boulders exist along the shoreline. It is understood sectional profile, the state of the road and remaining that these boulders were placed there for property shoreline structures. protection. * Beach sediment type, sediment transport and recent erosion trends. The main structure on the shoreline is however the * Wave conditions and tidal variation. reinforced concrete jetty. Constructed on concrete piles, the * The likely impacts (adverse or beneficial) of the jetty is located approximately midway along the bay. It has proposed sea defence structures. an average height of 7ft above MSL. Condition of Layou Main Road General Description of Site & Existing Conditions The Layou main road borders the coastline. It is located Site approximately 50 ft away from the mean sea level position. The elevation of the road is about 8 ft above MSL. At the The site is located on the western coast of the island along time of field visits, the road appeared to be in fairly good the Layou Bay. The area under consideration is bounded by condition. There were signs that the road had been recently the Layou main road on the east, parts of the Layou repaired. Not withstanding, it is evident that land seaward settlement to the south and north and the open sea on the of the road had suffered severe coastal erosion and that west. The Layou Bay is a relatively enclosed bay with undermining of the road is imminent. groin-like headlands at both ends. The Layou River drains into the bay north of the proposed site. Beach Profile On-shore structures The coastline varies somewhat along shore. It generally consists of a moderately sloping shore extending from the Onshore structures include the single-and-two storey Layou main road to the waterline with an approximate buildings on the landward side of the main road (previously gradient of 15%. The width of the beach varied described) (see Plate #1, Appendix 1), a few one-storey considerably but was generally between 30 and 50 ft wide. 30 St. Vincet & The Greniadinies EIA earth's gravitational attraction to the heavenly bodies A moderately sloping near-shore area extends (moon, sun etc.) Based on the water level variations approximately 50ft beyond the beach. The slope in this area observed on the piles of the jetty and at the northern is approximately 10%. The deeper seabed was found to boundary, the tidal range is estimated to be approximately have a much milder gradient of 5% from this location to a 0.75 m. distance of 200 ft. from the shoreline. The storm surge, the increase in MSL due to the horizontal Lithology force exerted on a body of water by the wind and wind set- up were estimated for the analysis. Estimated wind set-up The lithology consists of medium to fine sand in the near- during a one in fifty year hurricane is 0.5m and the total shore area, medium to fine sand interspersed with gravel estimated increase in MSL is 3.25m (see Appendix 2 for and cobbles in the foreshore and shore areas. The gravel further discussion on storm surge). and cobbles generally range in sizes from 1/2"to 6". The d50 mean particle size for the sand is estimated to be Sediment Transport Regime approximately 0.5 mm. The general long shore transport appears to be in a Storm Surge Analysis northerly direction. This is evidenced by the apparent accumulation of sand and wider beach that exist in the Wave Climate, Tidal Range & Storm Surge. northern section of the bay. This is consistent with current circulation patterns and wave direction described by The offshore waves are generally from a southwesterly residents and fishermen of the area. direction. As the waves approach the near-shore area shoaling and refraction of the waves occur. This causes the Sediment particle sizes tend to be larger at the southern waves to approach the shore at a smaller angle of incidence section of the bay. This indicates that this area is subjected and increase the wave height until the waves become to greater wave energy than further north, hence the unstable for the water depth at that location. capacity for greater sediment transport and also greater vulnerability to erosion. The waves then break releasing their energies. The near- shore waves are therefore not only determined by the offshore wave climate but also by the water depths and seabed bathymetry. The tidal range or astronomical tide is an important contributor to the water level. It varies with location and sinusoidally with time and is the combined effect of the St. Vincent & The Gretadines EIA 2.2 Rivers Rainfall 2.2.1 Colonarie River The river is a constantly flowing watercourse as a result of the watershed receiving 214 inches of rainfall per year. The Colonarie Watershed River Runoff Location Due to the steep valley topography and relatively high The Colonarie Watershed is located on the Windward side moisture content of the soil, there is usually rapid runoff of the island, from the coastal villages of Colonarie and from the Colonarie River. The estimated runoff ratio is Friendly, inwards to the central mountain range. It is 79% of precipitated water. approximately 11 km in length with an average width of over 2.5 km. (See Appendix 3) The average runoff was calculated at 2.68 m3/sec in 1991 with a maximum monthly runoff measured at 8.4 m3/sec in Composition November 1991 (Reid, Collins, 1993). During this same month, a record of 1068 mm of rainfall was recorded at the The watershed contains several seasonal tributaries and middle section of the watershed. The peak daily discharge four (4) permanent watercourses. The upstream sections of was estimated at 30.5 m3/sec. these watercourses are steep, narrow and fast and culminate in a narrow, flat alluvial flood plain near the village of Watershed Management Friendly. The Colonarie River's relatively steady and strong flow The Colonarie River is the longest river on mainland St. volume is due partly to the work done by the Department of Vincent with a total drainage area of approximately 23 km2, Forestry in maintaining the Colonarie watershed. This which represents 6.6% of the island. river constitutes one of the best-managed watersheds on the island. Soil Biological Environment Soil type varies from deep layers of volcanic ash in the upper stages to a silty-clay boulder agglomerate in the The vegetation along the riverbank consists mainly of lower stages. The soil also has very high moisture content. shrubs. The seaward end supports the growth of some sea grapes, coconut palm Cocus nucifera and almond 32 St. Vinicent & The Greniadlinies EIA Terminalia catappa and Pandanas. Aquatic inhabitants The most visible pollutant in this river is the blue diothene, include the eel, mullet, and two species of crayfish. a byproduct of banana cultivation. Higher up stream, the water temperature is impacted by the South Rivers hydro- Economic Activities electricity plant which returns its used water to the river. "Tri-tri" harvesting is a major activity in this area of the Settlement and Community Structure river. This activity is seasonal and although there are no records of catch (volumes), a number of residents indicated Colonarie is a relatively small windward coast settlement of that tri-tri harvesting provides their major source of income 7,756 persons developed along the Colonarie River from for the period September to December yearly. Crude about the 500 ft contour to the shoreline. The river drains estimates put annual takings at about EC$ 60,000. Some a fairly large watershed, whose ridge is between 3181 ft persons involved in the trade believe that the volume and 3350 ft in elevation. The watershed is wide at the ridge caught over the past three years shows a decline. (approximately three miles) and narrow where the river empties at the coast (2/3 miles). There are no extensive flat Residents of the area wash their laundry in the river since areas in the valley of the watershed, suggesting relatively they do not pay for this water (water supply in SVG is small amounts of recent alluvial deposits. metered). Other persons remove small stones from the riverbed for construction purposes. There is no significant development beyond the 500 ft contour. Most development occurs south of the main river The power station is a source of employment. Two in the Park Hill, South River and Three Rivers area. arrowroot factories and a coconut packing plant once Colonarie River is a source of hydro-electrical power. An provided significant employment to the community but intake and transmission lines are indicative of power these industries have declined in recent years. generation infrastructure. Water Quality Appreciable development in housing occurred north and south of the river within a quarter mile radius from the Because the flow volume of this river is relatively strong main road between 1981/82 and 1999 as seen from aerial and steady, there is good flushing activity. However, there photographs. Housing growth also occurred in Park Hill are no records of water quality tests done in this river since close to the river. 1990. The data from 1990 shows residues of the pesticides paraquat (in bottom sediments) and carbofuran (in the The aerial photos show extensive banana stands within and water column) (R. Murray, 1996). adjacent to the river basin. Consequently, impacts from 33 St. Vincent & Tlhe Grenadinies EIA chemicals used in banana cultivation and erosion normally 2.2.2 Langley Park River, Georgetown associated with the crop are of some concern. The Georgetown (Caratal) Watershed Aerial photos indicate active wave movement and wash at the shoreline of this very exposed coast, which enjoys no Location protection from near-shore or offshore reefs. Shoreline properties, particularly south of the river, are relatively The Georgetown Watershed, also called the Caratal exposed to storm surge. However, despite the exposure Watershed is located just north of the Colonarie Watershed sediment transported down river and deposited at the mouth (see Appendix 3). It runs from the central Morne Garu of the river helps to keep erosion in check at the river mountain range eastwards to the settlement of Georgetown. mouth. This Watershed is approximately eight km in length and three km in width. As with many coastal communities on the island, linear development occurs along both sides of the main road. A Composition school, church, community library, clinic and post office are located in this area not far from the proposed project The Watershed contains a few seasonal tributaries and three site but not close enough to be directly affected by its (3) main, permanent watercourses merging into two (2) impacts. distinct rivers (Caratal River and Langley Park River). The Langley Park River, which drains a smaller basin within the Linear development also occurs along the road that runs at larger watershed, passes through the Village of Chapmans the side of the river leading to the Park Hill and South - a section of Georgetown. Rivers communities where additional community facilities are located. Colonarie is therefore comprised of several The Langley River is approximately 10 km in length with a small communities but lacks a geographic nucleus that total drainage area of 15 km. could be described as the center of social, cultural or economic activity. Soil Soil conditions are very similar to those found in the Colonarie watershed, with deep volcanic ash in the middle and upper regions and boulder agglomerate in the lower plains. 