Caye Chapel Tourism and Residential Development Project: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Caye Chapel Tourism and Residential
Development Project
Environmental and Social

Impact Assessment
FINAL DOCUMENT
Nextera Environmental & Caye Chapel ESIA

Engineering Consultants Volume I- Main Report
Belize C.A.
10/27/2017
Nextera Environmental and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
Engineering Consultants
This page left intentionally blank
________________________________________________________________________
Caye Chapel Company Ltd - ii - Belize C.A.
Document quality information
General information
Author(s) Allan Herrera (Nextera Environmental And Engineering Consultants)

Project name
Caye Chapel Residential and
Tourism Development Project
Document name Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
Date October 2017
Reference
Addressee(s)
Sent to:
Name Organization Sent on (date):
Copy to:
Name Organization Sent on (date):
History of modifications
Version Date Written by Approved & signed by:

1 July 7, 2017 Allan Herrera A. Herrera
2 Sept 5, 2017 Allan Herrera A. Herrera
3 Sept 15, 2017 Allan Herrera A. Herrera
4 Oct 12, 2017 Allan Herrera A. Herrera
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - iii - Belize C.A.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT
STATEMENT
Of
CAYE CHAPEL RESIDENTIAL AND TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT
October 2017
PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY:
Nextera Environmental & Engineering Consultants

Belize City, Belize, C. A.
Tel: 223-1188
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... i

PLATES................................................................................................................................... ix
SECTION A: ............................................................................................................................ 1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION, LEGAL, PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT......... 1
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN ..................................... 2
1.1 Project Description ................................................................................................ 5
1.1.1 Background to the Project ....................................................................................5
1.1.2 Baseline Situation ................................................................................................6
1.2 The Project Proponents and Development Team ............................................. 10
1.3 Project Justification ............................................................................................. 10
1.4 Project Location ................................................................................................... 13
1.5 Project Description and Layout Plan ................................................................. 14
1.6 The Physical Development Plan ......................................................................... 34
1.6.1 Justification for the use of the Seabed ...............................................................41
1.6.2 Physical Amenities.............................................................................................41
1.6.3 Other land Uses ..................................................................................................60
1.7 Justification for the Facilities and Carrying Capacity ..................................... 60
1.8 Purpose of the EIA ................................................................................................ 67
1.9 Environmental Assessment and General Methodology..................................... 67
1.10 The Management Structure for the Proposed Development ........................... 68
1.11 Development Chronology and Timeline ............................................................ 69
1.12 Permits and Approvals ........................................................................................ 70
2.0 THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................... 72
2.1 The Project Site and Zone of Influence.............................................................. 73
............................................................................................................................................. 75
2.2 Climate of the Project Area ................................................................................ 76
2.3 Geology and Soils ................................................................................................. 82
2.3.1 Geological History .............................................................................................82
2.3.2 Regional Geology ..............................................................................................82
2.3.3 Depositional Sedimentology ..............................................................................84
2.3.4 Importance of Geology to the Propose Development ........................................85
2.3.5 Soils....................................................................................................................85
2.4 Hydrography, Topography, and Oceanography .............................................. 85
2.4.1 Hydrography (Bathymetry) ................................................................................85
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2.4.2 Topography ........................................................................................................90

2.4.3 Oceanography ....................................................................................................90
2.5 Current Land Use within the Project Area ..................................................... 100
2.6 Existing and Proposed Navigational Routes.................................................... 101
3.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ............................. 103
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 103
3.2 Legal and Administrative Framework............................................................ 105
3.2.1 The Environmental Protection Act Chap. 328, Rev. 2000 ...............................105
3.2.1.1 The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (S.I. No. 107 of 1995)
and amendments of 2007 .......................................................................................... 106
3.2.1.2 The Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitation) Regs. (S.I No. 94 of
1995 and Amendments of 2009) ............................................................................... 107
3.2.1.3 The Pollution Regulations (S. I. No. 56 of 1996 and amendments of 2009) .. 108
3.2.1.4 The Hazardous Waste Management Regulations (S. I. No. 100 of 2009) .... 108
3.2.2 The Public Health Act Chaps. 40 and 40S Rev. 2000 and 2003 ......................108
3.2.3 The National Lands Act Chap 191, Rev. Ed. 2003 ...........................................109
3.2.4 Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act Chap. 211, Rev. 2003 .....................110
3.2.5 Dangerous Goods Act Chap. 134, Rev. 2003 ...................................................110
3.2.6 Customs and Excise Duties Act Chap 48 Rev. 2000 ........................................111
3.2.7 Coastal Zone Management Act Chap. 329, Rev. 2003 .....................................112
3.2.8 Fisheries Act Chap. 210 ....................................................................................112
3.2.9 Belize Port Authority Act Chaps. 233 and 233S Rev. 2000 & 2003 ................113
3.2.10 Occupational Health and Safety........................................................................114
3.2.11 Solid Waste Management Authority Act Chap. 224 Rev. 2000 .......................114
3.2.12 Wildlife Protection Act Chap. 220 Rev. 2000 ..................................................114
3.2.13 Fiscal Incentives Act Chap. 54 Rev. 2000 .......................................................114
3.2.14 The Mines and Minerals Act, Chap. 226, R.E. 2000 ........................................115
3.2.15 The Forest Act, Chap. 213, R. E. 2000 and the Forests (Mangrove Protection)
Regs., SI No. 52 of 1989 ................................................................................................116
3.2.16 The National Integrated Water Resources Act of 2011 ....................................116
3.2.17 The National Protected Areas System Act of 2015 ..........................................116
3.2.17.1 Hol Chan Marine Reserve ..................................................................... 117
3.2.17.2 Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve ............................................ 117
3.2.18 The Labor Act, Chap. 297 and 297S, R.E. 2000 ..............................................118
3.2.19 The Social Security Act, Chap. 44. R.E. 2000 ..................................................118
3.2.20 The Belize Building Act No. 7 of. 2003 and its 2005 Revision .......................118
3.2.21 The Pesticides Control Act (Cap. 216, Revised Edition 2003).........................119
3.2.22 The Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act, Chap. 285, R.E. 2000 ................119
3.3 Relevant International Conventions and Agreements.................................... 119
3.4 Relevant Policies, Plans and Guidelines........................................................... 128
3.5 Complementarity with Coastal Planning Guidelines and Tourism Master Plan....... 135
3.6 Administrative Framework............................................................................... 137
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3.7 Permits/Licenses ................................................................................................ 141

SECTION B: ........................................................................................................................ 142
THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................... 142
(COVERING AREAS WITH POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT) . 142
4.0 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT - FLORA AND FAUNA .................................. 143
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 144
4.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................... 144
4.3 Caye Chapel Flora ............................................................................................. 148
4.3.1 Vulnerable or at Risk Vegetation and Habitats................................................156
4.4 Wildlife and Fisheries ........................................................................................ 156
4.4.1 Terrestrial Fauna ..............................................................................................156
4.4.2 Habitat Association of Terrestrial Fauna .........................................................158
4.4.3 Marine and Freshwater Fauna ..........................................................................162
4.4.3.1 Aquatic Environment ............................................................................... 162
4.4.3.2 Species Presence and Diversity ............................................................... 169
4.4.4 Vulnerable or at Risk Wildlife and Habitats ....................................................174
5.0 WATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 177
5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 178
5.2 The Baseline Situation ....................................................................................... 178
5.3 Anticipated Water Consumption levels ........................................................... 180
5.4 Potential Water Sources .................................................................................... 182
5.4.1 Preferred Option for Water Supply ..................................................................184
5.4.2 Expected Output Requirements and Operation of the Preferred Option .........184
5.5 Baseline Assessment of Water Resources within the Project Area .............. 187
5.5.1 Water Quality of the Project Area ...................................................................189
5.5.2 Methodology for Water Quality Testing..........................................................190
5.5.3 Procedure .........................................................................................................191
5.6 Discussion and Analysis.................................................................................... 198
5.6.1 Guideline Values ..............................................................................................198
5.6.2 Discussion on the Results ................................................................................201
5.7 Post Project Water Quality Monitoring .......................................................... 206
6.0 LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT ........................................................................ 208
6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 209
6.2 Baseline Situation ............................................................................................... 209
6.3 Liquid Waste Characterization ........................................................................ 209
6.3.1 Relevant National Legislation..........................................................................209
6.3.2 Expected Waste Water Characteristics ............................................................210
6.3.3 Liquid Waste Production .................................................................................211
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - iv - Belize C.A.
6.4 Liquid Waste Management Plan ...................................................................... 212

6.4.1 Liquid Waste Treatment Options .....................................................................213
6.4.2 Preferred Option...............................................................................................214
6.4.3 Wastewater Treatment Pathways, Procedures and Standards..........................215
6.4.3.1 System for the Treatment of Gray Water ................................................. 215
6.4.3.2 System for the Treatment of Domestic Wste Water ................................ 217
6.4.3.3 Sprinkler Irrigation System ...................................................................... 225
6.4.3.4 Wastewater Collection and Transportation ............................................... 227
7.0 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT .......................................................................... 229
7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 229
7.3 Solid Waste Management Plan ......................................................................... 233
7.3.1 Waste Profile ....................................................................................................233
7.3.2 Expected Solid Waste Production Streams .....................................................235
7.3.3 Expected Solid Waste Production Rates ...........................................................236
7.4 Solid Waste Management Plan ......................................................................... 238
Waste Management - Site Establishment Phase ............................................................241
7.4.2 Waste Management - Construction Phase .......................................................242
7.4.3 Waste Management Operational Stage ............................................................243
7.5 Disposal Options................................................................................................. 247
7.5.1 Domestic Waste Disposal .................................................................................247
7.6 Hazardous Waste Management Plan ................................................................ 248
7.6.1 Hazardous Waste Disposal ..............................................................................250
7.7 Selected Waste Disposal Sites ............................................................................ 252
8.0 ENERGY GENERATION ....................................................................................... 254
8.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 254
8.3 Projected Energy Requirements ....................................................................... 255
8.4 Energy Supply Source ....................................................................................... 260
8.5 Alternative Energy Sources .............................................................................. 262
8.6 Fuel Transportation and Storage ..................................................................... 264
8.7 Fuel Management................................................................................................ 264
9 GEOLOGY AND SOILS.............................................................................................. 267
9.1 Geology................................................................................................................ 267
9.1.1 Geological History of the Region ....................................................................267
9.1.2 Geological History of the Project Area ............................................................269
9.1.3 Faulting and Seismology..................................................................................274
9.1.4 Geology in the Area of the Overwater Structures ............................................277
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd -v- Belize C.A.
9.2 Soil and Subsoil Characteristics and Result of Borehole Test ....................... 279
9.2.1 Approach and Methodology for Borehole Penetration Test ............................279
9.2.2 Results of the Dynamic Penetration Test .........................................................280
10.0 TRANSPORTATION ........................................................................................... 291
10.1 Project Transport Requirements...................................................................... 292
10.3 The Development Proposal ............................................................................... 294
10.3.1 Roads................................................................................................................294
10.3.2 Marina and Pier ................................................................................................301
10.3.3 Airfield .............................................................................................................305
10.3.4 Legal Requirements to Operate the Airstrip ....................................................311
11.0 Dredging and Material Extraction ...................................................................... 313
11.1 Requirements for Dredging .............................................................................. 314
11.2 Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines for Dredging ................................ 316
11.3 Dredge Volumes and Source Materials............................................................ 317
11.3.1 Areas Requiring Dredged Materials and Volumes to be Extracted ..................317
11.3.2 Source Materials ..............................................................................................324
11.4 The Propose Dredging Program ....................................................................... 329
11.4.1 Methodology for the Dredging Program..........................................................329
11.4.2 Specifications of the Dredge Equipment .........................................................335
12.0 THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................ 336
12.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 336
12.1.1 Methodology ....................................................................................................337
12.1.2 Stakeholder Analysis ........................................................................................338
12.2 Social and Economic Baseline Profile .............................................................. 340
12.2.1 Demographic Profile – Country, District and Local Data ...............................340
12.2.2 Employment ......................................................................................................345
12.2.3 Community Infrastructure ................................................................................349
12.2.4 Caye Chapel Baseline ......................................................................................350
12.2.4.1 Employees ............................................................................................. 350
12.2.4.2 Public Service ....................................................................................... 352
12.3 Views on the Caye Chapel Development Project – Questionnaire Analysis 353
13.0 NGO AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT .............................................................. 354
13.1 NGO and Private Stakeholder Consultations ................................................. 354
13.2 Approach to Consultations................................................................................ 354
13.3 Consultation Outcome ........................................................................................ 354
13.3.1 NGOs and Private Organizations ......................................................................354
13.3.2 Public Sector Institutions and Permitting Agencies..........................................358
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - vi - Belize C.A.
14.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEVELOPMENT .................................................. 364

14.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 364
14.2 Project Alternatives ........................................................................................... 365
14.3 No Project Option .............................................................................................. 368
14.4 Contribution to the National Socioeconomic Outlook .................................... 369
14.5 Complementarities with National and Local Tourism Strategy.................... 369
15.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE ............................... 372
15.1 Site Disaster Risk Assessment ........................................................................... 372
15.2 Response Measures ........................................................................................ 374
15.2.1 Management Structure ...............................................................................374
15.2.2 Hurricane Preparedness Plan ............................................................................374
15.2.2.1 Purpose of the Plan ............................................................................... 374
15.2.2.2 Storm Information System .................................................................... 375
15.2.2.3 Pre-Season Preparation ......................................................................... 375
15.2.2.4 Implementation Plan during Threats ..................................................... 376
15.2.3 Fire Prevention and Response Plan..................................................................378
15.2.3.1 Purpose of Plan .................................................................................... 378
15.2.3.2 Fire Prevention ..................................................................................... 378
15.2.3.3 Fire Protection Equipment/Systems ..................................................... 379
15.2.3.4 Fire Response ....................................................................................... 380
15.2.4 Fuel Spill Contingency Plan ............................................................................381
15.2.4.1 Purpose of the Plan .............................................................................. 381
15.2.4.2 Mechanism ........................................................................................... 382
15.2.4.3 Response Policy ................................................................................... 382
15.2.4.4 Spill Response Procedure .................................................................... 382
15.2.4.5 Contingency Equipment....................................................................... 383
15.3 Climate Change Contingency Plan .................................................................. 383
15.4 Medical and Emergencies.................................................................................. 387
15.4.1 Response level to Injuries ..........................................................................387
15.4.2 Response level to Injuries ..........................................................................387
SECTION C: ........................................................................................................................ 390
POTENTIAL IMPACTS, PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES AND MONITORING
PLAN .................................................................................................................................... 390
(FOR RECEPTORS WITH POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT) ... 390
16.0 ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ................................ 391
16.1 Criteria for the Assessment of Impacts ............................................................ 391
16.1.1 Impact Definitions and Guidance ....................................................................393
16.1.2 Information Deficiencies and Uncertainties in Impact Prediction ...................394
16.2 Summary of Direct and Indirect Impacts ........................................................ 394
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - vii - Belize C.A.
16.2.1 Flora, Fauna and Ecosystems ............................................................................394

16.2.2 Project Impact on Water Resources ..................................................................395
16.2.3 Impacts from Liquid Waste Generation ...........................................................396
16.2.4 Impacts from Solid Waste Generation ..............................................................398
16.2.5 Impacts from Energy Generation ......................................................................400
16.2.6 Impacts from Transportation.............................................................................400
16.2.7 Impacts from Overwater Cabanas ....................................................................401
16.2.8 Impacts from Dredging .....................................................................................402
16.2.9 Impacts of Golf Course Operations ..................................................................404
16.2.9.1 Uses of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) ............................. 404
16.2.9.2 Global Use of Seashore Paspalum ....................................................... 405
16.2.9.3 Characteristic of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) .............. 406
16.2.9.4 Agrochemical Requirements ................................................................ 408
16.2.9.5 Agrochemical Requirements of Seashore Paspalum ............................ 408
16.2.9.6 Proposed Mitigation Measures ............................................................ 410
16.3 Potential Social and Economic Impacts ........................................................... 412
16.3.1 Loss of Livelihood ............................................................................................412
16.3.2 Impacts on Sociocultural and Economic Infrastructure ....................................415
16.3.3 Economic Benefits ............................................................................................415
16.3.4 Sociocultural Benefits .......................................................................................416
16.3.5 Community Expectations ..................................................................................416
16.3.6 Abandonment ....................................................................................................416
16.4 Project Specific Reversible/Irreversible Effects .......................................... 417
16.4 Mitigation for Direct and Cumulative Social Impacts ................................... 439
17.0 MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN .............................................. 442
17.1 Proposed Mitigation Measures ......................................................................... 442
17.1.1 Mitigation Measures Flora and Fauna ..............................................................443
17.1.2 Mitigation Measures Water Resources and Water Quality..............................444
17.1.3 Mitigation Measures Liquid and Solid Waste ..................................................445
17.1.4 Mitigation Measures Energy Generation ..........................................................448
17.1.5 Mitigation Measures Transportation .................................................................449
17.1.6 Mitigation Measures for Overwater Cabanas ...................................................451
17.1.7 Mitigation Measures for Dredging....................................................................451
17.1.8 Mitigation Measures for Social Effects ............................................................452
17.2 Additional Mitigation Measures ................................................................... 454
17.3 Measures to Minimize Unavoidable Environmental Effects ....................... 476
17.4 Environmental Monitoring ............................................................................... 476
LIST OF REFERENCES ............................................................................................... 482
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - viii - Belize C.A.
LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 1.1 Estimated maximum population of Caye Chapel during full operation. 22
Table 1.2 Apportioned land use on Caye Chapel by zones. 23
Table 1.3 Land take of facilities by area and percent cover. 24
Table 1.4 Approximate lot sizes 24
Table 1.5 Summary of main features in the physical development plan. 29
Table 1.6 Expected development chronology. 54
Table 2.1 Extreme offshore wave conditions. 75

Table 2.2 ACES Wind Wave Results 76
Table 2.3 Model output of wave heights at 19 locations around Caye Chapel 81
Table 3.1 Relevant legal instruments 88

Table 3.2 Institutional Framework and Permitting Agencies Responsible for 106
Enforcement of Regulations.
Table 4.1 Field methods and equipment for marine surveys. 114
Table 4.2 Coral Cover – Mini Patch Reef off south-east of Caye Chapel. 134
Table 4.3 Summary of seagrass and macro-algal cover and abundance density 136
Table 4.4 Rover diver survey – frequency of occurrence of finfishes 137

Table 4.5 Marine Fish Survey – Abundance and Diversity Determinations 140
Table 4.6 Fish sampling results – ponds on caye 141
Table 5.1 Expected hotel and estates occupancy rate. 149
Table 5.2 Hotel and ancillary facilities expected water usage. 151
Table 5.3 Marina and back of house facilities expected water usage. 151
Table 5.4 Common areas (estate) water usage. 151
Table 5.5 Monthly estimated water demand summary. 154
Table 5.6 Monthly estimated water supply summary. 154
i
Table 5.7 Expected monthly rainfall within project area. 155
Table 5.8 Water quality parameters identified for testing. 157
Table 5.9 Water quality parameters investigated and field measuring instruments. 159
Table 5.10 In Situ sampling relevant atmospheric conditions. 162
Table 5.11 Summary field and laboratory test results. 163

Table 5.12 International standards for maximum allowable concentrations of selected 167
water quality variables for different uses.
Table 5.13 Example of a classification matrix for faecal pollution of recreational water 173
environments.
Table 6.1 Source of wastewater and typical contaminants. 177
Table 6.2 Calculated maximum daily water consumption at full capacity. 180
Table 6.3 Design specification for the propose MBR BIO-CELL plant planned for Caye 187
Chapel.
Table 6.4 Expected treatment efficiency of the MBR BIO-CELL system to be installed 191
on Caye Chapel.
Table 6.5 Hydrophysical Parameters of Soil Units 193
Table 7.1 Solid waste by stage during the development and operation of the site. 200
Table 7.2 Expected domestic waste volumes during the construction and operation 202
phases
Table 7.3 Typical Caribbean resort waste streams. 202
Table 7.4 Caye Chapel summary of potential waste minimization measures for hotel 211
and residences.
Table 7.5 Management and Disposal of Domestic Solid Waste. 213
Table 8.1 Approximate development load calculation. 223

Table 9.1 Borehole BH-1 244



Table 9.8 Soil layer properties borehole #1. 250
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Table 10.1 Description of Gulfstream G550. 271
Table 11.1 Quantities of dredged materials required for development. 280
Table 11.2 Quantity of materials required for construction of runway. 285

Table 11.3 Coordinates of sampling locations. 289
Table 11.4 Summary of sediment grading results. 289

Table 11.5 Unified Soil Classification System. 290
Table 11.6 Dredge equipment needed for the dredging operation Caye Chapel. 298
Table 12.1 Population Density Comparison for Different Areas of Belize 304
Table 12.2 Population by Sex Composition, Number of Households and Average 304
Household Size.
Table 12.3 Ethnic Distribution of Key Stakeholder Communities 306
Table 12.4 Religious Distribution of Key Stakeholder Communities 306

Table 12.5 District Minimum Food Basket Costs for an Adult Male 307
Table 12.6 District General Poverty Line 308

Table 12.7 Extent of Poverty 308
Table 12.8 Belize District Labour Force Distribution by Age Group 309
Table 12.9 Belize District Labour Force Distribution by Highest Level of Education 309
Table 12.10 Workforce Requirement for each Phase of the Development Project 314
Table 12.11 Summary of Community Responses 316
Table 14.1 Occupancy Level per Quality of Hotel Accommodation in Belize. 333
Table 15.1 Disaster types and response levels relevant to the Caye Chapel development. 335
Table 15.2 Emergency contact numbers for relevant fire suppression services. 343
Table 15.3 Marine Spills Levels 344
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Table 15.4 Inland Spill Level 345
Table 15.5 Medical emergency contact numbers. 351
Table 16.1 Turbidity levels for select water bodies 366
Table 16.2 Matrix of potential direct and cumulative environmental impacts plus 373
residual impact ratings.
Table 16.3 Anticipated Socioeconomic Impacts and Proposed Mitigative 393
Measures.
Table 17.1 Summary of mitigation responses. 410
Table 17.2 Waste streams and disposal methods 428
Table 17.3 Proposed Monitoring Plan for the Caye Chapel Resort and Residential 430
Development
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - iv - Belize C.A.
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1.1 Caye Chapel existing layout and land use 7
Figure 1.2 Project Location Map. 14

Figure 1.3 Proposed location of the overwater structures 15
Figure 1.4 Proposed Caye Chapel development zones. 18
Figure 1.5 Proposed Caye Chapel Golf Course, green zones and aquatic areas. 19
Figure 1.6 Location of developmental zones and expected maximum population levels. 26
Figure 1.7 Proposed Caye Chapel subdivision plan. 27
Figure 1.8 Areas identified for beach creation and restoration 38

Figure 1.9 Caye Chapel golf course layout plan. 41
Figure 1.10 Caye Chapel golf course grass plan. 42
Figure 1.11 Caye chapel golf course grading plan. 43

Figure 1.12 Caye Chapel golf course construction detail 1. 44
Figure 1.13 Caye Chapel golf course construction detail 2. 45
Figure 1.14 Propose layout of typical villa in residential area. 48

Figure 1.15 Anticipated management structure for the explorational phase. 54
Figure 2.1 Project area’s zone of influence. 59

Figure 2.2 Regional distribution of rainfall in Belize. 61
Figure 2.3 Monthly rainfall over select locations. 62

Figure 2.4 Average Maximum and Minimum Temperatures for Central coastal region 63
of Belize.
Figure 2.5 Mean wind speeds and direction within the project area. 64
Figure 2.6 Wind rose of project area showing prevailing wind direction. 64
Figure 2.7 Average wind direction over the entire year. 65
Figure 2.8 Hurricanes passing within 85 miles of project area within last 100 years. 65
Figure 2.9 Typical geological formation between the mainland and the barrier reef. 67
v
Figure 2.10 Schematic of the effects of fetch on wave energy at Caye Chapel. 68
Figure 2.11 Typical soil profile and subsurface layers beneath Caye Chapel. 70
Figure 2.12 Map showing hydrographic contours of the offshore waters around Caye 71
Chapel.
Figure 2.13 Map showing topographical contours of Caye Chapel. 73
Figure 2.14 WaveWatchIII offshore wave heights and directions from 2005 to 2015. 75
Figure 2.15 “East” grid results – Present Conditions (100-yr return period) 77
Figure 2.16 “East” grid results – Future Conditions (100-yr return period +SLR) 78
Figure 2.17 “West” grid results – Present Conditions (100-yr return period) 79
Figure 2.18 “West” grid results – Future Conditions (100-yr return period +SLR). 80
Figure 2.19 Main boat routes near Caye Chapel. 84
Figure 3.1 Coastal zone planning regions. 102
Figure 4.1 Ecosystems Map of Caye Chapel. 117

Figure 4.2 Marine ecosystems map and location of sampling dive sites. 131
Figure 4.3 Location of Caye Caulker Marine Reserve relative to Caye Chapel 144
Figure 5.1 Schematic of existing RO water supply system 148
Figure 5.2 Proposed water supply and cooling system to hotel including cabanas. 153
Figure 5.3 Water sample locations. 161
Figure 6.1 Schematic outline of a Waste Water Management Plan. 180
Figure 6.2 Component layout of the propose MBR Plant. 182

Figure 6.3 Pathway and potential uses of treated and recycled grey (service) water. 184
Figure 6.4 Diagram showing the schematic operation of the propose MBR BIO-CELL 186
plant.
Figure 6.5 Outline schematic of treatment pathway for Black Wastewater on Caye 187
Chapel.
Figure 7.1 Caye Chapel’s waste management hierarchy. 204
Figure 7.2 Organizational and procedural diagram of waste management approach at 205
Caye Chapel and ancillary facilities.
Figure 7.3 Example color and labeling of container for the disposal of hazardous waste. 215
Figure 8.1 Schematic diagram showing proposed route of undersea cable. 227
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Figure 9.1 Geological Map of Belize showing structural fabric, after Purdy 2000 in 231
Purdy et al.
Figure 9.2 Holocene sediment characterization of Belize shelf. 233
Figure 9.3 Lithological and biotic attributes of local subsurface Pliocene and Pleistocene 235
rocks.
Figure 9.4 Depositional geological elements. 236
Figure 9.5 Seismic geological characteristics of the project site. 238

Figure 9.6 Maximum Mercalli intensity for Belize. 238
Figure 9.7 Projected horizontal ground acceleration for Belize. 239
Figure 9.8 Horizontal ground velocity. 239
Figure 9.9 Seismic hazard map of North and Central America and the Caribbean. 240
Figure 9.10 Depth contours in the area of the overwater structures and proposed 241
northern dredge site
Figure 9.11 Location of perforation used for geotechnical investigation. 243
Figure 10.1 Caye Chapel propose road network. 260
Figure 10.2 Layout of propose Caye Chapel drainage system. 262
Figure 10.3 Views of the existing and proposed modified marina layout. 266
Figure 10.4 Caye Chapel marina hydrometric survey. 267

Figure 10.5 Example runway length requirement for a B737-800 for 650NM. 271
Figure 10.6 Example Landing Length Requirement B737-800 for LW= 62.66t 272
Figure 10.7 Proposed layout of new airfield. 273

Figure 10.8 Caye Chapel airfield hydrometry survey. 275
Figure 11.1 View of Caye Chapel beach segments marked for sand enrichment 282
Figure 11.2 Cross section of beach area. 283
Figure 11.3 Typical view of design and dimensions of the groyne structures 284
Figure 11.4 Typical design of groyne structures for Caye Chapel. 285
Figure 11.5 Design cross section of the airport runway. 286
Figure 11.6 Location of existing borrow pits. 288
Figure 11.7 Location of sampling points. 289

Figure 11.8 Profile of expected appearance of dredged area following dredging. 291
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Figure 11.9 Typical views of Grabber and Suction Dredge. 292
Figure 11.10 Views of the boom and membrane containment structure. 293
Figure 12.1 District Unemployment Rate by Sex 310

Figure 12.2 Lobster Catch Ambergris Caye/Caye Caulker and Country, 2000-2014 311
Figure 13.1 Coastal Planning Regions of Belize. 323
Figure 15.1 Projected temperature increase from 2010 to 2100. 347
Figure 15.2 Expected global mean sea level rise. 347

Figure 16.1 Dredge borrow pits on the west side of Caye Chapel 368
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - viii - Belize C.A.
PLATES
Page
Plate 1A Views of existing buildings and facilities on Caye Chapel. 8
Plate 1B Artist concept of the overwater cabanas. 16

Plate 1C Views of Caye Chapel seawall. 37
Plate 1D Architectural conception of typical villas in residential area. 47
Plate 1E Concept view of hotel buildings and branded residence. 49
Plate 2A Panoramic image of Caye Chapel showing Geomorphic features and 82

predominant land uses.
Plate 4A Aspects of vegetation types and communities found on Caye Chapel. 119
Plate 4B Aspects of the Ecosystem Types found within the Project Area. 122
Plate 4C Aspects of the Ecosystem Types found within the Project Area. 123
Plate 4D Examples of bird encountered during the field assessments. 128
Plate 4E Examples of endangered animals encountered during the field assessments. 129
Plate 4F Coral formations in project area. 133
Plate 4G Typical fish species in project area. 134
Plate 4H Typical fish species in project area. 139
Plate 5A Views of the existing RO system on Caye Chapel. 147

Plate 5B Aspects of freshwater resources on Caye Chapel. 156
Plate 6A Typical view of a grease trap design used to treat grey water. 183
Plate 6B Typical views of BIO-CELL plant and filtration technology. 185
Plate 6C View of typical sprinkler irrigation system. 193
Plate 7A Aspects of current solid waste management on Caye Chapel. 196
Plate 7B Aspects of current solid waste management on Caye Chapel. 197
Plate 7C Typical tractor driven wood chipper. 206

Plate 7D Typical view of a bottle crusher. 209
Plate 7E Typical colour coded containers for solid waste disposal. 212
Plate 7F Typical view of a mechanically operated high output composter. 217
ix
Plate 7G View of recycling and waste disposal facilities available for project waste 218
management
Plate 8A Typical view of generators and used oil storage. 221
Plate 8B Typical view of diesel generator proposed for Caye Chapel. 225
Plate 8C Typical view of small gas turbine plant. 226
Plate 8D Views of the fuel storage and dispensation system on Caye Chapel. 229
Plate 10A View of existing transport infrastructure 256
Plate 10B Views of the existing transport infrastructure. 258
Plate 10C Damage caused by Hurricane Earl to the pier on the east shore. 259
Plate 10D Concept views of pathways and walkways 261
Plate 10E Views of the existing drainage system on Caye Chapel. 263
Plate 10F Current disused fuel pumps. 268
Plate 10G Aerial view of the existing Caye Chapel airstrip. 269
Plate 10H View of Gulfstream G550. 270
Plate 11A View of completed pilot beach area. 279
Plate 11B View of discharge area and groyne. 295
Plate 11C Views of the system that will be used during the dredging operation. 296
Plate 11D Views of potential design of the dewatering system to be used on Caye 297
Chapel.
Plate 17A View of drip pan under portable generator. 402
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd -x- Belize C.A.
Acronyms and Abbreviations
oC Degrees Centigrade
oF Degrees Fahrenheit
ASL Above Sea Level
ASTs Above Storage Tanks
ATM Applied Technology and Management
ATVs All Terrain Vehicles
BEL Belize Electricity Limited
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
BOH Back of House
BR Branded Residents
BTB Belize Tourist Board
BTIA Belize Tourism Industry Association
BWS Belize Water Services Limited formally Water and Sewerage Authority
CCCCC Caribbean Community Climate Change Center
CCFMR Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CSO Central Statistical Office
CZMAI Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute
DMP Disaster Management Plan
DO Dissolved Oxygen
DoE Department of the Environment
ea each
EC Emergency Coordinator
ECP Environmental Compliance Plan
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EPA Environmental Protection Act
ES Environmental Statement
ESMP Environmental Management Plan
FLA Full Load amperage
GoB Government of Belize
Gpd Gallons Per Day
GPS Global Positioning System
ha Hectare
Hs heights
Hs Height
HURDAT HURricane DATabase – Jarvinen et al. 1984
HVAC Heating Ventilation and Cooling
xi
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature
km Kilometer
km2 Kilometer square
kVA Kilovolts Ampere
kW Kilowatt
l3 Cubic Liter
LLES Limited Level Environmental Study
LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas
LUA Land Utilization Authority
m Meters
m3 Cubic Meter
m3/s Cubic meters per second
mb Millibar
MFFSD Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development
MHHW Mean Higher High Water
min. Minutes
mm Millimeter
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
MT Metric Tons
MTL Mean Tide Level
NAD27 North American Datum of 1927
NCCO National Climate Change Office
NEAC National Environmental Appraisal Committee
NEMO National Emergency Management Organization
NEPPOS National Emergency Preparedness Plan for Oil Spill
NGO Non-Government Organization
NIWRA National Integrated Water Resource Management Authority
NM Nautical Mile
NMS National Meteorological Service of Belize
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NPASP National Protected Areas Systems Plan
NPESAP National Poverty Elimination Strategy and Action Plan
NSTMP National Strategic Tourism Master Plan
PGIA Philip Goldson International Airport (see PWSGIA)
pH Potential of Hydrogen
PPE Personal Protection Equipment
PPM Parts Per Million
PPT Parts Per Thousand
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - xii - Belize C.A.
PSWGIA Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport

PV Photovoltaic
PVC Poly-vinyl Chloride
PW Purified Water
REA Rapid Ecological Assessment
RO Reverse Osmosis
sec. second
sf Square Foot
SI Statutory Instrument
SLR Sea level rise
SSWM Steady-State Spectral Wave Model
STP Sustainable Tourism Development Plan
TAL Twinkling Assets Limited
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TOR Terms of Reference
TP peak wave period
UNEP United Nations Environmental Programme
UNESCO United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
V&A Vulnerability and Adaptation
VA Volt amperes
WASA Water and Sewerage Authority see BWS
WGS84 World Geodetic System of 1984
WHO World Health Organization
yd3 Cubic Yards
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - xiii - Belize C.A.
Authors Note:
The Metric System (SI) and the English System were used interchangeably for accuracy or
ease of rounding off, especially when quoting a previous study.
Maps used in this assessment are based on the following coordinate reference system:
 Projected Coordinate System: NAD_1927_UTM_Zone_16N
 Projection: Transverse Mercator
 False Easting: 500000.00000000
However, satellite imagery presented in Figures are from Google earth which use the
WGS84 DATUM.
Unit Conversion Chart
Metric English
Acre (A) 43,460 Square Feet (ft2)
Hectare (ha) 2.47 Acres (A)
Kilometer (km) 0.62 Mile (mi)
Liter (l) 0.26 Gallon (gal)
Liter (l) 0.001 Cubic Meter (m3)
Meter (m) 3.2808 Feet (ft)
Meter (m) 1.09 Yards (yds)
Millimeter (mm) 0.03937 Inch (in.)
Square metre (m2) 10.76 Square Feet (ft2)
Square metre (m2) 1.2 Square Yards (yd2)
xiv
PROJECT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Caye Chapel is a privately-owned island lying 1.7 kilometers (km) south of Caye Caulker, 25
km to the northeast of Belize City and approximately 2.5 km to the east of the Belize Barrier
Reef. The Island is 4 km long and 0.50 km wide at its maximum width. It has a surface area
of 115 hectare. The topography is almost flat, with a maximum elevation of 3m, and oriented
with a parallel disposition to the reef and the mainland coast.
The island has been heavily transformed by previous developers with much of the installed
infrastructure, buildings and amenities remaining. Of the amenities, the Golf Course is most
prominent and occupies most of the mid region of the island; however, the island also contains
an airfield and large open areas planted with coconuts and ornamentals.
The developer Twinkling Assets limited has proposed an ambitious development plan for the
island in which most of the existing buildings will be removed and the infrastructure upgraded.
Key aspects of the new proposed development are the following
a) A 100-key luxury hotel including 33 overwater structures,
b) A redesigned 18-hole championship golf course,
c) Mix of residential homes, branded residences, condos, and casitas along the east and
west coasts of the island,
d) A mix use marina village at the center of the island around the existing but renovated
marina complex,
e) Beach restoration to the east of the island and beach creation on the west coast and the
northern end of the island,
f) Extension of the airfield to the south of the island.
The owners envision a new development offering luxurious accommodations and first-rate
services to its guests and residents centered on the following main features:
Facility Category Planned Number Estimated Population Population per

of Units or Rooms Per Unit Facility type
Hotel including 33 100 keys 2 guests 200

overwater structures
Hotel Working Force 45% of keys 45
Branded Residences 36 houses 3 guests 180
Residential Homes 100 homes 5 rooms x 2 guest 1000
Island /Residential 100
Working Force
Marina Community 27 buildings 2 guests 90
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Marina working Force 35

Condos 45 units 1.5 rooms x 2 guest 135
Temporary visitors 100
Subtotal residential 1885
and tourism
plus 484 staff
Total population at 2000

projected full capacity
Buildings and facilities will be designed with a natural flair using natural materials to blend
into the environment. Within individual lots the size of buildings will be restricted to 20 –
30% of the area of individual lots depending on location and size of lots.
In addition to the above, the physical infrastructure and utility services will be significantly
upgraded to cope with the increased demand. The following summarizes the changes that are
planned to key infrastructure and utility services:
a) Water – Currently Caye Chapel’s potable water requirements is provided by 2 separate
but complementary reverse osmosis systems powered by diesel generators. The units
process about 1,240,000 gallons of water per day of which 930,000 gallons is released
as brine concentrate and 310,000 gallons. Potable water consumption under the new
development plans will increase to about 700,000 gallons per day (gpd) or more than
twice current production levels. The expanded Reverse Osmosis System will produce
the bulk of this amount (about 600,000 gpd) while the remainder will come from
recycled wastewater, storm water drainage into ponds and roof catchment.
b) Solid Waste – The current solid waste management system on the island is rudimentary
and needs to be upgraded for environmental and health reasons. During the
construction and operational phases, the island will implement its solid waste
management plan in which waste is regarded as a resource. Emphasis will be placed
on managing waste according to the waste pyramid where the focus will be on reduce,
reuse, and recycle.
The Principles of each category for waste management will be as follows:
1. Reduce: optimizing processes to minimize waste generation.
2. Reuse: using objects which may still be useful but have already been used in
other applications, activities, or task.
3. Recycle: using waste as feedstock for new product generation.
4. Valuing: use waste as feedstock or process input to generate energy.
5. Discard: give final disposal to the waste when it is not possible to apply any of
the principles described above.
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c) Liquid Waste – Caye Chapel presently relies on buried septic systems to treat Black
Water waste. The Caye Chapel residential and tourism development will produce
significant amounts of liquid waste from its hospitality services and residences with
waste water streams arising from such areas and sundry task as guestrooms, kitchens,
restaurants, laundries, and gardens. At full capacity the development is expected to
produce 527,400 liters of waste water per day as either black or gray water.
Because of the projected volumes of black and gray liquid water produced it is essential
that the development adopt progressive liquid waste treatment technologies and that
treated liquid waste is considered as a valuable resource to supplement existing water
resources on the island.
The Developer will utilize a centralize Waste Water Treatment System to treat black
wastewater at the site. The system chosen will be the Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR)
Plant. The unit has a modular design, which will allow it to be upgraded 3 times during
the construction process. The plant will have a total treatment capacity of 600,000 l/day
(600 m3/day) which comfortably exceeds the expected maximum demand. The plants
are expected to be high treatment efficiency up to tertiary level and produce a clean,
odourless, and clear product which will readily find utility as a useful resource for
irrigation and cleaning. In addition, the plant has a chamber that can be upgraded to
process 25% more than the calculated amount given above, and which will act as
further backup for the system if future expansion is ever required.
d) Energy – Caye Chapel is currently served by diesel generators. All functioning
generators are suffering from general neglect and are operating below optimal
efficiency and with reduced environmental controls including exhausting and muffling.
Between the hotel facility and marina village and residential areas which will be the
main consumers of electricity at the site, the expected energy demand for all amenities
and services including maintenance of grounds and infrastructure would approximate
to 4,054 kVA
The Developer intends to overhaul and improve the current system of energy
generation and the first instance to use a hybrid system of primary energy generation
using diesel generators supplemented by renewable energy in the form of solar power
which will be installed on all residential homes. This will be further supplemented by
biomass energy from a bioreactor utilizing sludge from the waste water treatment plant
and a small wind turbine.
In the future when power from the mainland reaches Caye Caulker the developer
intends to apply for connection to that system.
e) Transportation - Caye Chapel already has significant transport infrastructure in place
to partially meet the needs of the anticipated clientele including a well-developed
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - xvii - Belize C.A.
marina; an airfield and a system of internal roads which span the length of the
development and connect the existing main nodes of operation
The proposed development will want to reinforce and modernize the existing transport
infrastructure to meet the anticipated level of new demand, and to improve safety and
convenience to the visitors and residents of the island.
 Marine Transportation –Marine transport is centered on the marina which is
located in the center of the west shore of the island. The marina consists of an
approximately 100m x 100m, west facing, excavated rectangular basin
connected to the ocean by a 100m long, 25m wide entrance channel.
The developer proposes to renovate, refurbish, and redesign the existing marina
complex to increase capacity and user utility but not to expand it. The marina
will be outfitted with enough jetties and boat slips to accommodate up to 50
boats since it is presently underutilized. Sedimentation has caused the marina
basin to shoal hence it will be necessary to reconstitute the basin.
It is believed that sediments enter the marina basin from currents that arise
during northerlies a situation that is further aggravated by the poor design of
the marina entrance. The developer proposes to reinstate the depth and original
functionality of the marina basin by undertaking maintenance dredging and to
create a realigned access channel to avoid the current sedimentation problems.
To dissipate the wave energy responsible for the siltation, the developer
proposes to create two (2) groynes with the largest extending from the north
shore outwards for 150m from the mouth of the marina while a smaller groyne
extends out from the south shore about 100m. In the new design, the access
channel is slanted towards the SW mitigating against potential migration of
sediments into the marina basin.
 Air Transportation – Caye Chapel is currently served by an airfield measuring
1,036 m and which is able to receive local domestic flights. The developer
would like to extend the airfield by another 1650m to accommodate flights
directly from target markets in the USA and Mexico. This would cater to visitor
convenience and comfort while maximizing their time spent on the island.
For the expansion of the runway, the developer proposes to use locally sourced
dredge material from the shallow sea bed if available and from inland with the
runway being maintained at existing width of 18m but furnished with refueling
facilities. To create the extension of the airfield the developer has calculated
by volume the requirement for 64,437.5 m3 of sand and 27,787.5 m3 of stone,
giving a total volume of 92,625.5 m3 of filling material.
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - xviii - Belize C.A.
Dredging – The Caye Chapel development will require significant quantities of dredge
material to gain spoils for the construction program with the uses falling into the following
main categories:
 Beach enrichment – The developer plans an extensive program of beach enrichment
and rehabilitation covering most of the east and west coast of the island,
 Roads – The plan calls for the road network to be built from reclaimed dredging
materials,
 Landfill – The developer plans to raise the level of the land on Caye Chapel and
improving the contours for rainwater catchment by filling some low lying areas with
dredged materials including portions of the golf course, hotel and back of house area
among others,
 Airfield –An expansion is planned for the airfield to accommodate larger class of
aircraft. It is planned for the additional section of the airfield to be built from dredged
materials.
The following table summarizes the amount of dredged materials required by sector:
SECTOR Volume (M3)
Materials for the Golf Course 60,000.00
Materials for the extension of the runway (1600m) 70% of the total volume 64,855.00
1
Stone for the extension of the runway (1600m) 30 % of the volume 27,795.00
Roads (depth = e%=20cm, and width =2.4m) 3,406.00
Estimate for the Estate Lots (60% x 0.8) 131,378.80
Estimate for landscaping of Branded residences (40% x 0.8) 14,275.84
Estimate for Hotel (40% x 0.8) 20,215.36
Estimate Back of House (25%x0.8) 1,394.91
Estimate for common areas (40% x 0.8) 78,626.58
Estimate for the beach enrichment 507,000.00
Minus dredge spoils from marina and access channel 13,000
The developer has undertaken studies to identify the most suitable deposits of sand for the
beach area which will be punctuated at intervals by groynes which will be installed to protect
the beach and reduce erosion. The dredging will conform to a dredge management plan which
will protect the local environment from undue harm.
Impact and Mitigation – This study has identified potential impacts likely to arise as a result
of the development. These impacts are identified by themes corresponding to the development
phases of the project. Mitigation measures are included to address potential impacts and a
monitoring program drawn up to gauge the long-term efficacy of the mitigation measures. The
impact and mitigation measures are found in chapters 16 and 17 of this report respectively.
1
Stones will be brought in to the site and not sourced from dredging.
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd - xx - Belize C.A.
SECTION A:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION, LEGAL,

