TERMS OF REFERENCE

Environmental Impact Assessment of

Dredging Operations in Kingston Harbour, Gordon Cay -Western Extension

The following draft Terms of Reference was based on the Scope of Work prepared by The Port Authority

The Environmental Impact Assessment should:

1)         Provide a complete description of the existing sites proposed for dredging

2)         Provide a complete description of the proposed reclamation site at Hunt’s Bay

3)         Identify the major environmental issues of concern including direct, indirect and cumulative impacts, indicating their relative importance to the dredging activities and  the environs

4)         Identify social and cultural considerations and assess public perception of the proposed development.

            5)         Identify mitigation action to be taken to minimise adverse impacts and quantify associated costs.

Task #1.  Description of the Project

Provide a description of the project, noting areas to be reserved for construction, areas to remain untouched and activities and features which will pose risks or generate impact (negative and positive). This should involve the  use of  maps, site plans and other graphic aids as appropriate, and include the following information:

location, general layout, size, areas to be dredged, areas slated for construction, and areas slated for reclamation.

Task #2.  Description of the Environment

This task involves a description of the study area as follows:

            i)          physical environment

            ii)         biological environment

            iii)         social and cultural constraints.

            Baseline data should include:

            (A) Physical

i)          a description of the existing coastal dynamics (including description of currents, wave patterns and tidal effects).

ii)         marine water quality, particularly of areas to be affected by dredging and deposition of spoil. Quality parameters should include but not necessarily be limited to nitrates, phosphates, coliforms, BOD, COD, heavy metals and suspended solids.

                        iii)       ocean floor pesticide residues

                        iv)        obvious sources of pollution existing and extent of contamination.

v)         A description of prevailing climatic conditions

            (B) Biological

            A description of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna of the affected areas, with special emphasis on rare, endemic, or endangered species.

            (C)  Socio-cultural

            Public/communities perception and attitudes on the proposed project;   

Present and projected population; present and proposed land use; planned developmentactivities, community structure, employment, distribution of income, goods and services; recreation; public health and safety; cultural properties, aspirations and attitudes and a description of the historical importance of the area.

Task #3 - Legislative and Regulatory Considerations

Describe the pertinent regulations and standards governing environmental quality, safety and health, protection of sensitive areas, protection of endangered species, siting and  land use control at the national and local levels.  Regulations also to be addressed include NRCA’s standards.

Task #4 - Determination of Potential Impacts

Identify the major environmental issues of concern and indicate their relative importance to the design of the dredging and reclamation project.  Determine impacts as they relate to the following:

                        - damage/destruction of existing ecosystems and other resources of the coastal zone

                        - damage/destruction of historical resources

                        - socio-economic effects on users of the harbour

                        - disposal of dredged material and possible toxic effects

                        - effects on coastal stability

                        - effects of sediment plumes from dredging activities

                        - effects on regular maritime traffic

                        - possible changes in currents and wave climate due to dredging

Distinguish between significant positive and negative impacts, direct  and indirect, long  term and immediate impacts.  Identify avoidable and irreversible impacts.  Characterize the extent and quality of the available data, explaining significant information deficiencies and any uncertainties associated with the predictions of impacts.

Task #5 - Mitigation and Monitoring

Prepare guidelines for avoiding any adverse impacts due to proposed dredging project and to utilize the existing environmental attributes for optimum development.  Where possible, quantify and assign financial and economic values to impacts and mitigating methods.  Suggest a plan to monitor implementation of mitigatory or compensatory measures and project impacts.

Task #6 - Project Alternatives

Examine alternatives to the project including the no-action alternative.