34 St. Vincent & Tlte Greniadines EIA Rainfall Approximately 80m from high water mark the river is There are no rainfall figures available for this watershed. crossed by a bridge forming part of the main Windward However, since it is situated just five miles north of the Highway. The bridge spans a gap about six meters across Colonarie watershed, similar precipitation patterns are and two meters high. There is some undercutting of the assumed. supporting walls of the bridge (see Plate # 13, Appendix 1). River Runoff Biological Environment Due to the steep topography of the middle and upper The volume of water in this river is very small, hence regions of the drainage basin and the relatively short run of aquatic life is restricted to tadpoles, crabs and some guppies the river through the flat alluvial plains runoff is relatively (million fish). The vegetation on the riverbank consists of rapid and soil erosion significant. sea grapes, coconut palms, elephant grass and almond. The relatively high moisture content of soils also adds to Economic Activities the rapid runoff from the Langley Park River. The estimated runoff ratio is 70% of precipitated water. Animal rearing is very common along this riverbank. Animals reared include pigs, goats and sheep. The only use The average runoff is estimated at 2.25 m3/sec and the made of the water is for the watering of animals. The maximum monthly runoff assumed to be 6.4 m3/sec. Given persons interviewed claimed to have seen tri-tri caught at the relative size of the Langley Park River compared with the river mouth but the quantity is too small to attract the Colonarie River channel we can estimate a peak commercial fishers. discharge at 25 m3/sec. Water Quality In most of this river the riverbanks are relatively shallow at 8ft to 15 ft. The channel gradient is in the order of 6%. The quality of this water is extremely poor. Small water volume, high nutrient content (animal waste) and an The river has a relatively wide bed compared to the volume excessive amount of garbage are the main causes. of water that flows through it normally. The gradient is Additionally, the river passes through two neighbourhoods gentle and stream flow is good. Except for one small area and a banana plantation on its way to the sea. Given the at the seaward end and a constructed area about 1 OOm amount of sediments in the river it is safe to assume that inland, the riverbank is virtually flat. The floor of the river pesticide residue will be present in the water. is sandy indicating recent flood activity. 35 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA Legislation Georgetown is the service centre for windward The Environmental Health Act # 9 of 1977 makes it illegal communities - particularly those north of the Rabbaca Dry to rear farm animals in towns. Also, the dumping of waste River. It is also a provisioning stop for visitors to the into rivers constitutes a nuisance and is prohibited under Soufriere Volcano and other attractions on the scenic north- the said Act. Act # 15 of 199, known as the Litter Act, windward coast. makes dumping of refuge in undesignated areas (e.g. rivers) illegal. Arrowroot and sugar cultivation provided employment opportunities in the past for residents of Georgetown but There are no laws that specifically address squatting in these industries have since declined. A rum distillery SVG. By encroaching on the riverbanks the residents are remains a major employer. taking full advantage of this deficiency. Georgetown benefited from the St. Vincent Agricultural Settlement and Community Structure Rehabilitation and Distribution Project (ARDP), which provided farmers with access to land in the form of The Langley Park River empties at the coast on the ownership of small farms. The project's attempt at northern part of the Georgetown settlement in the village agricultural diversification and empowerment of previously called Chapmans. Chapmans can be considered an landless farmers was not as successful as planned. extension of Georgetown where the population is 7,127. It However, land ownership among farmers significantly is compact and its landward edge falls within a quarter mile altered the social structure and relationships within the from the shoreline. Between 1981 and 1999 some community. development in housing occurred west of the main road and north of the river in an area labelled on the DOS map as 2.2.3 Buccament River Langley Park. The Buccament Watershed Intensive banana cultivation occurs west of this area of Georgetown within the Langley Park river basin (which is Location defined separate from the adjoining Rabacca river basin for the purposes of this study). Plastic bags and cardboard The Buccament Watershed is located on the South Leeward boxes seen in the river provide ready evidence. Banana side of the island (see Appendix 3). It extends from the cultivation also occurs south of the Langley Park river coastal village of Buccament inwards to the areas of basin, that is, in the Caratal River basin. The Caratal River Vermont and Dalaway. This is also the largest and most runs through the middle of Georgetown. reliable source of potable water on the island. 36 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA River Runoff Composition The peak discharge of the Buccament River is estimated to This watershed is a steep and narrow valley formation with be around 45 m3/sec. This is usually a very powerful river a number of permanent tributaries feeding the main with a very rapid discharge once the soil becomes Buccament River. The Buccament River is approximately saturated. Peak discharges usually occur between the 10 km in length with a total drainage area of around 13 months of September and December. Due to the lack of km2 development and housing in the middle to upper regions the runoff ratio is estimated at 65% of precipitated water. Soil The average runoff is estimated at 2 m3/sec and the Soil conditions are very similar to those found in the maximum monthly runoff assumed to be 10 m3/sec. Given Cumberland watershed, also located on the Leeward side of the relative size of the Buccament River compared with the the island. The main rock types are lava and pyroclastics. Colonarie River channel peak discharge was estimated at The latter is characterized by a poor fracture system and 35 m3/sec. cementation and makes for easy erosion and weathering. Throughout the entire Buccament watershed there are The Channel gradient varies from as low as 6% up to 18%. deposits of volcanic ash mixed with boulder agglomerate. Physical Environment Because of its very steep topography and the high degree of weathering, mass movements are fairly common in the wet The Dalaway water catchment and the Vermont nature season as evidenced by numerous scars along the steep trails are located in the upper parts of the Buccament hillsides. There is usually very heavy erosion, siltation and valley. With the slopes occupied by farming, most of the turbidity. population is concentrated along the riverbank with the access road running alongside the houses. The riverbed is Rainfall dotted with huge boulders, the product of volcanic activity. This watershed has one of the highest precipitation rates in In the immediate vicinity of the bridge under consideration the country with an average of 6000 mm of rainfall per there are only two riverbank settlers. The other houses year. Rainfall is highest in upstream parts of the watershed have reasonable setbacks from the river. The retaining wall and lowest along the coastline. for the bridge is partially collapsed as the water undercuts the supporting wall (see Plate # 5, Appendix 1). 37 St. Vincent & The Grenadinies EIA The Biological Environment Water Quality Several species of vines (including Hymenscallis caribaea) The meandering river flows swiftly over boulders down a cling to the portions of the riverbank that are not occupied steady gradient supporting rapid aeration that ensures good by houses while the portions of the river bed not covered 02 concentration (10 ppm) in the water. However, the with water are covered with elephant grass (Pennisetum large volume of nitrogenous waste (human and animal pupureum) and razor grass (Scleria secans). excrement from septic pits and pig "pens" on the riverbank) entering the water keeps the nitrate levels above nine ppm The water in this river, though polluted, is home to two so that heavy blooms of green algae are common. species of crayfish (Atya innocou and Mabrachium crcinu) and four species of fish (Agonostomus monitcola, Gobisox Settlement and Community Structure spp. Mugil cephalus, Sicytium plumieri). Pig farming is a common activity along this riverbank. Buccament is comprised of a number of small communities within the Buccament River valley, starting at Buccament The Environmental Health Department has taken a number Bay at the coast to Table Rock at 690 ft elevation. The of persons to court in an attempt to stamp out this practice river and watershed have a profound impact on the but to no avail. There is a case pending that has been in the structure and life of the communities. It empties into a courts for the last 30 months. flood plain of relatively poorly drained soils near Buccament Bay resulting in the development that runs in Economic Activities linear fashion along the main road. Under the Buccament Valley Development Project (1997- A secondary road that runs along its bank up the valley 98) supported by the OECS-NRMU, efforts were made to services communities such as New Peniston, Dubois, turn the community into a tourism destination with Retreat and Vermont along with farming activity in the activities centered on the river. The area's tourism upper parts of the valley. potential however remains unfulfilled. Apart from this effort, the river supports community Aerial photographs indicate appreciable new developments activities such as sport fishing (the fish caught are eaten), in housing between 1981 and 1999 in the valley. laundering, bathing, watering of farm animals and the Development occurred east of the school at the Buccament provision of stones for building construction. coastal settlement and more significantly between the main This river enters the sea in the area of Buccament. At this road (running south to north) and the Golf Course, mainly point "Tri tri" catching is a major economic activity. along the secondary road running up the valley. 