PHYSICAL, AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
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Caye Chapel Company Ltd -1- Belize C.A.
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DEVELOPMENT

PLAN
Main Issues in the ToR to be Addressed
(Corresponding to Part A, Section 1.0 and 2.0 in the ToR)
 Provide an introduction and background of the project. Provide proper justification for
the proposed project and key market targets.
 Demonstrate how the project will assist in achieving the objectives of the coastal zone
management guidelines for the region (Caye Caulker) as well as compliance with the
zoning schemes for this area. Indicate how the tourism component of the project would
complement the objectives and recommendations of the national sustainable tourism
master plan.
 Maps at appropriate scales (1:10,000) must be provided and with proper labels and
legends to illustrate the general settings of project related development sites, as well as
surrounding areas likely to be environmentally affected.
 These maps shall include topographic contours, where available, as well as location of
major surface waters, natural drainage, political boundaries, including, and existing
adjacent land uses (tourism, fisheries, etc.) and a photo-geologic/geomorphic map of
the project area showing geomorphic features by use of aerial photographs.
 Give the exact location of the project using a coordinated system (NAD 27 Central,
Zone 16N) and provide a map of the project area outlining its geographic relationship
with environmentally important features such as marine and terrestrial protected areas,
fish spawning aggregation sites, barrier reef system, as well as the location of the
project site relative to the mainland and Caye Caulker. The map is to be provided both
in hard copy and digitally, including the relevant shape files, which shall be submitted
to the DOE.
 Provide the layout plan (scale 1:2,000 minimum) for the overall development,
including all existing and proposed facilities, including utility area(s), water treatment
and storage facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, marina and fueling station, if
applicable , general storage facilities including boat, drainage facilities, administrative
buildings, condominiums, hotels, residential homes, estates, restaurants, over-the-
water structures, docks/piers, airstrip, employee housing, swimming pools, power
generation, battery/fuel storage facilities, recycling/composting facilities, solid waste
storage/treatment facilities, etc.;
 The physical plan (scale 1:2,000) for the development, including the location and
rationale of all facilities and infrastructure:
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i. Determine the projected number of buildings to be constructed, including over-the-

water structures, residential dwellings, villas or other similar complexes. A layout,
including approximate dimension (if available) of all complexes and other
infrastructure to be built and the proximity to each other should be shown.
ii. Provide technical justification for use of the seabed, this should include the
environmental benefits that will be derived from the project, that is, the
conservation / preservation of area set aside that will justify the use of the seabed
for overwater structures.
iii. Provide technical justification for the number of buildings, number of persons
residing and visiting the project site/resort. This should be described in such a way
as to determine the physical carrying capacity of the area.
iv. Provide technical justification and feasibility of over-the-water structures and size
of proposed marina (including projected number of boats, sizes, and nature of
business, i.e. length of stay at the facility).
 Provide a copy of the survey overlaid with proposed beach creation, beach restoration,
marina, and coastal structures.
 Describe briefly all facilities provided in the plans above.
 Provide detail description and where possible, specifications for all facilities, including
but not limited to the following:
a. Resort and hotels
b. Waste treatment facilities (liquid and solid)
c. Recreational sites
d. Energy generating facilities
e. Water generating facilities
f. Residential subdivision and estate sites
g. Residential/guest facilities (villas, over-the-water structures, etc.)
h. Marina
i. Piers/docks
j. Airstrip, seaplane dock, and helipad
k. Fuelling facilities, including fuel transportation and storage;
l. Tourism facilities
m. Golf Course
n. Pier and seawalls
o. Staffing facilities
 Give detailed information of all recreational activities including water sports that will be
carried out and general locations where and how these are to be conducted.
 Provide an outline of the overall management structure anticipated for the proposed
development.
 Describe the timeline for implementation of the proposed project inclusive of construction
phase and projected start up time.
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 Provide a description and evaluation the potential changes to the berthing area for the boats
both during construction and operational phases. This will require examination of:
i. Design of access channel;
ii. Methods of controlling sedimentation within berthing area;
iv. Requirement for maintenance dredging (estimated frequency & volume);
v. Possible contamination of water resources from boat related activities;
vi. Estimated flushing rate.
 Evaluate options for the construction of shoreline protection structures/devices,
including beach containment and stabilization measures, and identify the preferred
option.
 All over-the-water structures including the marina shall be guided by the Over-the-
Water Guidelines developed by the Department of the Environment. Discuss how the
overwater structures may or may not impact (positively and negatively) users in the area
such as fishermen.
 Consultation should be conducted with the Lands and Surveys Department regarding
fulfilling all requirements for use of the seabed for the construction of over the water
structures and use of the 66ft public reserve.
2 2.0 Issues pertaining to the pertaining to the different development components
2.01 Tourism and Golf Course

 Provide a detailed description on the golf course component for the project. This
description should include, but not be limited to:
a) A layout of the golf course & associated facilities showing in relation to other
infrastructure and acreage, including the fairways, greens, bunkers, sand traps,
water bodies, buffer zones and other accessories.
b) Information on the species of grass to be used as golf turf and identify the
pesticides and chemicals to be used for treatment purposes, as well as the
management mechanisms used to minimize impacts.
c) Projected volume of water needed for the irrigation of the golf turf and
treatment of possible runoff.
 Identify any new species of grass to be used in landscaping or for use in the golf course
and any chemicals (pest control, fertilizer) to be used to maintain the area.
 Consult with the Ministry of Tourism regarding this component.
2.02 Subdivision Component and Restrictive Covenants

 Indicate the acreage of the parcel of land to be subdivided, and the proposed sized
(surface area) of the individual lots. Provide the relevant subdivision plans, drawn to
scale and identifying setbacks from water bodies, canal buffers, roads dimensions, open
spaces, footprint of proposed buildings/complexes and facilities, etc. Provide the
subdivision plans both as a legible scaled hardcopy within the document and as digital
copy in Auto CAD format.
___________________________________________________________________________
 Provide subdivision plan overlaid on all land titles and their associated parcel of land.
 Specify how conservation or green areas will be managed post-subdivision.
 Provide a “code of restrictive covenants” for future land owners, to assist in ensuring
their compliance with the intended development plan for the area. These codes should
focus on various issues, especially on environmental protection and enhancement.
2.03 Airstrip Component

 Provide a detailed description of the existing airstrip within the project site, the
proposed upgrading of the airstrip, construction of all intended modes of air
transportation to the island including helicopters, airplanes, and seaplanes. This
description should include:
a) Construction requirements for the upgrading of the airstrip, construction of
seaplane dock, and helipads to Civil Aviation standards and timeframe for
construction.
b) Type and expected number of aircraft expected to utilize the facility, both
locally and internationally (if any).
c) Expected passengers to utilize the airstrip.
d) Requirements for obtaining a permit/license from Department of Civil Aviation
for use of the airstrip, seaplane dock, and helipad.
 Consult with the Department of Civil Aviation on whether a fully functioning airstrip
will be approved for this location.
2.04 Provide the following as annexes of the EIA report:

i. Approved copy of TOR
ii. List of Preparers including CVs
iii. Copy of Land Tenure Documents
iv. Company Documents
v. Water quality analysis results
vi. Any other important documents related to the development
1.1 Project Description

1.1.1 Background to the Project
Caye Chapel is one of Belize’s best-known island destinations considered one of the crown
jewels of Belize’s offshore island system. The island has had a history of providing high end
accommodation and entertainment to its clients having in the past been marketed as a luxury
resort with world class golfing facilities.
Since its heyday, the facilities have fallen into decline and the ownership of the island has
changed hands with the new owners being Twinkling Assets Limited (TAL) a leading real
estate investment and development company based in Mexico City. The owners envision a
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new development offering luxurious accommodations and first-rate services to its guests and
residents centered on the following main features:
a) A luxury hotel including overwater structures,
b) A redesigned 18-hole championship golf course,
c) Residential homes along the east and west coasts of the island,
d) A mix use marina village at the center of the island around the existing marina
complex.
A variety of recreational amenities will be located throughout the island, with varying levels
of access for hotel patrons, estate owners, and public guests. Due to the expected increase
demand, the development will include a significant expansion and reconfiguration of the sites
water supply and energy generation facilities. To appeal to a wider and more affluent clientele,
it is planned to expand the airstrip at the southern end of the island to accommodate larger
private aircraft.
To make way for the new development, the new owners propose to remove most of the existing
buildings including the Casitas, the Villas, and the clubhouse. The only structures that are
expected to remain are the existing staff quarters and the “back of house” area.
1.1.2 Baseline Situation
Caye Chapel is a long narrow island orientation from North to South and having an area
measuring 115.5 hectares (ha) being 3,868 meters (m) long (north south), 566 m wide (east-
west) at its widest point. Its topography is almost flat, with a maximum elevation of 3 m, and
oriented with a parallel disposition to the reef and the mainland coast. Of this total area,
approximately 15.64 ha are occupied by 14 water bodies either built by or modified by man
(e.g. the southern ponds were formed when the surrounding area was filled in creating shallow
depressions). The total area presently occupied by buildings under various categories is 1.05
ha.
In its present configuration, the environment of Caye Chapel has been heavily transformed by
previous development to the extent that very little of the natural ecosystem remain except to
the south of the island around the airfield where native mangrove stands still exist (see Figure
1.1). Manmade ponds and coconut type orchard ecosystem dominate the rest of the island. A
large portion of the coastline to the west has a sea wall consisting of pile sheeting capped by
concrete (see Figure 1.1). This seawall including the marina wall is in various states of
disrepair.
Within this general setting are a mosaic of buildings, facilities and infrastructure established
by the previous owner/developer of which the Golf Course is most prominent and occupies
most of the mid region of the island. While the new development progresses the existing
buildings and infrastructure will be evaluated and those that fit in the new master plan will stay
in place as accommodation and service support to the new enterprise. This is a major
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advantage for the new developer since no major temporary accommodations or services will
be required. The following structures and assets currently exist on the island (see Figure 1.1):
 Villas – Within the central region of the island along the east coast are a group of 8 - 2
story villas ranging in size from 440 to 820 m2 of total gross area including terraces,
balconies, and porches. The buildings are in good condition and would be comparable
to luxury apartments in North America (see Plate 1A, Insert 1). These buildings will
be used for accommodation of the higher-grade workers during the construction phase
but are slated for demolition since they do not fit into the new concept. All these
materials will be recycled into the new development.
 Casitas – These are 8 one story bungalow type buildings located near the club house
and marina. Six casitas are subdivided in two halves 55 m2, and the other two single
111 m2, totaling 14 residential units. The casitas are presently up to hotel standards in
quality and are currently being used to host workers. All casitas are eventually slated
for demolition
 Staff Quarters – Directly to the south of the marina is a large concrete building called
the workers’ building which incorporates kitchen, dining, laundry, storeroom and 20
rooms which are currently used for staff and workers housing. Beneath the southern
portion of this building is a large cistern (?? m2) used to store treated RO water. The
developer will renovate the staff quarters which will be retained to serve the new
development.
Figure 1.1: Caye Chapel existing layout and land use.
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Insert 2: The club house.

Insert 1: Example Villa type house.
Insert 4: The swimming pool

Insert 3: Building use to store grounds keeping machinery
Plate 1A: Views of existing buildings and facilities on Caye Chapel.
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 Other buildings – Buildings are in the Back of House (BOH) area and near the marina.
These include the following:
o A warehouse for maintenance materials storage,
o A workshop for vehicles maintenance and repair,
o A building located within the marina facilities containing a covered wharf to repair
boats up to 45 ft. in length outside the water,
o A building containing the 4 diesel powered generators,
o Another building containing the two-reverse osmosis (RO) plants.
o A garage for tractors, and other maintenance vehicles (see Plate 1A, Insert 3).
o The pool set, including a Jacuzzi and a poolside bar (see Plate 1A, Insert 4).
o An area with concrete floor for fuel storage
All buildings are constructed of concrete block masonry.
 Golf Course and Club House - The island has a championship golf course which covers
most of the island. The golf course has 18 holes, and was the best facility of its kind in the
country during the time it operated. The course has a par 72 with a length over 7,000 yards,
however the course has fallen into neglect and shows poor appearance due to lack of
irrigation and proper grounds maintenance.
The Development has a club house with 2,007 m2 of total gross area, including balconies
and porches, divided into two stories and is currently the main building of the resort (see
Plate 1A, Insert 2). Under the previous owner it provided all hospitality services to its
members including a conference room, a big hall, the golf club offices, the locker room, a
gym, and a shop on the ground floor.
 Marina and pier – The west side of the island has access to the sea through a marina with
dimensions of 100m x 100m and which contains 10 jetties. On the east coast, a large pier
can be found (76.2m long by 3m wide), however because of its location it is very
susceptible to storm damage with the most recent being severe damage from Hurricane
Earl in 2016.
 Airfield – A large airfield is located to the south of the island having asphalt pavement.
The developer plans an expansion of this airfield to increase accessibility to the facility by
his clientele.
 Roads – The island is connected to its various nodes of operation and activity by dirt road
with only the tracks close to the clubhouse having gravel coating.
 Recreational facilities - These include a tennis court, swimming pool and basketball court
all located within the general area of the marina and the Club House.
 Private Homes – A single private home is located on the east coast north of the villas see
Masterplan.
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1.2 The Project Proponents and Development Team

Caye Chapel Development Company Ltd. is a privately-owned company duly incorporated and
registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000. In
Belize, the Company operates out of its registered office at the Charter House Mile 21/2 on the
Phillip Goldson Highway. The Company is a subsidiary of Twinkling Assets Limited (TAL) a
leading real estate investment and development enterprise based in Mexico City (See Appendix
2).
TAL has assembled a team of development professional including the following distinguished
architectural and real estate development companies:
A. Thor Urbana Capital - Thor Urbana is a real estate investment and development company
based in Mexico City. The company has a portfolio of premier real estate assets
distinguished by the quality of their location, markets, design, construction, amenities, and
tenant-mix.
B. Gfa Grupo Inmobiliario - GF|a is a well-known Mexican real estate development
company known for their work within the residential, corporate, tourism and institutional
spaces, transcending styles, and trends.
C. Inmobilia Desarrollos - Inmobilia is one of the fastest growing premium real estate and
Development Company in Mexico well known for their work with and knowledge of high-
end markets and real estate development. Their work entails transforming landscapes and
creating luxurious lifestyle experiences to satisfy their clients taste and moods. Among
their expertise, they focus on landmark residential developments, award winning golf
courses, high-rise residential buildings, and all-inclusive mixed-use projects.
D. Gomez de Tuddo Architects – Renowned Mexican architectural firm with more than 400
projects designed both in Mexico and abroad.
1.3 Project Justification

Caye Chapel is considered one of the most beautiful of Belize’s offshore island with significant
potential to be developed into a world class tourism destination and residential community. The
island has an ideal location near the Belize Barrier Reef with great swimming and diving
opportunities. In terms of size, it is one of Belize’s larger offshore islands offering significant
space for the expansion of accommodation and infrastructure. As such, the island and the
enterprise stand to contribute significantly towards the development of high end tourism and
residential development in the country providing much needed employment and revenue.
This approach is justified under the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan 2030 for the country
which lays out the course for strategic tourism development going forward.
___________________________________________________________________________
Caye Chapel Company Ltd - 10 - Belize C.A.
The development intends to pursue its development program along a sustainable development
pathway. This development philosophy is supportive of the following main planning document
for the country:
 Horizon 2030 – This document identifies national sectors critical for long term policy
actions and investments. It identifies key economic goals for 2030 as building economic
resilience, promoting productivity and competitiveness, and ensuring the environmental
sustainability of economic activity. Specific strategies and policy directions relevant to the
tourism industry and the Caye Chapel development include:
 Proper management, allocation and utilization of the country’s natural resources
guided by the principles of sustainable development,
 Integrated planning with a focus on the symbiotic relationship between natural
resource management and social and economic development,
 Adequate and sustained protection of marine and coastal areas as part of a
larger strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change,
 “Green” technology utilization by households, the private sector and across
society.
 Sustainable Tourism Development Plan (STP) 2030 – This document lays out in
objective style the anticipated goals for the Belize tourism situation up to 2030 and the
strategies and actions to reach that goal. The plan identifies 10 severe constraints restricting
the development of the sector in the country. The Caye Chapel development will directly
address 6 of the most important of these in a way that few other destinations can to make
the nation’s tourism product more competitive viz:
a) Poor level of accessibility by air – This is identified as a serious impediment to the
growth of the industry due to poor accessibility by international flights. Caye
Chapel proposes to construct an airfield capable of hosting international flights
from diverse foreign destinations with the design and mass similar to a Gulfstream
V aircraft family.
b) Lack of sufficient and qualitative tourism services and facilities – The plan
identifies poor training methods, low investment level of local private sector and
few international hotel brands as the primary cause for low visitor satisfaction and
low competitiveness. The Caye Chapel development will include a branded 5-star
hotel facility which will bring the highest standards of hotel management to the
country including marketing and training for staff.
c) Inadequate (natural & heritage) asset management – STP identifies this as mainly
due to lack of awareness, knowledge and financial issues ultimately leading to
degradation of the destinations. Caye Chapel development proposes to include
marine conservation awareness, research, and training into the core of its tourism
offering. The development proposes to establish a facility for marine education and
conservation training on the island.
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d) Deficient communication and promotion of tourism assets – According to the plan,

this results in lack of international awareness of Belize as a tourism destination. As
a five-star branded tourism operation the tourism chain which owns the brand will
aggressively market the Belizean product among its offering on the international
stage.
e) Insufficient waste disposal and sewage systems – The plan identifies this deficiency
as resulting in unhealthy conditions and visual pollution. The Caye Chapel facility
will have an advance solid waste management system focusing on waste reduction,
reuse and recycling. The facilities for liquid waste management will achieve the
highest treatment efficiency up to the tertiary level allowing the treated wastewater
to be used on site as a valuable resource.
f) Lack of urban land planning and land use regulation – The Plan attributes haphazard
and inadequate urban development, beach erosion, and land use conflict as resulting
from this deficiency. The Caye Chapel development will be built from a master
plan formulated by world renown firms specializing in resort and residential
developments backed by a Code of Covenants which will restrict and control future
development and behavior on site. See Section 1.2 for a list of the Development
Team. In addition, the beachfront will be secured by berms to control beach
erosion.
In addition, STP 2030 advocates the opening of regional tourism markets especially from
Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. This project will open direct links to Mexican markets
which it is hoped will be facilitated by the expanded airfield.
 Cayes Development Guidelines – This document lays out the importance of the coastal
region to the environmental, social, and economic wellbeing of the country. It divides the
coastal areas of the country into 3 main regions and 9 planning sub regions. The Caye
Caulker sub region consist of both Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel however the plan
concentrates almost exclusively on Caye Caulker hence most of the recommendations are
directed to that island. Recommendations that may have convergence with the Caye
Chapel development and will be adhered to include the following:
a) Land use
 Implement setbacks and other related land development standards (e.g., lot
size, site density, habitable room density, and building height) prescribed in
the Land Utilization Authority’s subdivision guidelines to ensure that the
carrying capacity of the land is not exceeded.
 All applications for seawall construction and beach replenishment are
required to be assessed by the Lands and Surveys Department,
 Restrict new buildings to two stories or a maximum of twenty-eight feet in
height,
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 Develop and implement a policy on pier construction. All pier activities

must continue to require permission from the Physical Planning Section of
the Lands & Surveys Department.
b) Dredging
 Future fill for lots in this region should not come from between the Barrier
Reef and the eastern coast of the island. Most fill on Caye Chapel will come
from the west of the island.
 Beach management, including but not limited to beach nourishment must
be undertaken in consultation with the Lands & Surveys Department,
Department of the Environment and the Coastal Zone Management
Authority and Institute,
 Monitoring of dredging activity should be conducted by the relevant
authorities to ensure that sediment curtains are being used and properly
installed to prevent adverse impacts on corals and lobster productivity
The propose Caye Chapel development joins a list of ambitious and progressive tourism
development planned for the offshore region of northern Belize, the most vibrant tourism area of
the country. The interest of the investors in Caye Chapel underscores and reiterates confidence in
Belize’s long-term future as a stable and attractive choice for tourism investments.
1.4 Project Location

Caye Chapel is a privately-owned island lying 1.7 km south of Caye Caulker, 25 km to the
northeast of Belize City and approximately 2.5 km to the west of the Belize Barrier Reef at 17°40’
North latitude and 88°02’ west longitude (see Figure 1.2). The Island is 4 km long and 0.50 km
wide at its maximum width. The island has a surface area of 115 hectare.
A map elucidating the main physical and geographic features within the projects area of influence
including proximity to protected areas and other nationally and internationally environmentally
sensitive site is given in Chapter 4.
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Figure 1.2: Project Location Map.
1.5 Project Description and Layout Plan

The illustrative master plan is shown in Figure 1.3.
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Figure 1.3: Illustrative Master Plan.
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The following are the main components of the Caye Chapel resort and residential development.
1) Hotel
The developer proposes to construct a 100-key hotel facility including 33 overwater structures at
the northern end of the island opposite Caye Caulker and an overwater restaurant (see Figures
1.4a to 1.4 d). These will be luxury rooms with all-inclusive services to guests, ensuring maximum
comfort and visitor satisfaction. It is anticipated that the height of the building will not exceed 15
meters subject to consultations and local regulations including the Cayes Development Guidelines.
In that regard, if necessary the buildings will offset height with footprint area to accommodate the
same number of rooms.
Overwater Structures - Overwater structures are central to the plan and the niche market for their
inclusion is supported by current market conditions where clients crave ambience with nature and
closeness to the water environment. The Developer will ensure that environmental impacts to the
coastal zone are minimal in terms of the design of the structure and the advanced technology
employed to deal with consequential use including liquid and solid waste. The location of the over
water structures (North Units and South Units) at the north end of the island is shown in Figure
1.4e. A sample of a 1-Bedroom over water structure is shown in Figure 1.4f and an example of an
artist conception of the structures is shown in Plate 1.B.
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Figure 1.4a: Hotel Resort- Main House- Lower level-Guest Arrival Lounge
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Figure 1.4b: Hotel Resort- Main House- Upper level-Specialty Restaurant

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Figure 1.4c: Hotel Resort- Typical Guest room Bungalow-King/DD Option A.
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Figure 1.4d: Hotel Resort- Typical Guest Room Bungalow-King/DD Option B.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 1.4e: Hotel Resort showing the Overwater Structures and Branded Residences locations.
___________________________________________________________________________
2)
Figure 1.4f: Overwater Cabaña Unit (1 Bedroom Suite).

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Plate 1.B: Artist concept of the overwater structures.
2) Branded Residences
The Developer intends to construct 36 branded residences which will consist of two, three and
four bedroom unit types immediately adjacent to and south of the hotel complex (see Figure 1.4g
and 1.4h). These are typically units that will benefit from the high-end hotel that the developers
intend to build. It will operate as a full service luxurious residential unit. The residences will be
managed by the hotel management. The owners of the branded residences will enjoy all the
amenities and services that the hotel offers but without having to worry about maintenance. The
hotel will be responsible for the rental of the units on the instructions of the owners.
3) Estate Lots and Villas

The owners intend to parcel out 100 prime lots which will be made available to private owners for
the construction of residences. These are anticipated to be larger homes but unlikely to be more
than two stories above ground level. The lots will come in different sizes but generally ranging in
size from 0.50 to 1.25 acres. These individual homes will have up to 1000m2 in area (see
Figures1.4i and 1.4j). The Caye Chapel development guidelines call for individual homes to
cover no more than 30% of the lots. These lots will cover most of the east and west coast of the
island. Residents will be able to bask in amazing views and have access to all modern amenities
___________________________________________________________________________
and services. Owners will be free to choose among different building types that will harmonize
with the landscape of the island.
The size of the individual estate home will be determined by the size of the lot on which they will
be built, and these can range from 350m2 to 950m2. The emphasis throughout proper functioning
of the structure in conformity with the design guidelines for the model house (Estate Home) and
general prototypes. The homes will be constructed according to the following criteria:
a) Materials
 Use of local woods with natural water based treatment for the outdoors. The buildings will
avoid the use of colored oil base lacquers where they are not needed since they might
contain Volotile Organic Compounds (VOCs),
 Local stones will be incorporated into the masonry design as rough slabs with the walls
made of lightweight cement blocks which should be resistant to hurricanes while
generating textures and providing strength to the constructions.
b) Structure
 The predominant structure will be load-bearing walls (lightweight cement blocks),
columns, beams, and wooden rattles. The foundation will be a mixed system based on
concrete piles, concrete masonry shoes and foundation slabs.
 Structure will be one level and in some cases two levels
c) Finishing
 Preference will be given to rustic finishes (wood and local stone), wooden decks, wooden
and slate tiles as well as water-based ecological paints.
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Figure 1.4g: Branded Residential Houses-4 Bedroom Unit.
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Figure 1.4h: Branded Residential Houses-3 Bedroom Unit.

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Figure 1.4i: Model Villa Section (Estates).
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Figure 1.4j: Model Villa site plan (Estates).
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4) Condos and Casitas

Around the marina the developer proposes to build 30 condominium units and 15 casitas of
different sizes per unit (see Figure 1.4k).
5) Golf Course Houses
The existing club house for the golf course will be demolished and the materials recycled into the
new construction program. The Developer proposes to replace this facility with two (2) small
halfway houses2 where the guest will enjoy a variety of services including but not limited to food
and beverages. The new facilities will have bathrooms as well as equipment and changing rooms
for golfers.
6) Spa and Fitness Center
A full-service spa and fitness center will afford guest and residents a place to tone-up and to receive
full body massages and spa treatment at any time of the day. The gym will be equipped with state
of the art treadmills, bicycles, rowing machines, all-in-one toning machines and an assortment of
dead weights.
7) Marina and Owner’s Club and Piers
Marina - Caye Chapel presently has a large marina that is in decent condition and operational
with 10 boat-slips available. The new development proposal calls for this marina to be improved
but not expanded (see Figure 1.4k and 1.4l). Improvements are expected to include work to
strengthen the sea wall, installation of additional boat slips and a new access channel and groyne
(see Chapter 11) which will decrease the present sedimentation problems being experienced in
the marina basin. The existing decrepit refueling facilities will be replaced.
The marina will be deepened and expanded to 50 boat slips. It is envisioned that it will be a ‘Partial
Service” marina that will be offered home owners. The upgrading of the marina is fully ventilated
in the transportation chapter (Chapter 10).
2
Halfway houses in golf courses are expanding beyond “huts” and “shacks” into more elaborate, multi-use venues
which incorporates personalized décor, making these areas more inviting to members and guests to enjoy a meal
and beverages.
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Figure 1.4k: Resort Marina and Owner’s Club Area.
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Figure 1.4l: Resort Marina and Owner’s Club Area-Program Matrix Summary.
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Piers - The Project will have an east pier and a west pier that will include a bar at its landing deck
(see#8 in Figure 1.4k). The piers will be raised over the water and supported by well-
spaced concrete piles with wood columns as the primary support structure. The use of hardwoods
with marine low voc’s treatments and the open structure they provide allows tides and currents to
flow relatively unhindered, whereas the more solid foundations of a quay or the closely spaced
piles of a wharf can act as a breakwater, and are consequently more liable to silting. The catwalk
deck will be a hardwood structure with 2.40 m width by 50 m long with hand rails of hardwood,
matching the floor. The pier will be equipped with the electrical system to supply lighting to the
entire catwalk which will also serve as a navigation safety feature at night.
8) Management Staff and Employee Housing
There are existing accommodations for the management and staff in the employee housing unit.
This facility will be upgraded and refurbished to establish a higher level of employee comfort and
space (Figures 1.4k and 1.4l).
9) Utility Hub (Back of House3)
The utility hub (also called the “Back of House” area) will be vastly improved. The existing
buildings will be upgraded to accommodate additional equipment including an expanded RO
system, waste water treatment system and an expanded power generation system (Figures 1.4k
and 1.4l).
10) Marina Retail Services (at the Hotel Greeting Lounge)
Adjacent to the marina it will be easy for visitors and residents to access products that are required
for day fishing or other adventures. The proposed building is expected to be approximately 225m2
in size and will have available most of the products needed for excursions and exploration into
the surrounding areas and the interior. The developer plans to provide entrepreneurship
opportunities to locals to cater additional guest services and in so doing encourage economic
growth of the local population based on the brand standard.
11) Airstrip
The developer proposes to expand on the existing airstrip which currently has a runway of length
1,036 meters (3,400 ft.) and serves local commuter airlines such as Maya Island Air and Tropic
Air. Increasing the runway by an additional 1650 meters (5413 feet) will enable direct flights
from major markets such as Mexico and the United States of America (USA) which the developer
wishes to attract. This will significantly enhance the attractiveness of the island since transfer
time from global destinations will be drastically reduced. During operations it is projected that
up to 50 passengers a day will arrive via the expanded airstrip.
Such an expansion of services will necessitate additional controls including customs and
immigration presence and the oversight of the Civil Aviation Authority. The justification for the
3
Encompasses all the behind-the-scenes areas that customers will not see.
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expansion of the airstrip is covered in Chapter 10 and the dredging works associated with its
construction is covered in Chapter 11.
Helipad: The airplane apron will also double as a helicopter landing pad in the first phase of the
development. Eventually an area at the northern end of the landing strip will be prepared to
accommodate single engine (up to 6 seater) helicopters overnight and will be used mainly to
respond to emergency situations. The pad will be constructed of reinforced concrete and properly
marked in compliance with the regulations of the Civil Aviation Department of Belize.
Airplane Arrival Pavilion: This is the welcome point for those who choose to arrive by airplane.
Currently a small temporary shelter is located at the area where the airplane stops to drop off and
pick up passengers.
Seaplane Ramp: The developer also proposes to include a seaplane ramp within the overall
development proposal for a 6-8-seater seaplane. Approval for pertinent permits and other
requirements will be sought from the relevant authorities.
12) Golf Course
The existing golf course will be replaced with an impressive 18-hole Greg Norman and Lorena
Ochoa designed golf course which will be the signature attraction to this development (see Figure
1.5). The intention is to attract world-class golfers and golf enthusiasts to the island. The course
will be maintained year-round with undulations, ponds and sand bunkers as main features on
irrigated grass which will be of a new hardier variety requiring less water.
Iconic Lighthouse Element
The lighthouse will be erected on the south marina groyne to international standards4. This will
provide guidance to the island during inclement weather and will be especially helpful for
emergency transfers from the island should the need ever arise.
13) Beach Club and Swimmable Lagoon
Similar to other amenities a building will be erected to accommodate swimmers who prefer to
bath in a natural salt-water lagoon which will be created for this purpose. The beach club house
will provide light snacks and drinks. It will consist of rest rooms, showers, lounge and changing
area. This facility will be located to the south of the island within the existing mangrove pond.
14) Recreational Facilities and Water Sports
This will include water sports and a dive center, having direct access to the marina village. Water
sports will include kayaking, snorkeling, diving, sailing, kite boarding, paddle boarding, jet
skiing. There will also be a tennis court and fitness gym. These will be developed and
4
The minimum height is calculated by the trigonometric formula
d = 1.17 √𝐻 where H is the height above water in feet, and d is the distance to the horizon in nautical miles.
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synchronized with the pace of the new development. Final recreational facilities will be
programmed and determined with the selected lodging operator.
Freshwater swimming pools will be a central part of the recreational activities that the island will
offer. It will be available to all residences of the development and used to do initial dive training
and snorkeling lessons. The water quality of the pool will conform to national and international
quality standards for recreational swimming pools.
Names of chemicals used to maintain water quality would be submitted to the DoE for approval
before use and will be used at optimal dosage to prevent growth of harmful bacteria and to reduce
algal growth. Water from the pool will be filtered and recycled hence there will be minimal draw
on the available water supply of the island and no impact on the local environment from released
water.
1.6 The Physical Development Plan

Table 1.1 summarizes the number of new structures planned for the development including
estimated occupancy levels, however it should be noted that staff should not be regarded in the
same way as permanent residents since most will commute daily. Figure 1.5 shows the zones in
which these structures are to be built and Figure 1.6 the expected population level per zone.
Table 1.1: Estimated population of Caye Chapel during full operation. Source Mauricio
Gomez de Tuddo, 2016.
Facility Category Planned Estimated Population Population per
Number of Per Unit Facility type
Units or Rooms
Hotel including 33 100 keys 2 guests 200
overwater structures
Hotel Working Force 45% of keys 45
Branded Residences 36 houses 3 hab 180
Residential Homes 100 homes 5 rooms x 2 hab 1000
Island /Residential Working 100
Force
Marina Community (M) 30 buildings 1.5 rooms x 2 hab 90
Small Houses (casitas) 15 Houses 22.5 Tot. rooms x 2 hab 45
Marina working Force 35
Condos 45 units 1.5 rooms x 2hab 135
Temporary visitors 100
Subtotal 1930
General Staff 476
Total 2406
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Figure 1.5: Proposed Caye Chapel Subdivision Plan. Source: Mauricio Gomez de Tuddo,2016.
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Figure 1.6: Location of developmental zones and expected maximum population. Source: Mauricio Gomez de Tuddo, 2016.
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As indicated in previous sections, the developer has an ambitious plan to transform the island into
a world-class facility hence most of the existing residential buildings will be demolished and the
materials recycled since they do not fit into the new design. It is believed that the average
occupancy level for the year will be about 68% between the hotel and the residences hence the
average non-worker and non-staff population will probably be around 700 persons.
The existing staff housing will remain except the thatch roof buildings, which will be removed to
make way for more appealing and comfortable accommodations for the workers. Most of the
back of house area will also remain intact however; significant improvement and expansion will
be made to the existing power generation, potable water production, and liquid waste management
facilities.
Table 1.2 shows the land take of the various land use zones on the island while Table 1.3 shows
land take in area and percentage cover for the individual development components. As can be
seen from the tables the largest land take will accrue to the golf course at roughly 44 hectares
followed by the lots at approximately 27.5 hectares.
Table 1.2: Apportioned land use on Caye Chapel by zones.

LAND-USE HECTARES %
Hotel 6.44 5.42%
Branded Residences 4.59 3.86%
Residential 27.3 22.96%
Marina (Expanded Basin) 2.7 2.27%
Marina Upland 1.36 1.14%
Airport (Without expansion) 3.78 3.18%
Back-of-house Services and Utilities 1.2 1.01%
Open Space and Circulation 10.22 8.60%
Preservation and Mangrove 14.01 11.78%
Golf Course 46.1 38.77%
Outparcels 0.83 0.70%
Employee Housing 0.37 0.31%
Total 115.5 100%

Notes: Additional future upland expansion may include beach coves, channel groins, runway
expansion and 0.15 hectare golf peninsula
Total 120.74
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Table 1.3: Land take of facilities by area and percent cover.

Name Area m2 Percent of Total Land
Area*
Total Area 1,147,910.73 100%
Golf Course 461,745.53 40.22%
Lakes 24,471.85 2.13%
Back of House 12,369.33 1.08%
Reserve and Airstrip 180,224.80 15.70%
Outparcels 25,065.52 2.18%
Hotel Area 64,399.49 5.61%
Branded Residents (BR) 45,367.37 3.95%
Estate Lots Area (EL) 273,464.83 23.82%
Marina Village AREA (MV) 57,973.87 5.05%
Sunrise Park 2,828.14 0.25%
*Within individual lots the size of buildings will be restricted to 20 – 30% of the area of individual lots
depending on location and size of lots. Therefore, the actual foot print on completion would be less.
Historical records show that Caye Chapel used to cover a substantially larger area than its current
dimensions would suggest. In a report produced by Hill International it was stated that the
original property title of Caye Chapel, dating back to 1894, showed that the area of the island area
was 290 acres (117.35 ha). It was suggested this lost land (2.57 ha) could be reclaimed to meet
the ancient boundaries of the island. Table 1.4 shows approximate Estate lot sizes in the various
zones of the development.
Table 1.4: Approximate Estate lot sizes.

NEP1 SWP
NEP 01 5,812.79 M2 NWP 03 4,706.84 M2 SWP 01 8,555.68 M2
NEP 02 4,676.95 M2 NWP 04 4,555.31 M2 SWP 02 1,163.21 M2
NEP 03 2,377.44 M2 NWP 06 4,378.51 M2 SWP 03 1,462.68 M2
NEP 04 2,424.07 M2 NWP 05 4,406.76 M2 SWP 04 1,800.81 M2
NWP 07 4,684.55 M2 SWP 05 1,757.09 M2
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NEP2 SWP 06 1,995.34 M2
NEP 05 2,130.91 M2 NWP2 SWP 07 1,680.36 M2
NEP 06 2,087.70 M2 NWP 08 5,932.16 M2 SWP 08 1,601.38 M2
NEP 07 2,012.93 M2 NWP 09 3,787.76 M2 SWP 09 2,490.46 M2
NEP 08 1,986.58 M2 NWP 10 3,812.69 M2 SWP 10 1,527.62 M2
NEP 09 1,966.80 M2 NWP 11 3,801.55 M2 SWP 11 1,475.17 M2
NEP 10 2,334.72 M2 NWP 12 3,833.07 M2 SWP 12 2,305.75 M2
NEP 11 2,306.21 M2 NWP 13 3,936.07 M2 SWP 13 1,462.44 M2
NEP 12 2,277.71 M2 NWP 14 3,556.08 M2 SWP 14 1,452.09 M2
NEP 13 2,249.20 M2 NWP 15 4,020.23 M2 SWP 15 1,791.30 M2
NEP 14 2,220.44 M2 NWP 16 5,362.32 M2 SWP 16 1,479.79 M2
NEP 15 2,207.03 M2 SWP 17 1,497.63 M2
SEP1 SWP 18 1,686.78 M2
NEP3 SEP 01 6,407.60 M2 SWP 19 1,267.33 M2
NEP 16 1,678.16 M2 SEP 02 3,944.17 M2 SWP 20 1,350.44 M2
NEP 17 3,751.46 M2 SEP 03 3,682.73 M2 SWP 21 1,381.52 M2
NEP 18 1,837.66 M2 SEP 04 2,226.76 M2 SWP 22 1,643.37 M2
NEP 19 1,884.24 M2 SEP 05 2,183.77 M2 SWP 23 1,453.01 M2
NEP 20 1,945.23 M2 SEP 06 2,140.43 M2 SWP 24 1,470.64 M2
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NEP 21 1,951.32 M2 SEP 07 2,108.08 M2 SWP 25 1,434.15 M2
NEP 22 1,942.54 M2 SEP 08 2,127.64 M2 SWP 26 1,404.84 M2
NEP 23 1,852.22 M2 SEP 09 2,134.71 M2 SWP 27 1,309.14 M2
NEP 24 1,400.22 M2 SEP 10 2,145.94 M2 SWP 28 2,711.74 M2
NEP 25 1,315.43 M2 SEP 11 2,112.68 M2 SWP 29 1,390.82 M2
NEP 26 1,232.48 M2 SEP 12 2,158.33 M2 SWP 30 2,441.22 M2
NEP 27 1,196.87 M2 SEP 13 2,293.55 M2 SWP 31 1,249.84 M2
NEP 28 1,176.78 M2 SEP 14 2,324.44 M2 SWP 32 1,203.85 M2
NEP 29 1,152.63 M2 SWP 33 2,161.83 M2
NEP 30 1,124.82 M2 SEP2 SWP 34 2,101.81 M2
NEP 31 1,097.02 M2 SEP 15 3,858.19 M2 SWP 35 1,819.96 M2
NEP 32 6,075.05 M2 SEP 16 3,914.57 M2 SWP 36 1,795.94 M2
SEP 17 3,941.56 M2 SWP 37 1,600.77 M2
NWP1 SEP 18 3,886.28 M2
NWP 00 5,401.33 M2 SEP 19 3,898.24 M2
NEP = North East Plots SEP = South East Plots

NWP 01 5,090.09 M2 NWP = North West Plots SWP = South West Plots
NWP 02 4,858.38 M2
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1.6.1 Justification for the use of the Seabed

Since their introduction in French Polynesia in 1960s, overwater structures (bungalows) has taken
the world by storm and are now found in all warmer regions of the world. Recently Sandals in
Montego Bay, Jamaica, launched their overwater structures and overwater bar with much fanfare
in December 2016. There are 17 of them and they are booked way into 2017 already. All major
Caribbean destinations now feature overwater bungalows as the ultimate experience of their
tourism offering. Belize has at least 4 well known resorts with overwater cabanas including the
following;
 Thatch Caye Resort – 8 bungalows
 St. George's Caye Resort – 6 bungalows
 Glover's Atoll Resort & Island Lodge – 8 bungalows
 Cayo Espanto – 1 bungalow
The Caye Chapel development proposes to build 33 overwater structures over the seabed as a part
of the hotel project. The structures will range in size from 45 to 70m2 however, the presidential
(two bedroom) suite may be bigger and occupy an area of 100m2.
Although these structures are associated with some negative impacts, including potential
obstruction to navigation, disturbance to the seafloor and shading of sea grass beds these can be
adequately mitigated against (see Chapter 16 and 17). The major concern of this type of
accommodation is management of liquid and solid waste, however the structures will be
connected to the island’s advance waste water management system and as a part of the hotel
facility will fall under the progressive solid waste management structure of the 5-Star branded
hotel.
It is expected that the economic benefits to the country will far outweigh the adverse impacts
associated with the project. In addition, the project intends to undertake biodiversity offset
investments5 that will benefit coral and seagrass beds around the island to compensate for any
impacts associated with the extension of the airfield and the building of the overwater cabañas.
1.6.2 Physical Amenities
Table 1.5 summarizes the main features of the physical amenities, which will be installed at the
site and further elaborated below.
5
Measurable conservation outcome resulting from actions designed to compensate for significant residual
biodiversity loss arising from project development after appropriate prevention and mitigation measures have been
taken (BBOB). Offsets can, for example, deliver biodiversity benefits (e.g. reforestation) through a transaction,
where offset sellers (e.g. a conservation NGO) sell offsets to developers (e.g. a mining company) who seek to
compensate the residual biodiversity loss resulting from a development activity (e.g. mining). The term also
encompasses wetland, species, and habitat banking. Source Biodiversity Offset, UNDP 2016.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 1.5: Summary of main features in the physical development plan.
Date June 17,2017