38 St. Vintcentt & The Grenadinies EIA Flooding in the downstream area of the valley has been aggravated by agricultural and fuel wood harvesting practices over the years. Recent housing developments serve to further increase surface runoff and increase flood risk. Not much development has occurred at the riverbanks close to the project site in recent years. However, land uses upstream (including housing) have been linked to adverse downstream effects such as scouring, hence the need to stabilize eroded riverbanks and bridge infrastructure. The Buccament Valley Development Project brought a greater awareness of the harmful landuse practices affecting the river and other resources in the valley. Community groups, along with government agencies (such as Forestry, Agriculture, Public Health, Water Authority, Community Development and Planning), have worked on problems associated with chemicals usage, pig farming, dumping and other practices that pollute the river, which provides potable water for most of Kingstown. 39 St. Vinzcent & The Grenadines EIA 3.0. SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL the location of valuable property. It may then be desirable IMPACTS or necessary to physically protect the property by some structural means or to force the equilibrium profile seaward. 3.1 Layou The disadvantage of the former method is that the erosion 3.1.1 Evaluation of Proposal seaward of the protective works generally continues creating more severe conditions later. Several examples of this can be found in the region, one example being The coastline and coastal zone serve a most important Runaway Bay, a resort beach area in Antigua. function of coastal protection. Nature tends to develop a T coaslin whch ay b cosidredto e dyamiall stble The equilibrium profile is generally forced seawards by coastline which may be considered to be dynamically stable eihrasfmansuhsbacnoihetorad for a given wave climate. Generally over a long period ofsoft means such as beach nourishment or hard means such as offshore breakwaters. The advantage of time, adjustments occur to the cross-section enabling it to these methods is that they generally reduce the wave more effectively resist the effects of wave activity, energy approaching the shore and consequently the rate of The above is partially achieved by the movement of erosion is not accelerated. Also, the likelihood of problems 1 Z 1 1 X r 1 ~~~~~~becoming more severe near-shore is reduced. The sediment (sand, gravel etc.) to form a more stable cross- beoigmr svrena-heis edc.Te sedimntl (sand, gravel etc. tofr ab mr stae crosis disadvantage is that quite often breakwaters and nourished sectional profile, which iS then able to better resist the bahsmyhv ob anand aigteemaue prevailing wave climate. As the wave climate changes, so too does the beach profile. Hence periodic movement of expensive compared to other forms of coastal protection. sediments to and fro is not an uncommon occurrence in nature. 3.1.2 Significant Impacts The sea defence structures are designed mainly to protect For a stable beach profile to be formed without adversely th manrdadcoslpoeti. Teyrelo affecting onshore areas and property, certain minimum iotended to provide aesthetic and social benefits to the distances and sediments volumes must be available for commnity The aessmet of t opoal indits tha dissipating the wave energy. The beach shore serves as a commumty. The assessment of the proposals indicates that reservoir of sediments to achieve the aforementioned some of the design objectives will be achieved but that objectives. adverse effects are also likely. At times enough sediments may not be available or the minimum distance required may extend shoreward, beyond 40 St. Vincentt & Tlte Grenadines EIA Biophysical Impacts reduce the element of risk associated with suspended fine material. Stepped Seawall Recommendation a) Pile Driving * Use material with appropriately sized particles for The construction of the seawall will involve the use of fill prior to the installment of the sheet piles. concrete and sheet piles (see Figures 3 (a) and 3 (b)). * Containment of the temporary fill should be done to Concrete piles (1ft x 1ft)) will be placed 18 ft apart, Outer reduce turbidity and to prevent loss of the material piles will be l Oft long and inner piles 1 6ft long. Reinforced due to wave action. interlocking sheet piles (eight in.) will be placed between * While the driving of piles themselves is not the concrete piles. expected to significantly impact benthic resources, the temporary visual impact on water quality could Sediment will be disturbed while the piles are being driven be reduced by using a fabric with appropriate mesh and it is likely that fill will be emplaced to provide mobility size as a silt screen. for pile driving equipment during the installation of the outer line of piles. There are no benthic marine resources b) Wave Energy (corals, sea grass, calcareous algae) in the area that will be disturbed. Suspended sediment will however be moved The stepped seawall will have a back-splash reflector face around by wave action and coastal currents. (total length of 445 ft), which offers a valuable means of The larger particles in the beach sediment will settle coastline protection. It provides physical protection for the relatively quickly and should not pose any threat to benthic structures behind it and a profile and medium for wave resources in the bay. Smaller particles requiring more time breaking and dissipation of wave energy. This wave to settle should be of concern to benthic resources but the energy dissipation is required to prevent erosion on shore. level of threat will depend on the type of material used for fill. Suspended particles would however cause a temporary For the structure to function efficiently, it is important that change in water quality. The impact would be more visual it be positioned correctly in terms of its horizontal and than biological. Fill with clay-sized particles should be vertical positions. The functional design of the wall is also avoided. very important. The slope and width should be designed such that breaking of waves at the toe of the structure does Also, containment of fill deposited to facilitate the not occur. movement of machines or equipment would significantly 41 St. Vincent & The Greunadines EIA The cross section of the structure (see Figures 3 (a) and 3 cost. However, if it were installed as shown on the Site (b)), indicates that the beach line will be established at the Plan (Figure 2) the beach in the area would be lost. level of the fourth riser - covering almost one third of the horizontal width across the seawall. This will move the To maintain the beach, an option would be that the armour wave breaking zone seaward and help provide protection wall be placed as far landward as possible such that it does for the toe of the piles. not interfere with the daily onshore / offshore and long- shore sediment transport. It is recommended as above for However, the Site Plan (Figure 2) indicates that a section of the stepped seawall that a complementary ocean the wall would interface directly with the sea. This may, morphological assessment be carried out when finalizing however, be a misrepresentation of design intent since it the detailed design. conflicts with what is shown in the cross sections. It is to be noted that the above structures offer protection Given the relative vulnerability of the coastline to storms against erosion to the onshore areas under extreme wave adequate design protection for the toe of the structure in the climate and conditions but will do very little in preventing form of a riprap/rubble mound unit should considered. daily structural erosion and sediment transport of the near- This would be complimented by adequate placement of fill shore areas. In fact, the walls themselves could fail if the (beach) on the seaward side of the wall. It is recommended near-shore is eroded sufficiently to undermine the area in that a complementary ocean morphological assessment be front of the walls. carried out when finalizing the detailed design. Recommendation Recommendations * It is recommended that beach nourishment pilot project * Provide adequate design protection to the toe of the be carried out towards the southern area of the bay as stepped seawall. part of the whole coastal protection works. This would * Ensure that adequate beach sediment is placed provide sediment for not only restoration of the beach along the entire length of the wall. but also sediment that would be available to participate in the morphological process and dynamic cyclic Rock Armour Unit seasonal profile adjustments to which a coastline is naturally subjected. a) Beach Retention The beach nourishment would consist of placing a quantity The rock armour unit wall (254 ft long) also offers a of sand in the near-shore hydraulically by dredging and valuable form of coastal protection at a more economical pumping or by trucking. If beach nourishment is not 42 St. Vincent & The Grentadines EIA implemented it is likely that the beach leeward of the wall provide shade and some degree (albeit small) of will be lost in due course. moisture through evapo-transpiration. * Create a pedestrian friendly sidewalk. A key result Surface (Storm water) Drainage being the separation of pedestrians from the busy main street vehicular traffic. There are several existing drains that carry surface water * Help to bring back some social and economic from areas east of the main road, passing under the road vigour to life on Main Street. and into the sea (see Plates # 1 and 6, Appendix 1). The site plan for the sea defence structures does not indicate To reinforce or further enhance these effects, it is their presence. It is assumed that this is an oversight since suggested that: provisions to allow the continued flow of storm water to the sea are essential. An appropriate plant species is used for the street trees to be installed at the promenade. Trees should Recommendations preferably be adaptable to a shoreline environment (able to withstand salt in the moisture) and to vehicle * Drains to channel storm water should be emissions (pollutants) incorporated into final design drawings of the seawall. * Seating furniture and decorative lighting be * Considering that the public will use the stepped considered for the promenade. wall, some form of safety device (e.g. guard rail) * Some form of protective or safety bollards be used should be used where the drains pass through the to protect pedestrians on the promenade from seawall. vehicles. Socio-economic Impacts Land Ownership Streetscape Improvements While the seawall and promenade will benefit the community as a whole, land has been lost to coastal erosion The site plan (Figure 2) indicates that street trees will be and/or buildings have been destroyed by storm surges. planted along the 15 ft pedestrian promenade. This will There may be remaining rights to the use of the shoreline for owners of property lost to the sea. In addition, the lack * Provide visual and aesthetic improvement. of a final detailed design does not permit to fully assess * Provide slight but helpful modification of the whether there is any private land remaining at the eroded shoreline temperature if plants are large enough to shoreline that could be affected by the Project. 43 St. Vil2cen2t & The Grenadiines EIA indicates that the armour wall will meet the waterline. This There is no evidence that Government has sought legal would essentially condemn existing public uses of the interpretation with regard to the rights of property owners beach in the affected area. having lost property to coastal erosion to reclaim the seabed. The rights of other remaining private landowners if Recommendations any, are also not fully clear. Government should in any case * Investigate beach nourishment for this area as an enter into discussions with property owners who could be option to the armour wall. affected by the construction of the seawall and pedestrian * If erecting an armour wall is the chosen course, the promenade to seek approval for the use of any remaining design and location of the wall should factor in the portions of their property. need to protect shoreline properties and the beach. The latter would ensure that public access along the Recommendations beach is maintained. * Seek legal interpretation on the shoreline rights of Fishing Activities landowners having lost property to coastal erosion. * Conduct a boundary survey to assess whether there Seine fishing for Jacks, Bonitos and Robins that occur on are other remaining private shoreline landowners, both sides of the public jetty would not be affected by the legally assess whether such owners would be construction of the stepped wall. If the armour wall were eligible for compensation, and consult and constructed as shown on the site plan, movement along the eventually negotiate compensation where beach would be restricted if not made altogether appropriate. impossible. This would preclude the use of the area to launch boats or pull nets during seine fishing. Public Access to the Shoreline Along Armour Wall Presently, boat launching and net pulling from shore occur The armour wall will help to protect private property at the at the beach north and south of the site proposed for the shoreline but would restrict public access and use of the steeped wall where rocks, boulders or pebbles restrict easy existing beach. The area (north of the public jetty) is used movement by fishermen. to haul boats, and provides for pedestrian access and recreation (see Plate #7, Appendix 1). A positive effect is that the stepped wall will support line fishing, a former past-time activity for youth of the area. The Ministry of Communication and Works did not provide any cross sections that would indicate the location of the armour wall in relation to existing properties. The site plan 44 St. Vinceiti & The Grenadines EIA Recommendation Recommendations * The armour wall should be designed to protect the beach and by so doing allow the continuation of * A construction schedule should be devised to traditional uses, including seine fishing. This can reduce to the degree of disruption to traffic on the be achieved with minimum effort and no main road. appreciable additions in construction cost. * Long-term measures such as linking the Main Road to the inner road would have to be further studied Traffic by the Ministry of Communications and Works. Building the seawall will cause temporary inconveniences Noise for vehicles and pedestrians along the waterfront. Traffic interruptions can be expected during the dumping of Noise from pile driving will be a temporary inconvenience material and the driving of piles. Mitigating the to residents of the waterfront. Noise would also disturb inconveniences to traffic flow along this section of the court proceedings, which are housed in the second floor of Western main road will be difficult because property would the police building. Mitigating noise impacts would best be have to be demolished to allow a detour using the road east achieved by scheduling pile-driving operations for the of the main road. period of the day that would cause the least disturbance to residents. In order to re-route the traffic away from the construction site the connection between the main road and the other Recommendations road would have to occur in the area south of the Police Station at the foot of the hill. The coast of removing * Make community residents aware of the property to construct a temporary road connection is inconveniences that will be caused by construction however not justified within the scope of this Project, even and reach agreement with them on a schedule for though it would benefit the community in the long term. pile driving. * Avoid pile driving and any other noisy operations The inconvenience to pedestrian traffic would not cause the during court sessions. difficulties that would be experienced by vehicular traffic. Precautions would however be necessary to avoid accidents that could result from construction operations. 45 St. Vi*cent & The Grentadinies EIA between 9ft and 21 ft. These baskets are to be packed with 3.2 Colonarie River rocks of diameter greater than the mesh openings (See typical Sections, Figure 5). 3.2.1 The Proposed Site Adequacy The specific site under consideration is the area starting at the Colonarie Bridge and extending upstream for 300 ft and Given the ill-defined river channel and the need to protect downstream of the bridge to 300 ft (see Figure 4 (b)) and the abutments of the main bridge and neighbouring Plates #8 and #9, Appendix 1). property, river training will be essential in the long-term. Immediately upstream of the bridge there are over two The gabion basket system offers an environmentally miles of gently rolling channel filled with small boulders. friendly alternative for river training and embankment The channel gradient was measured at about 2%. This protection. gradient reaches as high as 12% in the upper regions of the watershed. This system in addition to defining the channel flow will assist in energy dissipation, reduce erosion along the There are a number of houses along the banks and flood embankments and protect the bridge abutments from plains and property is threatened in many instances. scouring. At the proposed site the river channel is ill defined and 3.2.3 Impacts there is evidence that the river periodically spreads out around the main abutments and also rises above the Physical Impacts riverbanks. Along the right bank (looking upstream) a section of river defence wall was installed to protect Positive (Direct) property. There are no other natural or man-made defence mechanisms in this area. There will be several positive impacts arising from this proposed project 3.2.2 Evaluation of Design Proposal * Improved protection for property near eroding The Proposal embankments. The social and economic implications of this are discussed under socio-economic impacts. The proposal here is to construct walls comprising several * Reduced erosion of vulnerable embankments and staggered stacks of gabion baskets varying in height reduced siltation of riverbed from eroded material. 46 St. Vincent & Tlhe Grenadlines EIA * Increase in useful life of bridge abutments. appropriate design and reasonable cost should be Negative considered. Among the negative impacts of reducing and defining the Socio-economic Impacts channel under the bridge would be: Positive (Direct) (Direct) The riverbank project will protect a number of properties. * A possible increase in flood levels under and over the Information obtained from the Land Valuation Department bridge. This may affect stability and integrity of the indicates that properties listed in Table 2 will benefit. bridge during a flood event. According to the Land Valuation Department, land in the (Indirect) area is valued at about EC$5 per sq ft. Protection offered would at the very least ensure that land value remains at * Depending on the source, the use of stone for packing this level and with the possibility of increasing. the baskets may result in erosion threats at the location. Possible sources of stones for the gabions are the Dry Most of the parcels are developed. Construction River, an area north of the Dry River and a quarry in replacement cost is about EC$150 per sq. ft. Property Colonarie itself. Evaluation of these sites as owners will then benefit significantly by virtue of avoiding environmentally safe sites for the source of stones was the inevitable replacement of buildings in the long term if beyond the resources of this assessment. It is assumed the riverbank continues to erode. that the selected site (s) is an existing source of construction stones or boulders. Recommendation * An additional hydrological assessment of possible river floods should be carried out at the time when the detailed design will be completed. * The preferred site for sourcing stones for the gabions is one already in use for such purposes. If a new site must be identified then an impact assessment study of 47 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA Table 2 Properties to Benefit from Riverbank 3.3 Langley Park River Protection Colonarie River 3.3.1 The Proposed Site Parcel Number Property Owner The site under consideration for riverbank protection is that area 500 ft upstream of the Caratal Bridge along both sides of the river. An additional 100 ft downstream of the bridge East of Bridge/North side is also considered for protection (see Plates # 11 and 12, Appendix 1). 1 Sonner Millington 2 Phillip De Freitas (Church There are several houses and property along the banks of land) this river. Because of the change in flow direction at the 3 Zeta Jack (Church land) bridge there is a high degree of siltation, which contributes to the over-topping of the bridge during heavy rainfall. West of Bridge/North side At this point also there is also a fair degree of solid waste 83 Cornelius Springer pollution in the river and on the deposits of silt. (Ballantine) 84 Rosaline Mitchell 3.3.2 Evaluation of Design proposal 85 Patricia James The proposal is to supply and install gabion basket walls West of Bridge/south side with basically the same design as those proposed for the Colonarie River (See Typical Cross Sections, Figure 5). 41 Albert Dixon & Hannah Tesheira Adequacy 42 Alban Gonsalves Owing to the lack of definition of the river channel near the bridge and the many houses that are currently under threat, (Source: Land Valuation Department) there is a need for both long-term river channelling and erosion protection along the banks. 