Project Caye Chapel, Belize
Reference Master Plan Allocations
island
CCR’s design guidelines
architectural guidelines
landscape guidelines
building guidelines
excursion concierge office qty. sq.m. total
hotel
gated entrance
motor lobby 48
main lobby 144
guestroom mix presidential suite 3 bdrm 1 300
overwater structures 2 bdrm 6 150
1 bdrm 26 100
executive suites 1 bdrm plunge pool 20 75
std room 1 bdrm 50 50
food + beverage casual restaurant
bar
specialty restaurant
bar + lounge
lobby bar + lounge
main pool bar + grill
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coffee bar
event + meeting place prefunction
meeting room1
meeting room 2
outdoor shared area : shaded
banquet facilities
health + recreation spa treatment rooms
fitness yoga
pools main family pool cabanas
adult pool 1 cabanas
adult pool 2 cabanas
sports + dive center biking
sup
kayak / snorkel / dive
tennis courts : 2 x
multipurpose hardcourt
retail sundry shop
high end boutique
kids club splashpad
otdr space / playground
arts activities area
young adults center npas
movie theater
gameroom / computer gaming
branded residences
4 bdrm unit 5 250
3 bdrm unit 15 200
2 bdrm unit 20 150
amenities pool tbd
fitness tbd
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residents lounge tbd

estate lots
1/0 acre 6 bdrm 900
1/2 acre 5 bdrm 750
1/3 acre 4 bdrm 600
golf course
pro shop retail
storage
services
halfway houses
refreshment station / bar 2
services 2
marina
slips
arrival dock
harbor office dockmaster
water sports center
scuba shop
lighthouse
village
retail
relax dining
fine dining overwater
night club
sales center office
meeting rooms
services
island management office reception
office
services
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security office office

services
condos 1 bdrm unit 25 50
founder's casitas 500 sqft unit 5 50
750 sqft unit 5 75
1'000 sqft unit 5 100
beach club
indoor bar
food shack / Greg Norman
family pool
sun deck + cabanas
services
airfield
airstrip extension
helipad
seaplane ramp dock
landing pavilion indoor lounge / bar
services
fbo office
immigration
reserve
reserve kayak route
lookouts
research center Cousteau
day pavilions
observatory
nursery office
services
organic farm
landscape
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hardscape
softscape botanical catalogue
island trail
parking spots
beaches
boardwalks
natural windward
man made leeward
lakes
marine structures
breakwaters rock marina channel
sand
mangrove
deck / docks
feature golf holes
docks + piers hotel arrival
service dock
overwaters suites
restaurants
estate homes pavilions
parks + recreation
playgrounds
sunrise park dock
venue lawn
zen garden
outparcels
art
amenities
wellness center
spa
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fitness gym
owner's club
indoor bar
food shack
services
sports facilities soccer field
fitness center
racquet club tennis
paddle
racquetball
climbing wall
kids club
outdoor playing area
beach volleyball
multipurpose hardcourt
glamping area
services
outdoor cinema
boh
staff housing island staff
eating areas hotel staff
rest areas estate homes staff
services
gardeners tools shacks
security control posts
monitoring stations
transportation center
golf carts storage
bikes repair
boats
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service pier loading platform

storage warehouses
utilities / infrastructure
electricity solar grid / roof tiles
collection / battery packs
wave + current
backup mainland grid / submarine cable
generators
fresh water r.o. desalinization
rain water catchment
collection tanks
pressurization / pumping stations
distribution
waste water collection
treatment plants
irrigation
waste management organic
inorganic
telecommunications
trenches + service stations
fuel tanks
nat gas / diesel
continent
electricity connection
staff housing
service dock + loading platform
storage
workshops / maintenance
organic farm
fuel deposits
___________________________________________________________________________
A. Waste Treatment Facilities – With a much larger population Caye Chapel will churn out
significantly higher volumes of waste water than the rudimentary facilities currently
installed on the island could handle. The developer intends to install a state of the art turn
key facility capable of treating waste water up to the tertiary level 6 for safe release back
into the environment as recycled water. Chapter 6 provides design and operational details
of the facility including treatment efficiencies.
For solid waste, a hierarchy of waste management will be instituted where the focus will
be on the 3R’s, namely reduce, recycle, and reuse. Caye Chapel will have a dynamic and
structured waste management program extending to all areas of the development during
both the construction and operational phases. Solid waste management including a solid
waste management plan is covered in detail in Chapter 7.
B. Energy Generating Facilities – Four noisy and polluting generators currently
intermittently serve the island. The development will require a larger and more reliable
energy supply which is more environmentally sustainable and climate accountable.
Chapter 8 addresses the provision of energy to the site offering three alternative options
for meeting the energy needs of the island as well as the management of fuel and other
issues of environmental concern.
C. Water Generating Facilities – Caye Chapel will require a significant amount of fresh
water for the functioning of the 100-key hotel and for the use of the more than 100
residences plus casitas and condos. Significant amounts of water will be required for the
irrigation of the golf course. Chapter 5 addresses the expected water demands of the site
and the options considered for meeting that demand. Issues of water recycling and the
use of rain water is also considered.
D. Marina Docks and Piers – With a larger population the waters around Caye Chapel is
expected to see increased marine traffic. The developer intends to improve and upgrade
the facilities at the marina without expanding it and to make the facility less susceptible
to storm damage and siltation. The damaged pier will likewise be repaired following
extensive damage from Hurricane Earl and a service pier will be built on the west coast.
The upgrading and improved climate resilience of the marina and pier are discussed at
length in the transportation chapter (Chapter 9).
E. Sea Wall – A seawall made of PVC sheeting capped by concrete covers the northern end
of the island and the west coast down to the northern end of the airfield (see Figure 1.1).
The structure is performing well but over time has been compromised in places which will
6
Tertiary treatment ("effluent polishing") is sometimes defined as anything more than primary and secondary
treatment in order to allow ejection into a highly sensitive or fragile ecosystem (estuaries, low-flow rivers, coral
reefs,). Treated water is sometimes disinfected chemically or physically (for example, by lagoons and
microfiltration) prior to discharge into a stream, river, bay, lagoon, or wetland, or it can be used for the irrigation of
a golf course, green way, or park. If it is sufficiently clean, it can also be used for groundwater recharge or
agricultural purposes.
___________________________________________________________________________
need to be repaired/reinforced (see Plate 1.C Insert 1 and 2). In the new development
proposal, the developer proposes to create beach areas in front of the seawall which will
reduce stress on the wall and help to protect this vital infrastructure.
Insert 1: Typical section of sea wall north of Insert 2: Breached section of seawall and eroded
airfield area.
Plate 1.C: Views of Caye Chapel seawall.
F. Beach Creation – The developer plans to create beaches along most of the west shore
and reconstitute the east beaches to increase resident and visitor access and appreciation
of the site (see Figure 1.7). A review of current land mass shows that the total area of
Caye Chapel has been reduced by 25 acres with the land ostensibly lost to erosion over
time. Recent storms have played havoc with the beach area especially along the west
shore. It is therefore imperative that the developer take steps to secure his investment and
to prevent further erosion from taking place.
Options – Several options are available to the Developer to secure the shoreline. These
include the following:
 Hard engineering – It is possible to extend the seawall to the remainder of the
island; however, this could only be done at prohibitive cost and would be out of
character with a high-end resort where visitors seek direct unencumbered views of
the sea with expansive and inviting beaches.
 Ecosystems based approach - This approach would emphasize soft engineering
where the focus would be on restoring the natural balance that existed on the island
before development including the reestablishment of mangroves along the
shoreline area. Many coastal engineers now favor this approach over seawalls.
___________________________________________________________________________
Key:
East beach to be rehabilitated
West and north beach
Newly constructed pilot beach
Figure 1.7: Areas identified for beach creation and restoration.
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The area to the south of the airfield currently benefits from this type of protection, however
although there is much value in this approach it would offer residents only limited access
to the sea and restricted views – values which the majority of visitors and residents who
come to the island will crave.
 Hybrid approach - In this approach the developer would use a combination of hard and
soft measures which would include placement of groynes at strategic locations to
break/dissipate wave energy from the shoreline and use dredge beach sand to replenish
and reconstitute the beach.
In view of the above the Developer has decided to use a hybrid approach which will
protect the shoreline while reconstituting the beach area. The creation of the beach would
require high quality sand which can only be found in select waters offshore. Since the
beach creation activity is essentially a dredging exercise it is covered at length in the
dredging chapter (Chapter 11).
G. Golf Course – The redesigned golf course is expected to occupy a place of pride in the
new development. The golf course will be the largest component of the development in
terms of footprint with area coverage of 46.1 hectares (38.77%). (see Table 1.2).
TAL has hired world renown designers Lorena Ochoa and Greg Norman to design an
imaginative, challenging, and appealing course for the use and enjoyment of its guest .
The course will have 18 holes replete with ponds and dugouts (see Figure 1.8). On
completion it is expected to provide one of the best golfing experiences in the Caribbean.
The Golf course will benefit from the implementation of best management practices to
eliminate or at least reduce impacts. These include a combination of engineering solutions
and progressive cultural practices which are geared towards preventing the movement of
sediments, nutrients, or pesticides into environmentally sensitive areas. Ultimately the
goal of this approach is as follows:
1. to reduce the off-site transport of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides;
2. to control the rate, method and type of chemicals being applied; and
3. to reduce the total chemical load.
Because water is the primary movement mechanism for contaminants, protection of water
resources provides protection for sensitive areas and species. Preventative measures will
preclude potential contaminants from entering local waterways which could then result in
environmental contamination of habitats. The development will emphasize preventative
measures (cultural controls) including nonstructural practices that minimize or prevent the
generation of run off and the contamination of runoff by pollutants. It will also implement
___________________________________________________________________________
structural (engineering) controls to remove, filter, detain, or reroute potential

contaminants carried in surface water.
Golf courses are heavy consumers of water, fertilizer, and pesticides (see Chapter 5,
Section 5.2). To alleviate the demand for water, the designers have incorporated areas
for rough grass which needs less water and have proposed to introduce a newer hardier
species of grass for the main course which is drought resistant. The development is also
paying close attention to the maintenance needs of the propose golf course, in particular
the use of fertilizers and chemical control agents for pest and weed control. The following
products have been selected for use/application based on performance and on
environmental considerations:
Grass Species
Golf course managers are increasingly faced with tough management decisions on the best
turf grass for golf courses. The ideal grass will have the following characteristics:
 Ability to withstand multiple environmental stress tolerance,
 Capable of improved nutrient uptake,
 More stable disease and insect resistant (requires minimal pesticides)
 Ability to tolerate salt and water from a wide array of sources including recycled
water.
 Good playing surface quality
 Good aesthetic appeal with low maintenance approach
Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) described as “one of the most

environmentally ‘friendly’ turf grass utilized on golf courses to date”, is proposed to be
used on the Fairways, Greens, Tees and Driving Range. Seashore Paspalum is a salt-
tolerant grass that has been recorded on golf courses since the mid-1970s. It was only used
on a limited basis because of its inferior turf quality but there has been major advances in
its development with the introduction of several fine-textured varieties, the breeding of
such grasses has contributed significantly to the reduction of the environmental impacts
associated with the golf courses of the past.
Seashore Paspalum is a perennial grass that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of
North and South America. There are several species that are native to Belize including
this recommended seashore species. There has been several research conducted in foreign
universities utilizing native varieties obtained in Belize. A variety of this specie has been
used in the present Caye Chapel Golf Course (Duncan et. al., 1999). and other locations
including Corozal and developments on the Glovers Reef area. Because of its local
availability only seeds from local provenance will be used on Caye Chapel. Hence this
species is also not listed as an Invasive Alien Species nor does it have the potential to
___________________________________________________________________________
become invasive. Native trees and shrubs will be used on the ‘Rough’ areas of the golf
course.
Bermuda Grass (Cynodon spp.) is the most widely used warm season species on golf
courses. Because of its relatively fine leaved hybrids it will be used to produce high quality
putting surfaces. Bred from Common Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon), which is still seen on
many golf fairways, Tif-dwarf Bermuda grass (a hybrid of Cynodon dactylon x C.
transvaalensis) has been the standard for putting green surfaces for nearly 30 years.
Bermuda grasses are sensitive to shade and require at least eight hours of full sunlight
each day to maintain good turf quality. It provides good playing conditions for most
golfers but tends to suffer from reversion to off-types with age.
Table 1.6: Comparison of Seashore Paspalum and Bermuda Grass.

Environment Commonly Used Turf Grass Species
Seashore Bermuda Grass
Seashore Paspalum
Soil Type Wide range Wide range
Drought Tolerance Good Good
Salt Tolerance Excellent Good
Wear Tolerance Good- Excellent Good- Excellent
Nematode Tolerance Good Poor
Maintenance level Medium Medium-High
Adapted from: EPA, 2002
Pest Control
It should be noted that chemicals are not used across the entirety of a golf course. They
are targeted most closely at the tees, greens and green surrounds. These areas account for,
on average, less than 10% of a golf course. Next in terms of chemical applications are the
fairways, which make up an average of 21% of the golf course area. Semi-rough, which
may take very occasional chemical treatment of herbicide, accounts for an average of 25%
of the course. This leaves around 44% of golf courses, often valuable habitat, completely
free from any chemical application.
The biological pesticide Javelin WG ((water-dispersible granule)= Bacillus thuringiensis

kurstaki (Btk)) 7 will be used primarily to eliminate pest which may attack the grass.
Javelin is a biological insecticide specific for use against the lepidopterous. This product
7
Javelin WG is not a registered trade name in Belize but BT in other trade names are registered such as Dipel and
NewBT in SL (soluble liquid) and WP (wettable powder) (PCB WEB site Oct. 2017)
___________________________________________________________________________
is approved for organic production by the National Organic Program (NOP), a marketing
program housed within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural
Marketing Service, the agency that sets marketing standards
(http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/static/docs/pdf/strawberry-pathology/MSDS-
pesticides/javelinwg.pdf). For fungal attacks the microbial inoculant marketed under
trademark name RootMate will be used. A wettable powder soil inoculant that contains
the naturally occurring beneficial microbe, Trichoderma virens strain G-41, that augments
the natural microbial activity in the soil. The presence of increased microbial activity in
the soil where roots are developing leads to more efficient nutrient recycling and increased
plant vigor.
Fertilizer and Soil Conditioners

The development will use HUMEX WS which is made of humus and completely natural
for soil improvement. Note that Hydra-Hume, a similar product is already sold in the
Belize market. Agrohumico -12 will be applied to maintain grass color. Promesol 5X is
composed of 12.5% of ammoniac salts of carboxylic acids that when applied to the soil it
provides good physical structure for root growth and especially formulated for conditions
of humidity and aeration in locations such as Caye Chapel.
The golf course will be contoured to improve its appearance and challenge for the players
while improving drainage (see Figure 1.9). Some of the water for the course will be
derived from recycled waste water. Detailed cross section drawings of the main features
of the golf course is provided in Figures 1.10 and 1.11.
A Turf Management Plan (TMP) will be implemented using Best Management Practices
(BMPs) to ensure the conservation of water and nutrients, and minimization of chemical
usage on the golf courses.
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Figure 1.8: Caye Chapel golf course layout plan.

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Figure 1.9: Caye Chapel golf course drainage plan.

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Figure 1.10: Caye Chapel golf course construction detail 1.

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Figure 1.11: Caye Chapel golf course construction detail 2.
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1.6.3 Other land Uses

Eight (8) lots totaling less than two (2) acres (1% of the Caye) are owned by third party (see
Figure 1.12) Of these, none are developed (with structures) except for the northernmost villa on
the east coast which is privately owned and up to recently frequently occupied. The current
majority owners of Caye Chapel would like to acquire these properties and recruit the parcels into
their project. If a sale cannot be realized it will become necessary to formulate an agreement with
the owners in regards to easements and right of way to other areas of the island. Land tenure
documents can be found in Appendix 2.
1.7 Justification for the Facilities and Carrying Capacity

A. Justification for the Facilities – The new Caye Chapel development is being planned as
an upscale destination and as such requires that modern housing and user friendly facilities
be available for the use and enjoyment of its guests. Upscale, conspicuous consumption
is not the focus of the development; however, a quality visitor experience will be at a
premium in which the natural delights of the area offered by beautiful Caye Chapel are
the main attractions.
The developer believes that the planned number of buildings and facilities are the
minimum needed to offer visitors a quality and safe experience while being able to
adequately house its important facilities. Buildings will be given a tasteful design to blend
into the ambient environment (see Plate 1.D, Insert 1, 2, 3, and 4).
B. Carrying Capacity – The ToR calls for the determination of the carrying capacity based
on the projected numbers of people to use the site and the physical density of buildings.
The notion of a “carrying capacity” is also reinforced in the Cayes Development
Guidelines where it recommends a preferred density of building and population per unit
area within the coastal region. On Caye Chapel with an area of 115ha and a maximum
population of 1930 (not including staff and workers) the population density will be 17
persons per hectare which is much lower that all major coastal locations in the country
including San Pedro Town, the central area of Caye Caulker village and Placencia. Owner
houses will only occupy up to 30% of the individual lots (see Figure 1.13) depending on
lot size and location.
The focus on carrying capacity has always been on the physical and environmental
impacts wrought on an area by a certain level of use. This approach however has been
revisited and discredited on the basis that in addition to physical impacts, the quality of
the installed facilities to mitigate impacts is just as important. The relationship between
amounts of use a site area receives and resulting impact is neither clear nor linear. In
establishing a preferred environmental value for Caye Chapel it is important to define and
articulate the ‘desired’ future environmental status of the site rather than to set an arbitrary
number on visitor use and building density.
___________________________________________________________________________
Third Party
Private Lots
Figure 1.12: Caye Chapel Plan showing Third Party Lands (in white) on the East Coast.
___________________________________________________________________________
Insert 2: Image 2
Insert 1: Image 1
Insert 4: Image 4
Insert 3: Image 3
Plate 1.D: Architectural concept of villas in residential area.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 1.13: Proposed layout of a typical villa in residential area.

___________________________________________________________________________
Insert 1: Concept view of a typical branded residence.

Insert 2: Concept view of overwater cabana layout.
Insert 3: Concept view of guest room bungalow. Insert 4: Concept view guest arrival lounge
Plate 1E: Concept drawings of hotel buildings and branded residence.
___________________________________________________________________________
Instead of focusing on numbers of users and density of buildings it is important to

establish factors, indicators and standards which allow quantitative measurement and
minimize subjectivity. To that end, Caye Chapel will have some of the most advanced
systems for the management of environmental impacts arising from its proposed tourism
and residential development. This includes a state of the art waste water treatment system
up to tertiary levels and an advanced system to manage solid waste which follows the
hierarchy of waste minimization recycling and reuse.
In this regard, the emphasis should be on the limits of acceptable change to the local
environment and management objectives and practices for the site. The efficacy of this
should then be determined through a progressive and rigorous system of monitoring and
evaluation with corrective measures implemented where errant practices are identified.
The Coastal Zone Management Guidelines identify high density of piers as a threat to
the marine environment (CZMAI, 2016). The Guidelines also promote low density
development with least possible site clearance. On Caye Chapel only a small area of
natural forest north of the airfield will be lost to development.
C. Overwater Structures and use of the Seabed - The project proponents see the
overwater cabañas as one of the strong selling points of their development and the central
piece of their business plan for the hotel and which differentiates their offering from other
regional tourism operations. For those immersed in the busy corporate world, overwater
cabanas offer visitors an escape and a chance to immerse in nature increasing visitor
appreciation.
Despite this, the Cayes Development Guidelines along with the managers of the
country’s coastal zone resources discourage development of buildings on the seabed
however there is no regulation which prohibits them and indeed there are many examples
of overwater structures in the country including within the project region. The main
concern of coastal planners is damage to the seabed and the release of waste into the
fragile ecosystems. In addition, and as a complicit statement of their acceptability, the
DoE has produced guidelines for overwater structures including overwater structures
(DoE, 2010).
The Caye Chapel project will comply with the provisions of the guidelines including the
following main conditions contained therein:
 The Developer will seek and obtain all necessary approvals from relevant
national agencies as set out in Section 1.0- procedural issues prior to construction
of any overwater structures,
 The Developer will comply with all provisions under Section 2.0 - Site Location
including complying with the appropriate setback from the reef, the requirement
to site structures on suitable substrate and to respect the minimum setback
___________________________________________________________________________
distance of 15.24m (50ft) from the beach shoreline. In addition, the pier to access
the overwater structures will be built out far enough to achieve the 3.04m (10ft)
depth requirement. The structures will not extend into the navigational channels
on the leeward side of the island (see Figures 1.3 and 1.4e).
The guidelines further advise that overwater structures “should preferably be
built on the leeward side of the island whenever possible”. The developers are
aware of this, however they believe placing the cabanas on the windward and
leeward side of the island will allow for better spacing between structures
allowing more sunlight to reach the seafloor while also increasing visitor
appreciation. This is also a requirement of the guidelines.
The guidelines also advise that overwater structures to be accessed by boats
should select areas of least current and avoid sea grass beds and corals. The
placement of the cabañas on the northern end of the island will not be in an area
of least currents however the structures will not be accessed directly by boats,
rather boats will dock at a pier further down the west beach and the structures
will be accessed overland. Chapter 17 of this report outlines mitigation
measures that will be undertaken to reduce impacts to this ecosystem.
 Section 3.0 of the guidelines covers design of overwater structures. The
developer will comply with all provisions of this section including the need for
the design to be undertaken by competent structural engineers and the need for
structural stability, corrosion resistance, acceptable lifespan and conformity to
local environmental ambience.
The developer will build the deck of the structures 1m above the beach ridge to
allow light penetration for photosynthesis of the sea grass beds exceeding the
guideline requirements. The wooden planks for the walkways will be spaced to
allow adequate light penetration onto the benthic environment. All user services
including for waste water will be routed under the decks away from view and
sufficiently elevated above the water level.
 Section 4.0 (Materials) and section 5.0 (Construction). As part of the compliance
plan for this project the Developer will provide the DoE with detailed drawings
of the structure and the expected construction procedures which will also be
included in the Management Plan which is a requirement of the guidelines for
overwater structures (Section 1.0 subsection 1.7). Pole pilings made of concrete
will be used to support structures and any treatment for wood and metals will
conform to acceptable environmental standards and in any case will be submitted
to the DoE for approval.
Overwater structures will be placed within the relatively sheltered west beach at the
northern end of the island and also receive some wave protection from the Groynes.
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(Figure 1.3 and Figure 1.4e). Instead of reaching far out to sea via a branching elevated
platform each overwater structure will be reached via a single causeway which will reach
out to a distance not less than the mandated 15.24m distance from shore. All cabañas
will be served by the islands advance waste water treatment system hence no release of
black or grey water into the offshore environment, likewise all solid waste generated will
be removed from the overwater structures and managed according to the provisions of
the waste management plan (see Chapter 7).
1.8 Purpose of the EIA

EIA is the process of compiling, evaluating and presenting all the significant environmental
effects of a proposed development. The assessment process is designed to help produce an
environmentally sensitive scheme. This can be achieved by early detection of potentially
significant adverse environmental impacts which can enable the Scheme to be amended to avoid
impacts, or allow appropriate mitigation measures to be built into the final design, construction
methods and site practices.
The four principal objectives of this EIA are as follows:
 To describe the proposal, the local environment and the existing conditions. Oftentimes
the Environmental Statement is the only comprehensive document available to
stakeholders which explain the project,
 To identify and evaluate the potential impacts of the proposal during the construction and
operational phases,
 To propose mitigation measures and identify residual impacts, during both project
phases,
 To communicate the results to decision makers and other interested parties including
local stakeholders and local authorities.
1.9 Environmental Assessment and General Methodology

The Environmental Assessment has been undertaken in accordance with best practice guidelines.
Each relevant assessment chapter in the ES is structured in the following way:
 Introduction
 Method of Assessment
 Baseline Conditions
Each chapter sets out the basis of the assessment method adopted and gives an overview of the
baseline conditions for each individual discipline, using various methods including literature
research, desktop reviews of previous reports, satellite imagery and aerial photography, site
visits/investigations and consultation exercises.
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Impacts have been assessed and mitigation measures proposed for the construction and
operational phases. Appropriate mitigation measures have been designed into the Scheme for
each of the relevant disciplines. These will ensure that environmental impacts are reduced to a
minimum and that good environmental design has been adopted throughout. The general
approach aims to optimise beneficial effects and avoid, reduce, or remedy and compensate for
new adverse effects.
This report is divided into two volumes as follows:
 Volume 1: Description of the project, assessment of impacts, mitigation measures
and an environmental management plan (EMP) and monitoring plan.
 Volume II: Appendices to the main report.
1.10 The Management Structure for the Proposed Development

The Development consists of both a tourism/resort component and a residential component
therefore management must reflect representation of both groups. It is expected that a Home
Owners Association will have its own elected management team consisting of a council with
officers occupying positions of responsibility while the hotel will have a professional
management team. The draft Code of Covenants for the Homeowners’ Association can be found
in Appendix 3.
To ensure an adequate management structure for the hotel and resort, an executive and an
administrative arm will be formed. The executive arm will consist of the principal investors who
will form the board of directors. An administrative arm will oversee site management and will
consist of a Hotel General Manager and under him/her various line managers.
It is the intention of the Developer to push for the construction of the hotel and residences
concurrently and to adhere closely to timetables and to manage logistics and quality issues.
During the construction phase, a number of contractors and sub-contractors will be working on
site and these will work under the administrative framework established on the island for the
phase. Because of this, there will be a need to closely integrate all aspects of management to a
functional and holistic whole able to work seamlessly together. Convergence within the
management structure will therefore be a main priority for the company. Although names of
individuals occupying all positions are unavailable at this time a likely management structure for
the projects operational phase is shown in Figure 1.14.
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Board of Directors
Home Owners Hotel General

Association Manager
Property Owners
and Investors
Food and Maintenance Reservation Housekeeping

Beverage Manager Supervisor Manager Supervisor
Figure 1.14: Anticipated management structure for the operational phase.
1.11 Development Chronology and Timeline
A project of this nature and magnitude cannot be developed in one year and so will be allowed
to grow over a four year time span (see Table 1.6). Preliminaries including sales office, the
beach club and site surveys will take place first. Supporting horizontal infrastructure will follow
and the rate of development will dictate the extent to which installation proceeds. Installation of
the hotel and spa along with the overwater structures and the branded residence, estate homes
and marina expansion with be carried out in years three and four respectively.
Table 1.7: Expected development chronology.

Phase Activities Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
1 Sales venues that might include a beach
club, model villa, viewing towers, lot
markers.
2 Horizontal works including Earthworks,
underground utilities, golf course, grading,
landscape nursery set up, flora
relocation, artificial beaches, etc.
3 Hotel and Spa, including overwater units
(100 keys and 12 Branded Residences).
4 Estate Homes and Marina Village, and up to
24 Branded Residences.
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1.12 Permits and Approvals

Twinkling Assets Limited will need to obtain development permits and approvals from national
permitting agencies for its development project. The developer currently has a mining permit
and an environmental permit that covered 300m of beach enrichment that has been placed as a
pilot project on the northern portion of the island (Current mining and environmental permits are
given in Appendix 4). The following are some of the most important public entities from which
the developer must obtain approvals:
1. Department of the Environment – The culmination of the EIA process is the granting of
an Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) to the developer. The ECP is a comprehensive
document that clearly set out the rights, duties and obligations of the developer as well
as the Government of Belize acting on behalf of the Belizean people in protecting the
environment while proceeding with the project.
The ECP is a permitting document in that it gives the company the right to proceed with
its development activity. It clearly states the terms under which the approval could be
revoked.
2. Mining Department – For dredging permit and extraction of dredge materials,
3. Fisheries Department – For work within the coastal zone,
4. Lands Department – For subdivision of lands and construction within the 21m public
reserve also land reclamation and beach enrichment,
5. Central Building Authority – Oversight for construction of buildings and overwater
structures,
6. Ministry of Works – For construction of roads,
7. National Integrated Water Management Authority (NIWRA) – Abstraction of water for
reverse osmosis plant,
8. Forest Department – For clearance of mangroves,
9. Civil Aviation Department – to operate the airfield,
10. Belize Port Authority – For the operation of the marina and for construction near to
navigable channel plus construction and operation of the lighthouse,
11. Solid Waste Management Authority – Oversight for the production and disposal of solid
waste,
12. Public Health Department – Oversight and regulation of liquid waste disposal,
13. Belize Tourism Board – Permit to operate hotels and facilities for visitor services,
14. National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) – Preparation and coordination
for natural disasters.
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The above list is by no means exhaustive and on issuance of the ECP the need for other permits
may be identified. It is the obligation of the ECP holder to obtain necessary permits to proceed
with the project activities identified above.
During the preparation of this Environmental Statement consultations were carried out with
relevant public agencies regarding the proposed activities associated with the Development of
the site. This is detailed in Chapter 13.
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2.0 THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Main Issues to be Addressed

 Provide details of the basic physical environment of the project site and zone of influence.
This should include:
i. Topography: including degree of slopes, drainage patterns around project site,
and the effects of rainfall averages on these conditions;
ii. Climate: hydrology and meteorology: including rainfall average per year,
prevailing wind patterns and susceptibility to disaster caused by natural events
(i.e. hurricanes). Evaluate the frequency, intensity and severity of previous
natural disasters that have affected the project area, as well as those predicted
to affect the site over the project’s operational life; including climate change
effects.
iii. Oceanographic data, such as waves and current direction, within the project
zone is to be collected and explain how these, if any, influence the shoreline
of the island and proposed over the water infrastructure.
iv. Geology: Provide a detailed description of the characteristics of landform,
land surface including exposed rock types, types of unconsolidated materials
exposed (sediments), swamps, mangroves, lagoons/surface depressions, and
geological structures — faults, folds, if they can be determined by field
mapping.
v. Subsurface Geology – Give a detail description of the stratigraphy of rocks
or unconsolidated materials within the project site. This must be done using
core sampling (mechanical or manual), be it means of pre-determined
borehole grid. Cross sections of the rock types or unconsolidated materials
should also be presented. The engineering properties of the rocks and/or
unconsolidated materials must be tested (particularly the permeability and
percolation rates) to determine the suitability for the proposed development.
vi. Soils: soil profile, permeability, classification, and fertility;
vii. Current land use of project site.
viii. Physical description of surrounding environment, including terrestrial and
marine environment, including sea grass beds, mangrove, lagoons, etc.
 Conduct a complete hydrographic map of the project direct zone of influence.
 Conduct an assessment to determine all existing navigational routes and any proposed
navigational routes on a suitably scaled map.
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2.1 The Project Site and Zone of Influence

The immediate zone of influence of the project at 5km overlaps the southern portion of the Caye
Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve (CCFMR) and the southern end of the island of Caye Caulker.
At 15km out from the center of the island most of Caye Caulker falls within the zone except for
the northern most portion of the island including the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve, CCFMR. At
25km out the area of influence includes the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Swallow Caye Wildlife
Sanctuary with the zone reaching to the vicinity of Belize City (Figures 2.1 and 2.1b).
In terms of settlement and population centers Caye Caulker is the most important community
within the immediate zone of influence with San Pedro being the second most important (See
Figure 2.1). The zone of influence assumes that management actions taken within the zone can
have implications for other stakeholders and the local environment and vice versa where
management decisions taken outside Caye Chapel can affect the environment and the wellbeing
of people on the island. Caye Chapel falls within the immediate buffer region of the CCFMR.
It is normally assumed that the standards for inclusion in the zone of influence are based mainly
on the following environmental and social considerations viz:
 Areas sharing natural biological communities,
 Shared areas that act as biological linkages,
 Areas of shared resource management philosophy, where natural resource management
principles might have the most convergence,
 Communities and landowners most likely to have common interests or conflicts of
interest,
 Communities with a historical and economic linkage who may be affected by the project.
For this study, the zone of influence is taken to be the areas shown on the map below (see Figure
2.1).
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25 Km
15 Km
5 Km
Figure 2.1a: Project area’s zone of influence.

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Figure 2.1b: Belize Protected Areas-Northern Section. Inset: Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve and Hol
Chan Marine Reserve in relation to Project Area. Source: Adapted from Land Information Center, 2011.
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2.2 Climate of the Project Area

Under the Holdridge Life Zone Classification System, the project area falls within the tropical
moist life zone with average annual rainfall of about 1524 millimeter (mm) to 2032mm per annum
making it one of the drier regions of the country (see Figures 2.2 and 2.3). There is a bimodal
seven months wet season, which peaks in June and October punctuated by 5-month dry season
falling roughly between January and May with January and May being transitional months. Most
rainfall is accounted for by tropical systems including tropical storms.
Temperatures are lowest from November to January with a mean monthly maximum of 26.5oC
(80oF) and a mean monthly minimum of 21oC (70oF). The hottest months are April to May with
a mean maximum of 31.5oC (89oF). The hottest temperature on record is 38oC (100oF). Cold
fronts coming down from continental North America moderate the temperature between October
and March. Figure 2.4 shows the average high and low temperature for the Central Belize region
including Caye Chapel.
The northern region is affected more by tropical storms and hurricanes than the southern region
of the country since the general trend of most storms is to move northwest except when driven
back by cold fronts. Officially the hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
Climate change is expected to severely affect coastal regions of Belize. The Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change recently predicted that average global temperature will increase
between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees Celsius by 2100 with one of its many consequences being rising sea
level and more intense storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that sea level has been
rising globally at an average of 1.7 millimeter (mm) per year (plus or minus 0.50 mm) over the
past 100 years. Belize with its low lying coastal communities and many off-shore cayes is
especially at risk if the trend continues.
The coastal region of Belize is very vulnerable to this with large swathes of the population and
infrastructure concentrated along the coast. The coastal region of the country is also the lynchpin
of the very important tourism industry. It is predicted that sea level will rise between one and two
meters above the mean sea level which will inundate most offshore islands and low lying coastal
communities.
Although there is no clear consensus the majority view of experts is that a sea level rise of 25 mm
over the next twenty-five years could increase beach erosion and significantly damage critical
wildlife habitats and the all-important coral reefs.
Destructive storms have passed through the project region with the most recent being Hurricane
Earl in 2016 which inflicted considerable damage to northcentral Belize and was responsible for
much beach erosion and the destruction of the pier on Caye Chapel.
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Figure 2.2: Regional distribution of rainfall in Belize.
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Figure 2.3: Monthly rainfall over select locations.
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N.B. Reproduced courtesy the Belize Weather Bureau. Maximum (Red) and Minimum (Blue)
Figure 2.4: Average Maximum and Minimum Temperatures for Central coastal region of
Belize.
Wind Speed and Direction - Meteorological parameters exhibit significant variation in time and
space and require observation over an extended period. The meteorological data presented below
is obtained from weather observations at the Philip Goldson International Airport.
A. Winds - Figure 2.5 shows the average wind speed for the Phillip Goldson International
Airport which lies SW of the Caye Chapel development area. The chart shows that the
highest wind speeds will fall in the months of April and May. Within the project area (and
the rest of Belize) the prevailing wind direction is from the east, however there are
seasonal variations when the winds come from other directions but predominantly from
the northeast and southeast (see Figures 2.6 and 2.7).
Annual wind speed averages about 6.8Knots and less inland during the day. The wind
speed can be differentiated as follows:
 Light breeze - 1.6 to 3.3 m/sec
 Gentle breeze - 3.4 to 5.4 m/sec
 Moderate breeze - 5.5 to 7.9m/sec
 Winds of speed 10.8 to 13.8 m/sec which would normally be associated with
localized storm events.
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The average daily minimum (red), maximum (green), and average (black) wind speed with percentile bands (inner
band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile).
Figure 2.5: Mean wind speeds and direction within the project area. Source:
Figure 2.6: Wind rose of project area showing prevailing wind direction. Source:
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Figure 2.7: Average wind direction over the entire year.
B. Barometric Pressure - The pressure values in the wet season ranges from 1006.0
millibars (mb) to about 1011.0mb while that for the dry season ranges from 1006.0 to
1010.0mb. This therefore indicates that there are no remarkable or sudden pressure
changes in the area.
Hurricanes - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National
Hurricane Center’s (NHC) keeps track of hurricanes affecting the project region. The database of
historical storm information is known as HURDAT. Figure 2.8 shows hurricanes (category 1 and
higher) which passed within 85 miles of the project site from 1916 to 2015 (a 100-year period).
Figure 2.8: Hurricanes passing within 85 miles of project area within last 100 years. Source:
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2.3 Geology and Soils

Geology is covered in detail in Chapter 9. This section offers a brief description of ancient
geological history and the regional geology.
2.3.1 Geological History
The evolution of Belize occurred in different stages with the deposition of the Santa Rosa group
with associated volcanic, regional metamorphism and the emplacement of granitic intrusions in
the Late Triassic to Paleozoic orogeny. This was followed by the clastic sedimentation of
Northern and Southern Belize in the Jurassic period. The Cretaceous saw the carbonate and
evaporate deposition in shallow water environments. The uplift of the Maya Mountains occurred
during the late Cretaceous – early Tertiary. Following this period there was continuous fault
movement and further deposition of carbonates. By the late Tertiary northern Belize experienced
a lagoonal type of sedimentation with the deposition of clays, gypsum and sand (Red Bank
formation) as well as limestone and marls of the Orange Walk group.
Three major structural entities have been identified following the uplift of Maya Mountains
(Flores, 1952a; Cornec, 1985; Rao and Ramanathan, 1988; Purdy et al., 2003):
 a northern Corozal Basin north of the Maya Mountains, representing an eastern
continuation of the northern Guatemala Peten Basin dominated by NNE – SSW faults
 a central Maya block of Paleozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks
 a Belize Basin that borders the Maya block offshore to the east and onshore and offshore
to the south, and is a continuation of the southern part of the Peten Basin. This southern
basin is dominated by EW to NE-SW system of faults.
2.3.2 Regional Geology
The offshore islands have shorelines and beach berms with sediments consisting of sand
predominantly derived from fragments of coral formations and allies (see Figure 2.9). The
buildup of sediments is therefore influenced by marine depositional processes and terrigenous
influences.
Generally, these sands derived from coral formations are granular and larger than sediments found
closer to the mainland which have a soft muddy texture are not as sought after for tourism resorts
and recreational purposes and are derived primarily from the breakdown of microscopic “Miliolid
Foraminifera”. Because of their small particle size, these sediments are characteristically fluffy
and muddy in texture and are readily stirred up by disturbance in the water and wave energy
giving the shoreline area a milky appearance.
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Figure 2.9: Typical geological formation between the mainland and the barrier reef.
Adapted from Mazzula 2006.
Along the southwest west coastline adjacent to the mangrove stands the prevailing pattern of soil
horizons consist of a rather shallow outer humic layer consisting of calcareous foraminifera sand
mixed with decaying inorganic matter mostly from plant debris. This thin layer (10 to
60centimeters (cm)) is readily distinguishable based on appearance, having a darker color and
containing some litter. The general texture of this layer is grainy when dry and clayey when wet.
Along the coastline, this layer contained a significant amount of shells and shell fragments.
Beneath this layer is dense calcareous bedrock extending down to undetermined depths, however
data from petroleum drilling on Ambergris Caye show that this layer can reach down ~ 1,812m.
In places along the Caye Chapel coastline this bedrock is exposed above the water or protruding
above the bottom surface into the water column. A layer of soft marl can usually be found trapped
between the folds and on top of the bedrock.
The subsurface Stratigraphy of the area is one of carbonate geology (Mazzullo, 2006). This is
reflective of the geological history of the area where it has been postulated that the deposition of
carbonate over geologic time throughout much of Belize, including northern portions of the
country and more specifically, the proposed project site has been a function of the sequential
flooding and retreat of the seas over geological timescales. A shallow warm sea covered Belize
100 – 125 million years ago (Jordan, 2002). The deposition of carbonates derives from the hard
skeletal remains of marine plants and animals – followed by lithification. Northern Belize is
underlain by Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments laid down 1.6 - 65 million years ago.
The Pleistocene Rocks and modern sediments deposited along the mainland coast and shallow
coastal sea represent the most recent cycle of sedimentation and like the antecedent Cretaceous
and Tertiary deposits are carbonate or ‘limey’ in origin.
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2.3.3 Depositional Sedimentology

Caye Chapel is generally a medium energy depositional environment Mazullo, 2006) due to the
presence of the northern barrier platform. The reef is a physical barrier to waves from the open
ocean which also has a dampening effect on the wave energy and tidal currents impacting the
area. The relatively large fetch to the east and the northwest has the physical effect of increasing
the length of the path or ‘fetch’ over which the prevailing wind from the east and from cold fronts
can blow uninterruptedly (see Figure 2.10). Thus, wave heights and in general the energy that
would be associated therewith would be quite significant.
29km
Unlimited Fetch/
5.3km Swell exposure
9.8km
Figure 2.10: Schematic of the effects of fetch on wave energy at Caye Chapel.
Marine influences generally decrease across the barrier platform as one proceeds in a westerly
direction from the barrier reef. The floor or benthic sediments of the inner lagoon are dominated
by calcareous mud with small pockets of terrigenous mud.
The muddy deposits are of recent origin or Holocene Timeframe and form a thin veneer over pre-
existing Pleistocene Limestone (Mazzullo, 2006). The marine derived sediments are of
cryptocrystalline origin that is derived from the bio-erosion of skeletal forms. These include
foraminiferan and molluscan forms.
Caye Chapel is an example of a primary coast forged by medium energy oceanic conditions. It is
a micro-tidal environment with the natural coastline characterized by low relief and gentle slopes
or gradient. Much of the coastline in its natural state would be characterized by semi-inundated
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mangrove wetlands as seen at the southern end of the island. Much of the other parts of the
coastline are marked by human activity and settlement and have been altered by structures such
as seawalls, breakwaters, piers and groynes in an effort to reduce wave energy on the coastline.
Notwithstanding this, the eastern coastline of Caye Chapel without the protection of the seawall
show severe effects of erosion.
2.3.4 Importance of Geology to the Propose Development
The various activities associated with the proposed project will need to consider the underlying
geology of the area. The creation of beaches and groynes will need to consider their impact on
wave energy and the longshore drift of sediments. This has implications for the erosion of the
artificial beaches that have been proposed including the build-up of sediments within sensitive
sites. The build-up of the beach and groynes must take into account the type of seafloor and
issues such as turbidity and sedimentation.
2.3.5 Soils
A more in-depth analysis of the geology of the project area is given in Chapter 9, however as
Figure 2.11 shows the horizontal profile of the soil layers roughly divided into the following
zones or layers:
(i) Poorly graded sand with gravel. This layer is by far the deepest going down 5m or
more.
(ii) Loose peaty layer,
(iii) Dense silt,
(iv) Dense silty sand.
(v) Dense gravel
(vi) Bedrock. This layer is usually found down to 6m.
The layer of peat and silt is normally found but occupy just a very narrow layer between the upper
sand layer and the bedrock.
2.4 Hydrography, Topography, and Oceanography
2.4.1 Hydrography (Bathymetry)

A hydrographic map was produced for the marine areas immediately offshore Caye Chapel
including its marine area of influence by Applied Technology and Management (ATM) in April
2016. Soundings for the survey was made using an Odom Hydrotrac Single Beam Echo
sounder operating at 200khz and the signals were corrected for measured tidal variation which
itself was measured and recorded with a recording tide gauge and by RTK GPS methods. An
overview of the survey is shown in Figure 2.12 and the detail survey is shown in the ATM’s
Hydropraphic report in Appendix 5.
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Figure 2.11: Typical soil profile and subsurface layers beneath Caye Chapel.
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Figure 2.12a: Caye Chapel Hydrographic Survey Overview.

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The Survey indicates8 that at approximately 500 m offshore on the windward side of the island,
water depth ranged from north to mid-point to south from 2 m to 3m to 3.50 m, respectively.
While the leeward side at 500m, the water depth ranged from north to mid-point to south from
3.5 m to 4m to 3.50 m, respectively. When comparing depths at 500m offshore, there is a
difference of 1.5m to 1m to no difference from north to midpoint to south between the
windward side and the leeward side. On the windward side the water depth from offshore to
shore gradually shallows, that is not the case of the leeward side where the water deepens at
midway to shore, only to become shallow as shore is approached. On the northern tip there is a
pronounced shoal where water gradually deepened from 0 m to 2 m for about 25 m from shore
and remained at 2 m up to 50m from shore (a 25-m wide strip of 2 m deep), thereafter the depth
was recorded at 1.5m. However in the southern tip, water depth gradually increased from 0 to 3
m. It should be noted that on the north where the overwater structures would be located, the
depth offshore ranged from 2m to 4m. The proposed area for the sea plane docking area
immediately north of the airstrip showed a gradual shallowing
Figure 2.12b: (L) Overwater Structure Area. (R) Sea Plane Dock Area. Adapted from
ATM 2016 (Not to Scale).
The survey also covered the marina and it confirmed that indeed the marina has been affected
by sedimentation. The marina including its channel was 4m deep when first commissioned. The
survey indicates that sedimentation has occurred, with the deepest section being between 3 m to
3.5 m deep covering an area off centered to the north of about 60% of the marina bottom. There
is a shallowing as you go towards the edges of the marina from this area (see 2.12c and Cross
Section). Likewise, the marina channel has also been affected by erosion as well as
sedimentation. As can be seen on the channel cross section the entrance is now 40 meters wide
compared to its original 25m wide entrance channel and there is gradual sloping from the north
to center from 0m to 3 m deep and a steeper sloping from south to center from 0m to 3 m.
8
The information shown hereon represents the results of surveys made on the date indicated above and can only be
considered indicating the general conditions at the that time. The map presented is not intended for navigational
purposes.
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Figure 2.12c: Marina Hydrometry. Adapted from ATM 2016 (Not to Scale).
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2.4.2 Topography
Elevation and slope has a direct impact on land drainage which eventually defines water flow and
the physical characteristics of the land. The main defining topographical feature of Caye Chapel
is its slightly undulating landscape within the golf area which was created to meet the objectives
of the sport. Another main feature is the numerous ponds which dot the landscape along the
length of the island. Apart from the area having the ponds and the golf course, the land is
essentially flat at the northern end where the hotel will be built and at the southern end in the area
which includes the airfield.
The undulating landscape of the interior of the island makes for excellent drainage which is
supplemented by the drains which connect to some of the major ponds and to the underground
drainage network some of which now empty into the marina. Figure 2.13 shows the contours
giving the elevation of the entire island and the bathymetry of the immediate near shore areas.
Because of its long narrow shape, flooding over the land is unknown and indeed is a virtual
impossibility given the small surface area and the proximity of the sea which receives excess
surface water. Notwithstanding this, during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall some of the ponds
(which also act as water reservoirs) fill up and at least in the case of the pond near the staff quarters
must occasionally be discharged into the sea using large pumps.
2.4.3 Oceanography
Oceanographic influences have a great effect on coastal developments in terms of vulnerability.
For example, the probability of being impacted by a hurricane in any given year is small but the
damage and cost of repairs can be very large. Understanding the risk can lead to strategic design
decisions which can mitigate against the threat.
The most cost-effective design approach to reduce coastal risk is based on siting including
location of development and setback distance from the shoreline. However, if development is
expected to occur in a vulnerable area because desirable set-back recommendations cannot be
achieved; specific coastal construction design guidelines can be implemented to reduce risk of
damage during a storm.
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Water Bodies Marina
Water Bodies
3000 Scale Topographic Map
Figure 2.13: Map showing topographical contours of Caye Chapel. Adapted from Greg Norman Golf Design.
Inset Satellite Image (Google earth).
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Risk – Like all coastal developments in Belize, Caye Chapel will face the following risks:
 Extreme and potentially devastating events such as hurricanes of which the most
damaging effect will be from wave action,
 An increase in the probability of coastal hazards due to Climate Change which is expected
to be manifested in the following ways in coastal areas:
o Sea level rise (SLR),
o Expected increase in intensity of storms although the climate models are
inconclusive on frequency.
All predictions agree that the rate of sea level rise in the future will be accelerated compared to
historical records.
Waves and Current - The increase of water elevations will result in more extensive or more
frequent inundation of coastal areas under normal conditions because highest astronomical tides
will be higher. During extreme events, wave penetration in coastal areas and overland storm
flooding will be increased by two (2) simultaneous effects:
a) The increase of the still water level,
b) The increase in wave crest elevation, because a larger wave can penetrate to the same
location during the storm condition of the same return period. Waves respond to water
depth, and larger waves can penetrate to the same location when water depth is increased
due to sea level rise.
Offshore wave data is regional in nature and does not take into account local coastline bathymetry
(lacks resolution). Therefore, wave data is necessarily extracted in deep water and propagated to
the site with site specific wave model applications.
The primary source of modeled deepwater wave data offshore is from National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Organization (NOAA) WaveWatch III (WW3) spanning 2005-2015 (10 years),
representing the most recent WW3 model grid. Figure 2.14 shows a wave rose of significant
wave height (Hs) to the east of Caye Chapel over the barrier reef. Table 2.1 shows the significant
offshore wave heights for 25-, 50-, and 100-year return periods.
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Figure 2.14: WaveWatch III offshore wave heights (in meters) and directions from 2005 to
2015.
Table 2.1: Extreme offshore wave conditions.

Return Period (yr.) Hs (m.) Tp (sec.)
25 4.32 9
50 4.58 10
100 4.84 11
Wind Waves - In addition to the long period offshore swell described above, the western coast
of Caye Chapel is also subject to locally generated wind-waves, which were calculated from the
extreme wind analysis.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) wave forecasting model, ACES (USACE,
1992), was used to evaluate the potential wind-wave climate, per recommendations of the Coastal
Engineering Manual (USACE, 2002). The program was utilized to estimate the wind generated
waves under several scenarios of extreme event winds and water levels, which accounted for
Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) for conservatism. The critical fetches (~5.3 km to the west,
~9.8 km to the SW, and ~29.1 km to the NW) were utilized in the ACES model to predict wind-
waves on the western side of Caye Chapel (see Table 2.2).
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Table 2.2: ACES Wind Wave Results.

Return Wind Water Fetch Hs (m) Tp (sec)
Period (yr) Speed (10- Level (m, Direction
min), m/s MTL)
25 34.4 1.07 West 1.47 3.64
Southwest 1.73 4.28
Northwest 2.17 5.71
50 43.4 1.16 West 1.90 4.04
Southwest 2.17 4.74
Northwest 2.61 6.31
100 47.4 1.68 West 2.13 4.2
Southwest 2.44 4.95
Northwest 2.85 6.48
* The 100-year water level includes 0.45 m to account for Sea Level Rise
Effect on Waves of Climate Change and Sea level Rise – The firm, Applied Technology and
Management (ATM) completed a local Steady-State Spectral Wave Model (STWAVE) analysis
utilizing 100-year offshore wave heights, wind conditions, and water levels for Caye Chapel.
STWAVE simulates depth-induced wave refraction and shoaling, current-induced refraction and
shoaling, depth- and steepness-induced wave breaking, and diffraction to transform the waves
from offshore conditions to nearshore at the project site.
The model efforts for this study included developing two grids: an “East” grid and a “West” grid
for the purpose of refining the different wave conditions on the two sides of Caye Chapel. Figures
2.15 and 2.17 show the input bathymetry for the East and West model grids, respectively.
The east side of Caye Chapel is provided with limited protection from an extensive offshore reef
but is still vulnerable to long period offshore swell conditions, especially under elevated water
levels during storm conditions. The inputs for the East grid included a significant wave height of
5 meters and a wave period of 11 seconds from the east, under 100-year water levels.
The West grid was used to simulate wind waves from the NW under 100-year water levels and
wind conditions. As shown in Figure 2.10, the NW direction is the longest fetch exposure for
locally generated wind-waves approaching the west side of Caye Chapel. For this simulation, the
STWAVE model was given 100-year wind and water level inputs, including the surges given in
Table 2.1 modeled at MHHW.
As mentioned previously, the two STWAVE grids were used to model “Present conditions” as
well as well as a future 100-year scenario (Figures 2.16 and 2.18) which included 0.45 m added
to the total water level.
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STWAVE Model output wave heights for “East Grid”:

 Hs = 5 m, Tp = 11 sec, waves only for East
 Total 100-year surge input r/ project datum = 1.66 m
 No SLR included.
 No wind-waves included
Figure 2.15: “East” grid results – Present Conditions (100-yr return period).
East Shore Shoreline Waves – Future Condition (with SLR)
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STWAVE Model output wave heights for “East Grid”:

 Hs =5m, Tp =11sec, wave from the east.
 Total 100-year surge input r/ project datum = 2.18 m (0.27 MHHW + 1.46 level 1 surge
+ 0.45 SLR)
 No input winds for this case
Figure 2.16: “East” grid results – Future Conditions (100-yr return period +SLR).
West Shoreline Input Conditions:

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 47 m/s wind speed from the NW (drive wind-waves on the west shoreline).
 Total 100-year surge input r/ project datum = 1.36 m
 No SLR included.
Figure 2.17: “West” grid results – Present Conditions (100-yr return period).
West Shore Shoreline Waves – Future Condition (with SLR)

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STWAVE Model output wind-wave heights for “West Grid”:

 47 m/s wind speed from the NW (drive wind-waves on the west shore).
 Total 100-year surge input r/ project datum = 1.88 m (0.27 MHHW + 1.16 level 1 surge
+ 0.45 SLR)
 No input waves for this case
Figure 2.18: “West” grid results – Future Conditions (100-yr return period +SLR).
Table 2.3 shows and summarizes the STWAVE results for the selected output locations (Figure
2.19) corresponding to areas with proposed coastal structures.
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Table 2.3: Model output of wave heights at 19 locations around Caye Chapel.
Case Model Comparison – Output Station Wave Heights (m)
conditions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
East Existing 1.52 1.30 1.20 0.40 0.36 0.21 0.26 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 1.42 1.50 1.49 1.69 1.71 1.74
Grid
SLR 1.83 1.62 1.47 0.59 0.52 0.43 0.55 0.19 0.11 0.10 0.11 0.14 0.22 1.74 1.81 1.80 2.01 2.04 2.05
West Existing 1.24 0.94 1.56 2.37 2.45 2.20 2.16 1.02 2.10 1.60 2.22 1.84 2.16 0.94 0.39 0.47 0.42 0.41 0.36
Grid
SLR 1.51 1.18 1.83 2.62 2.67 2.42 2.40 1.33 2.37 1.89 2.48 2.12 2.35 1.13 0.79 0.42 0.32 0.41 0.55
Figure 2.19: Selected Output locations.
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2.5 Current Land Use within the Project Area

Past and current land use on Caye Chapel has been dedicated to the pursuit of the tourism trade.
As a result, developers have tried to create an environment that promotes visitor appreciation
emphasizing the landscape horticultural and ornamental plants normally associated with the
image of the Caribbean as an idyllic island paradise.
Coconuts have been planted throughout the island covering most areas except for the golf course
which is mostly open and the areas adjacent to the airstrip which still has natural mangrove cover
to the east, north and southwest (See Plate 2.A).
Plate 2.A: Panoramic image of Caye Chapel showing Geomorphic features and
predominant land uses.
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2.6 Existing and Proposed Navigational Routes

Caye Chapel lies near one of the busiest marine navigational routes in the country connecting
Belize City to the bustling offshore destinations of San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
This route lies to the west of Caye Chapel and is used mainly by so called “Ocean Ferries” to
convey passengers and goods between the destinations mentioned above (see Figure 2.20).
No data exist on the amount of usage and the displacement of the vessels, however during the
peak tourism season the waterways around Caye Chapel becomes very busy when they are used
not only for the conveyance of passengers but also for tour boats and fishing boats.
Boat traffic around Caye Chapel will increase substantially during the construction phase as
demand for workers and construction materials increase. Almost all of this traffic will be handled
through the marina. Currently Ocean Ferry stops at Caye Chapel are very infrequent due to the
low demand, however as the demand for passenger services increase with an increasing
population these stops are expected to become more frequent and in time may become a regular
feature stop between Belize City and San Pedro.
During the operational phase, large number of boats will be anchored in the marina to service
both the hotel and residential community. This will result in increased trafficking density around
the marina and especially between Caye Chapel and Caye Caulker where a lively trade of goods
and services is expected to develop.
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Figure 2.20: Main boat routes near Caye Chapel.

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3.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

FRAMEWORK
Describe the pertinent national regulations, standards and policies governing environmental
quality, health and safety, medical facilities, protection of sensitive areas, including cultural
resources, protection of endangered or threatened species, infrastructure development, land use
control and tourism that may have an impact on the proposed development. Discuss how these
will be complied with by this proposed development.
3.1 Introduction
This section reviews relevant planning legislations and regulations to inform the developer and
relevant stakeholders about applicable policy and legislative elements. The policy review also
outlines specific procedures and measures to be carried out before, during and after project
development. This should help project proponents ensure that relevant requirements are built
into project design and implementation at the onset.
Current national environmental policies are based on an integrated approach to environmental
management and the need to work towards the goals of sustainable development. This new
thinking is most firmly embodied in the new Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable
Development and is a clear requirement of the NSTMP as well as national development plans
including Horizon 2030.
It is important to identify regulations and legislations which will require compliance for
responsible project development in respect to the area’s local population and natural resources.
The region of the proposed development lies in an area of great natural beauty with important
biological and heritage resources many of which are restricted areas. It is therefore important
that a balance is struck between the development and the environment.
The EIA process

The Environmental Impact Assessment (1995) regulations describe in detail the processes
involved in the preparation and evaluation of environmental impact assessments. The
regulations divide projects or activities into three categories.
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 Category 1 - Projects that automatically require a mandatory environmental assessment

based on the sensitivity of the receiving environment or the nature of the undertaking.
 Category 2 - Projects that may require an assessment to be carried out, but with some
modifications based on location and size. These types of projects may be required to
conduct a Limited Level Environmental Study (LLES) instead of a full EIA.
 Category 3 - The third category serves as a guide for permitting agencies, providing a
set of criteria as to which types of projects should be submitted to the DOE for
environmental screening.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Part V - 20 (4) states that every project, program or
activity shall be assessed with a view to the need to protect and improve human health and
living conditions and the need to preserve the reproductive capacity of ecosystems as well as
the diversity of species; under 20 (5) when making an environmental impact assessment, a
proposed developer shall consult with public and other interested bodies or organizations and
under Section 20 (7) a decision by the DOE to approve an environmental impact assessment
may be subjected to conditions which are reasonably required for environmental purposes.
The EIA process of Belize is comprehensive and contains elements that are typically used in
the region. The EIA process includes the following standard stages:
 Screening,
 Scoping,
 Baseline studies,
 Public consultation,
 Review process, and
 Preparation of an environmental compliance plan (ECP).
This project was required to conduct an EIA, in accordance with Schedule 1, section 12a of
the EIA (Amendment) Regulations, 2007. This document is prepared following the DoE’s
Terms of Reference (ToR), a copy of which is provided in Appendix 1. The ToR follows the
guidelines for the Preparation of an EIA published by the DoE and is based on the EIA
Regulations, 1995, and the Environmental Protection Act, 1992, and its amendment of 2009.
In Belize, the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) is the legal agency
responsible for the reviewing of ElAs. The Chairman of the NEAC is the Chief Environmental
Officer, who is also the head of the Department of the Environment (DoE).
The phase of preparation of the EIA includes establishment of an environmental baseline,
description of the proposed project, identification of and prediction of potential impacts,
identification of mitigation measures, evaluation of project alternatives, and selection of the
preferred alternative, resource assessment and the preparation of an Environmental and Social
Management Plan (EMP) to identify any mitigating and monitoring measures to be
implemented.
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The EIA process also calls for various levels of public consultation. This includes meetings
with key stakeholders to elicit their views and inputs with an emphasis on local community
participation. It also requires the publication of a notice in a local newspaper advertising the
location and dates of the two-week period when the EIA document will be made available to
the public. Current requirements of the NEAC are that a public consultation be conducted
prior to the review of the EIA. Whenever the NEAC determines necessary, then a public
hearing at a community near the proposed site may be required as another form of consultation.
A decision on the various levels of consultation is made by the NEAC after due consideration
of the local context of the project site, the pre-existing conditions, the magnitude and
significance of the impacts, among other factors. During the process of evaluation of the EIA,
the NEAC may conduct site visits and interviews with key stakeholders.
At the final stage of approval, the DoE requires the project owner (“developer”) to sign an
Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP), a legal document to which the developer needs to
adhere. This document is legally binding and contains the mitigation measures, stages of
development, and technology to be utilized during the various phases of the project. It also
makes provision for monitoring and enforcement of the conditions agreed to and punitive
provisions for failure to implement the agreement.
In addition, with the amendment the EIA Regulations of 2007, it is now legally required that
developers requesting environmental clearance pay a non-refundable application fee. If the
project is approved, the developer is also legally required to pay an annual monitoring fee.
3.2 Legal and Administrative Framework
3.2.1 The Environmental Protection Act Chap. 328, Rev. 2000

The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) legislates the role of the Department of the
Environment not only as the principal institution with the responsibility for the control and
prevention of pollution but also as the national entity with responsibility for coordinating
matters related to ensuring the prudent use and proper management of Belize’s resources and
the protection of the environment.
The EPA entrusts the Department of the Environment with a broad range of functions
relating, but not limited to, the assessment of water pollution, the coordination of activities
relating to the discharge of wastes, the licensing of activities that may cause water pollution,
the registration of sources of pollution and the carrying out of research and investigations as
to the causes, nature and extent of water pollution, and the necessary prevention and control
measures.
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Also, the Department of the Environment has the responsibility for formulating
environmental codes of practices, specifying procedures, practices or release limits for
pollution control relating to works, undertakings and activities during any phase of their
development and operation, including the location, design, construction, start-up, closure,
dismantling and clean-up phases and any subsequent monitoring activities.
In addition to the broad regulatory authority, the Act also provides the Department of
Environment with significant investigation, inspection, and enforcement authorities. In fact,
the Act contains substantial penalties for violation of pollution control and EIA requirements,
e.g., a fine of up to BZ$50,000, two years imprisonment, or both. Furthermore, in any
conviction for an offense under the Act, the court is authorized to order the offender to take
remedial action with respect to the harm caused to the environment, and any person who may
suffer loss or damage as a result of an offense may bring a civil action against the offender.
The Act has been amended several times since its passage, with the most recent done in
2009. The 2009 Amendments of the Environmental Protection Act provide for greater
environmental control and management of the petroleum industry, to make improved
provisions for the protection of the Belize Barrier Reef System, to establish an environmental
management fund, to provide for out-of-court settlement in appropriate cases, and to provide
for the issue of violation tickets for pollution offences. The earlier amendments to the
Environmental Protection Act, also included fiscal and economic incentives for pollution
control. Among other things, the amendments made it clear that the Act is binding on the
Government, increased the levels of fines and sanctions (including stop orders), and
authorized the Department of Environment to charge fees for permits, licenses and
applications.
Furthermore, the EPA requires that any person or undertaking exploiting the land, water
resources, seas or other natural resources shall ensure the protection of the environment
against unnecessary damage or from pollution by harmful substances; and no person shall
emit, import, discharge, deposit, dispose of or dump any waste that might directly or
indirectly pollute water resources or damage or destroy marine life.
The main regulations made under the act are the Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations (S.I. # 107 of 1995 and its amendment of 2007); the Environmental Protection
(Effluent Limitation) Regulations (S.I. #94 of 1995) and its amendment of 2009; the
Pollution Regulations (S.I. #56 of 1996) and its amendments of 2009 and the Hazardous
Waste Regulations of 2009.
3.2.1.1 The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (S.I. No. 107 of 1995)
and amendments of 2007
Screening of projects, programmes or activities that could have significant negative impact
on the environment, such as this proposed Resort, is done through the Environmental Impact
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Assessment (EIA) Process, as required by the Regulations. The EIA Regulations divides
projects into three categories, (Schedules I, II and III), as a guide to determining what types
of projects require an EIA or an LLES; and establish the minimum content and the format
required of an EIA Report. A National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC),
composed of both Government and Non-Government representatives, is also established for
the review of all EIA reports; after which it may receive Environmental Clearance by the
DOE. Environmental Clearance means approval of an undertaking, programme, policy or
activity granted by the DOE, in the form of an Environmental Clearance Letter.
While all Schedule I projects such as this project, attract the undertaking of an EIA, Schedule
II projects, may require an EIA or a limited level environmental study (LLES) depending on
the location and size of the project.
The EIA Regulations further outlines the process for undertaking the EIA for the proposed
development, including, inter alia, scheduled meetings with the DOE and the public as
necessary, the required contents of the EIA or LLES Report, publication of the EIA or LLES,
any deficiencies in the Report and instructions on its improvement by the DOE, public
hearings, and meetings of the NEAC.
Additional requirements of the EIA Regulations include:
1. that the DOE may approve this EIA study subject to any conditions as may be
specified by the Department, including a requirement for the developer to sign an
Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) containing the conditions specified by the
Department and the payment of an environmental monitoring fee;
2. that the developer shall not proceed with the construction and operation of the
proposed Development until the developer has signed an ECP and has received
environmental clearance from the DOE; and
3. that if the developer of the proposed Development carries out its construction or
operation in breach of these Regulations, he shall be liable on summary conviction to
a fine of not less than $5,000 and not exceeding $25,000, or to imprisonment for 2
years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Finally, if the DOE decides that the proposed development shall not proceed, based on the
information contained in this EIA Report, the developer may appeal in writing to the
Minister against the decision of the DOE, within 21 days of such decision of the DOE.
3.2.1.2 The Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitation) Regs. (S.I No. 94 of

1995 and Amendments of 2009)
These regulations were established to control and monitor discharges of effluent into any
inland waters or the marine environment of Belize; prohibit the discharges of effluent from
new and altered sources; implement a licensing system for the discharge of effluents; and
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establish and implement the requirements for the treatment of effluents. In 2009 this
regulation was amended to allow for greater consistency with the Cartagena Convention and
the Aruba Protocol on land-based sources of marine pollution.
3.2.1.3 The Pollution Regulations (S. I. No. 56 of 1996 and amendments of 2009)
These Regulations address issues of air, water and soil pollution, including noise pollution.
Part III – 6 (1) deals generally with the emission of contaminants into the air where no person
shall cause, allow or permit contaminants to be emitted or discharged either directly or
indirectly into the air from any source. Regulation 31 of the Pollution Regulations (1996)
provides that a person shall not pollute the land so that the condition of the land is so changed
as to be capable of making the land noxious or harmful to animals. Regulation 32 provides
that no person shall cause any seepage or leaching contamination of the adjacent soil,
groundwater or surface water. Regulation 33 empowers the DOE to issue directions to
persons operating a site for the elimination of waste or a solid waste treatment plant and
disposal system. Regulation 35 prohibits the deposition of waste in a place other than a site
approved by DOE for the storage or elimination of waste or operation of a waste treatment
plant or waste management system. Amendments were made in 2007 to provide for the
establishment of a licensing regime for the importation of certain substances which were
identified in the Montreal Protocol as “substances of concern.”
3.2.1.4 The Hazardous Waste Management Regulations (S. I. No. 100 of 2009)
These regulations establish regulations for the transportation, storage, and disposal of
hazardous waste. The regulations do not address hazardous waste contained in domestic
waste. Any hazardous waste such as waste oil (from motors and machinery), spent batteries,
containers of antifouling agents and expired antibiotics and their containers will need to be
properly stored in accordance with these requirements and taken to mainland for final
disposal in the mile 22 sanitary landfill site specially designated cell for disposal of
hazardous waste.
3.2.2 The Public Health Act Chaps. 40 and 40S Rev. 2000 and 2003
The Public Health Act establishes the position of the Director of Health Services, medical
officers and public health inspectors and a Central Board of Health. Some of the issues
addressed by the Act, which have incidence on the control, and prevention of pollution
include those pertaining to the “Drains and Water Supply, Infectious Diseases, Mosquito
Destruction, Offensive Trades and Sanitation and Prevention of Nuisances from Factories
and Miscellaneous Trades.”
The Public Health Act authorizes substantial penalties for violation of regulations established
under these provisions, i.e., BZ$10,000 or six months imprisonment, and BZ$1,000 per day
for a continuing violation as long as the violation continues. It also allows the Government to
recover expenses incurred in taking measures to prevent, control, or to reduce pollution, and
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to order closure of any entity causing such pollution or contamination. Because

implementing regulations were never established, however, the Public Health Act has not
been used effectively for environmental pollution control. For this reason, the new pollution
control authority has been the Department of Environment by the Environmental Protection
Act.
The Public Health Act covers liquid and solid waste disposal and issues relating to general
public health. The Ministry of Health is given a mandate for addressing public health issues
and related complaints, monitoring of sewage and solid waste, and prosecution of public
health offenders. In addition, all persons handling food for public consumption are required
to have a food handler’s certificate.
Section 22 of the Public Health Act, Chap 40S Rev. Ed. 2003, known as the Removal of
Refuse By-Laws, prohibits littering and indiscriminate deposit of waste in public places.
These regulations require, among other things, that the occupier of each premise provide
himself with a suitable receptacle for containing household refuse.
3.2.3 The National Lands Act Chap 191, Rev. Ed. 2003
According to the National Lands Act, national lands mean “all lands and sea bed, other than
reserved forest within the meaning of the Forests Act, including cayes and parts thereof not
already located or granted, and includes any land which has been, or may hereafter become,
escheated to or otherwise acquired by the Government of Belize.”
Hence, any person desirous of building or construction a pier, berthing facility of marina is
required to obtain a permit from the Lands and Survey Department for the lease and
construction of such erections over any water body (national lands).
According to Section 3 of the National Lands Act there is the requirement of sixty-six feet
reserve measured from high water mark along all water frontages which shall be reserved for
Government or public purposes. Furthermore, Section 4 states “Access shall be provided
from all surveyed lands to any public road, navigable river, creek, lake, or sea shore
contiguous thereto.”
In Section 28 the National Lands Act states that in any “grant, lease or other document where
the sea, or any sound, bay, or creek or any part thereof, affected by the ebb or flow of the
tide, is described as forming the whole or part of the boundary of the land to be disposed of,
such boundary or part thereof shall be deemed and taken to be the line of high water mark at
ordinary tides”. These sections of the National Lands Act are important to consider when
planning and obtaining permit for the development and construction of any pier and
overwater facilities.
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3.2.4 Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act Chap. 211, Rev. 2003
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) Act (Cap. 211, Revised Edition 2003),
establishes the Belize Agricultural Health Authority as a statutory board to deliver
agricultural health services including plant and animal health, veterinary and quarantine
services. The Act is designed to prevent and control the introduction of plant and animal
diseases and pests into Belize. This it does by regulation or controlling the imports of
“biologicals” or “suspected” articles. Under the Act, “biological” includes antibiotics, or
micro-organism and parts of micro-organisms, living or killed, or other biological substance
which is intended solely for use in the practice of veterinary medicine, and includes
germplasm of animals for use in artificial insemination and embryo transplant. BAHA’s
functions in the food safety area have expanded beyond what is provided in the Act.
BAHA is authorized to monitor, regulate and control the use and production of agro-
chemicals, animal products, animal feeds and fertilizers and to develop and maintain a
system of inspection approval and certification for all food processing facilities.
BAHA’s Chemical Residue Analytical Laboratory tests for pesticides and herbicides
residues, heavy metals, and veterinary drugs in foods. The water quality laboratory offers
tests for a limited range of parameters (hardness, pH, chlorine, chlorides, nitrates,
phosphates, sulphates, salinity, and total dissolved solids).
Although under the (BAHA) Act), the Belize Agricultural Health Authority is authorized to
monitor, regulate and control the use and production of agro-chemicals, animal products,
animal feeds and fertilizers, the Pesticides Control Act remain the primary legislation for
regulating all matters related to pesticides.
The Minister, through the authority of the BAHA Act, may by order, prohibit or regulate the
importation of an article into Belize, on the advice of the Authority’s technical personnel that
the importation is likely to result in the entry or spread of a plant pest or disease. The Act
under Article 27 (1) however, also empowers the Authority to permit a “restricted article” to
be imported into the country.
3.2.5 Dangerous Goods Act Chap. 134, Rev. 2003

The Dangerous Goods Act Chap. 134 is the primary piece of legislation regulating the
import, production, transportation, storage and distribution of dangerous goods (explosives
and petroleum products).
Part I of the Act deals with the transportation and safe keeping of explosives and other
dangerous goods, primarily detonators and petroleum products. The section targets the safe
storage or safe keeping of petroleum products (primarily refined products). Subsection (1) of
this section states that no goods which are specially dangerous including petroleum shall be
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kept within fifty yards of a dwelling-house or of a building in which goods are stored, except
with a license.
Exceptions are made provided that the amount of petroleum does not exceed ten gallons in
quantity and is kept for private use and not for sale. Section 10 of the Act allows for
conditions to be annexed to any license issued for the storage and safekeeping of any
specified dangerous good specified.
Part II of the Act establishes special provisions relating to liquefied petroleum gases. This
section regulates the use of “bob-tail delivery truck” for the distribution of liquefied
petroleum gases and storage depots for LP gases.
PART IV of the Act deals with “Specially Dangerous Explosives” mainly gunpowder,
dynamite, nitro-glycerine, gun cotton, blasting powders, fulminate of mercury or of other
metals, coloured fires and every other similar substance. This section allows for the minister
to also regulate the use and manufacture of these substances or other substances that are
produced with a view to produce a practical effect by explosion or a pyrotechnic effect. In
accordance with this section, the Minister may by order prohibit, either absolutely or except
under a license of the Minister, the manufacture, keeping, importation, conveyance and sale,
or any of the above-mentioned substance.
3.2.6 Customs and Excise Duties Act Chap 48 Rev. 2000

This Act regulates the importation or exportation of any goods which for the time being is
subject to any number of conditions or restrictions and applies to the importation of all
groups of metals.
Section 112 and 113 of the Customs Act outlines the penalties. Section 112 states that
“every person who-1. Imports or brings, or assists or is otherwise concern in importing or
bringing, any prohibited or restricted goods, contrary to any prohibition or restriction
imposed under this Act, whether the same is unshipped or not; or 2. Unships, transports or
assists or is otherwise concerned in the unshipping or transporting of, any goods which are
prohibited or restricted and imported contrary to any prohibition or restriction imposed under
this Act, whether the same are unshipped or not; shall be guilty of an offence.
Section 112 also outlines penalties of up to 20,000.00 dollars or forfeiture of the imported
goods whichever is greater. On summary conviction the Court may also order imprisonment
for a term not exceeding five years and the forfeiture of any aircraft, vehicle, vessel or animal
used or employed in the transportation of the goods.
Section 113 allows the Comptroller of Customs to make an out-of-court settlement with the
importer or other person importing or attempting to import the goods, provided that the out-
of-court settlement does not involve mitigation or reduction of any fine, penalty or forfeiture.
___________________________________________________________________________
3.2.7 Coastal Zone Management Act Chap. 329, Rev. 2003

The Act was enacted to promote sustainable development of the coastal areas and associated
ocean areas through coordination of existing legislations governing coastal resources and
through building capacity and expertise to manage coastal areas. It is administered by the
Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) and provides for the
appointment of an Authority whose functions are primarily in the realm of planning,
advising, cooperating, collaborating and monitoring.
The Authority is charged, among other tasks, with the development of a Coastal Zone
Management Plan which must address inter alia, guidelines to determine suitability of
particular development activities in the coastal zone, proposals relating to coastal zone which
deal with land use, planning for the establishment of protected areas and conservation of
threatened or potentially threatened endangered species, and proposals for reservation of land
or water in coastal zone for certain uses.
3.2.8 Fisheries Act Chap. 210

The Fisheries Act provides the basic authority for the management and protection of the
inland and coastal fisheries resources of Belize. Pursuant to the Act, the Fisheries
Department established Fisheries Regulations as far back in 1977 controlling the minimum
size of fish that may be taken, the means of taking fish, and the seasons and areas in which
fish may be taken. The regulations have been amended and adjusted several times and new
legislation promulgated.
In accordance with the Act, fishing licenses are required for both commercial and scientific
and research operations and licenses are required for the export of fish. The Act provides
broad enforcement authorities, including the appointment of Fishery Officers with
enforcement powers to stop, board, and search boats suspected of illegal fishing; arrest
persons caught violating the law; and remove and detain fishing nets and other equipment
used in violation of the law.
The Fisheries Act was amended in 1983 to provide authority for the Minister to designate, by
order, marine reserves for special conservation of marine flora and fauna, preservation of fish
breeding ground and habitat, and promotion of scientific study. These protected areas and
marine reserves are declared as a function of the ecosystems approach to the management of
fisheries resources in Belize and are seen as tools to conserve critical ecosystems and
replenish and restock over exploited fisheries populations.
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3.2.9 Belize Port Authority Act Chaps. 233 and 233S Rev. 2000 & 2003
The Belize Port Authority Act (Cap. 233, Revised Edition 2000) allows for the offloading of
chemicals and hazardous substances within the ports of Belize and for the regulation and
management of waste in ports. In particular, the authority regulates air and water pollution
via discharge from ships such as sanitary sewage, gaseous liquids and solids, carcasses,
gasoline, oils, ballasts, garbage, residuum of gas, tar or refuse, trade waste or any other
material that is capable of producing floating matter on the surfaces of water, sediment or
obstruction on the bottom of the sea or odours of gas of putrefaction.
Under Sec 23 (1) the Minister may, after consultation with the Authority, grant in writing a
license to any person, corporation or other body to construct and operate a private port
subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions and on the payment of such fees as the
Minister may consider appropriate (Private Ports 15 of 1989).
Under part III 19-(3) and in particular and without prejudice to the generality of the
provisions of subsections (1) and (2), it is the duty of the Authority – (a) to operate the ports
as appears to it best calculated to serve the public interest; (b) to regulate and control
navigation within the limits of ports and their approaches; (c) to maintain, improve and
regulate the use of such ports and services and facilities therein as it considers necessary or
desirable; (d) to provide for such ports and the approaches thereto such pilotage services,
beacon, buoys and other navigational services and aids as it considers necessary or desirable;
(e) to exercise the duties and functions relating to shipping and navigation excisable under
the provisions of any other law.
Under section 55(1), the Minister may make regulations on the hauling up or launching of
boats from any pier, bridge, or wharf, or at or from any point or place on the shore of the sea
or on the bank of any river or canal or regulate the manner in which vessels, boats and rafts
may be fastened to or brought or kept alongside of any pier, bridge, wharf, wall, staking,
shore, or bank.
Part VIII Special Provisions in Relations to Ports 70 – (1) deal with accidents occurring in
the port related to loss of human life or serious injuries to person or properties and collision
between ships. Section (76) of the Act deals with persons endangering safety of operations
while section (90) deals with restrictions on execution against property of the Authority.
The Port Authority Regulations Section 74 (2003) make regulations relating to anchorage or
obstruction of turning basins and channels, unauthorized movements of ships and lights and
mooring or maneuvering in the territorial waters of Belize.
___________________________________________________________________________
3.2.10 Occupational Health and Safety

Although a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Bill is currently being finalized,
this issue is presently dispersed among various individual legislations such as the Belize
Factories Act Chapter 296, Mines and Minerals (Safety, Health and Environmental)
Regulations No. 33, and the Belize Labour Act Chapter 297. Belize however, has ratified the
ILO Conventions with several of these directly associated with provisions dealing with
occupational health and safety related issues.
3.2.11 Solid Waste Management Authority Act Chap. 224 Rev. 2000
The Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA) has broad powers for the collection and
disposal of solid waste. SWMA can declare a “service area” to be provided with solid waste
collection service pursuant to this Act. The Authority shall devise ways and means for the
efficient collection and disposal of solid waste, employing modern methods and techniques
and exploring the possibility of recycling waste materials. The act stipulates that
“construction waste material” includes building materials from construction, alteration and
remodeling building or structure of any kind, such as lumber, concrete, steel roofing, etc. The
act requires the contractors to remove and dispose of all construction waste material resulting
from new construction or other works on or at any premises. In the event a contractor fails to
remove construction waste material when required to do so by the Authority, the Authority
may remove such materials and recover the cost of such removal from the contractor.
3.2.12 Wildlife Protection Act Chap. 220 Rev. 2000

The Wildlife Protection seeks to control hunting, research, and trade in wildlife. It protects
many species from hunting, killing, and harassment, Part II (a). Many coastal and marine
species are protected under this Act and includes two species of crocodiles, the manatee, all
birds with the exception of six species, and dolphins. The Act prohibits the hunting of
endangered species such as cetaceans, turtles and crocodiles.
3.2.13 Fiscal Incentives Act Chap. 54 Rev. 2000

The Fiscal Incentives Act provides for any person intending to, or operating an enterprise in
Belize, to apply to the Minister through the Executive Chairman of BELTRAIDE (the Belize
Trade and Investment Development Service) for an Approved Enterprise Order. This Order
allows the enterprise to be considered an approved enterprise and to operate within a tax
holiday period specifying the annual percentage rates at which the profits and gains of the
approved enterprise shall be exempt from the payment of income tax under the Income and
___________________________________________________________________________
Business Tax Act during the tax holiday period, as well as operate with certain duty
exemptions for a specified period of time.
During the duty exempt period, every company granted an approved enterprise order may
import into Belize, free of customs duty and stamp duty:
(a) all building material, plant, machinery, equipment, tools including specialist hand
tools (but not including other hand tools), utility and transport vehicles, fixtures and
fittings, office equipment and appliances;
(b) spare parts on plant and plant related machinery and agricultural machinery;
(c) and raw materials and other items imported for use in the approved enterprise.
No article imported duty free under the Act may be sold, hired, lent, given away or otherwise
disposed of except on assignment of the enterprise to an assignee; or on the payment of the
relevant duties at the time of the transaction as assessed by the Comptroller of Customs; or
on the expiration of ten years from the date of importation. Where an enterprise fails to
comply with these provisions, it is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine
equal to three times the value of the goods as assessed by the Comptroller of Customs or to a
fine of $5,000, whichever is the greater. In every such case, the articles in respect of which
the offense was committed shall be forfeited.
Within three months of the close of the financial year of each approved enterprise during the
duty exempt period, the approved enterprise shall furnish the Executive Chairman of
BELTRIADE with a report in writing on the conduct and progress of the approved enterprise
and annual accounts audited by a Chartered Accountant. An approved enterprise that fails to
provide the report and annual accounts may be fined a maximum of $2,000 and the
concession may be revoked.
Where a concession is revoked for any contravention of the Act or its regulations, the guilty
approved enterprise is liable to pay customs duty, stamp duty and revenue replacement duty
on the articles imported duty free, based on the values of the articles at the time of revocation
as assessed by the Comptroller of Customs.
The Minister may approve the transfer of the status of an approved enterprise to another
company where the approved enterprise merges with or is taken over by another company, or
forms part of another company’s reconstruction; and/or in the opinion of the Minister, it is
equitable or in the public interest to do so.
3.2.14 The Mines and Minerals Act, Chap. 226, R.E. 2000
The Mines and Minerals Act, Chap. 226, R.E. 2000 addresses the extraction of all non-
renewable resources except petroleum. The Government owns all minerals under public and
private lands, and, minerals are reserved from all future grants of state lands. The Mines and
Minerals (General) Regulations provide a general framework for the implementation of the
___________________________________________________________________________
Mines and Minerals Act. These Regulations cover a range of topics such as application,
duties, terms and conditions and failure to comply with the conditions of a mining license.
Under the Act “land” includes land beneath water. dredging and sand mining, which is
essential in avoiding destruction to coastal habitats such as seagrass beds and the coral reef
and requires that any application of a mining license (includes dredging) should be
accompanied by a proposal for the prevention of pollution, the treatment of wastes, the
safeguarding of natural resources and the minimization of the effects of mining on surface
and underground water;
The Act provides for licenses and royalties for the taking of minerals, and prohibits the
pollution of any river, stream, or watercourse. A quarry permit allows for the extraction of
volumes up to 16,000 cubic yards. A mining license will be required by the development
since the volume to be extracted is greater than 16,000 cubic yards.
3.2.15 The Forest Act, Chap. 213, R. E. 2000 and the Forests (Mangrove Protection)
Regs., SI No. 52 of 1989
This legislation provides for the protection and conservation of all mangrove forests on both
private and national lands, any alterations to which require evaluation and a permit by the
Forestry Department;
3.2.16 The National Integrated Water Resources Act of 2011

This act established the National Integrated Water Resources Authority with responsibility
for the preparation and implementation of a National Water Resources Master Plan, licensing
of water abstraction, and responsibility for dealing with issues related to easements required
by licensees, control and protection of groundwater and well drilling, and the protection of
gathering grounds. This project will need to obtain a water abstraction licence from the
NIWRA.
3.2.17 The National Protected Areas System Act of 2015

The northern half of Caye Chapel lies in front of the southern end of the Caye Caulker Forest
and Marine Reserve. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the second nearest protected area to
the proposed development. The Health and state of both reserves are somewhat
interconnected to each other. As such, the development will need to adhere to the
requirements of the National Protected Areas System Act in ensuring that its activities are not
in any way or form damaging to these protected areas.
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3.2.17.1 Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye is Belize's oldest marine reserve, the Hol Chan
(Mayan for 'little channel") Marine Reserve. Realizing the importance of the coral reef
community off Ambergris Caye, the Government of Belize established the Hol Chan Marine
Reserve on May 2, 1987. Shark Ray Alley was officially declared Zone "D" of the Hol Chan
Marine Reserve on August 31st, 1999.
The reserve was formed primarily as a community-based initiative due to concern over the
high level of uncontrolled, often destructive fishing and diving activities in the area. Reserve
status was considered due to the unique formation of the channel, the abundant fishery
resources (including conch and lobster) and the feasibility of including an interlinked system
of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats in this area.
The entire reserve covers approximately three square miles (7.8 sq km) and is divided into
four zones: Zone A - The Reef, Zone B - The Seagrass Beds, Zone C - The Mangroves, and
Zone D - Shark Ray Alley.
All four zones are clearly marked on the surface by buoys. Zone A through C each represents
one of the major marine habitat types in Belize. Zone D was recently added as a location
where nurse sharks and southern sting rays congregate.
Due to its protected status, what was once a depleted fishing area has now been allowed to
re-generate, providing an unparalleled diving/snorkeling experience for visitors and an
important refuge for marine life along the northern section of the Belize Barrier Reef.
Following years of lobbying by marine environmentalists on Ambergris Caye, the expansion
of Hol Chan Marine Reserve was approved by Cabinet and inaugurated in on February 25,
2015.
The expansion saw 359 square kilometers of reef, sea, shoals, lagoon and wetlands becoming
part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Certain changes were made to accommodate private
land owners. The expansion includes eight Zones ‘A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H’, excluding all
private property.
3.2.17.2 Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve

Th2 earliest efforts for both a National Park and Marine Reserve to protect marine and island
wildlife and habitats at risk at Caye Caulker began in 1990 with the SbF (McRae,1992). The
Siwa-ban Foundation proposed the “Siwa-ban Nature Reserve” in 1990 to incorporate the
southern tip of the Caye along with a section of barrier reef encompassing both South Caye
Caulker and Caye Chapel channels. Community education efforts commenced with a 3-part
___________________________________________________________________________
series entitled “The Sanctuary in the Community”, which demonstrated the benefits to
communities from having protected areas in close proximity.
The community, including SbF, then (1993) lobbied the former Minister of Tourism and
Environment, who later requested the Fisheries Department and Coastal Zone Management
Authority and Institute to check into the possibility of establishing a protected area around
Caye Caulker. A new area was delineated, targeting the north point of the caye as the core
terrestrial section. The reef areas were originally designated using the northernmost and
southernmost reef moorings, installed in 1993. Actions toward designating a multi-habitat
protected area intensified in the period 1994 to 1996.
Finally, in April of 1998, the two Caye Caulker reserves were declared. The Caye Caulker
Forest and Marine Reserves were officially recognized by the Government of Belize through
two Statutory Instruments (S.I.s): the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve was declared under
Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 35 of 1998, first gazetted on the 25th of April 1998; and the
Forest Reserve was gazetted on the 4th of April 1998, in Statutory Instruments No. 28 of
1998.
The development developers should heed the CCFMR general rules during both the
construction and operation phases. The rules and regulations are based on the principals of
“Do no harm”
3.2.18 The Labor Act, Chap. 297 and 297S, R.E. 2000
This act regulates the relationship between employees and employers as to contract of service
(written and oral), recruiting, employment service, protection of wages, hours of work,
overtime, holiday, safety, health, housing, employment of women and children, maternity
protection, domestic servants, severance pay, fair labor practices, etc.
3.2.19 The Social Security Act, Chap. 44. R.E. 2000