48 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA As with Colonarie we find the gabion basket system to be Indirect an appropriate alternative, especially since it is easy to construct and very cost effective. * Potentially indiscriminate mining of boulders to fill baskets. The design shows a stepped feature, which virtually increases the cross-sectional area of the channel as the water rises and reduces the risk of over-topping and Socio-economic Impacts flooding. Positive 3.3.3 Impacts Like the Colonarie project, the riverbank protection for Physical Impacts Langley Park River will benefit a number of properties, as listed in Table 3. Positive (Direct) Land values in the area are similar to Colonarie (about Among the positive impacts are: EC$5 per sq ft) and construction replacement costs for residential properties is about EC$150 per sq ft. The gabion * Reduced erosion and siltation. structures would help to keep property values from going * Increased land area for development. down as well as reduce the risk to buildings from future * Property protection and risk reduction. The socio- flood and erosion damage. Protection will also reduce the economic benefits of this are discussed under socio- likelihood that properties would need to be replaced after economic impacts. being destroyed by natural hazards. Negative (Direct) Negative impacts may include: * Over-topping of the existing Langley Park Bridge due to a fixed, confined river channel. 49 St. Vincent & The Grenadinies EIA Table 3 Properties to Benefit from Riverbank Protection 3.4 Buccament at Langley Park River 3.4.1 The Proposed Site Parcel Number Owner -_______________________________________ The proposed site is situated almost 3km inland up the Buccament River at a bridge called Hope. At this point, West of Bridge/North side there is a slight change in direction of the river and there is 92 Arthur Davis evidence of siltation and extensive erosion and scouring 93 Algetta Richards around the bridge abutments. 94 Dennis Jones 95 Vernon Davy The riverbanks near the bridge have been known to become 96 Ezron Allen flooded on an annual basis. Property and the public 97 Rosa Cornwall roadway are under threat from erosion. 98 Clatius Lewis 99 Villa Cornwall At this point the river generally flows over a sparse boulder West of Bridge/South side pavement with boulders ranging in diameter from 0.5m to 16 Vida Howell 2m. There is little by way of energy dissipation or river 17 Edna Lewis channelling except for the broken bridge abutments. 24 Queenie Johnson 25 Marie Patrick 3.4.2 Evaluation of Design Proposal 26 Samuel Mackie 27 N.A. The proposal here is to install four sections of gabion walls 28 Joseph Jack comprising several staggered stacks of gabion baskets East of Bridge/South side varying in height between 12ft and 15 ft. These baskets are 52 Japheth Letteen to be packed with rocks of diameter greater than the mesh 53 Lyn John openings (See Typical Cross Sections, Figure 5). 54 Augustus Sampson The proposal is for walls of 50 ft in length on both banks (Source: Land Valuation Department) downstream of the main bridge and 1000 ft along the right bank upstream of the bridge and 500 ft along the left bank. Final drawings have not yet been prepared. 50 St. Vinicenit & The Grenadines EIA Adequacy Negative (Direct) There has been severe erosion and undermining of the The channel width and capacity of the river after the bridge abutments. Along the right upstream bank there has installment of the gabion structures is not known. Possible also been erosion to the point where the existing main road adverse impacts could result from a reduction in channel is also threatened. This is all a clear indication of the capacity, namely, an increase in flood water levels and urgent need for protection along the banks. damage to the structure of the bridge. The gabion basket system as proposed is an appropriate Recommendations alternative, especially since it is easy to construct and very cost effective. There is also an abundant supply of both * The Ministry of Communications and Works crushed and naturally occurring rock for this purpose. should complete the design drawings for the project, including relevant cross sections of the There is also a need for gabion walls and cleaning at certain channel upstream and downstream of the bridge. points up- stream of the propose * Mitigation of the possible impacts cited above should be an integral consideration in the final 3.4.3 Impacts design of the works. Physical Impacts Negative (Indirect) Positive (Direct) A possible negative impact could result from indiscriminate mining of rocks to fill baskets. If the collection and Among the positive impacts of the proposed gabion walls removal of these rocks is not controlled there is the are: potential for resulting erosion at the source. Specific recommendations are made in the report to avoid or reduce * A reduction in the variability of channel depths, which impacts from mining activity to secure rocks for the gabion will produce a more uniform, incised single channel baskets. pattern. * Reduction in both erosion and siltation. Because the site is located some distance inland from the * Long-term protection for bridge foundation and coast, it is possible that downstream areas could be affected roadways. by scour and erosion at the site during construction. Reduction of such impacts could be achieved by: 51 St. Vinceiit & The Grenadines EIA * Using a construction fabric to contain soil from Riverbed and Riverbanks Legal Rights areas subject to soil displacement. * Committing the contractor and construction workers The rivers are a resource of national importance. However, to an environmentally sensitive code of practice ownership and use of the river embankments and riverbeds during the project with appropriate penalties for any is unclear. One interpretation shared by some planning violations. officials is that private land ownership extends to the centre of the riverbed. Another, shared by at least one officer in 3.5 Conclusions and Recommendations, River the Land Evaluation Department, is that private land Protection ownership stops at a point on the river embankment. 3.5.1 General Meanwhile, it is assumed generally that Government should shoulder the cost of riverbank protection It is generally accepted that the three (3) sites under notwithstanding that the riverbank in question may be consideration for protection are in fact situated within three privately owned. The justification is that even if private of the major watersheds on mainland St. Vincent. The owners benefit, riverbank protection is in the national respective valleys and rivers are all steep and fast with interest. regular incidences of erosion and flooding, especially in the lower areas. It was not possible to determine the boundary between private and public land ownership at the riverbank sites of The sites chosen are also high priority points, at bridge sites the project. The Ministry of Communications and Works and at points where either a main road or public property is has not treated this as an issue - assuming that property threatened. owners would be grateful for the protection to be provided. The proposed gabion system presents technology that is not This de facto policy for protecting riverbanks against new to St. Vincent and, in fact, has already been used scouring and erosion without due consideration to successfully in rivers on both sides of the island. ownership should be reviewed in the long term to determine provisions for recovering costs from property Rocks and heavy equipment required for construction are owners. This is critical when building practices lead to all readily available and gabion baskets can be easily erosion or risk to property (the latter where minimum imported. building setback guidelines are not followed). The specific sites under the Project are not near settlements, and therefore do not bear this risk. 52 St. Vincent & The Grenadinies EIA Recommendations * Prohibit the removal of rocks from existing river channels. Rocks should be sourced from local quarries. * Resolve for the future conflicting interpretations of * Special design consideration should also be given to the private versus public ownership of riverbanks and foundation of the baskets. Experience has shown that a riverbeds. The public should then be informed of concrete footing up to normal channel flow height the official position through appropriate public reduces the risk of undermining and reduces the risk of information channels. corrosion and damage to wire baskets. * Where lands of national significance are privately * Consideration should also be given to concreting the owned, government should explore the use of tried apron sections immediately upstream and downstream and tested mechanisms - such as easements - to of the respective bridges and including the channel achieve management objectives of rivers. between abutments. * The importance of rivers in helping to regulate * Some vigilance and restriction of the disposal of solid hydrological processes, in maintaining landscape waste in the respective communities is also stability and as a source of energy suggests the need recommended. for the building of an effective institutional capacity for management inclusive of legal and organizational mechanisms. 3.5.2 Mitigation Measures The following recommendations are offered as mitigation measures against potential negative impacts at all riverbank protection sites. * Define river cross-section upstream of the bridge in order to maintain or increase the existing river channel. This will reduce the incidence of over topping during peak discharge. * Utilize PVC coated wire baskets for the areas that are close to the sea and subject to corrosion. * Specify and regulate the removal of rocks from the local source. 53 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA 4.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES The likelihood of making such adjustments should not be ruled out because of development trends and the inherent 4.1 Layou dynamic nature of river ecosystems. An alternative to the proposed stepped wall would be beach nourishment. This method is considered to be a soft means of coastal protection. Its advantages over many other forms of coastal protection is that it not only provides a wider area of beach for users but also provides a sediment source that may participate in the periodic beach profile adjustment which is nature's natural way of protecting a coastline. Additionally it does not cause circumstances to develop that could create more severe erosion condition like many other forms of coastal protection such a vertical sea wall and groynes. The major disadvantage of beach nourishment is that re- nourishment may be required periodically. The recurrent period depends on the volume of nourishment carried out, the exposure and wave climate of the area and the existing beach profile. Common re- nourishment periods range from five to 10 years. 4.2 Rivers No alternatives have been considered for the river sites. In addition to being suitable for riverbank protection, at these sites, gabion baskets can be easily removed if future adjustments are required to further mitigate impacts caused by upstream developments. 