This Act stipulates that contributions on behalf of every employee must be paid on a weekly
basis to the Social Security Board. The SSA requires that all contractors, employers etc. pay
these contributions for their employees to assist them in times of sickness or injury.
3.2.20 The Belize Building Act No. 7 of. 2003 and its 2005 Revision
This act repeals the Belize City Building Act (Cap 131 Revised Edition 2000). The “Act has
as its main purpose “to control building operations in the interest of public health and safety
and to enable the introduction of regulations prescribing standards relating to the use of
material and methods of construction,” The provisions of the Act apply to the construction of
___________________________________________________________________________
any building or structure in Belize. The Act establishes the Central Building Authority (the
“Authority”) to administer the provisions of the Act.
3.2.21 The Pesticides Control Act (Cap. 216, Revised Edition 2003)
This act is the single most important legislation governing the importation, production or
formulation, use and distribution, storage, transportation and disposal of pesticides in Belize.
The statute was first enacted in 1985, establishing the Pesticides Control Board.
3.2.22 The Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act, Chap. 285, R.E. 2000
This Act empowers the Belize Tourism Board to receive applications for registration in
respect of any premises used or proposed to be used for the business of a hotel or tourist
accommodation, grant licenses to deserving applicants, and sets the minimum standards to be
observed by hotel and tourist accommodations.
The following are among several new Bills that may soon be enacted which the project
implementation will need to consider:
 Aquatic Living Resources Bill - will repeal the existing Fisheries Act and is aimed at
improving the long-term conservation, management and sustainable use of fisheries in
Belize,
 Maritime Pollution Bill - for the protection of the marine environment from marine
pollution and other forms of negative impacts from shipping and other potentially
harmful activities conducted at sea.
3.3 Relevant International Conventions and Agreements

In order to fulfil its sustainable development agenda, Belize has signed several important
regional and international conventions and agreements and is a member to many regional
organizations involved in the management and protection of biological resources. Those that
impact on biodiversity, cultural and natural heritage and sustainable development are listed
below.
(a) World Heritage Convention (ratified in 1990).
(b) Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES) (ratified 1976).
(c) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (ratified in December, 1993).
(d) Central American Biodiversity Convention.
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(e) Central American Alliance for Sustainable Development (ALIDES) in 1994

(f) Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Bonn (The
Migratory Species Convention).
(g) Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
(The World Heritage Convention) (ratified Nov. 6, 1990).
(h) Convention for the Conservation of Biodiversity and the Protection of Priority Areas
in Central America 1992.
(i) Organization for the Fishing and Aquaculture Sector of the Central American Isthmus
(OSPESCA) whose main objective is to manage and promote the development of
fisheries and aquaculture in Central America.
(j) Agreement on Cooperation between Belize and Mexico for the Protection and the
Improvement of the Environment and the Conservation of Natural Resources in the
Border Zone (signed 20 September, 1991).
(k) United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) (ratified 13 August, 1983).
(l) Protocol on Specially Protected Wildlife (SPAW Protocol).
(m) Convention on the Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes (1997).
___________________________________________________________________________
A summary of the legal and administrative framework is provided in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Relevant legal instruments.
# Legal Brief Description Natural Area or Implementing
Instrument Issue Covered Agency
1
This enabling legislation provides the Government and the DOE with comprehensive
environmental protection authority it needs to address modern environmental pollution
problems. The Act grants the Department of the Environment broad regulatory and
enforcement authority for the prevention and control of environmental pollution, conservation
The Environmental and management of natural resources, and Environmental Impact Assessment.
Protection Act SI Control and regulate
The revised edition 2000 Part III 7 (1) (d) specifies the standards in excess of which pollutants Department of
22/1992 and the use of natural
discharged into the environment shall not be discharged or emitted; the Environment
328/2003 and 2009 resources.
a) Formulating environmental codes of practices specifying procedures, practices or
limits for environmental control
b) environmental quality guidelines specifying recommendations in quantitative or
qualitative terms to support and maintain particular uses of the environment and
the control of noise.
2
The Environmental Impact Assessment Part V - 20 (4) states that every project, program or
Environmental Describe in detail the
activity shall be assessed with a view to the need to protect and improve human health and
Impact Assessment processes involved in
living conditions and the need to preserve the reproductive capacity of ecosystems as well as the
Regulations SI the preparation and Department of
diversity of species; under 20 (5) when making an environmental impact assessment, a proposed
107/1995 evaluation of the Environment
developer shall consult with public and other interested bodies or organizations and under 20
environmental
(7) a decision by the DOE to approve an environmental impact assessment may be subjected to
impact assessments.
conditions which are reasonably required for environmental purposes.
3
Environmental
Impact Assessment Revises the schedule
These regulations refine and reclassify many of the regulations in the 1995 document including Department of
Regulations of developments that
the types of projects that might be subjected to EIA. the Environment
(amendment) SI require EIA
24/2007
___________________________________________________________________________
4
The Pollution Regulations of 1996 addresses issues of air, water and soil pollution, including
Pollution noise pollution. Part III – 6 (1) deals generally with the emission of contaminants into the air
Regulations SI where no person shall cause, allow or permit contaminants to be emitted or discharged either Environmental Department of
56/1996 directly or indirectly into the air from any source. Part X 31 (c & d) deals with pollution of land pollution the Environment
generally that could be harmful, or potentially harmful to animals, birds, wildlife, plants or
vegetation.
5
Effluent Limitation Controls release of
The Regulations are intended to control and monitor discharges of effluent into any inland Department of
Regulations SI effluents into the
waters or the marine environment of Belize the Environment
94/1995 environment
6
Environmental Specifically, the concept of Class I and Class II waters were included as designation of areas in These Regulations
Protection Effluent Belize with a particular water quality. Class I waters refers to areas that are fragile biological or control and monitor
Department of
(Limitation) ecologically sensitive. Class II waters are waters other than Class I waters that due to discharges of effluent
the Environment
(Amendment) oceanographic, hydrologic, climatic or other factors are less sensitive to the impacts of domestic into any water body
Regulations of 2009 effluent. of Belize.
7 Under Part VIII of Offensive Trades 128 (1) b the Minister can make regulations relating to
nuisances for the prevention, control or reduction of pollution or contamination of air, soil or
Belize Public Health water caused by any activity or condition resulting in the emission of a pollutant or contaminant Control of dangerous
Ministry of
Act Revised Edition into the environment. The Act also specifies restrictions and regulations for nuisances from substances damaging
Health
SI 40/2000 factories or other industrial developments, and incidental provisions relating to offensive to human health
businesses.
8
National Lands Act In section 28 where the sea, or any sound bay or creek is described as forming part of the The Act is designed
(No. 6 of 1992) and boundary of any national land to be granted or disposed of, then the high water mark shall be to establish a
Lands and Survey
SI 191 of 2000 considered to be the property boundary. Under the Act, the seabed defined as the land framework for the
Department,
extending seawards from the high water mark of ordinary tides is National Land owned by the management of
Government of Belize under the authority of the National Lands Act. national lands
9 Land Development Establishes a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and shall have To acquire, develop
capacity to purchase, take, hold and dispose of land and other property of whatever kind, to Belize Land
Authority Act. and improve land
enter into contracts, to sue and be sued in the said name and to do all things necessary for the Development
Chapter 181 (revised (including drainage
purpose of this Act. Authority
2000) and irrigation)
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10 These Regulations cover a range of topics such as application, duties, terms and conditions and Provide a general
Mines and Minerals failure to comply with the conditions of a mining license. Under the Act “land” includes land framework for the
Lands and Survey
Act Chap. 226 of beneath water. The Act also addresses dredging and sand mining, which is essential in avoiding implementation of
Department,
2000 destruction to coastal habitats such as seagrass beds and the coral reef. the Mines and
Minerals Act
11 Forests (Mangrove The Forests (Protection of Mangrove) Regulations, 1989, prohibit any "alteration” (which
includes cutting and defoliating, but does not include "selective trimming") of mangroves on Control the
Protection) Forest
any land except with a permit (reg. 4). Alterations which involve dredging or filling can be exploitation of
Regulations, SI No. department
authorized only in "exceptional circumstances." mangroves
52 of 1989
12 Under Crown Land Rules (Statutory Rules and Orders 66 of 1939), a 66 ft. wide strip of land
along all water frontages, measured from high water mark, is designated as public easement, but Established public
Crown Land Rules Lands and Survey
lands titles prior to 1930 included the land to the high water mark and in some cases, below the easements along
SI 60 of 1939 Department,
high water mark. waterways
13 Part II of the Act, gives general powers of the Central Authority. Under the Completion of
Schemes and Consequential Powers and Duties of the Central Authority 31 (2) the Central Provides for the
Housing and Town Authority may, in connection with any scheme, authorize the laying out and construction of provision of services Housing
Planning Act SI roads and services upon the land acquired by it, and all roads and services as laid out and to land including Department
182/2000 constructed, if situated within the jurisdiction of a local authority, shall thenceforth be public road access
roads and services maintained by the local authority.
14 Under Part II (2) an application for registration in respect of any premises used for the business
of a hotel or tourist accommodation should be carried out. Part III (14) defines the minimum The Hotels Act and
standards to be observed by hotel and tourist accommodation. Part III of the Act defines the Housing and
registration and Regulations of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations. Under the Act the Belize Town Planning Act
Hotels and Tourist Tourism Board has the responsibility of registering all hotel and tourist accommodation in complement each Ministry of
Accommodation Act Belize. other, since they Tourism and
285/2000 Subject to the provisions of the Act, Part IV (22 91)) states that “there shall be levied and paid a both address tourism Culture
tax at the rate of seven per centum of all the accommodation charges in regards to lodging.” and residential
Part V General, sets out Offences and penalties and regulations prescribing standards for hotels developments in
and tourist accommodation. coastal areas.
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15 The Belize Tourist Board Act indirectly encompasses most of the other Acts, since it contains Establishes the
Belize Tourist Board provisions for the development of tourism policies, which would need to consider the effects procedures for the
MTCCA
Act and roles of all sectors in the development of tourism. management of the
tourism industry.
16 National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) Act SI No. 331 of 2000
Under section (37.) of the NICH Act, all ancient monuments and antiquities upon any land or
in any river, stream or watercourse, or under the territorial waters of Belize, shall absolutely vest
in the State.
Section 38.-(1) state that: Subject to this Act, no person shall possess or have in his custody any
ancient monument or antiquity except under a license in writing granted by the Director in the
prescribed form. (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is
National Institute of liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars or to imprisonment
Culture and history for a term not exceeding five years, or to both such fine and term of imprisonment, and in Replaces the institute
addition, any such ancient monument or antiquity shall be forfeited to the State. NICH
Act SI No 331 of 2000 of archaeology Act
Under section 39.-(1) it state: Any person who at any time has or takes or comes into
Revised 2003 possession, custody or control of any ancient monument or antiquity shall within fifteen days of
his first having or taking or coming into such possession, custody or control of the ancient
monument or antiquity, register his possession, custody or control with IRMAC
Institute of Culture and History (Amendment) Act SI No. 20 of 2003
This act empowers the Institute of Archaeology to carry out research, interpretation and the
protection of the Archaeological Heritage of Belize. The ownership of all ancient monuments
and antiquities shall rest in the Institute of Archaeology, Government of Belize.
17
Institute of Culture Empowers the
This act empowers the Institute of Archaeology to carry out research, interpretation and the
and History institute of
protection of the Archaeological Heritage of Belize. The ownership of all ancient monuments NICH
(Amendment) Act archaeology to
and antiquities shall rest in the Institute of Archaeology, Government of Belize.
(No. 20 of 2003) manage cultural sites
18 Established as an autonomous institution governed by the provisions of this Act. The Authority Advise the Minister
Coastal Zone
may exercise any of the functions entrusted to it by or in accordance with the provisions of this in relation to the Coastal Zone
Management Act.
Act or any regulations made there under and may exercise any other duties incidental or development and Management
Chapter 329 (1998,
ancillary to, or consequential upon, the performance of its functions. utilization coastal Authority
revised 2000)
zone resources.
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19 The Authority may: (a) operate the ports as appears to it best calculated to serve the public
Belize Port Authority interest; (b) regulate and control navigation within the limits of ports and their approaches; (c) Established the
Act SI 233 of maintain, improve and regulate the use of such ports and services and facilities; (d) provide for conditions under
Belize Port
such ports and the approaches thereto such pilotage services, beacons, buoys and other which a port may be
2000/2003 Authority
navigational services and aids as it considers necessary or desirable; (e) to exercise the duties and constructed and
functions relating to shipping and navigation exercisable under the provisions of any other law. operated.
20 This act regulates the licensing of fishing boats and fishermen and the conduct of researchers. Regulate commercial
Fisheries Act. The act also regulates the sale of fish products and the protection marine turtles. It also Fishery officer
and personal fishing
Chapter 210 (2000, empowers the Minister to make regulations for all matters connected with the control and appointed by the
and protect marine
revised edition) regulation of marine reserves and extraction of marine products. minister
areas of Belize
21 The Minister may by Order declare an area to be a forest reserve and may from time to time The Minister may
Forests Act Chapter alter, vary or revoke such Order. The Minister may make regulations, either of general apply this Act or Chief Forest
213 (revised edition application or confined to particular forest reserves or other areas of national land, or of private regulations to any Officer
2000) land to which it has been decided to apply any of the provisions of this Act for the protection area or tract of
of trees and forest produce being in or upon such reserve or other area. private land
22 National lands mean all lands and sea bed, other than reserved forest within the meaning of the
National Lands Act Forests Act, including cayes and parts thereof not already located or granted, and includes any Rules and regulations “The Minister
Chapter 191(revised land which has been, or may hereafter become, escheated to or otherwise acquired by the in relation to land responsible for
edition 2003) Government of Belize properties lands.”
23 Covers all national

National Parks To provide for the preservation and protection of highly important natural and cultural parks, nature
System Act Chapter features, for the regulation of the scientific, educational and recreational use of the same and for reserves, wildlife The Chief Forest
215 (1981 revised all other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto sanctuaries and Officer
edition 2000) natural monuments
24 Provides the conservation, restoration and development of wildlife, for the regulation of its use
and for all other matters connected therewith. It is established within this act all regulations and
Wildlife Protection restrictions related to hunting and the penalties for violating the Act. The Act seeks to
Minister
Act Chapter 220 The Act protects many species from hunting, killing and harassment Part II (a). Many coastal control hunting,
responsible for
(1981 revised edition and marine species are protected under this Act and includes two species of crocodiles, the research and trade of
wildlife protection
2000) wildlife.
manatee, all birds with the exception of six species, whales, dolphins, and the Caribbean monk
seal.
25 This act “shall apply Commissioner of
Registered Land Act
Establishes regulations for land registration and a Land Registry, to any area declared Lands and
(2000, revised 2003)
by the Minister… to Surveys
___________________________________________________________________________
be a compulsory
registration area.”
26 Private Forest
Regulates privately Forestry
Conservation Act Regulates tree clearing or “felling” on private lands.
held forests. Department
(revised 2000)
27
Any area of the country can be declared an area of water supply by the Minister; in these areas
Water and Sewerage Empowers to
the providing of water is regulated by this Act. Any industry in an area of water supply that Minister
Act, CAP 222, government declare
wishes to extract water from surface water or groundwater has to apply for a license with the responsible for
revised edition 2000. an area a reserve for
Water and Sewerage Authority to be able to do so. public utilities
water supply
28 The Act deals with controlling disposal of wastes generated from sewer treatment. The Act
Belize Water makes new provisions with respect to the supply and control of water and sewerage services in The Water Industry
Industry Act No. 1 of Act repeals the Water Minister
Belize. and Sewerage Act, responsible for
2001 The Water Industry Act also establishes the responsibility of private entities to provide facilities Chapter 185 of 1971 public utilities
for the final disposal of sewerage taking into consideration 36 of the Environmental Protection Laws of Belize.
Act 1 of 2001.
29 The act calls for the preparation of The National Disaster Preparedness Response Plan and
include among others:
(a) Procedures related to disaster preparedness and response in terms of human
Disaster resources deployment;
Preparedness and (b) Procedures for coordinating the national disaster response plan and its Lays out procedures Minister
Response Act, implementation, for disaster responsible for
Chapter 145 (Revised (c) Procedures for informing persons under paragraph (a) and the public in Belize and preparedness NEMO
Edition) 2000 elsewhere of the existence of a threatened disaster alert;
(d) Procedures for preparing and maintaining inventories of services, systems and
supplies for the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from
emergencies and disasters.
30 Administered by
Mines and Minerals
Regulates the extraction of all non-renewable resources in Belize. Of interest to water resources Addresses mining Geology &
Act (revised 2000 and
management are its control of dredging and quarrying activities. and mineral use. Petroleum
2003)
Department
___________________________________________________________________________
31
Regulates and controls the sale and use of pesticides. It establishes a Pesticides Control Board Pesticide use in
Pesticide Control Act Pesticides Control
to set standards for the monitoring pesticides, which falls under the responsibility of the nation-wide
(revised 2003) Board,
Ministry of Agriculture. agriculture.
32
Dangerous Goods
Regulates the use, transport, storage, and monitoring of Regulates dangerous Ministry of Home
Act
dangerous goods, such as liquefied petroleum gas, gunpowder, and explosives. goods within Belize. Affairs
(revised 2000)
33 This Act governs the
The Land Utilization The Land Utilization Act, under which the Land Utilization Authority of the Ministry of Lands and Survey
Act (Chapter 188 of Natural Resources, Local Government and the Environment (MNRE) is established, provides subdivision of
Department,
private lands and the
revised edition for measures to govern the use and development of land, and introduces measures for the Ministry of
construction of
2000)7. conservation of land and watersheds. Natural
jetties on coastal
Resources
areas.
34
Controls the subdivision of any public or private land in Belize. It establishes the Lands
Land Utilization Act Land registration,
Utilization Authority which makes recommendations on subdivision applications. It also Lands Utilization
(revised 2000 and subdivision, and
establishes Special Development Areas which limit the types of development permissible within Authority
2003) utilization.
these zones.
35 Solid Waste
Management Under the Act, the Authority shall devise ways and means for the efficient collection and Solid Waste
Regulates disposal of
Authority Act disposal of solid waste employing modern methods and techniques and exploring the possibility Management
solid waste.
(revised 2000 and of recycling waste materials. Governs the collection and disposal of solid waste in Belize. Authority
2003)
___________________________________________________________________________
(n) Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, and Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer.
(o) International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage
(p) Land-Based Sources of Pollution Protocol (LBSP).
(q) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (ratified September, 1994).
(r) United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
(s) The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl
Habitats (RAMSAR) (Signed 1998).
(t) Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) (ratified 12
May, 1995).
(u) Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea of 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling
Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (signed 1995).
(v) Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) (1985).
(w) Latin American Organization for Fisheries Development (OLDEPESCA) (1997).
(x) Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider
Caribbean Region (The Cartagena Convention).
(y) International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT),
(z) Inter-American Convention for the Conservation and Protection of Marine Turtles (in
progress).
The country’s compliance with its commitments under the above-mentioned conventions has
been minimal due to the lack of appropriate enforcement mechanisms.
3.4 Relevant Policies, Plans and Guidelines

This section sets out the policies relevant to the proposed residential and tourism development
regulation as it pertains to the use and management of Belize’s natural resources. It also serves
to guide to sound environmental planning prior to and during project implementation.
Current national environmental policies are based on the need to take an integrated approach to
environmental management and the need to work towards the goal of sustainable development.
The Government of Belize is committed to the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable
use of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of
its natural resources. Some government bodies with direct responsibility for the protection of
biodiversity and Belize’s natural and cultural resources include the Fisheries Department, Forest
___________________________________________________________________________
Department, the Department of the Environment, the Coastal Zone Management Authority &
Institute; and the National Institute of Culture and History.
a) Private Investment Policy
The government enacted a series of legislation in the early 90's to allow for a range of incentives
which encourages and assist any feasible and genuine development activity promoting national
sustainable development. Investments are particularly welcome if they result in increased
production, introduce state-of-the- art technology, and enhances local management skills,
promote greater efficiency through competition, diversification of the economic base and
facilitate access to foreign markets.
The policy is particularly favorable to foreign investment that encourages export oriented
activities which lead to increased employment and the development of local technological
capacity.
b) Belize National Hazard Mitigation Policy and Plan
The policy focuses on 2 main areas:

 Mitigation measures involving natural resource and environmental management in the
case of natural hazards, and hazardous materials and solid waste management in the case
of man-induced hazards;
 The focus of the policy is on preparedness, response, recovery and reconstruction but not
prevention;
The Hazard Mitigation Plan was designed and implemented within the context of an integrated
development planning framework and focused on a multi-sectoral effort, including the
government, the private and non-governmental sectors and the general public. The plan is a
written statement of the implementation measures necessary to realize the goals and objectives of
the Hazard Mitigation Policy to reduce the country’s Belize’s current and future vulnerability to
hazards.
c) Strategic Action Plan for the Gulf of Honduras
Belize is participating in implementing the plan aimed at reducing pollution from maritime
transport in the gulf.
d) Sustainable Land Use Policy (2011)
The overarching vision of the policy is to foster national development through promoting
environmentally and socially responsible use of land resources
e) National Integrated Planning Framework for Land Resource Development
The purpose of the Planning Framework is to provide comprehensive, transparent and democratic
mechanisms through which the National Land Use Policy will be implemented and managed.
___________________________________________________________________________
f) National Guidelines for Subdivision and Consolidation of Land in Belize

Sets out the procedures required to divide and develop land including siting of facilities setbacks
and required land areas
g) National Land Use Zoning Strategy
Has divided the country into different land use zones according to best potential.
h) National Land Use Policy and Planning Framework
a National Integrated Planning Framework for land resource development and a suitability
mapping system for Belize. Both the Land use policy and the planning framework have been
endorsed by Cabinet.
i) Belize Rural Development Strategy
The objective of the strategy is to make rural areas a more attractive place to live and work where
people of all ages can find a better life by providing them with the means to generate their own
development, to adapt to new economic circumstances and to be valued by society.
j) Belize National Energy Policy
Approved by the government on January 24, 2012. It is the guiding document on the energy
sector in Belize and encourages the uptake and deployment of renewable energy technology
which have low to zero emission levels.
k) Strategic Energy Plan 2012-2017
The thrust of the plan is to develop a framework that will result in transitioning the energy sector
and national economy towards low carbon development and a low carbon economy by 2033
through increase efficiency and conservation and increased investments in renewable energy.
l) Horizon 2030 National Development Strategy
A long term strategic planning document produced to guide national development well into
2030. It embodies an overarching, long-term vision from which shorter-term development
plans will arise. The vision for Belize for the year 2030, is that by this time “Belize is a country
of peace and tranquility, where citizens live in harmony with the natural environment and enjoy
a high quality of life. Belizeans are an energetic, resourceful and independent people looking
after their own development in a sustainable way.”
The strategic plan developed for implementing this vision has as its ‘Bricks and Mortar’ a
healthy people and a healthy environment with these issues being as the central consideration of
the various sectoral strategies.
___________________________________________________________________________
The key economic goals for 2030 speak to: building economic resilience, promoting
productivity and competitiveness, and ensuring the environmental sustainability of economic
activity. These include:
 Increase agricultural production in a sustainable way and increase local value-added
through the development of agro-processing.
 Ensure a sustainable and profitable tourism sector.
 Develop a strong small business sector, a strong work force and a strong corps of
entrepreneurs.
 Finally, a key long-term goal is to ensure that government is able to make timely
investments in key economic infrastructure.
It has as its main strategies to achieve environment and sustainable development goals the
following:
1. Incorporate environmental sustainability into development planning and strengthen
Protected Areas Management;
2. Implement a comprehensive natural resources and environmental policy and strategy,
including planning for climate change and its effects;
3. Introduce natural resources accounting into GDP;
4. Enforce environmental protection laws in a fair and just manner;
5. Provide incentives for reforestation;
6. Develop and implement a long-term strategy for solid waste management;
7. Implementation of a National Disaster Management Strategy that ensures family
protection, cohesiveness and restoration before, during and after a disaster;
8. Adopt and implement the National Protected Areas Systems Plan and strengthen the legal
and administrative framework for protected areas;
9. Increase the number of Belizean professionals qualified as engineers, planners, architects,
social scientists, environmental scientists, environmental lawyers, marine biologists and
coastal zone management experts.
m) Belize National Poverty Elimination Strategy and Action Plan 2009 - 2013
Although currently out of date in the absence of an updated document the plan remains relevant.
The NPESAP sets out issues and measures in the macro-structural, human development and
___________________________________________________________________________
infrastructure areas, and simultaneously targets urban and rural poverty and the cross cutting
issues of governance, gender and environment
n) Belize’s National Policy on Sustainable Tourism (2010)
The thrust of the policy is that the Government of Belize should steer the tourism sector towards
responsible tourism in order that the integrity of Belize’s natural resources and biodiversity be
sustained, that there be equitable distribution of the economic benefits derived from tourism.
o) National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for Belize 2030
The Plan details the objectives for moving the Tourism Industry forward towards 2030 and the
strategies and actions to reach that goal. It sets out a series of quantitative and qualitative
objectives to be achieved including the tourism vision, strategic market composition and
destination development concepts.
p) National Sustainable Tourism Implementation Plan for Belize 2030
The implementation plan lays out the roadmap and a series of implementing mechanisms for the
achievement of the objectives in the National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for Belize 2030.
It assigns task and responsibilities within the various units charged with the implementation of
the plan.
q) National Hazard Mitigation Policy
This policy seeks to formulate an integrated coordinated multisectoral approach to hazard risk
management and sustainable development, with a national, sectoral and community dimension.
In 2007, Belize adopted a 10-year National Hazard Mitigation Plan to implement the policy.
r) Belize National Hazard Mitigation Plan
The plan sets out a series of strategic interventions and actions to enable Belize to mitigate against
the devastating effects of disasters. It points to the need for the integration of hazard risk reduction
into national development and sector policy planning
s) National Plan of Action for the Control of Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution
in Belize (2008)
This document identifies the top five land-based contaminants or alteration issues that impact
Belize’s marine environment namely, sewage, sedimentation, physical alteration and destruction
of habitat, nutrients, and solid waste management. Specific pollution sources were identified for
each of the 5 categories as well as objectives for their control and the actions and associated cost
estimates.
t) Belize National Protected Areas Policy and System Plan (2005)
The plan rationalized and justified the network of protected areas based on ecosystem
vulnerability, system coverage, biological resources and preferred land use according to land
potential.
___________________________________________________________________________
u) National Environmental Policy and Strategy

This document sets DoE policies, priorities, action plans and anticipated results for the next ten
years (2014-2024) based on a clear assessment of existing environmental challenges and
resources and institutional framework and capacities to address them.
v) National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a five-year plan set within a
fifteen-year framework (aligning with the Horizon 2030 national development framework), and
is designed to achieve the national vision, through five thematic areas namely mainstreaming,
reducing pressures, protection, benefits and implementation.
w) National Action Plan for the Protection of Biodiversity (2005)
The Action Plan has as its immediate objective “the development and implementation of
environmentally sustainable development policies by the Government and the improvement of
inter-sectoral coordination of the various environmental players.
x) Cayes Development Guidelines
This Guidelines contains a combination of broad, strategic narratives and prescriptive, region-
specific guidance that lays out proactive and adaptive strategies to facilitate the improved
management of coastal and marine resources within a specified timeframe by all relevant
agencies.
y) Belize Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (2013)
While national in scope, the Plan builds upon efforts at the local level to develop sustainable
regional guidelines. As an important complement to written guidelines, the Plan includes a zoning
scheme, which spatially designates permissible activities and uses and a valuation of ecosystem
services (see Figure 3.1).
z) Caye Caulker Coastal Zone Management Guidelines
Regulates infrastructural development on caye caulker and clearly establishes zones for protection
of natural capital
aa) Integrated Water Resource Management Policy
This policy was approved by Government and in 2011 the Government enacted the National
Integrated Water Resources Act which provides for the management, controlled allocation and
the sustainable use and protection of the water resources of Belize. It also provides for the
establishment of a National Integrated Water Resources Authority (NIWRA) to coordinate and
assist in regulating the water sector.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 3.1: Coastal zone planning regions.
bb) Water Sector Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for Belize
The document presents five key adaptation actions including the establishment of an agency to
execute integrated water resources management; strengthening the existing institutional and
human resources capacities in the water sector for improved management practice, formalizing
the legal mandate and operations of the National Climate Change Committee, strengthening the
___________________________________________________________________________
trans-boundary relationships to cover the impacts of climate change on the water sector and
increasing public awareness and education in water culture and climate change.
cc) Belize Climate Change Policy
The policy recommends the mainstreaming of adaptation into all sectors and government ministry
plans. It also calls for vulnerability studies to be carried out in most productive sectors and
introduction of climate change in school curriculum
dd) National Policy Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change
The objectives of the Belize Climate Change Adaptation Policy are as follows:
a) Explore and access the opportunities being developed through the climate change
negotiation process to meet the development objectives of the nation,
b) Prepare all sectors of Belize to meet the challenges of global climate change.
c) Promote the development of economic incentives, which encourage investment in public
and private sector adaptation measures.
d) Develop Belize’s negotiating position on climate change at the regional and international
levels to promote its economic and environmental interests.
e) Foster the development of appropriate institutional systems for planning and responding
to global climate change.
3.5 Complementarity with Coastal Planning Guidelines and Tourism Master Plan
(i) Caye Caulker Coastal Zone Management Guidelines - During the preparation of the
plans for the Caye Chapel project the project proponents were aware of and familiar with the
Coastal Zone Management Guidelines and in particular the Caye Caulker Coastal Zone
Management Guidelines into which Caye Chapel falls. Although the guidelines focused almost
exclusively on Caye Caulker, the Caye Chapel development is supportive of the plan bearing in
mind that the island had already been previously developed. The following are distinct areas of
convergence and complementarity:
 The development conforms to the spirit of the Guidelines in its residential development
standard where restrictions are placed on the height of buildings to 2 stories, number of
dwelling units per acre restricted to 2-3 units with maximum site coverage of 33% and
regulated setbacks from the front side and back,
 The Guidelines calls for institution of a system of restrictive code of covenants between
land owners and developers that favor integrated development planning. A restrictive
code of covenants is included in this report for Caye Chapel (see Volume II),
 The guidelines call for all tourism facilities to meet BTB’s minimum standards, including
disaster preparedness and evacuation plans. The EIA for the Caye Chapel development
includes a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan.
___________________________________________________________________________
 The Guidelines include provisions to maintain the 66 feet reserve, and ensure that
minimum setbacks from property lines and beaches, and minimum distances between
buildings are enforced. The development plans for Caye Chapel conforms to this except
for the placement of the overwater cabanas.
 The guidelines recommend unimpeded access to the beach reserve and other traditional
recreational areas/sites, for public recreational use, provided that nuisances are absent,
such as unkempt garbage, noise pollution by visitors. The Caye Chapel development will
abide by this requirement provided visitors respect the provisions above.
 Marina – The guidelines call for placing of a marina behind Caye Caulker (leeward side)
as a measure to reduce impacts from congestion by piers on the waterfront. The same
rational is being used for maintaining the marina on Caye Chapel,
 Energy – The guidelines encourages the use of solar and wind power in the case of resorts
and any residential development, the installation of renewable energy is being
promulgated within the current development plan for Caye Chapel with requirements for
solar on all residential homes and a wind turbine near the southern end of the island,
 Water - The guidelines call for the implementation of a management plan for the disposal
of treated brine produced from any water desalination process using reverse osmosis.
Caye Chapel will abide by any DoE guidance for diffuser pipe use and will implement an
environmental and chemical monitoring program on its produced RO water.
 Waste Water – The Guidelines call for sewage to be diverted to mangrove wetlands for
secondary treatment. The Caye Chapel development far exceeds this requirement and has
taken environmental accountability to new levels with a tertiary level water treatment
plant with treated grey and black water to be used on site for irrigation.
 Solid Waste – The guidelines only covers solid waste management on Caye Caulker with
rudimentary solutions proposed. Caye Chapel is taking a comprehensive approach to solid
waste management in a system which focuses in reduction recycling and reuse with
disposal to landfill as a last option.
 Dredging – The guidelines discourage dredging and call for all dredging to be
accompanied by an EIA. This EIA comprehensively covers the dredging program with
effective mitigation measures to reduce impacts,
 Golf Course – The Guidelines discourage heavy and unregulated use of herbicides,
pesticides and fertilizers. Caye Chapel is implementing an environmentally friendly
system for maintenance of the Gold Course including the use of hardy drought resistant
grass species to cut down on water use and fertilizer as well as the selection of approved
environmentally friendly products for the control of pest and weeds.
___________________________________________________________________________
(ii) Sustainable Tourism Master Plan – This plan recommends that the primary tourism
products offered should within the project region should be nautical, ecotourism and adventure
and Sun and Beach Tourism. In addition, it also recommends that beach infrastructure should be
improved and high regulation of marine traffic should be enforced and centralized. The Caye
Chapel development closely follows the master plan in its scope as follows:
a. As a high end development, the enterprise seeks to bring predominantly wealthy
high paying clients to the country to enjoy and appreciate Belize’s world class
marine attractions including its beaches. This type of tourism creates more jobs
and benefits for the economy while being low impact in terms of visitor footprint.
b. The development is investing significant resources in improving and securing the
beach area including beach nourishment and the installation of groynes to protect
the investments.
c. The Developer is concentrating marine traffic in the area of the marina which is
sheltered and will have a deepened and protected access channel. This reduces the
need for a proliferation of piers around the island.
3.6 Administrative Framework

The Government of Belize through the Department of the Environment (DOE), Ministry of
Forestry, Fisheries & Sustainable Development, enacted the Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations in 1995 (S.I. 107 of 1995), which was amended in 2007. This and the
Environmental Protection Act, 1992, and its amendment in 2009, are the primary legislative
instruments pertaining directly to the EIA process, including the administration, vetting and
approval of proposed projects for which EIAs have been prepared.
The Forest Department is responsible for implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1981.
The Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health is responsible for overseeing a wide
range of public health matters including the on-site sanitary working conditions of projects and
developments, sewage systems, safety of and within buildings.
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) houses the Institute of Archaeology,
which is responsible for the administration of the archaeology countrywide.
The Institute of Archaeology monitors all ongoing archaeological projects in Belize and issues
permits for site work. The Institute is also responsible for all aspects involving any ancient Maya
remains, artefacts and structures as well as any other item of historical significance. Any findings
must be reported to this Department. Removal of artefacts or disturbance of sites is illegal without
written permission of this Department. Table 3.2 list the agencies directly responsible for their
administration and enforcement.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 3.2: Institutional Framework and Permitting Agencies Responsible for Enforcement of
Regulations.
Permitting Agency Overall Responsibility
Environment
Department of the Environment Implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the
(DOE) Environmental Protection Act of 1992 including environmental
impact assessment (EIA) process.
 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 1995, No. 107
 Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) Regulations
2007 No. 24
 Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations) No. 94 of 1995
 Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations) (Amendment)
Regulations, 2009
 Environmental Protection (Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations,
2009
Lands
Lands Utilization Authority (LUA) Responsibility for land subdivisions. The powers are invested in the
authority by the following Acts:
 The Land Utilization Act (Chapter 188 of revised edition 2000),
provides for measures to govern the use and development of
land, and introduces measures for the conservation of land and
watersheds. The Act also governs the subdivision of private
lands.
 The National Lands Act Chap 191, Rev. Ed. 2003, according to
the act, national lands mean “all lands and sea bed, other than
reserved forest within the meaning of the Forests Act, including
cayes and parts thereof not already located or granted.
Under the regulations any entity building or construction a pier,
berthing facility of marina is required to obtain a permit from the
Lands and Survey Department for the lease and construction of
such erections over any water body (national lands). According to
Section 3 of the National Lands Act there is the requirement of
sixty-six feet reserve measured from high water mark along all
water frontages which shall be reserved for Government or public
purposes. Section 4 states “Access shall be provided from all
surveyed lands to any public road, navigable river, creek, lake, or
sea shore contiguous thereto.”
Water
National Integrated Water Responsible for the management of the country’s water resources
Resources Management Authority including abstraction and use under 2 main acts viz:
 Water Industry Act 2001
 National Integrated Water Resources Act, 2010
Forests
Forests Department (FD) Responsibility for all regulations impacting the national forest estate
including the issuance of permits for the clearing of mangroves.
The FD is also responsible for enforcement of the provisions of the
Wildlife Protection Act.
Fisheries
Fisheries Department Overall responsibility for the management of the marine and
freshwater resources of Belize including all fisheries resources.
Responsibility extends to the management of Marine Protected
___________________________________________________________________________
Areas in conjunction with its Coastal Zone Management Authority

and Institute (CZMA&I).
Mining and Dredging
Mining Unit Regulates mining (including sand and gravel excavation), dredging
and petroleum prospecting. The Mines and Minerals Act, Chap.
226, R.E. 2000 addresses the extraction of all non-renewable
resources.
The Act also applies to land under water and applies to dredging
and sand mining, which is regulated in the interest of protecting
marine habitats such as seagrass beds and the coral reef. It
requires that any application of a mining license (includes dredging)
should be accompanied by a proposal for the prevention of
pollution, the treatment of wastes, the safeguarding of natural
resources and the minimization of the effects of mining on surface
and underground water.
Labor
The Labor Department The Labor department regulates the relationship between
employers and employees. The main enabling legislation is The
Labor Act, Chap. 297 and 297S, R.E. 2000. The legislations cover
recruitment, employment, protection of wages, hours of work,
overtime, holiday, safety, health and housing among others
Solid Waste
Belize Solid Waste Management This agency regulates the management of solid waste in Belize
Authority under the Solid Waste Management Act (Commencement) Order
42 of 2000. The Act requires that contractors remove and dispose
of all construction waste material resulting from new construction or
other works on or at any premises.
Coastal Zone and Marine resources
Coastal Zone Management The CZMAI is at the forefront of managing the country’s coastal
Authority and Institute (CZMAI) natural resources. Although the work of the institute is not
regulatory under the Coastal Zone Management Act (chapter 329 of
revised edition 2000) it can make recommendations for zoning
schemes and the monitoring of marine waters.
Archaeology
Department of Archaeology Protection of cultural resources (ancient monuments and
antiquities).
Navigation, Piers and Marinas
Belize Port Authority Regulates navigational routes within Belizean waters as well as
entry and excise duty collection.
 Belize Port Authority (Amendment) Act, 2001
Tourism
Belize Tourism Board Responsible for the oversight of the tourism industry including the
issuance of licenses and the collection of fees. The Acts empowers
the Belize Tourism Board to receive applications for premises to be
used as a hotel or tourist accommodation, grant licenses to
deserving applicants, and sets the minimum standards to be
observed by hotel and tourist accommodations.
Enforced primarily under the following Regs:
 Hotels and Tourist Accommodation Act (Commencement) Order,
1997.
 The Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act, Chap. 285, R.E.
2000
 Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act (Variation of Rates of
Tax) Order 40 of 2005.
___________________________________________________________________________
Housing
Housing and Planning Department Responsibility for issuance of permits relating to shelter, planning
and development control functions.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste Management
Authority Act Hazardous Waste Regulations, 2009
Electricity
Office of Electricity Controls and regulates the energy sector in Belize
Airfields and Air Transportation
Belize civil Aviation department Regulates air traffic in Belize including inspection, approval, and
licensing of airfields
Buildings
Belize Central Building Authority Regulates the building construction industry in the country including
vetting of plans, approval and oversight of building construction
 Belize Building Act 2003
 Belize Building (Amendment) Act, No. 2 of 2005
Public Health
Public Health Bureau Monitors water quality and investigates threats to the public health.
The Public Health Act, Chaps. 40 and 40S, R.E. 2000 and 2003
addresses liquid and solid waste disposal and other issues relating
to public health. The Act also grants the Ministry of Health authority
in addressing public health issues and related complaints,
monitoring of sewage and solid waste, and prosecution of public
health offenders. In addition, all persons handling food for public
consumption are required to have a food handler’s certificate. The
Act also gives the Ministry responsibility for general sanitation and
pollution including control of mosquitos and control over drains.
Pesticides
Pesticide Control Board Responsibility for the implementation of the Pesticide Control Act
and regulates the use of pesticides
 Pesticides Control (Amendment of Schedule) Order No. 27 of
2005,
 Pesticide Control (Amendment) Act, 2002
 Pesticides Control (Sale and Confiscation) Regulations, 1998,
No. 71
 Registered and Restricted Pesticides (Registration)
(amendment) Regulations, 2003 no. 18
 Registered and Restricted Pesticides (Manufacture, Import and
Sale) (Amendment) Regulations, 1996 No. 30
 Registered and Restricted Pesticides (Registration) Regulation,
1995 No. 77
Surface Water Resources
National Hydrological Service Surface water measurements and data collection
The developer commits to complying with all legal and regulatory issues relevant to the project.
The precise interpretation of how this compliance should be achieved resides with the regulatory
agencies themselves and cannot be determined by the developer. It is for this reason that the
issuance of the first draft of the ECP is always followed by keen negotiations between the
regulatory agencies and the developer before a final agreement of the actions necessary to
demonstrate project compliance can be achieved.
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3.7 Permits/Licenses
The legislative review indicates that various activities included in the construction and
operational phases of the project will require the granting of permits or licenses before those
activities could be implemented. Table 3.3 provides a summary of the main licenses or
permits that would be required by the project.
Table 3.3: Permits/Licenses Required
Activity License/Permit/Instructions Permitting Agency
Required
Pre-construction
Commence Development Environmental Clearance Dept. of the Environment
Land Filling Extraction of Material Permit Geology & Petroleum Dept.
Mangrove alteration Mangrove Alteration Permit Forestry Dept.
Construction of overwater structures National Environmental Guidelines on Dept. of the Environment
Overwater Structures
Permission to Sub-divide Sub-division permits Land Utilization Authority
Lease of seabed for construction of Land Lease Lands and Survey Dept.
overwater structure
Construction of pier, berthing Pier and Berthing Facilities Permit Lands and Survey Dept. / Port
facilities and walkways over seabed Authority
and marina
Boat transportation Boat License/Captain’s License Port Authority
Importation of building/household Import Permit Ministry of Finance - Customs and
material, furniture, etc. Excise Dept.
Construction of Structures Building Permits Belize Building Authority
Extension of Airport Building Permits and Clearances Civil Aviation. Lands and Survey
Dept.
Post-construction
Operate Resort Resort License Belize Tourism Board
Hiring foreign workers Work Permit Labour Dept.
Food preparation Food Handler’s Certificate Public Health Dept.
Operation of Marina License to operate a marina Port Authority
License to discharge effluents Effluent License Dept. of the Environment
Permit to import Pesticide (if Pesticides must be a Registered Pesticide Control Board (PCB)
pesticide is intended to be imported Pesticide in Belize
directly by investor)
Permit to import grasses or Import permit Belize Agricultural Health Authority
fertilizers (BAHA)
Permit to operate an airstrip and Permit/Special Permit Civil Aviation/National Security
land sea planes
Storage of Petroleum Product in Permit Ministry of National Security
Bulk
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SECTION B:
THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT
(COVERING AREAS WITH POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE
PROJECT)
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4.0 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT - FLORA AND

FAUNA

(Corresponding to Part B, Section 1.0 in the ToR)
FLORA AND FAUNA

 Collect baseline data (field study) on the terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna; rare,
endangered species and commercially valuable species within or in areas adjacent to the
project site. This should provide a baseline using adequate methodologies to compare
results before, during and after operations from which to detect any changes in the
abundance and vigor of the species due to this development.
 Provide a general description of the methodology used to collect baseline data this is to
include the date, time, GPS coordinates and area (s) surveyed.
 Describe the terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora within the area of influence and near
the project site. This would include, where applicable, forest, river corridors, wetlands,
biological corridors, protected areas and cultural sites.
 Identify and map the main habitat types and prepare target notes on areas of interest with
lists of species of flora and fauna identified in the field and their conservation value, giving
particular attention to any species protected under Belize law.
 Estimate the acreage and type of vegetation within the development site designated for
removal, taking into consideration the establishment of appropriate buffer zones along all
permanent water bodies. Use detailed maps of ecosystems to show areas to be used that
eventually will need restoration.
 Identify any species of conservation significance (threatened and endangered species),
and mitigation measures required for the protection of these species within the project site.
 Highlight measures that could be taken to enhance the habitat and biodiversity value of
the project area.
 Map terrestrial habitats at 1:15,000, including vegetation cover, natural drains, etc. This
should incorporate clear indicators of percent cover and habitat composition and health,
areas of impact, loss of forest cover and make reference to loss of environmental goods
such as carbon.
 Describe mitigation measures including an environmental management plan to be
implemented to reduce or offset the adverse impacts.
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4.1 Introduction
The terrestrial component of the project area is relatively small at 115 Ha, and heavily modified
by human activity, however the surrounding marine areas is more expansive with large areas of
relatively intact ecosystems. These ecoregions support a number of important ecosystems such
as sea grass beds, coral reefs, mangroves and terrestrial wetlands which support a rich diversity
of life forms.
During the EIA process, extensive field investigations were undertaken between March 15 to 19,
2007 and again on April 20 to 21, 2017 to better understand the ecosystems and to establish a
baseline to determine the current state of the ecosystem in order to measure future change
potentially arising as a consequence of project activities.
4.2 Methodology
The formulation of research methods and the terrestrial and marine field investigations were led
by the following team leader/expert viz:
Name Qualifications Expertise
Allan Herrera MSc Natural Resource Management Terrestrial flora and fauna / biodiversity
specialist
George Myvette MSc Marine Biology Marine ecosystem specialist
A. Terrestrial Areas
Vegetation – The investigation of vegetation within the project area begun with a desktop study
to determine the main ecosystem types and their location relative to the proposed project
activities. The ecosystems map for Belize produced under the “Central America Ecosystems
Mapping Project for Central America” was a key reference resource. The map identifies 85
terrestrial ecosystems in Belize using the UNESCO classification system (Meerman 2001).
Although the map is useful for identifying ecosystems at the landscape level, ground
investigations are critical for revealing smaller ecosystems that are present within the broader
ecosystems and do not show up on the maps e.g. small waterlogged wetland systems in areas of
poor drainage.
The methodology chosen for the study of vegetation diversity is a modified version of the
Whittaker vegetation plots. Study plots were established within the main ecosystem types in
random areas to eliminate subjective bias. At least 2 plots were established within each of the
various ecosystems found on the island. The plots were smaller than the standard 1ha square
plots normally used; however, this was compensated for by having more plots. The plots were
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established within 10-60m from the lines and measured 0.1ha (50m by 20m). The main plots
contained 2 smaller subplots measuring 20m by 5m (see Appendix 6).
Within the subplots all trees greater that 5cm were measured and within the larger plot all trees
greater than 10cm dbh were measured using a dbh tape. The focus was mainly on recording
species diversity and to record species of conservation importance or which are important to
wildlife for food and reproduction. All plot locations were GPS located/mapped for future
reference, and marked using flagging tape.
Wildlife–Wildlife was monitored opportunistically during the vegetation surveys and every
attempt made to associate habitat type with the resident wildlife population. Since the habitats
on Caye Chapel are for the most part heavily modified and open it was relatively easy to observe
wildlife by sightings and wildlife association in terms of tracks, vocalization, nests and roost sites.
The team also tried to identify plant species within the various habitat on which wildlife were
shown to have a close feeding/foraging dependence or used for nesting and roosting and which
may be negatively impacted from project activities. A range of wildlife species were investigated
across various taxas including indicator species of habitat quality. Where possible the focus has
been on valued ecosystem components including species abundance and distribution and habitat
quality which is more meaningful to conservation management purposes than a mere list of
species.
Finally, the team investigated the potential for project impacts on wildlife habitats with particular
focus on species of conservation concern. Both biotic and abiotic factors were considered in
determining project impacts and mitigation measures were especially focused on specialist
species which are more susceptible to habitat change.
Study Limitations – In view of the small area of Caye Chapel the island was thoroughly covered
in 4 days of field research; however the studies do not take into account seasonal variation;
nevertheless, the timing of the studies in March showed that the island is an important stop over
for migrant waterfowls and other avian species.
B. Marine Areas
Various methodologies are available for conducting marine ecological baseline surveys however
some methods have gained wide currency with the Belize environmental community for research
in our marine areas whereas other methods are openly advocated as preferred by national and
international marine research organizations. Table 4.1 provides general concepts and
considerations for the standard survey methods used in ecological impact assessments studies and
applied in this study to determine the condition of the marine ecosystems in the project area.
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Table 4:1 Field methods and equipment for marine surveys.
CHARACTERIZATION OF MARINE FLORA AND FAUNA
Subject Purpose Methodology Output/Results
Method Procedure
Finfishes Finfish Method adopted by Australian Institute of Process entails replicates along 30m transect running Record of numbers,
abundance Marine Science Long-term Monitoring perpendicular to shoreline of the Caye…In this case need approximate sizes, and
and Program of the Great Barrier Reef (AIMS for 10 to be surveyed which were spaced approximately species of fish with
diversity LTMP); as well as the Global Coral Reef equidistant around the island…Method entails 2 output to be analyzed.
Monitoring Network; and Reef Check snorkelers working in tandem: One snorkeler tasked with
Program. laying down the transect and the other for snorkeling the
transect and doing a visual census of all fishes within a 2
Entails determining number and type of fish m visual span of the transect…Care taken to avoid
along predetermined path – size estimates double counting of individual fishes…Size estimates were
also integrated into process. also needs to be recorded for individuals counted.
Applying Simpsons Diversity Index to results Mathematical treatment of Simpson’s diversity equation: Diversity Index from the
of transect survey. D = ∑n (n – 1) cumulative results.
N (N – 1)
Where n = number of fishes of given species and
N = Cumulative Sum
Macro- Percent Point Intercept Transect (PIT) is a medium- Procedure entails laying out 10 - 50 m Transects roughly Output entails data on
Algae algal and scale monitoring method adopted by Reef equidistant intervals at the site. These locations are percentage algal
and seagrass Check (www.reefcheck.org) and Reef Keeper determined by GPS for future reference in regarding the cover…Apart from
Seagrass cover (www.reefkeeper.org). monitoring phase of the development…The transect line gross algal or seagrass
is 30m ¼” polyethylene rope weighed down at 1 m cover information must
Entails observation and recording of objects at intervals by lead weight …Everything at each 1 m interval also include individual
pre-determined intervals along specific path or are to be recorded on underwater slates for subsequent species of algae or
Transect line…Requires documenting macro- analysis…This would normally include macro-algae, seagrass.
flora, as well as abiotic substrate such as sand cyanobacteria, coralline algae, macro-algae and
and rocks. seagrass, as well as abiotic substrate.
Algal Deployment of Visual Quadrat in conjunction Primary equipment entails 1m2 Quadrat that is divided Outputs include macro-
density with Line Intercept Transect (LIT)…Method into 25 cm2 squares…Quadrat is deployed randomly algal and seagrass
adopted by Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef along 30m Transect Line…Process repeated once per densities, as well as
Assessment (AGRRA) Program and Transect to the effect that sampling entails two (2) proportion of abiotic
Commission de l’Ocean Indien (COI) Quadrats per Transect…Estimation of abundance of seafloor in the form of
Program…Requires deployment of gridded macro-algae and other biota per 25 cm2 and sand, mud, rocks etc.
quadrat of predetermined or known dimension subsequently for the 1 m2 Quadrat are determined.
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CHARACTERIZATION OF MARINE FLORA AND FAUNA
Subject Purpose Methodology Output/Results
Method Procedure
and the recording of the number of individual
fronds or blades in the case of sea grasses.
Coral Coral LIT (Line Intercept Transect) entails Two divers mark 5 X 20m transects at given reef site. Output will be
Status Cover and documenting the amount of live coral cover on Transect line is tightly stretched near to the seafloor and cumulative area of
Diversity a given portion of reef as well as the various anchored at both ends by ¼” rebar steel…Lay graduated cover described by
species of corals. Line intercept Transect measuring tape in alignment with transect…Measure all corals, algae, seagrass
gives a two-dimensional view of the reef. In organisms falling along the path of the tape, recording and substrate, including
this case it will be combines with CIT (Chain also the transition point where organisms, substrate and substrate type
Intercept Transect) which gives a measure of growth form changes…This exercise is followed by going
the ‘Rugosity’ or three-dimensional structure of over those parts of the transect with reef formations with
the reef…Method adopted by GCRMN (Global the ⅛” flexible chain and tracing the contour of all
Coral Reef Monitoring Network) structures above the horizontal plain of the tape…All
species and substrate must be recorded including live
and dead coral formations
Applying Simpsons Diversity Index to results Mathematical treatment of Simpson’s diversity equation: Diversity Index from the
of transect survey. D = ∑n (n – 1) cumulative results.
N (N – 1)
Where n = number of fishes of given species and
N = Cumulative Sum
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The methods involved both quantitative and qualitative survey approaches viz:
(i) Qualitative reconnaissance (spot-check) dives - Prior to conducting a detailed survey

of an area, initial ‘spot-check’ dives are commonly conducted within the identified
survey area to identify locations of coral assemblages (and composition of hard and
soft corals) and fish species.
(ii) Quantitative surveys - Quantitative information such as species richness and diversity,
abundance and density were obtained by the transect method which was applied as
follows:
 Line Intercept Transect Method - The Line Intercept Transect is one method used
to assess the sessile benthic community of coral reefs. The community is
characterized using life form categories, which provide morphological description
of reef community. These categories are recorded on data sheet by divers who swim
along lines, which are placed roughly parallel to the reef crest (if present) at depths
of 3 metre and 10 metres at each site, dependent on the extent of reef development.
It is a reliable and efficient sampling method for obtaining quantitative percentage
cover data.
 Belt transects – quadrat - Quantitative assessment of coral cover and sea grass can
be carried out with the use of frame quadrats laid along transects. Survey work was
carried out in situ with the surveyor recording percentage cover of coral species
within each quadrat.
4.3 Caye Chapel Flora

Except for the southern one third of the island almost all of Caye Chapels natural vegetation
has been removed by previous developers and replaced with horticultural plants to enhance the
aesthetic appeal of the site. In addition, Hurricane Earl seems to have had significant effect on
the shoreline and benthic environment where wave effects have exposed tree roots, washed
away the beach and wrecked infrastructure.
Notwithstanding this most of the island is covered in green spaces which support a rich tapestry
of avian wildlife.
4.3.1 Ecosystems within the Project Area

The various ecosystem types on Caye Chapel are shown in Figure 4.1. For simplicity, the
natural vegetated areas are divided into 6 zones which are described below as follows:
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Figure 4.1: Ecosystems Map of Caye Chapel.

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a) Zone 1: Coconut Orchard - This zone consists primarily of coconuts planted for aesthetic
appeal however within this general region are many landscape species and ornamentals
especially along the access roads and near to buildings (see Plate 4A. Insert 1). Common
species include Sea Grape, Physic Nut, Zericote, Hibiscus, Australian Pine and scattered
Button Wood mangroves among others. With landscaping maintenance cut down to
minimal levels other invasive species have taken root including Bur locally known as
Golden Plum Seed weed. Coconut orchard dominate in the far northern portion of the
island and in a narrow strip along the east coast and to the west of the airfield where they
sometimes grow in thick groves and selectively thinned for enrichment planting in other
parts of the island (see Plate 4B. Insert 3).
The open type vegetation (northern tip) also contains shrub type Mimosoids, family
Fabaceae and isolated button wood (Conocarpus erecta) stands. Towards the central
portion coconut stands become more predominant but a few stands of sea grape,
(Coccoloba uvifera) family Polygonaceae and ornamentals such as Jatropha (Jathropha
curcas), almond tree (Terminalia catappa) have been established. Most of the ground
surface have native graminoid cover with a few shrub-type floristic species such as
Rabbit’s paw (Family Compositae, Wedelia spp), 2 species of Morning glory (family
Convolvulaceae, Merremia and Ipomea spp) and one specie of the family Apocynaceae
(broad-leaf vine possibly Rhabdadenia spp) that are all restricted to sandy coastal areas
and cayes.
A few species of floristic plants have been introduced for landscaping purposes (see Plate
4A. Insert 4), namely: Oleander (family Apocynaceae), Ixora (family Rubiaceae) and
Hibiscus (family Malvaceae) and Periwinkle (Cathatanthus roseus).
Most of the ground surface is dominated by graminoids, some of which are native and
others introduced. Interspersed within this area are occasional Turtle Weed (Batis
maritima) and Sea Lavender (Tournefortia gnaphalodes), Beach creeper (Canavalia
rosea) and the more abundant Distichlis spicata. Other plants included Sesuvium
portulacastrum, Suaeda linearis, Cakile lanceolata, Suriana maritima, and in very
marshy areas Cladium jamaicenses. Besides the graminoids several runner type
leguminous plants (family Fabaceae) were noted covering the ground surface. In the
Portulacaceae family one specie of Portulaca oleracea (Purslain/purslane), probably
introduced, was noted growing in the central portion. Running vine plants included
occasional Passiflora suberosa and clusters of Rhabdadenia biflora (See Plate 4B, Insert
2) and Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae).
b) Zone 2: Isolated Mixed Forest Stands – Near the northern tip of the island there is a small
mangrove stand consisting of Button Wood (Conocarpus erectus) covered with
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Insert 1: View of Coconut Orchard area. Insert 2: View of large cluster of Beach Morning Glory
(Ipomoea pes-caprae) in midsection of the island.
Insert 3: View of cattail (Typha domingensis) clogging drain. Insert 4: Manicured area near villas
Plate 4A: Aspects of vegetation types and communities found on Caye Chapel.
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Mangrove Vine (Rhabdadenia spp) and interspersed with Coconut (Cocus nucifera).
There is also a small area of forest bordering the area currently used to dispose of solid
waste and which currently screens the area from other common areas on the island and
lies within a bermed area made of earth materials. Common species within this area
include Sea Grapes (Coccoloba uvifera), Sea Almond (Terminalia catappa), Governor
Plum (Flacourtia indica) and Guava (Psidium guajava).
c) Zone 3: Golf Course Lawn Area– The golf course comprises the largest portion of the
island and is characterized as consisting mostly of treeless open space (see Plate 4B.
Insert 1) interspersed by numerous ponds some of which are thickly bordered by sedges
of the species (Typha domingensis). Within the general area are isolated Coconut trees
(Cocus nucifera), Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) and Zericote (Cordia
dodecandra) family Boraginaceae.
Constant maintenance of lawn in the golf course area has provided opportunity for other
introduced species of the family Poaceae to capitalize on space from the northern most
point up to the central portion of the island. Graminoid species such as Andropogon,
Seashore Paspalum and Bahama or Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp) are well established
and enhances aesthetics of the lawn. Blutaparon vermiculare is common in this area (see
Plate 4C. Insert 2).
One grass specie which can be invasive and noxious (Cenchrus echinatus – sand burr)
was noted growing in small patches. This grass can be very offensive to both people and
animals because of the structural adaptation it has evolved with, stiff prickles on the seeds.
It is easily dispersed by humans and animals as the seeds attach to clothing or on animal
hair/fur. Another graminoid specie of concern recorded is a relative of “nut grass” (Family
Cyperaceae, Cyperus and Rhyncospora spp), one that can out compete other plants,
especially in gardens.
d) Zone 4: Conifer Stand – This zone is essentially an extension of zone 3, however it differs
in form and structure consisting of dense clumps of Australian Pine (Casuarina
equisetifolia) with open space in between clumps. Sea Purslane (Sesuvium
portulacastrum) is common in this area (see Plate 4C. Insert 4).
e) Zone 5: Mangrove Stands - Immediately to the northeast, east and south of the airfield
are healthy stands of mangroves which thrive in the swampy low areas bordering the
ponds. Typical species are Red Mangroves which dominate in the inner zone around the
ponds and Buttonwood which dominate the outer zone. Tree growth is thick and luxuriant.
This habitat is also described as “seasonally wet swamp forest” sometimes functioning
with the effects of inter-tidal wave and the wetland (marsh) phenomenon. The vegetation
is dominated by red mangrove, black and white mangroves to a lesser degree. Mangroves
are a significant component of many cayes such as “drowned cayes”; those that are
literally inundated all year round (re: Habitats – H. Lee Jones et al). Mangroves are one
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of the most productive ecosystems sharing a variety of mutualistic relationships with other
marine organisms. Besides being essential in stabilizing coastlines, it serves as important
nurseries for a variety of fish species.
Zone 6: Ponds and Drainage Ditches – Caye Chapel is rich in manmade ponds which
span most of the length of the island and comprise a valuable water reservoir and drainage
basin for surface runoff. Ponds vary in size with some the size of a tennis court while
others especially in the south can cover many acres. Associated with the ponds are large
drainage ditches. Many of the ditches and margins of the ponds are covered in a thick
layer of Cattail sedges (Typha domingensis) with some emergent red mangrove which it
appears current management is trying to suppress. To the south, the ponds are surrounded
by luxuriant mangrove stand which provides cover for many species of wading birds
especially migrants and ducks (See Plate 4C, Insert 1).
Typha domingensis is a serious pest and invasive species on the island which aggressively
root in moist marshy areas and spread by its root (See Plate 4A, Insert 3). On Caye
Chapel the plant is clogging up the drains and preventing the growth of other more
desirable species, however when it grows along the margins of the ponds it is probably
playing an important role in preventing erosion along the banks while providing cover for
wildlife species especially ducks and wading birds which show a tendency to use only
those ponds that have a thick and high vegetation buffer.
Other ponds located closer to the central portion of the island, along its length have seen
the establishment or reclamation with red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). The water in
these ponds have considerable amounts of detritus that support important micro-organism
activity to promote biomass breakdown.
Typical plant species can vary but not limited to emergent grasses, sedges, rushes and
cattails. The other associated species present that can tolerate saline waters is button wood.
On the higher reaches of the tidal zone, 1 Myrtaceae specie was recorded (Eugenia
aeruginea); known to thrive in seasonally wet forest and produces succulent fruits for
birds. Thick scum grows on the surface of the southern ponds (see Plate 4B. Insert 4).
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Insert 1: View of grassed over golf course area. Insert 2: Thick patch of Rhabdadenia biflora.
Insert 3: Dense coconut grove often used as seedbank for Insert 4: View of thick algae scum growing on mangrove
enrichment planting. pond.
Plate 4B: Aspects of the Ecosystem Types found within the Project Area.
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Insert 1: Vigorous mangrove stand east of airfield. Insert 2: Blutaparon vermiculare are common along the
west shore.
Insert 3: Typical view of grassy area with invasive Insert 4: Specimen of Sea Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
graminoids along western beach area. found growing in beach area.
Plate 4C: Aspects of the Ecosystem Types found within the Project Area.
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4.3.1 Vulnerable or at Risk Vegetation and Habitats

The National Protected Areas System Plan (NPASP) and the National Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plan calls for the protection of ecosystems that are at risk, or that are not well represented
within the National Protected Areas network. Most of the terrestrial ecosystems found within the
project area have been heavily modified or completely transformed by man save for the mangrove
forests to the south of the island and the 2 large natural ponds. As a result of selective removal
of forest and replacement by preferred ornamental and landscape species overall plant
biodiversity is very low.
Although the mangroves present on the island have good representation within the region and in
other areas of the country, some of it under statutory protection it should not elude the developer
of the important role they play in the local ecosystem. Mangrove forest at the end of the island
to the south and west of the airstrip reach are the only ones to reach down to the coastline. The
dense network of mangrove roots provides shelter for these organisms and the heavy deposit of
organic matter contributes to local food chains within the ecosystem. Additionally, the prop roots
of mangroves provide a crucial solid substrate for the early developmental stages of the brown
shrimp (Penaeus astecus), and the spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus) – study done by Simpson –
“History of the Fauna”, Webb – “ Eco-geography”.
This specie is adapted uniquely for life in super saturated soils, salt tolerant with convergent
adaptation to salt-water balance and control of water loss. It is an ecosystem that supports habitat
to the reef because it traps sediments and provides adequate spawning sites for several marine
fish species.
4.4 Wildlife and Fisheries

Despite its limited landmass, Caye Chapel still maintains representative samples of its original
ecosystem and vegetation types especially in the southern portion of the island. The marine
ecosystem also demonstrates a considerable degree of functionality. Although most of the
original flora has been replaced by coconut orchards and landscaped grass lawns, several
important bird species were noted using the island as foraging sites on their migratory route. In
turn, the new landscaped areas have attracted their own population of colonizing residents
although with far reduced biodiversity.
4.4.1 Terrestrial Fauna
Caye Chapel with its altered habitats does not provide optimal habitats for wildlife species. In
addition, it is also likely that the recent Hurricane earl has had some (if unquantifiable) effects on
local wildlife populations most likely in terms of temporary displacement. Notwithstanding
this, the area serves as an important staging area for overwintering birds especially for well-
known water fowls.
A general discussion of the main wildlife groups of the project area follows.
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(i) Mammals – During the site visits efforts were made to document the presence of any
wildlife along the beach, roads, landscaped and forested areas. No mammal species were
documented over the monitoring period and local staff cannot recall sighting any on the
grounds, nor were tracks and scat normally associated with mammals found. It is quite
likely the natural habitats which can provide cover are too small to be viable and the larger
open areas are too disturbed and lacking in cover to support wildlife populations.
(ii) Reptiles and Amphibians – Similar to the experience with mammals the field team had
little luck documenting reptiles and amphibians noting very little evidence of their presence.
Only 3 species of reptiles were recorded. These included the Black Iguana (Ctenosaura
similis) which was common throughout the site especially near the buildings and airfield.
Also recorded were 2 species of Anole, which included the Brown Anole (Norops sagrei)
and Lesser Scaly Anole (Norops uniformis). It is important to note that these lizards change
their diet with age. Juveniles consume mainly insects but plant material is also an important
part of the diet. Adults occasionally prey on insects, lizard eggs of their own specie, rodents,
birds, even bats (Ref: Julian C. Lee – Amphibians and Reptiles of the Maya World).
Anoles are predominantly diurnal and arboreal but some are semi-arboreal and terrestrial.
Both species feed on leaf litter invertebrates but the Brown Anole will consume other small
anoles including its own species. It is also primarily a human commensal, rarely found far
from areas of human disturbance ( Ref: Julian C. Lee – Amphibians and Reptiles of the
Maya World).
Amphibian were surprisingly absent even though on first impression the numerous ponds
and large drains and near lack of predators would tend to favor their existence at the site.
One key factor may be the fact that some of the ponds had high salinity levels while others
were slightly brackish. It is quite likely that amphibian species would not be able to tolerate
these salinity levels (see water quality readings for inland ponds (sites 13 to 18 in Chapter
5, Section 5.4).
(iii) Avifauna – The birdlife within the project area is known to be quite vibrant and robust with
up to 350 species identified throughout the area. The lowland broadleaf and riparian forest
has the highest overall species diversity, the highest proportion of rarer species and the
greatest diversity of Nearctic migrants followed by a significant margin by the pine
savannah ecosystem, the alluvial forest, calcareous hills and secondary vegetation. A
significant number of these birds are northern migrants (up to 20%) or transients (2%)
depending on the season. See Appendix 7 for an unannotated bird list of the project area.
Avian biodiversity in the area benefits from the presence of both migrants and residents in
a roughly equal equilibrium during the winter months (see Plate 4.D and 4E). This
increases the importance of the site as a refuge and sanctuary despite limited landmass and
ecosystem types. A total of 47 bird species represented within 26 families was recorded in
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open disturbed habitat, wetlands/marsh, open water, inland pond and mangrove forests.
Birds in the family Parulidae (warblers) were found foraging in both open disturbed area,
(concentrated from the northern to the central portion of the caye) and littoral forests
adjacent to the wetlands located in the southern portion.
Wading birds (family Ardeidae), water fowls (family Anatidae), were concentrated in the
southern portion of the caye where the habitats remain much more pristine. Members of
species such as Black-necked stilts (family Recurvirostridae), White Ibis and Roseate
Spoonbill (family Threskiornitidae) were foraging in wetland/marsh habitat. This
observation confirms that the surrounding ecosystem still maintains the ability to support
avian biodiversity and important terrestrial and aquatic food chains.
In the family Pandionidae, one Osprey was found nesting on a Casuarina tree, demonstrates
a healthy marine ecosystem that provides adequate foraging site to secure reproduction. The
Osprey feeds mainly on fishes which it catches with well-developed talons. Though there
are both resident and migrant species in Belize, this Caribbean sub-species (Pandion
haliaetus ridgwayi) inhabits coastal lagoons and cayes.
(iv) Invertebrates–A separate study on terrestrial invertebrates was not conducted during this
study even though invertebrates (especially phytoplankton and zooplankton) are becoming
increasingly important in biological investigations as an indicator group to monitor water
quality, especially water pollution from industries. This is due to the fact that the habitats
are in the main already heavily disturbed and would be colonizers adapted to living in
disturbed area and not representative of species living in dynamic natural environments.
It is quite possible that with the new development including its ambitious program for site
rehabilitation that species of families such as Odonata and Lepidoptera will colonize the
area and benefit from the horticulture and landscaping. These species are a good indicator
of habitat quality and are often used as indicators to measure the effects of forest
disturbances.
4.4.2 Habitat Association of Terrestrial Fauna
Open Shrub-type Vegetation - The golf course area has seen the inclusion of small ponds and
large drainage ditches that are in essence extension of the ponds and mimic miniaturized “wetland
systems” in their functions. As such they act as isolated micro-habitats and enhance water fowl
and wading bird foraging site. These are dominated by thick stands of “fox tail” grass (Family
Poaceae, possibly of the genus Setaria). Such aquatic tall grass habitat is favored by important
but elusive bird species such as American Bittern, Least Bittern, Pinnated Bittern and Grebes.
These bird species maintain an equilibrium among wetland macro-invertebrate and a few benthic
organisms that support aquatic biological interactions and relationships.
Human Altered Habitat/Coconut Orchard - This portion maintained as lawn and dominated
by mostly coconut stands covers more than 30 percent of the island from east to west coast.
___________________________________________________________________________
Several stands of Casuarina (Cipres), family Casuarinaceae are established along the shoreline.
At least two ponds (possibly the result of human intervention) are reclaimed with red mangrove
stands and provides excellent foraging and roosting site for both Yellow-crowned Night Heron
and Green Heron.
Though this area always has human activity, bird species such as the Tropical Mockingbird,
Orange Orioles, Great-tailed Grackles, Chipping Sparrow and White-winged Dove are adopted
to coexisting with humans and were found foraging on landscape trees.
Mangrove and Wetland Marsh - These are located in the southern portion of the island within
the confines of “littoral forests”, indicating both physical and biological interdependency. The
connectivity of this habitat to mangrove/Littoral type forests supports high biodiversity in both
micro and macroscopic organisms especially those that share important symbiotic relationships.
Such sites serve as perfect “staging points” for migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico,
comparable to “staging points” of shorebirds in the Delaware Bay, New Jersey. “Staging
points/sites” are places where bird species make critical “stop overs”, refuel (by becoming
hyperphagic) and continue their migration journey to the breeding sites.
Important bird species associated with this habitat are those in the families Ardeidae (Herons,
Egrets, and Bitterns), Scolopacidae (Stilts, Sandpipers, Curlew, etc.), Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules,
Crakes and Coots), Threskiornitidae (Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills) and the family Ciconidae (Storks
and Jabiru).
___________________________________________________________________________
Top right, Great Blue Heron near the northern end of Caye
Chapel.
Bottom left, Nesting pair of Common Black Hawk found near
existing villas.
Bottom right, Colony of Baird’s Sandpiper along the east shore.
NB: All pictures photographed between February and May 2017.

Plate 4D: Examples of birds encountered during the field assessments.
___________________________________________________________________________
Top right, Blue Winged Teal feed in ponds near the airfield.
Bottom left, Roseate Spoonbills are common in the southern
ponds.
Bottom right, Black necked Stilts use the southern ponds on their
winter migration.
NB: All pictures photographed between November 2013 and March 2014.
Plate 4E: Examples of endangered animals encountered during the field assessments.
___________________________________________________________________________
4.4.3 Marine and Freshwater Fauna

4.4.3.1 Aquatic Environment
The project site is located on the outer margins of the Barrier Platform and as such is dominated
by oceanic processes. The only relevance of the project to the freshwater environment is in
relation to excavated ponds on the island that have been designed as ‘Golf Traps’. These ponds
have been flooded by the previous owner sometime in the past and stocked with native freshwater
finfish stocks. This makes the freshwater stocks a subject of relevance and that must be assessed
in the overall characterization efforts of the exercise. Save for this aspect of the development, the
major focus in assessing the aquatic ecological status of the area relates to the marine
environment.
A. Marine Ecosystems
The team conducted extensive field investigations to determine the ecosystems and species
diversity within the Caye Chapel marine area. Figure 4.2 shows the locations of the sampling
sites used in the field surveys. The three (3) major tropical shallow water marine ecosystems are
present at the proposed project development site. These are the seagrass, coral reef and mangrove
ecosystems. The seagrass ecosystem in terms of its area extent and productivity is the most
important marine ecosystem in the area – this is followed by the coral reef ecosystem and the
mangrove ecosystem.
The limited contribution of the mangrove ecosystem to marine productivity and biodiversity is a
function of the land reclamation and infrastructural development over time that has reduced the
absolute geographic area occupied by mangrove wetlands. Developmental modifications have
also restricted the distribution of mangroves to the extent that they are currently confined only to
the extreme south and southwestern fringes and an isolated wetland on the mid-southern reaches
of the island. The isolation of this wetland from the surrounding sea has in effect eliminated any
tidal flushing or ‘exportation’ of production biomass to the wider marine environment.
The only coral reef within the project’s zone of influence is a relatively small Patch Reef
immediately adjacent the south-eastern shore of the caye. Apart from this reef system the only
other coral growth in the zone of influence is on a shallow bar off the southwestern end of the
island. These were minor elements in the seagrass dominated environment.
B. Mangrove Ecosystem
The only mangroves relevant to marine productivity and diversity were located at the extreme
southern and southwestern extremes of the island. The dominant species was the Red Mangrove
(Rhizophora mangle) – this was followed by the Black Mangroves (Avicennia
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 4.2: Marine ecosystems map and location of sampling dive sites.
___________________________________________________________________________
germinans). No White Mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) were identified in this area during
the field survey. The mangroves on the southern and southwestern extreme of the island were
low-lying and in effect reflective of an ‘overwash’ forest where the root system is permanently
inundated. There was a mangrove bogue or creek running in an east-west direction with it entrance
on the eastern side of the caye.
C. Coral Reef Ecosystem

The patch reef off the southeastern end of the island was dominated by boulder corals (See Plate
4F. Inserts 1, 4, 5 & 6). The dominant species were the Brain Corals, including the Giant Brain
Coral (Colpophyllia natans), the Grooved Brain Coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis) (See Plate 4F.
Inserts 4 & 6), as well as the Massive Starlet Coral (Siderastrea siderea) (See Plate 4F. Insert
5 & Plate 4G. Insert 10).
The exclusive presence of boulder coral growth forms and the absence of digitating forms such
as the Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis) or the Club Finger Coral (Porites porites) are an
indicator of the high energy nature of the environment. This is particularly so when wave energies
are at their greatest during either north-easterlies or south-easterlies, which expose the area to the
largest ‘fetch’. During the field survey by the Nextera Team the wind was blowing from the
northeast at 10 – 15 knots. This was sufficient to produce a significant swash and surge which
resulted in the suspension of sediments and turbid conditions. The relatively high turbidity of the
area during heavy sea-states would be a significant contributor to the poor health condition and
geographically limited extent of the reef.
Live Coral Cover for the area, which is an indication of reef health, was only 2.2% (See Table
4.2). This puts the reef in ‘Critical Heath’ Category of the Reef Health Index, as defined by the
organization Healthy Reef Initiative (HRI) in its 2015 Report. Most of the reef tract sampled was
hard bottomed (See Appendix 8) un-vegetated bare sand (47.3%), followed by dead corals
(20.1%) and macro-algae (15.6%). The ratio of live to dead corals on the patch reef is 1:9 (See
Table 4.2).
Some aspects of the erosion and poor condition of the reef are shown in Plate 4F. Inserts 1, 3, 5
& 6. Over 90% of the reef is severely eroded. It may be seen from these photos that much of the
degraded reef and rubble are colonized by attached as well as independently standing macro-algal
fronds. This may be an indicator that another stressor for the system is nutrient enrichment - this
would however need to be verified over time in the post EIA approval monitoring phase.
___________________________________________________________________________
Insert 1: Wide variety of Boulder form Insert 2: Typical stretches of denuded and
corals on patch reef. algal dominated tracts of reef.
Insert 3: Boulder coral greatly degraded by Insert 4: Christmas Tree Worm embedded
disease. in Giant Brain Coral.
Insert 5: Eroded Massive Star Coral. Insert 6: Grooved Brain Coral and
Mustard Hill Coral.
Plate 4F: Coral formations in project area.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 4.2: Coral Cover – Mini Patch Reef off south-east of Caye Chapel.
Env. Factor Species Coral Cover Other Coral Cover Other
Cover (%) Cover
Live Dead (Linear) Live Dead (%)
Un-vegetated Sand 35 ft 3 47.3
Seafloor ins
Sea Grass Turtle Grass 4 ft 5.3%
(Thalassia testudinium)
Macro-algae Halimeda 11 ft 15.6%
(Halimeda spp.) 7 ins
Rough Bubble Algae
(Dictyosphaeria
cavernosa)
Coral Rubble Coral Rubble 8 ft 10.8%
Reef Mountainous Star Coral 6 ins 11 ft. 0.7% 15.4

Building (Siderastrea siderea) 6 ins %
Corals Finger Coral 5 ins 0.5% -
(Porites porites)
Brain Coral 9 ins 3 ft 6 1.0% 4.7%
(Diploria strigosa) ins
Cumulative Live Coral Cover 1 ft 8 15 ft 2.2% 20.1
ins %
Ratio live to dead corals 20 ins:180 ins 1:9
One surprising and to some extent counter-intuitive aspects of the patch reef was the abundance
and diversity of finfishes. This superseded by far the situation in the other two (2) ecosystems.
D. Sea Grass Ecosystem
Seagrass ecosystem were found in 95% of the project area however the area coverage is
considerably less than this (See Appendix 8). The most prolific and productive seagrass
ecosystem occurred within a radius of 400 yards from the shoreline off the northeastern portion
of the caye, to about 500 – 600 yards off the northern portions of the caye and for a radius of
about half mile off the entire western side of the caye. The most prolific growth in terms of
seagrass density and length of the grass blades was off the extreme south and southwestern end
of the caye, as well as the northern extreme between Caye Chapel and Caye Caulker.
___________________________________________________________________________
Insert 7: Cohort of Smallmouth Grunts and Insert 8: School of Bar Jacks.

Spiny Lobster.
Insert 9: Small mouth Grunt, school master Insert 10: Cohort of Schoolmaster Snappers
snapper and Slippery Dick at lower left with Sergeant Major in backdrop.
frame
Insert 11: Southern Stingray on seafloor Insert 12: French Angelfish juvenile.
Plate 4G: Typical fish species in project area.
___________________________________________________________________________
Beyond the 400 yards radius from the shoreline off the northeastern portion of the caye, the area
gave way to a mixed zone of sparse seagrass, macro-algae and denuded seafloor which was a mix
of hard-bottom compacted calcareous ‘pavement’ or bedrock and unconsolidated sand.
In quantitative terms, seagrass cover varied from 43% in the vicinity of the patch reef, to 83% off
the southern tip of the island. The mean average seagrass cover was 68% (See Table 4.3).
Over 90% of the seagrass along the transect lines sampled were the Turtle Grass (Thalassia
testudinium), the remainder was the only other species of seagrass found in the area, the Manatee
Grass (Syringodium filiforme) [See Appendix 8, Tables 1 – 6].
The seagrass density or count per unit area varied from 450 – 2,000 blades M-2with an average
mean of 1,320 blades M-2 (See Table 4.3). The importance of this is as a baseline for the post EIA
Approval Monitoring Phase.
The seagrass beds were also invested with a range of macro-algal species. These ranged from
Halimeda (Halimeda spp.), to Chrondria (Chrondria spp.), and Small Brown Branching Algae
(Dictyota divaricata), as well as the Feather Algae (Caulerpa sertularioides) and the Green algae
(Acanthophora spicifera) [See Plate 4H. Inserts 16 & 17, as well as Appendix 8, Tables 1 – 6].
Table 4.3: Summary of seagrass and macro-algal cover and abundance density.
Location Percentage Cover Abundance Density
(No. Blades/Fronds
M-2
)
Coordinates Description Seagrass Macro Seagrass Macro-
-algae algae
16Q0389090 Mini Patch Reef off Northeast of 43% 3% - -
UTM1956034 Caye
TR #1
16Q0389872 Off mid-east coast of caye 67% 23% 450 M-2 50 M-2
UTM1957056
TR #2
16Q0389754 Off northern point of caye 97% 3% 1,700 M-2
UTM1958828
TR #3
16Q0389006 Off south point of caye 83% 13% 2,000 M-2 200 M-2
UTM1955213
TR #4
16Q0389752 Off mid-west point of caye 53% 37% 1,650 M-2 250 M-2
UTM1958821
TR #5
16Q0389165 Off upper west side of caye 67% 30% 800 M-2 60 M-2
UTM1956799 adjacent staff kitchen
TR #6
MEAN - 68% 18% 1,320 M- 140 M-2
2
AVERAGE
___________________________________________________________________________
Seafloor cover by macro-algae ranged from 3 – 37 % with an average mean of 18% (See Table
4.3). The highest cover and abundance was off the mid-southwestern side of the island where the
seafloor was hard, shallow and in a sheltered environment.
4.4.3.2 Species Presence and Diversity
A. Marine Finfishes
The greatest abundance and diversity of species in the marine environment was associated with
the patch reef off the southeastern portion of the Caye. These ranged from various snapper species
through the wrasses and grunts, and included the Schoolmaster Snapper (Lutjanus apodus), the
Dog Snapper (Lutjanus jocu) and the Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis), as well as the White
Grunt (Haemulon plumier), the Caesar Grunt (Haemulon carbonarium) and the Smallmouth
Grunt (Haemulon Chrysargyeum) (See Table 4.4 and Plate 4G. Inserts 7, 9 & 10). The wrasses
observed during the field survey included the Bluehead Wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum), the
Yellowhead Wrasse (Halichoeres garnoti) and the Slippery Dick (Halichoeres bivittus) (See
Table 4.4).
During the rover diver survey to determine the full range of species present and their abundance,
over 37 species of finfishes were observed (See Table 4.4).
The species diversity calculated for the patch reef was 0.27 (See Table 4.5) which is relatively
high and indicative of a productive and diverse ecosystem. This Species Diversity Value is an
important baseline for the Post EIA Approval Monitoring Phase of the project.
Several Sport Fishing Vessels were seen fishing in the area of the patch reef during the field
survey. This would be due to the abundance and range of species associated with the area. Much
of the fish associated with the patch reef were juveniles.
Table 4.4: Rover diver survey – frequency of occurrence of finfishes.

Species Frequency
Common Name Scientific Name
Schoolmaster Snapper Lutjanus apodus Frequent
Dog Snapper Lutjanus jocu Occasional
Mutton Snapper Lutjanus analis Rare
Silk Snapper Lutjanus vivanus Occasional
Lane Snapper Lutjanus synagris Rare
Yellowtail Snapper Ocyurus chrysurus Frequent
Gray Snapper Lutjanus griseus Rare
White Grunt Haemulon plumier Occasional
Blue striped Grunt Haemulon sciurus Dominant
Caesar Grunt Haemulon carbonarium Frequent
Smallmouth Grunt Haemulon Chrysargyeum Abundant
Porkfish Anisotremus virginicus Occasional
___________________________________________________________________________
Doctor Fish Acanthurus chirurgus Occasional

Princess Parrotfish Scarus taeniopterus Frequent
Striped Parrotfish Scarus iseri Frequent
Queen Parrotfish Scarus vetula Rare
Blue Parrotfish Scarus coeruleus Rare
Gray Angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus Rare
French Angelfish Pomacanthus paru Rare
Brown Chromis Chromis multilineata Occasional
Blue Chromis Chromis cyanea Occasional
Sergeant major Abudefduf saxatilis Frequent
Bi-Color Damselfish Stegastes partitus Rare
Yellow head Wrasse Halichoeres garnoti Occasional
Bluehead Wrasse Thalassoma bifasciatum Rare
Pudding wife wrasse Halichoeres radiatus Rare
Slippery Dick Halichoeres bivittus Occasional
Squirrelfish Holocentrus ascensionis Rare
Neon Goby Gobiosoma illecebrosum Rare
Spotfin Butterfly fish Chaetodon ocellatus Occasional
Blue Runner Caranx crysos Frequent
Permit Trachinotus falcatus Frequent
Bar Jack Caranx ruber Frequent
Blue Tang Acanthurus coeruleus Occasional
Yellowfin Mojarra Gerres cinereus Abundant
Southern Stingray Dasyutis americana Occasional
Nurse Shark Ginglymostoma cirratum Rare
Key: Rare ˂ 5 Occasional = 5 – 10 Frequent = 11 – 20
Abundant = 20 – 50 Dominant ˃ 50
___________________________________________________________________________
Insert 13: Snorkeler in mid-distance Insert 14: Snorkeler collecting data to

following transect line. determine ‘Seafloor Cover’ using 1 M2
Quadrat
Insert 15: Pelican in mid-distance feeding on Insert 16: Feather Algae collected from
‘Sprats’ or Anchovies seagrass bed along path of transect
Insert 17: Green algae collected from Insert 18: Small brown branching algae
seagrass bed along path of transect collected from seagrass bed within quadrat.
Plate 4H: Typical fish species in project area.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 4.5: Marine Fish Survey – Abundance and Diversity Determinations.

Species Nos. n(n-1) N(N-1)
Common Name Scientific Name
Schoolmaster Snapper Lutjanus apodus 15 210
Dog Snapper Lutjanus jocu 5 20
Mutton Snapper Lutjanus analis 4 12
Gray Snapper Lutjanus griseus 2 2
White Grunt Haemulon album 8 56
Blue striped Grunt Haemulon sciurus 76 5,700
Caesar Grunt Haemulon carbonarium 14 182
Doctor Fish Acanthurus chirurgus 5 20
Princess Parrotfish Scarus taeniopterus 2 2
Blue Parrotfish Scarus coeruleus 4 12
Gray Angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus 1 0
Brown Chromis Chromis multilineata 5 20
Bi-Color Damselfish Stegastes partitus 2 2
Yellow head Wrasse Halichoeres garnoti 7 42
Squirrelfish Holocentrus ascensionis 3 6
∑n(n-1) 6,286
N 153
∑N(N-1) 23,256
Species Diversity ∑n(n-1) = 6,286 0.27
N(N-1) 23,256
B. Freshwater Fishes
Apart from the marine finfishes, a number of native freshwater stocks were associated with caye
based ponds or golf traps. These species were introduced, save and except possibly for the Scaled
Herring or ‘Shad’ (Harengula jaguana) and the Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) (See
Table 4.6), which were said to have been introduced from the storm surge associated with
Hurricane Earl in mid-2016, which flooded the lower lying areas of the caye, including the
southern ponds. All the other species were introduced as a part of the golf course development.
These included the Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), the Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus)
and the ‘Stone Bass’ or Stripped Mojarra (Eugerres plumier).
The most abundant freshwater stocks were the Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus).
These were found throughout the full range ponds on the caye. The various size classes of the
various species in the ponds (See Table 4.6) were an indicator that these fishes have established
breeding populations.
___________________________________________________________________________
The relevance of the investigative work on the freshwater species on the caye was to establish the
range of species present and to evaluate how these might impact the ecology of the surrounding
seas within the context of the proposed project. There is no developmental activity that should
result in the release or introduction of these species or stocks to the surrounding seas. Thus, there
is little or no threat of any species/species interaction between the caye based stocks and those of
the surrounding seas.
Table 4.6: Fish sampling results – ponds on caye.