54 St. Vincent & Tlte Grenadlines EIA 5.0 MITIGATION MANAGEMENT Biophysical Actions AND MONITORING PLAN Objective: Minimize potential erosion at toe of seawall 5.1 Coordinated Approach Actions The riverbank protection improvements and sea defence as . Design protection for toe of seawall. proposed in the Recovery and Disaster Management * Provide beach sediment to establish beach along Program are of themselves a mitigation exercise. The . ° banks of all three rivers under consideration are subjected entire length of seawall. to severe erosion. The cost of the toe design protection will depend on the Erosion by floodwater in all three rivers threatens private option chosen. This, in turn, should be advised by property on the riverbanks. In response to this challenge, investigations of the seabed (based on borehole data, which individuals have erected retaining walls. Such piece-meal are not yet available). approach only exacerbates the problem. Because the walls Beach nourishment along the seawall should also are not uniformly constructed, some portions act as incorporate marine beyond what was , , , . , > . . . 1ncorporate marme 1~~~~~nvestigationsbeodwa ws obstacles changing the course of the river and deflecting its possible in this EIA. The objective of these investigations erosive energies to more vulnerable areas. would be to provide data reliable enough to design a beach nourishment scheme. This data would also dictate the A harmonized or centralized approach to the management nofrthe sea e Teio structure. of river protection is required. design of the seawall toe protection structure. of river protection iS required.°r 5.2 Layou The following tasks should be included in the TOR for the consultant and would provide the core scope of work: 5.2.1 Mitigation * Survey of near-shore coastal currents. Objectives and actions for mitigation management of the * Comprehensive beach sediment analysis (sieve proposed Layou sea defence works are provided below. analysis). The actions are summarized from the recommendations made as the result of identified impacts in Section 3.0. * Review of sources of beach sediment and estimates of natural sediment supply. 55 St. Vinicentl & Tlze Grenadiines EIA * Investigation of long-shore and on-shore/offshore Actions: sediment transport regimes (field observations to occur over an appropriate number of days). * Use appropriately sized particles for fill prior to fill * Observation of wave characteristics over an protection. appropriate number of days. * Contain fill used before sheet piles are installed. * Design beach nourishment program including the * Use filter fabric as silt screen depending on degree identification of sediment type, source and of visual water quality to be maintained. quantities and overall costs for the program. The need for protection of fill is based on the assumption The cost for the marine investigations, including fees and that a landfill base would be required to accommodate pile- expenses, is approximately US$15,000 (includes 20 person driving equipment for the outer piles. If the outer piles can days). be installed without landfill, then the sheet piles could form the containment barrier for fill material. Objective: Save beach and traditional uses in area of proposed armour wall Use of a silt screen is considered optional and depends on the degree of visual water quality the authorities and the Actions community would wish to maintain. The silt screen is not suggested for the protection of marine benthic resources, as * Investigate use of beach nourishment as option to this is not considered absolutely necessary. Therefore, the armour wall in this area. cost for purchase and installment of the fabric has not been * Alternatively, design and construct armour wall to determined. preserve beach and traditional uses. Objective: Maintain storm water flow at structure The feasibility of using beach nourishment along this area of the beach as an option to armour wall would be Actions determined during the suggested marine investigations. Cost would be determined then. * Incorporate storm drain system as component of seawall structure in final design drawings. Objective: Maintain water quality by reducing turbidity The aim would be to ensure that adequate provisions are made so that there are no restrictions on storm water, which now flows under the main road and then out to sea. In making the adjustment, the Ministry of Communications 56 St. Vinicent & The Grenadiines EIA and Works should evaluate the options for managing storm assumed that the design layout, along with the selection of water in the area without impairing the design functions of material and equipment, would be priced and done by the the seawall. Costs would be part of the evaluation. Ministry of Communications and Works. Socio-economic Actions Objective: Reduce traffic and otlher inconveniences Objective: Clarify riglhts of shoreline landowners Actions Actions * Provide long term linkage between the main road and the back street and use as detour during seawall * Seek legal interpretation on the shoreline rights of construction. landowners having lost property to coastal erosion. * Devise construction schedule after consultations * Conduct a boundary survey to assess whether there with the community to reduce magnitude of traffic are other remaining private shoreline landowners, and noise impacts. legally assess whether such owners would be eligible for compensation, and consult and The major costs involved would be the acquisition of eventually negotiate compensation where property. These have not been determined but are appropriate. considered justifiable given the long-term benefits to the community from linking the main road to the back street. Objective: Streetscape improvements 5.2.2 Monitoring Actions Coastal Zone Management * Use appropriate species for street trees along promenade. As part of the National Coastal Zone Management system, * Use seating furniture and decorative lighting. the present coastline (prior to construction of protection * Use safety bollards to protect pedestrians using the walls) and near-shore profile should be surveyed. Similar promenade. surveys should be carried out subsequently to determine the changes that have occurred. The interval for carrying out These actions are not given to mitigate adverse impacts but the survey would be determined by rate of observed change rather to enhance the shoreline environment. The provision and any need for new data. A two-year interval is not of seating, lights and bollards should be done in accordance considered unreasonable. The profile /cross-sectional with a functional design plan for the promenade. It is 57 St. Vincent & The GrenadIinies EIA profiles would provide data for future analyses and would channel. This will help to mitigate against the increase enable the effects of the coastal work to be better evaluated. in flood levels. 5.3 Colonarie River * Erosion control practices upstream should be carried out to reduce sediment deposition on the riverbed, which would lead to a reduction in channel flow 5.3.1 Mitigation capacity. Until such practices are in place and working effectively, periodic removal of deposited sediment Objectives and actions for mitigation management of the should be considered where necessary. riverbank projects are provided below. Actions relate to the recommendations made in Section 3.0. There are 5.4 Langley Park River actions that are site specific. These are addressed under each river. Actions that are relevant to all riverbank 5.4.1 Mitigation projects follow the site-specific discussions. Objective: Reduce risk of overtopping at bridge Objective: Minimize potential tlhreats from increase in duringflood events flood levels. Actions Actions: The river channel at the bridge is already narrow. Any Because of its vertical construction, the gabion structure further reduction in channel capacity would increase the could in effect narrow the river channel if the cross incidence of floodwaters overtopping the bridge: sectional width is not adequate. A reduction in channel capacity would result in an increase in flood levels that * The Ministry of Communications and Works should could affect the stability and integrity of the bridge during define the river cross-section upstream of the bridge flood events. in order to maintain or increase the capacity of the river channel. This will reduce the incidence of over Actions to consider are topping during peak discharge. * The Ministry of Communications and Works should * A land use/zoning plan for protection and define river cross-section upstream of the bridge in maintenance of the Langley Park River basin should order to maintain or increase the capacity of the river also be considered to reduce erosion and sediment deposition in the riverbed. 58 St. Vincenit & The Grenadines EIA As with the other riverbank projects, mitigation Objective: Reduce solid waste litter and pollution management should seek to ensure that channel flow capacity after construction is equal to or more than the pre- Action: construction flow capacity. This would be accomplished by: Though not a result of the riverbank project, solid waste pollution is expected to persist as one of the major * Establishing design parameters to achieve desired problems affecting the river. Diothene, (plastic from channel width and capacity. banana cultivation) is the most common item of waste * Including the relevant cross sections for the along the entire course of the river. Polystyrene is the channel in the package of final design drawings. second most prominent waste in this river. Several other domestic items are seen in and along the river. Objective: Minimize downstream adverse effects Indiscriminate dumping of solid waste in the river is Actions perhaps indicative of the low regard the community has for the river as a resource of local and national significance. The riverbank protection project is partly a response to an Unless a more positive perception of the river is developed increase in the vulnerability of downstream areas to flood it will be difficult to achieve other management objectives and erosion damage due to harmful land use practices in the such as erosion control. upper parts of the Buccament valley. It is important therefore to minimize any adverse impacts that are likely to * Reinforcement of community programs to avoid occur downstream of the construction activities. indiscriminate dumping. Appropriate actions would consist of * Enforcement of anti-litter regulations. * Using a construction fabric to contain soil from 5.5 Buccament River areas subject to soil displacement. * Committing the contractor and construction workers 5.5.1 Mitigation to an environmentally sensitive code of practice during the project, with appropriate penalties for Objective: Reduce the risk of damage due to increases any violations. in flood water levels * Scheduling site earth-works to occur in the absence of heavy rains. Actions 59 St. Vintcent & The Grenadlintes EIA * Exercise better monitoring and surveillance of chemicals used by farmers. 5.6 General Mitigation Actions for all River Bank * Enforce laws seeking to regulate the use and Projects disposal of plastics. Some of the issues to be addressed are common to all of the The health issues associated with this river include the riverbank protection projects. Coordinating mitigative leaching of agrochemicals and the entry of diothene actions could make efficient use of resources so as to (deliberately or accidentally) into the river. Addressing the achieve common objectives, namely: agrochemical leachate requires a change in agricultural practices that are institutionalized and deeply entrenched in Objective: Resolve tlhe uncertainty over ownership of the farming culture. riverbanks and riverbeds Banana cultivation is tied to the heavy use of chemicals and banana is the major cash crop for this area. However, the Actions issue of the diothene can be addressed by a farm policy that requires the farmers to account for the diothene purchased * Seek legal interpretation on the boundary of public as one of the requirements under the certification process. and private land at riverbanks and riverbeds generally. Objective: Reduction of Government Subsidies * Develop and implement a public information program to generate awareness on the rights and Actions obligations of persons owning land on riverbanks. This would help to build support for policy changes Rivers are resources of national significance. However, the that may be required to improve the management of existing policy that assumes that government should rivers. shoulder the cost of riverbank and property protection even without clarification of ownership issues should be The actions should be carried out by relevant government reviewed because of the long-term implications for cost. agencies, at a cost which should not be significant. The followed specific actions should be considered: Objective: Reduce risks to public healtlh and the * Criteria should be established as the basis for environment from farming practices future government involvement in riverbank protection projects where the protection of private Actions property is the major objective. 60 St. Vinicent & The Grenadines EIA * The criteria should include a statement on the 5.7 Monitoring for Gabion Installations obligations of private property owners who stand to benefit from such projects. There should be two components of a monitoring program, namely: * Options for cost recovery should be explored to reduce the long-term financial burden to * Monitoring for compliance with agreed mitigation government for river protection. Cost could be actions during the construction of the gabion recovered through cash mechanisms (e.g. taxes) or structures. easements that allow the public to benefit from the * Monitoring land use and environmental health use of privately owned right-of-way or other practices. resources. 5.7.1 Compliance Monitoring Objective: Ensure tlhe sustainability of the riverbank protection structures a) Project implementation Actions Compliance monitoring during project implementation should be done by the Physical Planning Section (PPS), The gabion structures could be made more durable by: Central Planning Unit, Ministry of Planning and would require routine site checks during construction. PPS would * Utilizing PVC coated wire baskets for the areas close to undertake this responsibility as part of its mandate for the sea and subject to corrosion. development control. It should obtain a construction schedule for all projects from the Ministry of * Specially designing a foundation for the gabion baskets. Communications and Works. The Ministry would be Experience has shown that a concrete footing up to responsible for informing the PPS of any changes to the normal channel flow height reduces the risk of schedules so that adjustments to site inspections could be undermining and reduces the risk of corrosion and made. damage to wire baskets. In order to monitor for compliance with agreed mitigation * Giving consideration to concreting the apron sections measures, the responsible Officers. in the PPS should be immediately upstream and downstream of the aware of the potential impacts to be mitigated and of the respective bridges and including the channel between mitigation actions. Where the Ministry experiences any abutments. difficulties with achieving compliance, discussions with the PPS should occur so as to achieve resolution. 61 St. Vinicent & The Grenadines EIA b) Post project PPS would be required to play a similar role with respect to planning applications and development in the other river Post project monitoring would seek to understand the basins. extent to which the gabion structures are working. It is suggested that this activity should be coordinated by an b) Environmental Health agency with responsibility for managing some aspect of rivers. The Environmental Unit, although it has no legal Actions to reduce the risks to public health would involve mandate, is one such candidate. Irrespective of the agency the selected, coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Health Officer and where possible the Communications and Works (with responsibility for civil Pesticide Control Board in three primary areas: works at rivers) and other relevant bodies should occur. * Design and execution of water quality monitoring 5.7.2 Land Use and Environmental Health projects for the three rivers; parameters to be monitored would be determined by testing a) Land Use capacities of government labs but could include nutrients (nitrates, phosphates), BOD5, dissolved A Watershed management Plan or the Colonarie River oxygen, pesticides. Basin provides a reference and guidance for monitoring land use practices upstream from the Colonarie project site. * Enforcement of standards (adopted if necessary) or Similarly, the Buccament Valley integrated watershed encouragement of the use of such standards if legal management project identifies the range of issues that enforcement is not possible for the type and should be resolved to achieve better land and resource volume of chemicals to be used in farming. management in the Buccament valley. * Surveillance of waste disposal practices, given the On the assumption that the landuse or zoning plan for river widespread dumping of wastes at riverbanks and basin protection is done for the Langley Park River basin, the littering of rivers generally - all of which are the responsibility for monitoring to achieve the objectives illegal. of the plan would be mainly that of PPS. This would be achieved through rigorous review of planning applications Because activities in the upstream areas of the river basins for the area and periodic field checks by planning can adversely impact the health of people down stream, it is inspectors to ensure that development does not occur imperative that Public Health regulations be enforced. without planning permission. Enforcement would require regular checks (monitoring) of 62 St. Vincentt & The Grenadtliines EIA riverbank liquid and solid wastes disposal practices by the Environmnental Health Officer (EHO). This should lead to reduction and correction of undesirable actions or habits. 63 St. Vincenit & The Grenadines EIA 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL over activities that MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING threaten water supply Public Health Department Maintenance of 6.1 Agency Responsibility environmental health A number of government agencies have responsibility Fisheries Division Protection of marine under law for decision-making on development or resource reserves and marine use. Responsibility in this case may vary from regulatory resources powers to grant permission for development to the enforcement of laws governing land or resource use. In the context of this EIA, key agencies important to the Other agencies, such as the Forestry Division (protection implementing of environmental assessments, along with and management of forests and wildlife) and National Trust .impl ntingiof arenvirnen .asse ao w. (protection and preservation of national heritage resources), their resoniblitesarliteiTalalso share the responsibility for implementing Table 4 Key Agencies With Responsibility for environmental assessment if proposed development or land Implementing Environmental Assessments use activities impact on resources over which they have Implementing Environmental Assessments jurisdiction. Agencies Responsibilities Generally, government agencies in St. Vincent are said to operate under various constraints (staff, budgetary or otherwise) that adversely affect their capacity to carry out PPS/Physical Planning Board Plannmg permission their mandates. & development The extent to which such constraints affect environmental control impact assessment is difficult to determine because Petiie. otrlBoard Control of environmental procedures have not been officially adopted PesticideaControl for the country, although the Organization of Eastern importation, Caribbean States (OECS) and UNDP/IUNCHS have at pesticideson and use of different times provided draft procedures, which countries pesticides in the OECS were expected to tailor to their own needs. Central Water/Sewage Authority Conservation of water resources and control 64 St. Vincentt & The Grenadiines EIA Until such procedures are adopted, the resources required An EIA procedure for SVG should, among other things, by various agencies to function effectively in implementing identify the mechanisms through which the PPS, as EIA EIAs cannot be readily defined. authority, can coordinate with other agencies (consulting agencies) to achieve the above. 6.2 EIA procedure It is recommended that a consultant be hired to consolidate Through its powers to grant planning permission, the and elaborate elements of the existing EIA process into a Physical Planning Board is able to requisition EIAs for formalized EIA procedure. The scope of work should be some forms of development. Since no other agency has, or written so that the consultant would be required to: is able to exercise, such powers, the Physical Planning Board can be considered the EIA authority for SVG. * Evaluate the extent to which EIA practice is governed by procedure. EIA procedure is therefore its responsibility. The PPS acts on behalf of the Physical Planning Board in implementing * Review the statutory basis for the involvement of EIAs. It appears that the process through which an EIA is respective agencies in the implementation of EIA. requested and carried out functions much better for private sector projects than it does for government projects. This is * Identify statutory and organizational weaknesses because law does not subject government projects to the that act as constraints to the establishment of EIA process. Knowledge of the process gained during this effective EIA procedure. EIA suggests the need for better coordination between the PPS and other agencies with relevant statutory powers in * Draft EIA procedures for the country that clearly the following critical areas. sets out the responsibilities and functions of the Physical Planning Section and all other relevant * Scoping the significant impacts for projects to be agencies. assessed. * Reviewing or evaluating the EIA report or * Have the procedures reviewed by these agencies statement once prepared. and obtain their endorsement. * Reaching consensus on actions to be implemented to mitigate impacts. * On the basis of the endorsed procedures identify * Mobilizing resources to monitor implementation of resources required for implementation. mitigation actions. * Train agency personnel in the procedures. 