Pond Fish Species Number Comment
No. Sampled
Common Name Local Scientific Name
Name
#1 Mayan Cichlid Crana Cichlasoma 5 2 Adults, 3 Early
urophthalmus Juveniles
#2 Tarpon Tarpon Megalops atlanticus 4 Mid- Juvenile
Mayan Ciclid Crana Cichlasoma 3 Early Juvenile
urophthalmus
Striped Mojarra Stone Bass Eugerres plumieri 3 Early Juvenile
Scaled Sardine Shad Harengula jaguana 1 Adult
#3 Striped Mojarra Stone Bass Eugerres plumier 7 Adv. Juveniles
Mayan Cichlid Crana Cichlasoma 1 Mid-Juvenile
urophthalmus
#4 Common Snook Saltwater Centropomus 1 Adv. Juvenile
Snook undecimalis
Tarpon Tarpon Megalops atlanticus 1 Adult
Mayan Ciclid Crana Cichlasoma 3 Mid-Juvenile
urophthalmus
#5 - - - 0 Burnt Rushes &
Shallow
#6 - - - 0 Shallow
Southern most
#7 Mayan Ciclid Crana Cichlasoma 5 1 Adult
urophthalmus 4 Adv. Juveniles
#8 - - - - Rush Pond
#9 Mayan Ciclid Crana Cichlasoma 1 Early Juvenile

urophthalmus 95% Rush Pond
#10 Mayan Ciclid Crana Cichlasoma 36 Adv. Juveniles
urophthalmus
#11 - - - 0 Rush Pond
C. Macro-Invertebrates
There was an uncharacteristic sparsity of macro-invertebrate in the area. The only marine macro-
invertebrates observed during the field survey were roughly a dozen Spiny Lobster (Panulirus
___________________________________________________________________________
argus) retreating under a coral overhand (See Appendix 8 and Plate 4G. Inserts 7) and a
collection of exhausted valves or shells of the Faust Tellin (Acraphagua fausta), which is a
bivalve in the same location (See Appendix 8 and Plate 4G. Inserts 7). Absent particularly from
the reef and seagrass beds were familiar epi-benthic forms such as the Queen Conch (Strombus
gigas), the Starfish or Cushion Star (Oreaster reticulatus), the Giant Anemone (Condylactis spp.),
the Sea Egg or West Indian Sea Urchin (Tripneustes ventricosus) and the Donkey Dung Sea
Cucumber (Holothuria mexicana). Given that there is no pre-existing baseline, this should be an
area flagged for Post EIA Approval.
The complete absence of epi-benthic macro-invertebrates may be a function of environmental
conditions. Fishers have long reported that the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) buries in the
substrate during Cold Fronts or Northerlies – this as mentioned previously was the prevailing
condition during the marine field surveys.
The only attached invertebrate seen during the seagrass survey was the Fire Sponge (Tedania
ignis) and the Clubbed Finger Coral (Porites porites).
4.4.4 Vulnerable or at Risk Wildlife and Habitats
(i) Terrestrial
The faunal species within the terrestrial portion of the project area includes important habitats
supporting species of national and/or international conservation concern. Most important are the
wetland ponds with their associated drainage channels and marshes some of which are only
seasonally inundated. This wetland ecosystem of ponds, swamps and marshy “micro habitats”
are important feeding grounds for both resident and migratory wading birds
It is also a temporary staging site for a few migrant and transient species of shore birds in the
family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, phalaropes, snipes, yellowlegs, etc.) that migrate further south.
These wetland micro habitats also contain fish and other aquatic species that are heavily preyed
upon during the dry season as some of the more seasonal ponds dry out. As development
proceeds elsewhere, the habitats for these birds are being systematically reduced.
Notable bird species that are restricted to coastal cayes such as Caye Chapel identified during the
study included: Bananaquit (sub-specie Coereba flaveola caboti), Orange Oriole (family
Icteridae) that possibly does short distance migration locally to the cayes. Both Cape May Warbler
and Palm Warbler (family Parulidae) are uncommon transients and occasional winter visitors on
cayes but are seldom recorded on the mainland.
Additionally, resident species such as the Mangrove Cuckoo (family Cuculidae) that are very
uncommon except along coast and lowland waterways, require further ornithological study to
determine exact status. These formerly bred on a few northern cayes and still occur as occasional
migrants, but now possibly extirpated as breeding species on cayes – Ref: H. Lee Jones et al –
Birds of Belize Field Guide.
___________________________________________________________________________
(ii) Marine
Benthic Flora - The lagoonal ecosystems within the Caye Chapel region range in complexity
from bare sand, through mixed algae succession to mixed small seagrass (Halodule wrighti,
Syringodium filiforme), on to Turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum). The seagrass varies in the
intensity of their coverage ranging from sparse (30% coverage) to dense (70% coverage).
Seagrass is an important habitat for a number of commercially important species including the
Spiny Lobster which bring in considerable revenue to the local fishing industry.
In addition, sea grass in the lagoonal area is a critical habitat for juveniles of a wide variety of
fish species including members of the grunt (Pomadasyidae), Snapper (Lutjanidae), and Parrotfish
(Scaridae) family which are fished commercially in reef habitat. Other important species are
Yellowtail (Ocyuris chrysuris), Lane (Lutjanus synagris), and especially Mutton Snappers (L.
analis).
Coral Reef Ecosystems - The reef offshore Caye Chapel is extensive, with a major break through
the so called “Caye Chapel Channels”. The channels have significant patch reefs with lesser
patch reefs found scattered throughout the lagoon area including a small patch reef adjacent to
the existing villas.
The reef within the project area has been damaged over the last decade and a half by coral
bleaching and a series of hurricanes. Although some species of corals appear to be more affected
than others, the reef has recovered over time and is in a successional phase. The general consensus
within the scientific community is that coral bleaching appears to be a recurrent event triggered
by changes in water temperature which itself is being brought about by incipient climate change.
Several marine reptiles and mammals listed as critically endangered are known from the area
including Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green Sea
Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and West-Indian Manatee
(Trichechus manatus).
Before the establishment of the nearby Caye Caulker Marine Reserve (CCMR) some endangered
species such as Goliath Grouper (Epinephalus itijarra), Nassau Grouper (E. striatus) and a variety
of snapper (Lutjanidae) and Grunts (Haemulidae) were in decline, however management now
claim that populations have rebounded with good representation through all size classes.
The Caye Caulker Marine Reserve (CCMR) lies immediately to the north of Caye Chapel and
protects many important marine ecosystems including coral reefs and sea grass beds. It is
considered a repository of many endangered marine species and habitats. The developers and
future management of caye chapel will need to work closely with the managers of the reserves to
ensure that the management area is respected. Figure 4.3 shows the location of the marine reserve
relative to Caye Chapel.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 4.3: Location of Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve relative to Caye Chapel.
___________________________________________________________________________
5.0 WATER RESOURCES

(Corresponding to Part B, Section 2.0 in the ToR)
 Determine the projected water needs for the entire development (construction and
operational phases including drinking water supplies, domestic/household supply,
irrigation of landscape, etc.). Discuss measures to be taken fresh water conservation.
 Project the volume of freshwater for the overall tourism component including golf course
and overwater structures and indicate its proposed source.
 Project the overall freshwater needs for the residential subdivision.
 Project the volume of freshwater needed for the overall marina component and its
proposed source.
 Using recognized scientific methodologies, establish a baseline on the water resources of
the project area. This baseline should include water quality assessment of the groundwater
and surface waters of the project site and zone of influence. The baseline should include,
at a minimum, the following parameters:
Temperature; Dissolved oxygen (surface & Conductivity
below surface, a.m. and p.m.)
pH Total suspended solids (TSS); Sulphates;
Total dissolved solids (TDS); Hardness; Total Nitrate (as N03- N);
Total Phosphate; Salinity Faecal Coliform
E. coli; Enterococci Chlorophyll
 Temperature, pH, salinity, dissolve oxygen, conductivity, TSS, TDS, and chlorophyll
will be conducted in the field and the remainder to be conducted by an independent
water quality consultant.
 Provide a description of the recognised scientific methodology used to collect baseline
data including equipment used, personnel involved (name and expertise), date, time,
area where date was collected, and method used. Provide justification for the
methodology used.
 Assess all sources of water supply, quality and quantity, paying special attention to
determine the safe maximum sustainable yield it can provide.
 Given the results from above, evaluate at least three (3) alternatives for the provision of
water supply for the entire development.
 Identify the preferred option for water supply required for project development, based
on environmental grounds. Where the recommended water supply source is ground
water, a proper pump test on the aquifer must be conducted. Specify any residual
___________________________________________________________________________
impacts of meeting water needs through this option, their significance, and any
mitigation measures to be undertaken.
 Provide an inventory of other users in the zone of influence with respect to the selected
water supply source and identify any impacts thereon and mitigation measures to be
undertaken.
5.1 Introduction
As a high end tourism and residential resort access to good quality water resources is of paramount
importance. A significant amount of water will be required during the construction phase
however the operational phase will be by far the highest consumer of water. Most of the water
consumed during this phase will be for the irrigation of the golf course with amount of
consumption varying by season, however significant amounts will also be consumed by the
welfare facilities.
Most of this water will be used for personal hygiene, cooking, bathing, laundry, and other
domestic and maintenance usage including washing of equipment. Large amounts will also be
consumed for the maintenance of the swimming pool, and for the filling of the numerous ponds
during the dry season.
5.2 The Baseline Situation
Currently Caye Chapel’s potable water requirements is provided by 2 separate but complementary
reverse osmosis systems which are powered by the same generators that serves the rest of the
island (see Figure 5.1). It follows to reason that the system only functions when the generators
are running which in a period of reduced services and austerity currently averages about 5 hours
per day or as necessary based on water consumption.
The existing reverse osmosis systems are operating below full efficiency due to deficiencies in
maintenance and at the present time can only process about 1,240,000 gallons of water per day of
which 310,000 gallons is potable water and 930,000 gallons is released as brine concentrate.
Water for the reverse osmosis system is drawn from 2-40foot deep wells which are located
adjacent to and immediately south of the reverse osmosis plant (see Plate 5.A, Bottom Left).
The water then passes through a sand filter before entering a scrubber where sulfur is stripped
from the raw water stream to improve smell and taste. Desalinated water is stored in 2 large
concrete tanks located under the workers dormitory building. The capacity and intended usage is
as follows:
___________________________________________________________________________
Top right, View of facilities inside the RO plant.

Bottom left, View of one of the 2 raw water abstraction
pumps.
Bottom right, Outlet for release of concentrated brine along
sea wall.
NB: All pictures photographed March 2017.

Plate 5.A: Views of the existing RO system on Caye Chapel.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 5.1: Schematic of existing RO water supply system.
 235,000 gallons of potable water,

 276,000 gallons for irrigation of golf course and common areas.
In addition, the system also includes 4 large 15,000 liter (4000 gallon) black storage tanks
which are located to the rear of the desalination plant and which acts as backup during
maintenance periods for the RO plant (see Figure 5.1). Concentrated brine is released into
the sea at the sea wall immediately in front the workers dormitory (see Plate 5.A).
In the past, the golf course was irrigated with water taken from the pond behind the reverse
osmosis building. In the rainy season the pond is replenished by natural rainfall, however
during the dry season the pond is topped up with water from the RO system. Currently
drinking water is imported into the site in 5-gallon containers.
5.3 Anticipated Water Consumption levels

A. Construction Phase
During the construction phase water will be required mainly as an input into the construction
process. This will fall mainly into the following categories:
___________________________________________________________________________
 water for mixing of concrete,

 cleaning and servicing of equipment,
 Staff and construction workers drinking and sanitary requirements,
 Cleaning,
 Irrigation of newly planted rootstock
B. Operational Phase
It is very difficult to make projections on water consumption at this stage since numerous untested
assumptions must be made about the pace of the development, hotel occupancy rates, the uptake
of villas for private residences and the tendency of many expatriates to only spend part of the year
(the coolest months) in country.
The following information presented below draws from a Power and Water Analysis conducted
in February of 2016 by exp. U.S. Services Inc. Of Maitland, Florida USA for the new conceptual
development plan proposed for Caye Chapel. Subsequent to the time this analysis was conducted,
there have been a few changes to the conceptual plan. However, much of the analysis and
information remains relevant and quite useful (Appendix 15).
In accordance with this report, the following are considered reasonable occupancy rates based on
experience elsewhere in Belize and the Caribbean at luxury resorts of this caliber (see Table 5.1).
In the Table, the developers have factored in an additional 10% safety factor in the calculations.
Table 5.1: Expected hotel and estates occupancy rate.

MONTH HOTEL/MEMBERS ESTATES
Expected Rate for Expected Rate for Calculations
Occupancy Calculations Occupancy
JAN 55% 65% 45% 55%
FEB 65% 75% 35% 45%
MAR 75% 85% 25% 35%
APR 68% 78% 25% 35%
MAY 60% 70% 10% 20%
JUN 35% 45% 10% 20%
JUL 35% 45% 10% 20%
AUG 35% 45% 10% 20%
SEP 35% 45% 25% 35%
OCT 50% 60% 25% 35%
NOV 60% 70% 35% 45%
DEC 70% 80% 45% 55%
The project is expected to have a 100-key hotel plus approximately 99 residential buildings and
15 marina members’ residences plus other residential buildings, condos and casitas. At an
___________________________________________________________________________
average of 1.9 persons per key and 2.5 persons per residences including the marina community
the total maximum non-staff population will be about 1885 persons each using an average of
about 300 liters of water per day. In addition, there will be about 476 to 500 staff for a total
maximum population of about 2000+ people on Caye Chapel. Tables 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 gives the
total expected water consumption for the main areas of the development and facilities including
the staff requirements (150L per person per day) and equipment maintenance needs including
washing and domestic use.
In addition to this, the developers expect to undertake aesthetic improvements to the golf course
which has fallen into disuse. Chief among the inputs will be the reintroduction of an irrigation
scheme for the golf course. The developer believes that an 18hole golf course operating under
Belize’s climatic conditions would consume about 2,649,500 liters (700,000 gallons) of water per
day or over twice the present output.
5.4 Potential Water Sources

It can be seen from the forgoing that the development will have significant water demands beyond
the capacity of the current installed system. Beyond quantity, the water supply system must be
reliable and able to provide water of the required quality and at the least cost. The developer has
looked at the following options to supply water to the site:
 Importation from Caye Caulker - Caye Caulker is currently supplied with potable water
via a reverse osmosis system installed on the island. The system has reliably produced
high quality potable water for the needs of the island residents since July 2010. It is
possible for Caye Chapel to connect into this system and route water pipes under the
narrow channel separating the two islands.
 Extraction from Freshwater Lens – All large islands like Caye Chapel has a potential
fresh to brackish water resource consisting of a lighter fresh water lens floating above the
denser saltier layer.
 Expansion of the existing RO System - Caye Chapel now has many years of valuable
experience producing potable water from its installed RO systems. In addition, much of
the infrastructure already exist to store and route this water around the island. It is
conceivable that the RO system could be expanded and reinforced to supply higher
volumes of treated water within an expanded storage system.
 Hybrid system – This system would use a combination of sources for water with a new
more efficient RO system at its core but supplemented by rainwater catchment, treated
water from the waste water system and during the rainy season catchment from the inland
ponds of which several run the length of the island.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 5.2: Hotel and ancillary facilities expected water usage.

MONTHLY ESTIMATED WATER USAGE [AVERAGE GPD]
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Irrigation 21,079 21,079 21,079 21,079 21,079 0 0 0 0 21,079 21,079 21,079
Purified Water 15,195 17533 19,871 18,118 16,364 10,520 10,520 10,520 10,520 14,026 16,364 18,702
(PW)
WC Flushing 1,076 1242 1,407 1,283 1,159 745 745 745 745 993 1,159 1,324
Air Conditioning 7,259 8037 9,436 11,251 12,340 12,751 11,614 11,614 12,001 10,162 9,001 7,259
Subtotal 44,609 47890 51,793 51,730 50,942 24,016 22,879 22,879 23,266 46,261 47,603 48,364
Total
Table 5.3: Marina and back of house facilities expected water usage.
MONTHLY ESTIMATED WATER NEEDS [AVERAGE GPD]
Irrigation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
P.W 128 148 168 153 138 89 89 89 89 119 138 158
WC Flushing 67 77 87 79 72 46 46 46 46 61 72 82
Air Conditioning 3,310 3,664 4,303 5,130 5,627 5,814 5,296 5,296 5,472 4,634 4,104 3,310
Subtotal 3,505 3,889 4,558 5,363 5,837 5,949 5,431 5,431 5,607 4,814 4,314 3,550
Total
Table 5.4: Common areas (estate) water usage.

MONTHLY ESTIMATED WATER NEEDS [AVERAGE GPD
Irrigation 9,150 9,150 9,150 9,150 9,150 0 0 0 0 9,150 9,150 9,150
P.W 6,549 5,358 4,167 4,167 2,381 2,381 2,381 2,381 4,167 4,167 5,358 6,549
WC.Flushing 422 346 269 269 154 154 154 154 269 269 346 422
Subtotal 16,121 14,854 13,586 13,586 11,685 2,535 2,535 2,535 4,436 13,586 14,854 16,121
Total
___________________________________________________________________________
5.4.1 Preferred Option for Water Supply

As mentioned above, the system chosen for the site must be robust enough to supply the
substantial water needs of the site while being able to meet an elastic demand of high quality
potable water at an affordable price.
The potential exists to import water from Caye Caulker however the high water demands of the
development would put severe pressure on the islands limited capacity. In times of limited supply
Caye Caulker residents may also object to using this water for irrigation of the golf course among
others. In addition, relying on Caye Caulker deprives the development of control over their water
supply and limits opportunities and incentives for innovative measures to conserve and recycle
water as well as to develop an indigenous supply.
Caye Chapel has a known but unquantifiable freshwater lens that could potentially be tapped
during the rainiest months, however the draw down on this water would defeat the purpose of
watering the golf course since it would be depleting the available supply to plants with high
probability of contaminating the freshwater lens due to salt water intrusion.
Caye Chapel could add significant additional capacity to the existing RO system; however, it
would come at substantial environmental and financial cost in terms of additional power
requirements which at least in the short term would come from thermal generators.
The operational phase of the project calls for the complete replacement of the old and somewhat
obsolete RO plant with a new high efficiency RO system as part of a hybridize system on the
other hand, allows the developers to tap into additional water resources while using the RO system
to make up the deficit. In this approach, the developer would collect rainwater from roof runoff
in the residential area and additional water from the ponds which collect surface runoff. In
addition, treated water from the waste water treatment system could be used for irrigation. These
measures would also reduce significantly the environmental impacts associated with the
operations of its RO system and brine disposal. In addition, the disposal of brine by means of a
deep well (150 feet deep) injection system will be an improvement to the current brine discharge
system.
In view of the many advantages in utilizing the water resources available at the site and the
concomitant ability to protect the local environmental capital with least environmental impact the
hybridized system is considered the best option for the site. For this system, there are no other
identified water users within the projects zone of influence that can be affected since all potable
water are self-generated on the island from internal sources.
5.4.2 Expected Output Requirements and Operation of the Preferred Option
Table 5.5 gives the projected contribution of the various water sources in the hybridized water
delivery system. As can from the Table, the RO system remains at the heart of the system as the
main contributor of potable water, however a respectable input is made from the roof rainwater
collection system, the collection and use of rainwater runoff to ponds and reclaimed water from
___________________________________________________________________________
the waste water system. Figure 5.2 shows the configuration of the proposed hotel water supply
and cooling system with microturbines used for the supply of hot water while the HVAC system,
a large consumer of water is supplied by a RO system installed within the hotel area. Table 5.6
shows the main expected consumers of the produced water.
Figure 5.2: Proposed water supply and cooling system to hotel including cabanas.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 5.5: Monthly estimated water supply summary.
MONTHLY ESTIMATES WATER NEEDS {AVERAGE GPD}

Rain 31,054 17,191 13,309 16,045 22,182 68,763 77,636 66,471 66,471 48,800 41,258 33,273
Water
Collection
Storm 146,294 80,984 62,697 75,585 104,496 323,937 365,735 313,487 313139 229,891 194,362 156,744
water
drainage to
ponds
Treated 14,104 15,004 15,903 14,542 11,807 7,269 7,269 7,269 8,642 11,365 14,096 16,827
wastewater
Required 591,413 670,952 693,487 677,325 641,212 489,008 533,148 579,822
RO water
Table 5.6: Monthly estimated water demand summary.
MONTHLY ESTIMATES WATER NEEDS {AVERAGE GPD}

Irrigation 759,428 759,428 759,428 759,428 759,428 759,428 759,428 759,428
Potable Water 21,873 23,039 24,206 22,438 22,438 12,990 12,990 12,990 14,776 18,312 21,861 25,409
Use
WC Flushing 1,565 1,664 1,763 1,631 1,384 945 945 945 1,060 1,324 1,576 1,829
Total 782,865 784,131 785,397 783,497 779,696 779,064 782,864 786,665
___________________________________________________________________________
The projected consumption of water is probably on the high side since October is generally
considered a wet month in Belize while significant amounts of rain can also be expected in
November, December, January and to a lesser extent February (see Table 5.7). This would mean
significantly less irrigation than projected in Tables 5.6.
Table 5.7: Expected monthly rainfall within project area.

Month Average Monthly Rainfall Average Monthly Rainfall (in)
(mm)
January 140 5.5
February 70 2.8
March 60 2.4
April 70 2.8
May 100 3.9
June 300 11.8
July 350 13.8
August 300 11.8
September 290 11.4
October 220 8.7
November 180 7.1
December 150 5.9
Total 87.8
5.5 Baseline Assessment of Water Resources within the Project Area

The ToR requires the baseline assessment of water quality in the project area to establish a
benchmark or reference point against which future events including accidental release of
controlled substances can be compared. Additionally, there is the need to properly characterize
the water resources within the project area in terms of resource availability, the provision of
environmental services, current levels of use, and significance to biological communities.
The required water quality parameters for measurement are given within the ToR for this project
(see Appendix 1) and are reproduced in Table 5.8. Although most of the potable water used
during the project will originate from subterranean sources a significant water resource exists on
the surface in the form of numerous man-made ponds (see Plate 5.B, Insert 1, 2, 3 and 4).
About three quarters of the area of Caye Chapel has been raised by fill with spoils sourced
offshore mainly to the southwest of the island. Within this filled area, ponds of various sizes have
been dug out however in the south are 2 large natural ponds which formed when the land around
them were filled in. Stands of well-formed mangroves border these ponds.
___________________________________________________________________________
Insert 1: Small water storage pond behind the RO Plant Insert 2: Some ponds cover large areas and are significant
freshwater resource.
Insert 3: Ponds support a rich herbaceous community. Insert 4: This pond near the airfield is a haven for
migratory birds.
Plate 5B: Aspects of freshwater resources on Caye Chapel.

___________________________________________________________________________
Table 5.8: Water quality parameters identified for testing.
a) pH b) Total Faecal Coliform
c) E. Coli d) Enterococci
e) Dissolved Oxygen f) Conductivity
g) Total dissolved solids (TDS) h) Hardness
i) Total Nitrates (as NO3-N) j) Total Phosphate
k) Sulphates l) Total Suspended Solids
m) Salinity n) Temperature
o) Chlorophyll concentration
= Chemical and physical - In = Biological (Laboratory = Chemical and physical

field testing Testing (Laboratory Testing)
Besides their aesthetic appeal, the ponds are valuable habitat for wading birds and migratory
waterfowl which suggest an intact and functioning food chain. They also collect surface runoff
during the rainy season and are a valuable supply of water for irrigation. In the dry season, the
ponds are topped up as required with water from the RO system. Some ponds near the airfield dry
up completely during the dry season during which time they provide rich feeding opportunities
for aquatic birds especially migrants on their northbound journey in March and April.
Because these water bodies collect runoff from the land area they are an excellent indicator of
pollution on the island.
5.5.1 Water Quality of the Project Area
The quality or composition of the water at the project site is a function of the substrate over which
the water bodies flow, which is in turn a reflection of the geological history of the area. For open
water systems including marine areas chemical and biological properties are heavily influenced
by local anthropogenic uses and releases of substances into such bodies.
The waters of the project area are segregated into two (2) major classes based on major anions
present. Waters with saline influences, which are characterized by high chloride content,
dominates in marine areas. These include open water, estuaries, bays, mangrove swamps,
herbaceous saline marshes, as well as lagoons in close proximity to the sea.
___________________________________________________________________________
Saline waters generally range from mid-level salinities or “meso-haline” conditions, to almost
completely freshwater situations (Esselman and Boles, 2001). These saline conditions vary with
the season, with decreased salinities being experienced during the rainy season.
Inland on Caye Chapel the water resource consist of surface water in the form of numerous ponds
and groundwater. Water in the ponds and groundwater are replenished from surface runoff and
infiltration, however in drier months the freshwater lens depletes and saline influences dominate.
Over time, much of the land on Caye Chapel has been raised by developers using dredged fill
from offshore areas primarily deposits to the southwest of the island. These deposits are primarily
of calcareous origins rich in bicarbonate anions.
5.5.2 Methodology for Water Quality Testing
Water samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological properties using in situ and
ex situ procedures. Most of the physical parameters were assessed in situ using specialized
scientific equipment while samples for the remainder of the physical and chemical parameters
were collected, stored and transported to the Bowen and Bowen water testing facility in Ladyville.
Biological tests were carried out at the National Water Laboratory
The in-situ analysis was conducted using a YSI Professional Plus sonde and a YSI EXO 2 sonde
(see Table 5.9). The parameters measured are important for future reference if the need arises
for a more detailed discussion of the relationship between project activity and its implications for
fish and other aquatic life.
The remainder of the physical parameters and chemical parameters were taken to certified
laboratory named above for in-house analysis covering parameters such as phosphates, sulfates,
nitrates, hardness, and bacteria (including E. Coli, Total Coliform and Enterococci).
In all 18 sites were selected for water quality investigation of which 12 were from marine areas
adjacent to Caye Chapel and the remainder from terrestrial boreholes and open ponds which are
spread over the entire site (see Figure 5.3). All sites sampled were GPS for future reference and
to reduce future observer variability.
The following field information and water quality parameter was collected using the specialized
equipment named below.
Table 5.9: Water quality parameters investigated and field measuring instruments.
Measured Parameter Measuring/testing Instrument
Wind speed Kestrel 4000

Wind direction Compass
Air temperature Kestrel 4000
Water depth YSI EXO2 multi-parameter water quality sonde and
___________________________________________________________________________
Water temperature YSI Professional Plus Multi-Parameter Water Quality Meter

pH YSI Professional Plus Multi-Parameter Water Quality Meter
Salinity YSI Professional Plus Multi-Parameter Water Quality Meter
Conductivity YSI Professional Plus Multi-Parameter Water Quality Meter
Dissolved oxygen YSI Professional Plus Multi-Parameter Water Quality Meter
Turbidity - YSI EXO2 multi-parameter water quality sonde
- LaMotte Portable Turbidity Meter Model 2020we
Total Suspended Solids YSI EXO2 multi-parameter water quality sonde
Chlorophyll a YSI EXO2 multi-parameter water quality sonde
Ammonia, nitrate and chlorine sensors are available for YSI sondes however they are designed
only for fresh and slightly brackish waters and therefore were not used for the marine field
investigations. These parameters were measured in the B&B laboratory.
Where field testing equipment was available and the equipment used was of a high quality and
accurate and sourced from reputable manufacturers it was always preferable to extract the data in
the field under real life environmental conditions rather than taking samples to the laboratory
where results could be compromised due to contamination of sample containers, temperature
variation and time sensitive limits. Because of this imperative, the sampling team has sourced
equipment from reputable manufacturers such as the YSI Corporation, LaMotte, Kestrel, Extech,
Hach, Garmin and Lowrance among others for field use.
All other parameters not named in Table 5.9 was collected and taken to the laboratory with
appropriate quality guarantee for testing.
5.5.3 Procedure
The sample collection process was coordinated with the laboratory to ensure that the timeframe
between the collection of the samples and their subsequent testing would not compromise the
integrity of the results. All samples were collected at the surface to 1m down except dissolve
oxygen for which the ToR required collection of morning and evening samples at both the surface
(within 1 m of surface) and mid depth (3m). The samples were in general preserved by lowering
the temperature and ensuring that they were kept away from the influence of light. This was
accomplished by immersing the samples in ice in an all-weather and spill-proof Igloo Cooler with
lock-tight mechanism.
The sample volumes taken at the various sample location for each parameter was informed by
quantities and treatment procedures used in World Health Organization (WHO) procedures for
collection of open water samples from recreational waters. The physical protocol associated with
___________________________________________________________________________
the taking of the samples entailed the immersion and rinsing of the sample bottles three times
before the samples were drawn.
The laboratory procedures entailed the following:
 All samples that were analyzed for nutrients were vacuum filtered using filter paper No.
42, this was important given the fact that much of the samples had floating and precipitated
debris.
 For all the other parameters, two controls were established and one or two triplicate
samples were analyzed.
 All parameters that were tested complied with the required protocols established by the
Bowen and Bowen Laboratory and the National Water Laboratory (See Appendix 9).
The results of the in situ and ex situ water sample test are summarized in Table 5.11 along with
relevant atmospheric conditions at the time of sampling (see Table 5.10. The certified
laboratory results are given in Appendix 9.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 5.3: Water sample locations.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 5.10: In Situ sampling and relevant atmospheric conditions.
Date: March 21, 2017
Site(description): Monitoring sites cover key areas around the Caye Chapel coastline with high probability of disturbance from project activity.
In addition, 5 sites were selected covering key terrestrial areas from north to south. During the data collection process, a strong cold front had
just arrived from the northwest hence very heavy wave motion and high turbidity levels to the west and south of the island.
Investigators: Allan Herrera, Karim Myvette, Duane Garcia
Atmospheric Conditions
Weather in past 24 hours: Weather now:
_____ Storm (heavy rain) _____ Storm (heavy rain)
_____Rain (steady rain) _____ Rain (steady rain)
_____Showers (intermittent rain) _____ Showers (intermittent rain)
_____Overcast _____ Overcast
_√____Clear/Sunny ___√__ Clear/Sunny
Air Temperature: AM- 25oC PM – 27oC
Wind Speed: 10 - 22 km/h Wind Direction: Northwest
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 5.11: Summary field and laboratory test results.
Summary Field and Laboratory Water Quality Test Results

Station ID
Marine Sites Terrestrial Sites
Dissolve CC-1 CC-2 CC-3 CC-4 CC-5 CC-6 CC-7 CC-8 CC-9 CC- CC- CC- CC- CC- CC- CC- CC- CC-
Oxygen 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Surface 6.45 5.62 6.33 6.40 6.15 6.48 6.12 5.97 6.23 6.15 6.29 6.53 4.10 4.78 5.28 5.13 5.26 5.75
(1m) AM
Surface 6.87 5.78 6.42 6.44 6.20 6.47 6.15 6.12 6.33 6.21 6.29 6.54 4.08 4.72 5.33 5.12 5.14 5.63
(1m) PM
Mid Depth 6.38 5.60 6.24 6.40 6.10 6.41 6.10 5.92 6.18 6.11 6.30 6.47 NA NA NA NA NA NA
(3m) AM
Mid Depth 6.45 5.90 6.43 6.47 6.12 6.48 6.23 6.12 6.22 6.35 6.38 6.52 NA NA NA NA NA NA
(3m) PM
Station ID UTM Coordinates Water Sample Parameters
Total Phosphates (mg/l)

Total Nitrates as NO3-N
Total suspended Solids
Total Dissolved Solids

Temp-erature (oC)
Chlorophyll a mg/l
Sulphates (mg/l)
Hardness (mg/l)
Ammonia (mg/l)
Faecal Coliform
Salinity (ppm)
Conductivity
Enterococci
E. Coli
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
pH
Site CC-1 N 16Q-0389567 25.7 7.62 36.96 56587 4.3 0.11 **2235 ND **5600 0.02 26.7 37749 12 0 1
W 1958714
Site CC-2 N 16Q-0389577 25.5 8.38 36.66 56051 5.4 0.05 **2111 ND **5600 0.03 24.7 37481 4 0 0
W 1958317
Site CC-3 N 16Q-0389384 25.2 8.61 37.03 56043 5.7 0.06 **2225 ND **6250 0.02 23.6 38633 0 0 0
W 1957775
Site CC-4 N 16Q-03892183 25.0 8.72 37.26 56140 6.3 0.06 **2408 ND **5800 0.03 25.2 37956 0 0 0
W 1957022
___________________________________________________________________________


Temp-erature (oC)
Chlorophyll a mg/l
Sulphates (mg/l)
Hardness (mg/l)
Ammonia (mg/l)
Faecal Coliform
Salinity (ppm)
Conductivity
Enterococci
E. Coli
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
pH
Site CC-5 N 16Q-0389152 25.1 8.81 37.29 56211 4.8 0.04 **2497 ND **5800 0.02 26.7 38077 44 0 0
W 1956741
Site CC-6 N 16Q-0389133 25.7 8.80 37.19 56783 4.5 0.04 **2356 ND **5700 0.03 25.6 36747 92 0 0
W 1956302
Site CC-7 N 16Q-0388944 25.7 8.80 37.12 56703 5.8 0.02 **2603 ND **5500 0.02 26.3 37193 22 0 0
W 1955219
Site CC-8 N 16Q-0389303 24.9 8.87 37.22 55958 5.8 0.08 **1929 ND **6300 0.03 23.2 37922 116 0 0
W 1955208
Site CC-9 N 16Q-0389501 24.9 8.86 37.23 55912 7.0 0.02 **2209 ND **7250 0.03 24.8 37719 4 0 0
W 1955880
Site CC-10 N 16Q-0389846 25.5 8.86 37.23 56758 6.0 0.10 **2380 ND **6450 0.02 18.9 37641 0 0 0
W 1957047
Site CC-11 N 16Q-0389836 25.7 8.88 37.00 56228 5.9 0.06 **2414 ND **6350 0.02 21.3 36745 0 0 0
W 1957937
Site CC-12 N 16Q-0389858 25.8 8.93 37.31 57017 6.2 0.02 **2664 ND **5850 0.02 19.4 37617 76 0 0
W 1958495
Site CC-13 N 16Q-0389691 26.9 8.09 6.04 11145 5.8 0.14 198 **5.41 700 11.90 27.4 6581 0 0 0
W 1958475
Site CC-14 N 16Q-0389702 26.3 8.86 11.91 20567 1.6 0.04 92 0.11 378 5.63 16.5 13129 12 0 0
___________________________________________________________________________


Temp-erature (oC)
Chlorophyll a mg/l
Sulphates (mg/l)
Hardness (mg/l)
Ammonia (mg/l)
Faecal Coliform
Salinity (ppm)
Conductivity
Enterococci
E. Coli
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
pH
W 1957936
Site CC-15 N 16Q-0389721 24.3 9.29 1.39 2642 1.8 0.03 99 0.12 379 3.78 14.6 2435 98 0 0
W 1957295
Site CC- 16 N 16Q-0389663 26.0 9.30 1.78 3534 4. 0.03 898 0.53 2500 0.73 15.3 2253 >16 0 0
W 1956930
Site CC-17 N 16Q-0389566 27.5 8.54 14.31 24791 4.6 0.09 676 0.29 2250 3.90 16.1 15414 >160 0 0
W 1956360
Site CC-18 N 16Q-0389409 26.7 8.59 12.89 21969 2.1 0.03 757 0.29 2150 7.16 13.2 14266 0 0 0
W 1956089
ppm = Parts per million; ppt = Parts per thousand; mg/l = Milligrams per liter; ND = Below Detectable Limits NB:
Laboratory results excerpted from Appendix 9
___________________________________________________________________________
5.6 Discussion and Analysis

It is important to note that none of the sites where water is being sampled is being used for human
consumption, however the marine environment support a rich tapestry of marine life many of
which also thrive in estuarine areas. The terrestrial ponds support local and migrant wildlife and
act as a drainage and reservoir feature storing water for irrigation and aesthetic appeal. In addition,
the marine ecosystem of the project area is used for recreational purposes (fishing, swimming and
diving) by the local tourism industry and by local fishermen who fish on a subsistence and small
scale commercial basis.
Proper management of the water resources of the project area are important for a number of
reasons including:
1. Recreation for residents and visitors,
2. Fishing and diving,
3. Wildlife conservation and ecosystems management.
5.6.1 Guideline Values
In this study, the waters around Caye Chapel are used as recreational waters however under the
Effluent Limitation Regulations for Belize 2009 these waters are considered Class 1 waters
because they fit into one or more of the following criteria, viz;
 Waters containing coral reefs, seagrass beds or mangroves,
 Critical breeding, nursery or forage areas for aquatic and terrestrial life,
 Areas that provide habitat for species protected under the Protocol Concerning Specially
Protected Areas and wildlife to the Convention (SPAW Protocol),
 Waters used for recreation.
There is no single international standard for water quality that would cover all potential uses and
management prerogatives. Neither are there specific rules that can easily be applied to calculate
guideline values for chemical and biological contaminants in marine recreational waters.
Notwithstanding this, as long as care is taken in their application, the WHO Guidelines for
Drinking-water Quality (WHO, 1993, 1998) can provide a starting point for deriving values that
could be used to make a screening level risk assessment under specific circumstances.
WHO drinking-water guideline values relate to water ingestion and, in most cases, to lifetime
exposure. However, drinking-water guidelines may be related to recreational exposure since
bathers, swimmers and divers will inadvertently ingest some water (Mance et al. 1984). In
addition, the precautionary principle should always apply where level of exposure to wildlife by
contaminants has not been authoritatively established. A simple screening approach is therefore
that a substance occurring in recreational water at a concentration ten times that stipulated in the
drinking-water guidelines may merit further consideration.
___________________________________________________________________________
Safe levels for biological exposure are better established for such waters. The WHO guidelines
are among the most authoritative defining permissible limits in such cases. Table 5.12 presents
different international standards for drinking and recreational waters.
Unfortunately, coastal waters can be regarded as the ultimate pollutant sink for the by-products
of human activities. Pollutants entering recreational waters can have detrimental effects on water
quality which can have resultant negative impacts on human health.
Table 5.12: International standards for maximum allowable concentrations of selected

water quality variables for different uses.
Use Drinking water Fisheries and aquatic life
Variable WHO1 EU Canada USA Russia2 EU Canada1 Russia
Colour (TCU) 15 20 mg l-1 15 15 20
Pt-Co
Total dissolved solids (mg l-1) 1,000 500 500 1,000
Total suspended solids (mg l- 25 inc. of 10 or
1) 10%3
Turbidity (NTU) 5 4 JTU 5 0.5-
1.0
pH < 8.04 6.51-8.51 6.5-8.5 6.5- 6.0-9.0 6.0-9.0 6.5-9.0
8.5
Dissolved oxygen (mg l-1) 4.0 5.0-9.0 5.0-9.5 4.05-6.0
Ammoniacal nitrogen (mg l-1) 2.0 0.005- 1.37-2.26,7 0.05
0.025
Ammonium (mg l-1) 0,5 2.0 0.04-1.0 0.5
Nitrate as N (mg l-1) 10.0 10.0
Nitrate (mg l-1) 50 50 45 40
Nitrite as N (mg l-1) 1.0 1.0
Nitrite (mg l-1) 3(P) 0.1 3.0 0.01-0.03 0.06 0.08
Phosphorus (mg l-1) 5.0
BOD (mg l-1 O2) 3.0 3.0-6.0 3
Sodium (mg l-1) 200 150 120
Chloride (mg l-1) 250 251 250 250 350 300
Chlorine (mg l-1) 5 0.002
Sulfate (mg l-1) 250 250 500 250 500 100
Sulphide (mg l-1) 0.05
Fluoride (mg l-1) 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 < 1.5 0.75
Boron (mg l-1) 0.3 1.01 5.0 0.3
Cyanide (mg l-1) 0.07 0.05 0.2 0.2 0.07 0.005 0.05
(PP)
Trace elements
Aluminum (mg l-1) 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.005-0.17
Arsenic (mg l-1) 0.01 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.01 0.05
(P)
___________________________________________________________________________
Use Drinking water Fisheries and aquatic life

Variable WHO1 EU Canada USA Russia2 EU Canada1 Russia
Barium (mg l-1) 0.7 0.11 1.0 2.0 0.7
Cadmium (mg l-1) 0.003 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.0002- 0.005
0.00188
Chromium (mg l-1) 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.1 0.05 0.02-0.002 0.02-
(P) 0.005
Cobalt (mg l-1) 0.1 0.01
Copper (mg l-1) 2(P) 0.11-3.01 1.0 1 2.0 0.005- 0.002-0.0048 0.001
0.1128’9
Iron (mg l-1) 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.1
Lead (mg l-1) 0.01 0.05 0.05 0.015 0.01 0.001-0.0078 0.1
-1
Manganese (mg l ) 0.5(P) 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.5 0.01
Mercury (mg l-1) 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.001 0.0001 0.00001
Nickel (mg l-1) 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.025-0.158 0.01
Selenium (mg l-1) 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.01 0.001 0.0016
Zinc(mg l-1) 3 0.11-5.01 5.0 5 5.0 0.03- 0.03 0.01
2.08,10
Organic contaminants11
Oil and petroleum
products (mg l-1) 0.01 0.1 0.05
Total pesticides (µg l-1) 0.5 100
Aldrin & dieldrin (µg l-1) 0.03 0.7 4 ng l-1
dieldrin
DDT (µg l-1) 2 30.0 2.0 1 ng l-1
Lindane (µg l-1) 2 4.0 0.2 2.0
Methoxychlor (µg l-1) 20 100 40
Benzene (µg l-1) 10 5 300
Pentachlorophenol (µg l-1) 9(P) 10 10
Phenols (µg l-1) 0.5 2 1.0 1.0 1.0
Detergents (mg l-1) 0.2 0.512 0.5 0.1
Microbiological variables
Faecal coliforms (E. coli)(No. 0 0 0 0
per 100 ml)
Total coliforms (No. per 100 0 1013 1 0.3
ml)
___________________________________________________________________________
1
WHO World Health Organization Guideline value
2
EU European Union Some values not yet adopted but already applied
3 -1
BOD Biochemical oxygen demand or > 100 mg l-1
TCU True colour units respectively
4 For effective disinfection with chlorine
NTU Nephelometric turbidity units
5 Lower level acceptable under ice cover
(P) Provisional value
6 Total ammonia
(PP) Proposed value
7 Depending on pH
8 Depending on hardness
9 Dissolved only
10 Total zinc
11 For some groups values are also set for individual compounds
12 Foaming agents
13 For a single sample
Source: WHO water quality guidelines.