65 St. Vin1cent & The Greiadlinies EIA 6.3 EIA Data Base One of the difficulties encountered in undertaking EIA assessments in the OECS sub-region is the inadequacy of usable data. Improvement of the database could occur though monitoring programs designed to support impact mitigation or otherwise to monitor the effects of land uses or to measure environmental change. No agency appears to have research as a major component of its mandate. However, the Environmental Unit of the Ministry of Health periodically undertakes to monitor environmental quality in selected areas of St. Vincent. Consideration could be given to making research a critical component of the Unit's mandate. In this case, it would be provided the budgetary and other resources to develop and manage a database for environmental management. This should be done with the understanding that monitoring is an essential component of mitigation strategies requiring an appropriate institutional framework and adequate resources. The Unit would therefore need to build administrative and technical capacity to carry out its new mandate, and would require a laboratory and equipment to perform basic tests. 66 St. Vincett & The Grenadines EIA References IRF. 1991. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environmental Profile Lausche Barbara. J. 1986. Analysis of Existing Legislation for Resource Conservation and Watershed Management in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Murray, R. 1996. Water Pollution in St. Vincent, Caribbean Wastewater Association. Regional Symposium, St. Vincent, 1996 Reid, Collins. 1992. Socio-economic Study of the Colonarie Watershed, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Reid, Collins. 1993. Watershed Management Plan for the Colonarie River Basin, St. Vincent and the Grenadines St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1991 Population and Housing Census Report. Volume2. 67 St. Vintcentt & The Grena(iines EIA Appendix How would this issue be resolved or addressed with the construction of the sea wall? 2. The land that was eroded by the sea should be 1. Summary of Consultations reclaimed and returned to the displaced owners then proceed with construction of the sea wall to protect SUMMARY OF CONCERNS EMERGING FROM A the reclaimed lands from future erosion. CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS EIA FOR PROPOSED SEA 3. Could not consideration be given to dredging the DEFENCE, LAYOU sand in the bay and have this material used for the restoration of the beach? On October 4th 2001, a consultation was held in Layou at 4. Based on the design of the project, the persons with the Anglican Parish Hall with the residents of Layou. In interest in the properties along the bay will not be attendance were mainly the persons who will be directly occupying these lands on completion of the project. affected by the physical works proposed for that Compensation should therefore be given to all the community under the World Bank sponsored OECS/SVG persons who will be deprived of their properties for Emergency Recovery and Disaster Management Project which they hold deeds. At least the owners of land vis-a-vis the sea wall. along the beach deserve compensation for the remaining portion of their properties. A brief presentation was done of the findings and 5. Residents will be anxious to know what kind of recommendations of a draft EIA done by Ivor Jackson and functions or activities the planning authorities will Associates in which the likely environmental impacts of the allow along the promenade, which is to be created proposed construction on the physical as well as the social after the sea wall is built. environment was addressed. The persons who have interest in the properties adjoining the beach where the sea wall is to be constructed felt the The issue of compensation was raised with the Prime project was necessary and should be implemented as soon Minister subsequent to this consultation exercise discussion as possible. They did however express some concerns and he gave the assurance that his government will take the about the impact of the project on the rest of the beach and necessary steps to have the matter resolve so that the their interest in the properties. project can proceed smoothly. The following concerns were raised. 1. The drains emptying into the foreshore normally back-fill during high tide or when there is a surge. 68 St. Vincent & The Grenadines EIA SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND CONCERNS EMERGING SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND CONCERNS EMERGING FROM A CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS EIA FOR FROM A CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS EIA FOR PROPOSED GABIONS, LANGLEY PARK RIVER PROPOSED GABIONS, COLONARIE RIVER On January gth 2002, a consultation exercise was conducted On January 8th 2002, a consultation exercise was conducted in Langley Park to invite comments on the findings of the in Colonarie to invite comments on the findings of the EIA EIA done in relation to the proposed flood protection works done in relation to the proposed flood protection works that that is to be carried out on the Langley Park River. is to be carried out on the Colonarie River. A brief description of the proposed works was given along A brief description of the proposed works was given along with a presentation of the findings and recommendations of with a presentation of the findings and recommendations of a draft EIA done by Ivor Jackson and Associates in which a draft EIA done by Ivor Jackson and Associates in which the likely environmental impacts of the proposed the likely environmental impacts of the proposed construction on the physical as well as the social construction on the physical as well as the social environment was addressed. environment was addressed. Several persons who will be affected by this project in one The majority of persons who will be affected by this project way or another indicated that the project was timely for in one way or another indicated that the project was reducing the problem of erosion and should be necessary for reducing the problem of erosion and should implemented as soon as possible. be implemented as soon as possible. Following are the comments made by concerned residents Following are the comments made by concerned residents of the area of the area 6. It is necessary that the final design for the gabion 7. The river is still used for recreation, fishing and walls incorporate a means for residents to have washing in the same areas that the works are continued access to the river (even to maintain the proposed. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the gabions). final design for the gabion walls incorporate some Existing drains emptying into the river from adjoining means for residents to have continued access to the properties and roadways must be adequately adjusted to river. prevent blockage and flooding on completion of the 8. Gabions placed in this location have the potential to proposed works. look monstrous and imposing on the landscape. It will be a good idea to put measures in place to reduce the adverse visual impact that is anticipated. 69 St. Vintcenit & The Grenta(dintes EIA 9. The nature of the material used for the gabion cleaned and maintained. He is of the opinion that baskets must be such that it can withstand sea blast the preliminary design seems not to have taken this (salt air) for several years to come. feature into consideration. 10. A member of the community who has interest in a There is need to create a permanent access into the river in property on the southern bank of the river, order to maintain the gabions especially how much of the immediately before the bridge crossing said that riverbank is adjoined by private property. It was suggested there is an existing water canal adjoining his that the easement immediately west of the above mentioned property that empties into the river that must be water canal be prepared for this purpose. 1 1. Residents of the community still use the river for different activities. It is therefore necessary that the SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND CONCERNS EMERGING final design for the gabion walls incorporate a means FROM A CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS EIA FOR PROPOSED for residents to have continued access to the river (even GABIONS, BUCCAMENT RIVER to maintain the gabions). 12. Protection works should be carried out on the river On January 1 oth 2002, a consultation exercise was conducted in along the existing watercourse. Buccament to hear responses to the findings of the EIA done in 13. The preliminary designs suggests that the channel is to relation to the proposed flood protection works that is to be be straightened just before the river run under the Hope carried out in the vicinity of the Hope Bridge along the Bridge and completely ignores the presence of the Buccament River. existing water canal. This situation if not considered will have serious flooding implications and should be A brief description of the proposed works was given along with clarified before actual implementation. a presentation of the findings and recommendations of a draft 14. Existing drains emptying into the river from adjoining EIA done by Ivor Jackson and Associates in which the likely properties and roadways must be adequately adjusted to environmental impacts of the proposed construction on the prevent blockage and flooding on completion of the physical as well as the social environment was addressed. proposed works. It will be necessary to carry out periodic checks to determine Several persons who will be affected by this project in one way the soundness of the infrastructure. This is in view of the fact or another indicated that the project was timely for reducing the that heavy boulders are moved down stream in times of heavy problem of erosion and should be implemented as soon as rains. possible. Following are the comments made by concerned residents of the area. 70