5.6.2 Discussion on the Results
Water Temperature - Water temperature affects the regulation of many biological and chemical
processes, and is therefore an important factor in the health of any water body. It is an important
parameter that can influence the rate of biological and chemical activity. In some habitats, a
number of marine and estuarine organisms synchronize important events such as reproduction
and migration with optimal water temperature.
Belize has not yet developed Surface Water Quality Standards to indicate temperatures that
should not be exceeded for different types of water users, however higher temperatures resulting
from chemical reactions can have serious consequences for aquatic ecosystems. During the study
water temperature ranged from 24.9 to 25.50C in the adjacent marine waters and higher variability
of 24.3 to 27.50C in the terrestrial ponds. These figures are considered normal for such waters
during the cooler months in Belize and for shallow systems.
pH - pH is a critical factor in many chemical processes. Dramatic shifts in pH can be extremely
harmful to many organisms. High nutrient loadings from untreated effluent could exacerbate the
levels of primary productivity and respiration and photosynthesis that could lead to detrimental
short-term shifts in pH. Most marine organisms prefer conditions with pH values ranging from
6.5-8.5
Within the marine areas around Caye Chapel pH ranged from 7.62 to 8.93 and in the inland ponds
from 8.09 to 9.30. The high organic matter loading, limestone substrate and closed nature of these
ponds being responsible for the elevated alkaline pH. The pH for marine areas is considered
within acceptable range for most marine areas.
Salinity - is a measure of the total dissolved salts in a solution and is used to describe seawater,
as well as natural and industrial waters and is described in ppt (parts per thousand). Salt waters,
such as oceans, contain on average 35 parts of salt per 1000 parts of water. Fresh waters have
salinity measurements of 0.5 ppt or less. Brackish waters have intermediate salt concentrations.
As would be expected during the dry season salinity levels of the marine waters around the island
were relatively high with a range between 36.66 and 37.31ppt. In the ponds, they ranged from
___________________________________________________________________________
1.38 to 14.31 which suggest that even in the dry season the water in some of the ponds were
surprisingly fresh.
Conductivity – or specific conductance is the ability of water to conduct an electric current and
depends on the concentration of ions in solution. It is measured in millisiemens per metre (1 mS
m-1 = 10 μS cm-1 = 10 μmhos cm-1) and was performed in situ since conductivity changes with
storage time. Conductivity is temperature-dependent requiring that the meter used should be
equipped with automatic temperature correction.
In the field investigations, conductivity was directly proportional to salinity levels in the samples
and generally ranged from 56043 to 57017 mS m-1 and as low as 2642 mS m-1 for 1 of the pond
sample.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – Refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic
substances present in a liquid in molecular, ionized or micro-granular and is mostly associated
with measurements in fresh water since salinity in salt water would constitute some if not most
of the ion constituent. TDS is not generally considered a primary pollutant associated with health
effects but is an indicator of aesthetic characteristic for drinking water and an aggregate indicator
of the presence of a broad array of chemical contaminants.
TDS was fairly consistent in concentration for the marine sites having a narrow range of 36745
to 38633 mg/L for marine sites and wider variation of 2435 to 15414mg/L for the ponds but here
again values have direct relation to salinity levels.
Hardness – Hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water for
which water is a great solvent. Hardness is caused by compounds of calcium and magnesium, and
by a variety of other metals. General guidelines for classification of waters with dissolved calcium
carbonate are:
 Soft = 0 to 60 mg/L (milligrams per liter);
 Moderately hard = 61 to 120 mg/L;
 Hard = 121 to 180 mg/L; and more than
 Very hard = >180 mg/L.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) - DO is the amount of oxygen dissolved in water, measured in
milligrams of oxygen per liter of water (mg/l). The solubility of oxygen is dependent on water
temperature and salinity. Excessive plant growth and rapid decomposition of organic matter by
aerobic organisms can utilize more oxygen than it produces, resulting in low dissolved oxygen
readings in the water.
DO is the most important dissolved gas in Class 1 and 2 waters as it is essential to most aquatic
organisms, especially fish. It is one of the best measure of the health of any given body of water
since low oxygen concentrations can have a detrimental outcome for wildlife. Most animals and
plants thrive when DO levels exceed 5 mg/L. Below this level such as in the range of 3-5 mg/L
living organisms may become stressed. The results of the study showed that DO levels for the
___________________________________________________________________________
marine waters were higher at the surface and in the late afternoon and generally ranged between
5.78 and 6.87 mg/L. As expected they were lower in the inland ponds which had a much higher
organic content and less turbulence with readings ranging from 4.10 to 5.75 mg/L.
Total Phosphates (TP) - Phosphorus is the least abundant macronutrient required by biota and
is, therefore, the first element to limit biological productivity. In most cases it originates from
agricultural runoff and wastewaters containing detergents. Total phosphate is the measure of all
forms of phosphorous in the system, includes phosphorous already taken up by plants. Although
phosphorus occurs in natural waters in smaller amounts than nitrogen, it is an essential plant
nutrient. During the study, total phosphorus ranged from 0.02 to 0.10 mg/L at the marine sites
and between 0.03 to 0.14 mg/L at the inland ponds.
A waterbody may be considered eutrophic and excessive plant growth may occur at mean annual
phosphorus concentrations ranging from 0.016 to 0.39 mg/L.
Ammonia (NH3) - Ammonia and nitrites are more toxic to aquatic life than nitrate (EPA, 2010).
Ammonia is commonly found in untreated sewage and at certain levels can be toxic to fish and
aquatic plants. Microbes convert ammonia to nitrite through a process called nitrification. Nitrite
is quickly converted to nitrate, the form of nitrogen that is most readily available to algae and
other aquatic plants.
Concentrations of ammonia in samples collected from the project area ranged from not detectable
in any of the sea water samples to 5.41ppm at one of the inland ponds (Site 13) with the results
obtained by dilution.
Total Nitrates / Nitrites - Oxidation of ammonia yields nitrite (NO2), which is quickly converted
to nitrate (NO3), the end product of the decomposition of nitrogenous matter. Nitrate is the form
of nitrogen that is directly available to algae and other aquatic plants as a nutrient. Nitrate is a
water pollutant that can affect the health of organisms and at elevated levels can inhibit growth,
impair immune systems, and potentially result in death of aquatic organisms.
Nitrates are a valuable environmental monitoring parameter because they dissolve in water more
easily than phosphorus, making them a better indicator of sewage contamination. In samples
collected from the sites, total nitrates ranged from 4.3 to 7.0 ppm in the marine waters and 1.6 to
5.8 in the ponds.
Sulphates – Contribute to the mineral content of drinking-waters and are considered in water
monitoring studies primarily because of potential effects of taste in drinking water. Measured
taste thresholds are as follows:
 250–500 mg/litre (median 350 mg/litre) for sodium sulfate,
 250–1000 mg/litre (median 525 mg/litre) for calcium sulfate and
 400–600 mg/litre (median 525 mg/litre) for magnesium sulfate.
___________________________________________________________________________
In Belize, it is believed that sulfates are mainly derived from fossil fuel and biomass combustion
which when released into the atmosphere can affect climate including the production of acid rain.
Sulphate concentration in the sea water samples were determined by dilution and generally ranged
from 5600 to 7250 mg/l in the marine areas and 92 to 898 mg/l for the ponds and boreholes.
Chlorophyll a (CHLA) - is the principal photosynthetic pigment in algae and vascular plants.
Chlorophyll a is a good indicator of algae concentrations and over-enrichment of nutrients. Levels
higher than 10 mg/l often are indicative of eutrophic conditions. Eutrophication occurs in closed
freshwater systems with annual mean chlorophyll a concentrations of 3 to 78 mg/l.
An abundance of algae can lead to anoxic (low oxygen) concentrations and harm fish and other
aquatic fauna. Algae growth is fueled by excess phosphorus, so the chlorophyll a concentration
is often high when there is an excess of phosphorus in the system. The results of the samples
taken from the 18 sites showed that concentrations varied between 0.02 and 0.03 mg/l in the
marine waters and 0.73 to 11.9 mg/l in the inland pond suggesting that the water in pond at Site
13 has reached eutrophic conditions.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) - Total suspended solids (TSS) are a measure of how much
sediment is present in a water sample. The sediment is usually composed of silt and soil particles
that enter the system through storm water runoff, dredging or other activities which release
sediments. High levels of TSS make the water cloudy, impacting organisms such as fish that
depend on light to find food, shelter and mates. Cloudy water prevents light from reaching
submerged vegetation and raises the temperature (and thus lowers the dissolved oxygen content)
of the water, as dark suspended solids absorb more heat than clear water.
TSS ranged from 18.9 to 26.7 mg/l at the marine sites and 13.2 to 27.4 at the inland sites.
Escherichia coli - commonly known as E. coli, is a type of faecal coliform bacteria commonly
found in the intestines of animals and humans. The presence of E. coli in water is a strong
indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination; however, the general strain of E. coli
is not harmful to humans. Sewage may contain many types of disease-causing organisms,
including both bacteria and viruses.
The standards state that the geometric mean of E. coli concentrations of Class B
fishable/swimmable waters should have no more than 126 organisms per 100 ml of water sample
(or 126cfu/100 ml) and no single sample should have concentrations exceeding 235cfu/100 ml.
The results of the survey indicate that E. coli was absent from all water samples tested including
samples taken from the inland ponds.
Total Faecal coliform - Faecal coliforms are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water
may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-
term effects, such as diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose
___________________________________________________________________________
a special health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely
compromised immune systems.
The sample result showed that for the marine sites Faecal Coliform ranged from not detected to
a high of 116units per 100ml which was detected at Site 8. For the inland ponds readings ranged
from 0 to >160units. These readings are considered acceptable levels for recreational waters (see
Table 5.13).
Table 5.13. Example of a classification matrix for faecal pollution of recreational water
environments.
Microbial Water Quality Assessment Category
(95th percentile intestinal enterococci/100 ml)
A B Exceptional
≤40 41–200 C 201–500 D >500 circumstances
Very low
Sanitary Very good Very good Follow up Follow up
Inspection Low
Very good Good Fair Follow up
Category
Moderate Poor
(susceptibility Action
Good Good Fair Action
to faecal
High
influence) Good Fair Poor Very poor
Very high
Follow up Fair Poor
Exceptional
circumstance Action
s
Enterococci – refers to a large genus of lactic acid bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes. The most
common specie in the intestines of humans are E. faecalis (90 -95%) and to a lesser extent E.
faecium (5-10%). They are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions including
extreme temperature, pH and high sodium chloride concentrations. They can produce a number
of serious infections in humans and are known for high antibiotic resistance. Acceptable
concentrations in public saltwater beaches is very low. For example, most states in the United
States may post warnings to stay out of the ocean if there is a five-week geometric mean of 35
colony-forming units per 100 ml of water.
For the samples submitted for laboratory testing only 1 sample (at site 1) produced positive result
of 1-unit Enterococci.
Nitrates - are a natural fertilizer which promotes plant growth, including algae and aquatic weeds
in freshwater bodies. Nitrates are derived from runoff from farmlands, lawns and leaky septic
tanks, as well as from manure from livestock rearing areas, including feedlots and pastureland.
Sources of manure from chicken rearing areas and the effluent stream from fish farms, slaughter
houses and fish processing plants are also relevant.
Nitrate levels below 10ppm have little or no effect on fish life in natural water-bodies. Nitrate
levels below 1PPM are considered suitable for drinking water purposes. Nitrate levels recorded
during the survey ranged from undetectable levels 1.2 to 2PPM (See Table 5.11). Nitrate levels
___________________________________________________________________________
ranging from 1.00 to 9.99 is considered within the range of causing potential impairment
especially in infants and is potentially dangerous to pregnant and nursing women.
These levels of Nitrates may be understood in the context of the impacts of low Dissolved Oxygen
(DO) scenario on Nitrogen Cycle as it relates to the oxidation of Ammonia (NH3) to Nitrite (NO2-
1
) and subsequently Nitrates (NO3-1). The water bodies characterized by low DO levels as a
consequence of heavy organic loading from accumulated vegetation had low efficiencies in terms
of the oxidation of Ammonia (NH3) to Nitrite (NO2-1) and subsequently Nitrates (NO3-1).
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) VS Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) - Biological
Oxygen Demand is a measure of the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria and other
microorganisms which decompose organic matter under aerobic conditions and is best applied to
water rich in organic matter.
Chemical oxygen demand is a measure of the capacity of water to consume oxygen during the
decomposition of organic matter and the oxidation of inorganic chemicals such as ammonia and
nitrite. COD measurements are commonly made on samples of waste waters or of natural waters
contaminated by domestic or industrial wastes. COD does not differentiate between biologically
available and inert organic matter, and it is a measure of the total quantity of oxygen required to
oxidize all organic material into carbon dioxide and water.
Given the nature of the development it was decided that COD would be a more useful test of
water quality than BOD which would only measure the amount of oxygen consumed by microbial
oxidation and is most relevant to waters rich in organic matter. BOD would not account for the
effects of the chemicals (e.g. golf course and pesticides) used on the aquatic systems.
COD values ranged from <3 to 10 mg/L (See Table 5.11). These values were generally seen as
being associated with the degree of organic loading of the water-bodies by decomposing
vegetation and other oxygen demanding organic and inorganic materials. The readings are
considered within the normal range and would be expected of water bodies with heavy organic
content but minimal industrial influences.
It needs to be recognized that the various water quality parameters documented are only an
‘indicative snapshot’ that is specific to a relatively short timeframe within which the survey was
done, and that these values would vary over time as environmental conditions change with the
seasons of the year. In addition, all water bodies sampled have water columns which exhibit
stratification within the different layers. Here also there is great variation over time.
5.7 Post Project Water Quality Monitoring

Minimal impacts on water quality is expected from the proposed development project if
mitigation measures are properly implemented, however given the importance of the resource to
the welfare of people in the project area a suggested water quality monitoring program is included
in Chapter 18.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6.0 LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT
 Determine the nature and volume of liquid waste (sewage and grey water) to be generated by
the entire project during both the construction and operational phases, inclusive of over-the-
water structures, residential and resort structures, hotel, marina activities, pools, marine
vessels, etc.
 Identify, compare and contrast a minimum of three (3) alternative options for the collection,
treatment, recycling (if appropriate), and disposal of these liquid wastes, identifying any
chemicals planned for use in the treatment or management of these wastes. In conducting
the evaluation, criteria should include, but not limited to: land requirement, ability of the
system to treat effluent to meet national prescribed standards based on the effluent
characterization, technology involved, maintenance and operation costs, etc.
 Should deep well injection be considered, provide the necessary details, including subsurface
geology to indicate which soil formation will be the point of final discharge.
 Give a detail description of the physical and chemical characteristics and profile of the
landform to be used, if applicable.
 Identify the preferred option(s) for liquid waste management, based on environmental
grounds, including necessary infrastructure and land requirements. Specify any residual
impacts of liquid waste management and their significance. Additionally, provide the
following:
o A detailed liquid waste management plan for the tourism component of the project.
o A detailed liquid waste management plan for the subdivision component.
o A detailed liquid waste management plan for the marina including vessels.
o The above plans shall include methods for collection, treatment, and disposal of liquid
waste.
 Estimate volumes of surface run-off at the project location.
 Identify preferred option for surface drainage system for the project area including drains,
sedimentation structures and run-off control.
___________________________________________________________________________
6.1 Introduction
Wastewater is any water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic influence
and in this development, will comprise liquid waste discharged by domestic residences, and the
hotel including associated services. It can encompass a wide range of potential contaminants and
if not properly treated may contain high concentrations of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus);
solids (including organic matter); pathogens (including bacteria, viruses and protozoa).
The Caye Chapel residential and tourism development will produce significant amounts of liquid
waste from its hospitality services and residences with waste water streams arising from such
areas and sundry task as guestrooms, kitchens, restaurants, laundries and bathroom facilities.
Because of the projected volumes of black and grey liquid water produced it is essential that the
development plan for and adopt progressive liquid waste treatment technologies and that treated
liquid waste is treated as a valuable resource to supplement existing water resources on the island.
The developer must be mindful that poorly managed liquid waste systems detract from the pristine
and healthy natural environment which attract tourist. In addition, unsanitary local conditions
and pollution of offshore water will attract negative public comment and possibly sanctions on
the part of the regulatory and enforcement agencies.
6.2 Baseline Situation

Caye Chapel presently relies on septic systems to treat Black Water waste. Individual units have
their own septic system including the casitas, villas, club house and staff quarters. These systems
are buried and not readily visible. According to the site superintendent Brian Dawson, in the past,
very little if any maintenance was taking place on these systems. The system to manage grey
water is likewise very rudimentary.
6.3 Liquid Waste Characterization

6.3.1 Relevant National Legislation
The production, management and treatment of liquid waste are regulated under the following
legislation:
 Effluent Limitation Regulations SI 94/1995 - The Regulations are intended to control
and monitor discharges of effluent into any inland waters or the marine environment of
Belize.
 Environmental Protection Effluent (Limitation) (Amendment) Regulations of 2009 -
Specifically, the concept of Class I and Class II waters was included for the designation
in Belize of areas with a particular water quality type. Class I waters refers to areas that
are fragile biologically or ecologically sensitive. Class II waters are waters other than
___________________________________________________________________________
Class I waters that due to oceanographic, hydrologic, climatic or other factors are less
sensitive to the impacts of domestic effluent (Appendix 10).
6.3.2 Expected Waste Water Characteristics
Domestic liquid waste is characterized as typical wastewater produced by a household which
includes personal hygiene (washing, bathing, cleaning), waste from toilets and cleaning of the
facilities. Table 6.1 summarizes primary sources in hotels and residential homes.
Table 6.1: Source of wastewater and typical contaminants.

Source of Wastewater Possible Contaminants
Kitchen/restaurant Food scraps, tissue paper, detergents and other cleansing
agents
Toilets and washrooms Faecal matter, soap and detergents, tissue paper, etc.
Housekeeping/maintenance Dirt, rags, detergents and other cleaning chemicals, bilge
wastewater in marinas
Laundry Detergents and cleaning chemicals
Organic materials, suspended and dissolved solids and other
Grounds
substances picked up as water travels on the ground
Physical Characteristics - Physical characteristics will typically include:

 Solids - which can be either organic and inorganic and can exist as floating, colloidal,
suspended and dissolved,
 Odor - If not properly treated wastewater can produce unpleasant odors which are usually
caused by gases produced by anaerobic decomposition of organic matter.
 Temperature - The temperature of wastewater is an important indicator of microbial
activity and the quality of the treated wastewater. Increased temperature enhances the
activity of microorganisms in water.
 Colloidal suspensions – These impurities which can include dissolved materials or
decomposing organic compounds give wastewater its turbidity and color.
Chemical Characteristics - Wastewater can contain pollutants chemically classified under the
following headings:
1. Organic – Decomposing organic matter requires oxygen hence a higher oxygen
concentration implies a lower amount of animal and plant matter in the wastewater. Most
organic matter often enters wastewater as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, oils and urea,
however there may also be small quantities of detergents and organic pollutants such as
petroleum oils, solvents and pesticides.
___________________________________________________________________________
2. Inorganic - Inorganic matter may exist as dissolved metals or minerals and can greatly
affect the beneficial use of wastewater. Important parameters often monitored I
wastewater management programs include:
 pH levels can affect wastewater treatment capabilities.
 Chloride content, may suggest faecal contamination and the need for urgent
treatment.
 Alkalines in wastewater can result from the presence of hydroxides, carbonates
and bicarbonates. High alkaline content is an important parameter in the chemical
treatment of wastewater because it is known to interfere with detergent use.
 Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds when released into water bodies without
treatment, encourage algae growth and eutrophication.
Biological Characteristics - Organic substances are broken down by microorganisms (Bacteria,
fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses) hence they occupy a critical link in wastewater treatment
systems however they are also known to cause disease such as typhoid, paratyphoid fever,
dysentery, diarrhea and cholera. Pathogens enter wastewater primarily through human and
animal excreta. Contamination of wastewater is measured by the quality of organisms and by the
density of contamination (for instance, the concentration of bacteria per unit of volume).
6.3.3 Liquid Waste Production
Liquid waste generated will be attributed to domestic use and from the running of the hotel. Both
are aimed at the more affluent clientele who typically consume more freshwater resources which
is eventually transformed into liquid waste. The estimated volume of domestic liquid waste
generated per person per day is 300 liters (0.3m3) in lower end hotels and up to 800 liters (0.8m3)
in luxury hotels.
In this study, we estimate water usage per person at 300L for the hotel and for the residences.
This is justified on the premise that given the cost of producing freshwater and the cost of
treatment for wastewater the hotel and condos will want to practice active water conservation
measures. The same will apply for residential home owners notwithstanding the need to maintain
their properties e.g. watering plants and washing equipment.
The development is expected to produce waste water in the following categories:
i. Domestic Residual waters – This refers to waters generated from domestic activities such as
operating the kitchen, laundry and sanitary facilities. There are two types of domestic residual
waters: gray waters and black waters.
 Grey waters: are waters generated from use of the sink, laundry, dishwasher and showers.
 Black waters: are waters generated by the use of toilets.
ii. Oily Liquid Waste – This is the type of liquid waste which will be produced from the washing
of machinery and other equipment which may contain an oily residue and which cannot be
released directly onto Class 1 waters or utilized directly for irrigation.
___________________________________________________________________________
iii. Other – Runoff from land including driveways and asphalt is often routed through waste
water treatment systems however in Caye Chapel given the relatively pristine nature of the
site and near absence of potentially hazardous pollutant sources this will not be the case.
It is very unlikely that the maximum potential human population will ever be present on the island
at any given time due to seasonality of the tourism business and the fact that many residential
home owners and the owners of condos might in fact use these as second homes or vacation
homes. Notwithstanding this, site planners must design a system robust enough to accommodate
the highest possible usage at full capacity with a built-in safety factor.
Caye Chapel’s population will include visitors plus “residents” and staff. It is expected that the
maximum population will be roughly around 2385 persons at full capacity (see Table 6.2).
As indicated above, it is very doubtful that this maximum demand will ever be required, however
it must be planned for. In addition, not all potable water used will end up as waste water. Probably
no more than 90% of the total daily demand will end up for water treatment. In addition, not all
waste water stream requires the same vigor of treatment as can be seen in the sections below.
Table 6.2 shows that at full capacity the development is expected to produce 527,400Liters of
waste water per day as either black or gray water, however it may be less than this as not all water
used in the facilities will end us as black or gray water.
Very little liquid waste will be generated at the marina as the facility will only offer services for
bilging of boats and toilets for clients and visitors. A bilge water holding tank will be provided as
additional safeguards so that oily bilge water can be processed through an oil water separator
capable of reducing oil concentrations to 15 ppm. Boaters will be directed to establishments with
proven track records offering any other services required but not offered by the marina.
6.4 Liquid Waste Management Plan

The developer will undertake the management of liquid waste on the island using a systematic
approach that emphasizes water conservation with best treatment option. The holistic approach
begins with an audit of anticipated waste water streams and types followed by the institution of
measures to conserve water since this will result in less waste water production hence reducing
the need for a larger wastewater treatment plant while conserving energy and reducing cost (see
Figure 6.1).
In this approach wastewater is separated along 2 main treatment streams at source depending on
the origin of the water with surface water run-off routed by drains to ponds where this water goes
through a process of natural treatment and recycled for irrigation while the domestic waste stream
is subjected to an engineered high output and high efficiency solution. With such a large and
complicated system, it will be essential that the system is operated professionally to achieve
optimum results hence training and awareness building is indicated. Finally, the operation and
___________________________________________________________________________
treatment efficiency of the system is vetted through a rigorous monitoring program in which the
system is regularly evaluated and tested for treatment efficiency standards.
Table 6.2: Calculated maximum daily water consumption at full capacity.

Occupancy Category Population per Expected average Average daily waste
facility type (persons) wastewater water production at
production per full occupancy per
person per day occupancy category
(Liters) (Liters)
Hotel (including 33 192 300 57,600
overwater cabanas)
BR 180 300 54,000
Residential Homes 1000 300 300,000
Marina Community 54 300 16,200
Condos 90 300 27,000
Staff Quarters 360 150 54,000
Occasional Employees 124 150 18,6009
Total Calculated 527,400
Average Daily Water
usage at full capacity
Figure 6.1: Schematic outline of a typical Waste Water Management Plan.

Adopted from UNEP 2003.
6.4.1 Liquid Waste Treatment Options
Several options are available to the developer for the treatment of domestic wastewater, with the
preferred option being based on treatment efficiency, least environmental impacts and cost. Gray
9
These are temporary workers who may be expected to work about 1 or 2 days a week.
___________________________________________________________________________
water will also have to be treated and stored and the development will have to create adequate
facilities to remove oily waste from water.
Option 1 – Sewage System – Caye Chapel is currently served by a system of sewers serving
individual units on site. It is possible to expand this system into the new development however
such an undertaking would present major challenges in terms of treatment efficiencies, potential
for environmental harm, maintenance and cost in addition to land take. Considering the important
but fragile environment in the project area, the deployment of this option would be hard to justify.
Option 2 – Small Decentralize Waste Water Treatment Systems – It is also possible for the
development to place small wastewater treatment systems around the site corresponding to the
main population areas. The main disadvantage to this approach is that it diffuses management
among a number of units making it harder to control and oversee. This would also present a very
expensive option both in terms of initial cost and long term maintenance.
Option 3 – Centralize Waste Water Treatment System – With this system, all black waste
water from the different facilities on the island would be conveyed to a single location. The
system would have a high treatment efficiency and as a single unit would be easier to run, monitor
and control - all at a reasonable cost.
6.4.2 Preferred Option
Based on the foregoing discussion the developer has chosen to utilize a centralize Waste Water
Treatment System to treat black wastewater at the site. The system chosen will be the
Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) Plant. The unit has a modular design, which will allow it to be
upgraded 3 times during the construction process. The plant will have a total treatment capacity
of 600,000 L3/day (600 m3/day) which comfortably exceeds the expected maximum demand
(see Table 6.2). The plant is expected to produce a clean, odourless and clear product which
will readily find utility as a useful resource for irrigation and cleaning. In addition, the plant has
a chamber that can be upgraded to process 25% more than the calculated amount given above
and which will act as further backup for the system if future expansion is ever required.
Figure 6.2 shows the schematic layout of the system.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 6.2: Component layout of the propose MBR Plant.
6.4.3 Wastewater Treatment Pathways, Procedures and Standards

The following sections detail the treatment pathways for the 2 streams of wastewater to be
produced at the site. It is expected that of the domestic waste water produced at the site will come
from showers, wash basins and tubs, toilets, laundry, and dishwashing. Surface water runoff will
result from cleaning, washings and irrigation.
All treated wastewater will be recycled on site primarily for irrigation of the golf course for which
there will be a huge water demand. Recycled wastewater will meet only a small but important
percentage of this total. Figure 6.3 shows that treated wastewater can also be recycled for many
purposes on site with the only general exclusion being for personal cleaning such as bathing,
drinking and for cooking.
6.4.3.1 System for the Treatment of Gray Water

Domestic grey domestic gray wastewater will be treated as follows with the first treatment being
via the grease trap (see Plate 6.A).
Grease Traps - Gray water will be collected in a central area as they leave the sink, laundry,
dishwasher and showers and enter containments called grease traps. Grease traps will be
strategically located since they may release foul odors. Odors from a badly sited grease trap may
be carried by the wind into residential and other living areas. Furthermore, a badly functioning
grease trap may pollute nearby water bodies.
___________________________________________________________________________
A grease trap must be placed in each location where wastewater drains from residential areas.
This includes water drained from sinks, showers and laundry among others. Grease traps remove
fats and oils which can significantly downgrade the treatment efficiency of the water treatment
system.
Plate 6.A: Typical view of a grease trap design used to treat gray water.
Adaptation and maintenance:

Grease traps will be placed at strategic location as mentioned above and will be constructed from
cement blocks and concrete. The traps will have a minimum storage capacity of 1,000 liters. The
grease traps will be cleaned daily as follows:
- Grease traps that receive kitchen and dishwasher wastewater will be cleaned three times
per day,
- Grease traps receiving water from laundry, showers and sinks will be cleaned once daily.
The collected grease will then be placed in special containers adapted for this purpose. This FOG
( Fats, Oil and grease) remains from maintenance and other waste oil generating activities will be
disposed of by means of an incinerator or given to persons with the approved capabilities for their
proper treatment. The developer will ensure that these entities have the
___________________________________________________________________________
Kitchen
Effluent
Potable Shower
RO System Water Bathtub
Washbasin
Toilet
Laundry
Service
Water
Cleaning
Gardening
Figure 6.3: Pathway and potential uses of treated and recycled gray (service) water.
required permits from the Department of the Environment or are approved by that Department,
especially in relation to the disposal of used engine “burnt” oil.
After passing through the grease traps the gray water is treated with activated-carbon filters, sand
and gravel, placed within suitable sized containers. This will separate the solids and heavier
constituents of the effluent like detergents, dirt, soap, hair etc. If necessary for storage the treated
water can be chlorinated to kill germs and remove odor. Treated gray water should then be ready
for use and will then be routed into the same system as is used to store treated black water.
6.4.3.2 System for the Treatment of Domestic Waste Water
In view of the delicate nature of the offshore environment adjacent to Caye Chapel the developer
will employ an advanced waste water treatment system for black water that is able to treat sewage
water effluent up to the tertiary level (see Figure 6.4). At this level, the water will be treated to
a very high standard that will allow it to be released into the environment of the island without
polluting the ground water or damaging the local ecosystem according to the treatment pathway
shown in Figure 6.5.
For the treatment of sewage water the project developer will use an engineered wastewater
treatment solution marketed under the trade name BIO-CELL using submerged MBR Modules
and manufactured by the Company Microdyn Nadir. The technology is able to achieve high
treatment efficiency, reliability and cost effectiveness, as well as long term viability.
___________________________________________________________________________
In response to tighter discharge regulations, manufacturers are increasingly turning to Membrane-

Biological-Reactors (MBR) which is regarded as the leading innovation in wastewater treatment
through conventional activated sludge (see Figure 6.4). The main advantage of this technology
over conventional technology is that it runs on a higher MLSS (Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids),
thus requiring less space and producing higher quality effluent.
MBR technology replaces the clarifier with a physical barrier which is called the BIO-CEL®
membrane module and unlike conventional treatment systems, relies upon the solids settling in a
secondary clarifier to separate the biomass from the treated wastewater. The physical barrier
enables the MBR to operate at higher MLSS levels, thereby requiring a smaller overall footprint.
The BIO-CEL® membrane separates within the ultrafiltration spectrum, producing high
quantities of quality effluent at consistent flows (see Plate 6.B).
The BIO-CEL® configuration is based on flat sheet technology, with crossflow eliminating
clogging and reducing downtime. The module´s open top and bottom channels reliably prevent
the deposition of sludge and fiber accumulation during the continuous crossflow process. The
self-supporting structure of the membrane module enables frame-free installation, thus
eliminating blockages around the external boundaries of each component.
Insert 1: View of typical BIOCELL Unit Insert 2: Diagram of biocell membrane

filtration (clarifier) technology.
Plate 6.B: Typical views of BIO-CELL plant and filtration technology.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 6.4: Diagram showing the schematic operation of the propose MBR BIO-CELL
plant.
The membrane module is configured to allow for consistent permeate flow and a highly effective
backflush over the entire membrane surface (see Figure 6.5). In summary, the BIO-CEL® offers
high packing density with optimal purification.
After the Black Wastewater is treated, it will be subjected to an advanced oxidation process
powered by ozone which will eliminate any organism (virus or bacteria). This will result in an
end product consisting of high quality water that can be released safely back into the ecosystem
of the island.
___________________________________________________________________________
•Removal of wastewater content that may cause maintenance or operational

problems by example through the use of screens.
Preliminary •May also include system for the removal of oil and grease which could seriously
Treatment jeopardise the treatment process.
•Removal off additional suspended solids and organic materials usually through
passive sedimentation or settling to reduce the loda on further treatment processes
in subsequent steps.
•Sedimentation rates can be increased thriough the addition of chemicals such as
Primary alum which assist floc formation.
Ttreatment
•BIOCELL membrane is used to filter out finely divided particles
•One of the most important steps in the treatment process involes the removal of
dissolved and suspended organic solids from wastewater.
• can be either aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (with oxygen depending on the
difficulty of treating the waste.
Secondary •Biological processes convert finely divided and dissolved orginic matter in the effluent
Treatment to CO2 and separates biological and organic solids.
•This is also referred to as advanced treatment and is driven by new legiuslation which
requires higher standarsd in water released into the environment.
•Will also remove nutrients which cause eutrophication in water such as ammonia,
Tertiary nitrogen and phosphorus plus potentailly toxic compunds such as mercury and also
Treatment Volatile organic Compounds (VOCs) such as from pesticides.
Figure 6.5: Outline schematic of treatment pathway for Domestic Wastewater on Caye
Chapel.
Design Specifications: The design specification for MBR Biocell system is given in Table 6.3.
As Table 6.3 indicates this system is sized to have a high flow rate hence high treatment values
should be realized during operation.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 6.3: Design specification for the propose MBR BIO-CELL plant planned for Caye Chapel.
BASIC DESIGN UA 1060
1 Project details
1.1 Project name: 16_A0440_Tertiary 14 Location: Belize
Lake Water Caye
Chapel
1.2 BD number: 16_A0440 15 Designed by: JOT
1.3 Version: 1 16 Date: 5/24/2017
2 Water quality Permeate
Feed Water
2.1 TSS 40 mg/l 2.6 SS <1 mg/l
2.2 COD 60 mg/l 2.7 SDI <3
2.3 Turbidity 20 NTU 2.8 Turbidity <0.1 NTU
2.4 Temperature 20 °C 2.9 Temperature 20 °C
2.5 pH 7 2.10 pH 7
3 Plant capacity
3.1 Feed Capacity 1879 m³/d 3.5 Permeate gross 54 l/hm²
flux rate
3.2 Feed Capacity 78 m³/h 3.6 Permeate net 50 l/hm²
flux rate
3.3 Permeate 1728 m³/d 3.7 Permeate flow 3.3 m³/h
Capacity rate per module
3.4 Permeate 72 m³/h 3.8 Recovery Rate 92 %
Capacity
4 Membrane specification
4.1 Module type UA1060 4.6 Filtration area of 60 m²
module
4.2 Membrane PAN 4.7 Required 1440 m²
material filtration area
4.3 Direction of OUT-IN 4.8 Number of UF 24 pcs
filtration modules
4.4 Filtration Dead End 4.9 Real filtration 1440 m²
operating mode area
4.5 Pore size 0.025 μm
5 Arrangement
5.1 Number of racks 1 pcs 5.5 Number of rows 2 pcs
in rack
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5.2 Modules per 24 pcs 5.6 Number of lines 12 pcs

rack in rack
5.3 Number of 1 pcs 5.7 Number of rows 2 pcs
subracks in subrack
5.4 Modules per 24 pcs 5.8 Number of lines 12 pcs
subrack in subrack
6 Rack approximate dimensions
6.1 Rack width 1060 mm 6.7 Rack feed 200 mm
manifold DN
6.2 Rack length 4800 mm 6.8 Rack reject 200 mm
manifold DN
6.3 Rack minimal 2000 mm 6.9 Rack permeate 200 mm
height manifold DN
6.4 Subrack width 1060 mm 6.10 Subrack feed 200 mm
manifold DN
6.5 Subrack length 4800 mm 6.11 Subrack reject 200 mm
manifold DN
6.6 Subrack 2000 mm 6.12 Subrack 200 mm
minimal height permeate
manifold DN
7 Main components per rack
7.1 Feed / Forward 157 m³/h 7.8 Designed 0.6 bar
flush pump pressure
7.2 Designed 1.2 bar 7.9 No. of air 1 pcs
pressure blowers
7.3 No. of Feed / 1 pcs 7.10 Dosing pump 55.9 l/h
Forward flush for Enhanced
pumps Back Flush
(NaOCl)
7.4 Backflush pump 157 m³/h 7.11 Guard filtration 100 μm
of feed water
7.5 Designed 1.2 bar 7.12 Feed tank 5.2 m³
pressure
7.6 No. of 1 pcs 7.13 Permeate tank 5.2 m³
Backflush
pumps
7.7 Air blower 240 Nm³/h 7.14 CIP tank 3.6 m³
8 Operational data
___________________________________________________________________________
8.1 Filtration cycle 40 min 8.9 Enhanced Back 50 ppm

between Flush (EBF)
flushing with NaOCl
8.2 Flow rate during 78 m³/h 8.10 Enhanced Back 4 per day
filtration Flush (EBF)
frequency
NaOCl
8.3 Air scoring 30 sec 8.11 Enhanced Back 5000 ppm
Flush (EBF)
with Citric Acid
8.4 Flow rate during 240 Nm³/h 8.12 Enhanced Back 1 per day
Airscoring Flush (EBF)
frequency Citric
Acid
8.5 Forward flush 30 sec 8.13 Cleaning in 100 ppm
Place(CIP) with
NaOCl
8.6 Flow rate during 156.6 m³/h 8.14 Cleaning in 4 per month
Forward flush Place (CIP)
frequency
NaOCl
8.7 Back flush 30 sec 8.15 Cleaning in 5000 ppm
Place (CIP) with
Citric Acid
8.8 Flow rate during 156.6 m³/h 8.16 Cleaning in 1 per month
backflush Place (CIP)
frequency Citric
Acid
Remark:
• The recovery rate depends strongly on the inflow characteristics, e.g. suspended solids, turbidity, etc.
• The cleaning cycles could vary depending on inflow characteristic.
• This calculation is a first estimation based on the experience of MICRODYN-NADIR and cannot be used to claim warranties.
___________________________________________________________________________
Treatment Efficiencies: It is possible to reach very high treatment efficiencies with the BIO-
CELL Membrane system however much depends on the skill of the operators and the quality of
service the system receives. Table 6.4 shows treatment efficiency of the BIO-Cell plant vis a vis
the influent (raw) water.
Table 6.4: Expected treatment efficiency of the MBR BIO-CELL system to be installed on
Caye Chapel.
It is expected that the treatment efficiencies will exceed those shown in Table 6.4 and will in fact
be in the range of 5ppm BOD and 10ppm TSS or less since the plant has been sized to treat a
higher flow.
Summary advantages of the MBR BIO-CELL system:
 physical barrier for the retention of solids and bacteria,
 module design is unsusceptible to braiding/sludge deposits,
 back washable with filtrate or with chemicals if required,
 high packing density,
 low energy demand,
 reliable performance,
___________________________________________________________________________
 self-healing membrane laminate,

 fine bubble aeration,
 mechanically cleanable.
Sewage sludge which will accumulate from the operation of the system can be profitable used in
a biomass plant to produce biogas which can be used for heating on the site. The waste product
after the production of biogas can then be used as a valuable fertilizer input in the landscaping
program.
When used for domestic residential and hotel purposes the treated effluent from the MBR Reactor
must pass chemical and biological water quality standards before being released into the
environment. These parameters will be verified through chemical and bacteriological analysis
every two to three months or as mandated by relevant Government of Belize authority.
Parameters measured in-situ, will be performed every one or two weeks.
6.4.3.3 Sprinkler Irrigation System

The treated water will be disposed of primarily on the golf course where there should exist a high
and steady demand for irrigation water with the exception of the rainiest time of the year. The
treated water will be routed through a sprinkler system provided the grounds are not already
saturated or flooded and the drains will not release the water into neighboring water bodies.
Once treated, the effluent should have minimal levels of pathogenic organisms and organic matter
and should meet applicable water quality standards for release into the environment. This water
will therefore not represent a threat to the environment upon release. The water will be released
from the treatment facility into a storage tank for dispersal via pipes and sprinkled onto the
grounds where it will nurture the cultivated golf course lawn and evaporate and/or percolate into
the ground (see Plate 6.C).
Treated water may be disposed of by sprinkling using a centrifugal pump connected to a system
of hoses and sprinklers. Some factors that influence the irrigation activity include the following:
 Total area available,
 Rainfall levels,
 Soil type and permeability,
 Inclination of the terrain,
 Drainage – the proximity of drains, ponds and the sea,
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Plate 6.C: View of typical sprinkler irrigation system.
These factors must be considered when determining the optimal site location for the sprinklers.
A suitable capacity centrifugal pump can be used to supply water to the sprinkler system. A fixed
line will convey the water to the irrigation area. There a system of sprinklers will be used to
disperse the water over the irrigation area. For the most part this system of lines already exist
from the previous development.
It is recommended that the irrigation operation should be conducted during daylight hours
whenever possible to allow easy visual inspection of the area. This will help to avoid over
saturation or runoff into any nearby drainage areas.
The parameters in Table 6.5 are values derived from laboratory testing using soil samples from
different soil units and basic infiltration parameters derived under a variety of field soil infiltration
testing scenarios.
Table 6.5: Hydrophysical Parameters of Soil Units.

PERMANENT BASIC
FIELD
SLOPE WILTING PERMEABILITY INFILTRATIO
UNIT TEXTURE CAPACITY
(%) POINT LEVEL N
(%)
(%) (mm/h)
AVA ab1 Sandy loam 0–7 22.3 13.8 Average slow 8.6
LVA dc2-TH Sandy loam 7 – 25 19.1 13.7 High 11.5
LVA dc2-PH Loam 7 – 25 39.08 23.6 Very slow 2.9
LVB bc1 Sandy loam 3 – 12 39.2 20.5 Average 156.1
The soil permeability and infiltration rate at the site is very high, hence runoff will be very limited
if any however even if some areas show low infiltration rates the irrigation system can be designed
with flow characteristics to match any existing conditions.
___________________________________________________________________________
6.4.3.4 Wastewater Collection and Transportation

The project will utilize a basic gravity feed, sealed, collection system consisting of 4” sewer lines
coming from the different buildings as well as 8” sewer mains leading to pump stations. Sewer
force mains will be installed to link the corresponding pumping stations. The laying of sewer line
is facilitated by the geology of the area but because of the high water-table will require that the
system is sealed to avoid problems with leaching or leaking. The collection system for the
overwater structures will be by means of a vacuum collection system.
The use of grease traps and traps in general will be encouraged to prevent the buildup of fats, oil
and grease into the collection system. The collected FOG (fats, oils and grease) will be disposed
of by incineration.
A typical wastewater collection system will be utilized to service the different development zones
or clusters. With this in mind, the following is a description of a typical sewer collection system.
 Service Connection – a service connection is a connection to the sewer main via a sewer
line. All of the different residential clusters, hotel, service facilities and overwater
structures will have individual connections. For the hotel several lateral service
connections will be made to facilitate the connection process.
 Sewer lines – the lines/laterals are laid on a straight-line trench and graded using 4” pipe.
The minimum slope is 2%. It is anticipated that there will be a uniform setback to the
sewer mains so there will be no individual adjustments. The sewer line transports the
wastewater from the units to the mains. For the overwater structures, a pressure tested
vacuum sewer line will be strung beneath the overwater structures to transport the
wastewater to a manhole for pumping.
 Service Cleanouts – a sewer cleanout is a capped pipe which provides access to a sewer
line, allowing clean out of blockages in the sewer. Sewer clean outs are often situated near
each home on a property, and at the property line, providing several points of access.
 Sewer/Force Mains - these are larger sewer lines that convey the wastewater from the
smaller sewer lines to the pumping stations and then onto the treatment plant.
 Pump stations – Sewer pumping stations (also called lift stations) are used to move
wastewater to higher elevations in order allow transport by gravity flow. Sewage is fed
into and stored in a sealed underground pit, commonly known as a wet well. When the
level rises to a predetermined point, a pump will be started to lift the sewage upward
through a pressurized pipe system from where it is discharged into a gravity manhole
again. From here the cycle starts all over again until the sewage reaches its point of
destination – which is the treatment plant.
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Regular monitoring of the sewer lines and 8” mains will be carried out to ensure that the system
is working properly. Volumes of wastewater being produced will be measured and means of
reducing the overall wastewater production instituted. Likewise, the overall network will have a
system of bypasses to ensure proper and adequate treatment of the generated wastewater.
___________________________________________________________________________
7.0 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

(Corresponding to Section 4.0 in the ToR)
 Determine the projected types and volumes of solid wastes to be produced by the entire
development, including marine vessels. Conduct a waste characterization, based on the
different activities proposed and classify waste as organic, inorganic, and construction
waste, and determine whether these wastes are hazardous or non-hazardous. This should
also include solid wastes coming from operations of the entire project (resort / hotels,
residences, businesses, clinics (if any), marina and overwater structures). If composting
of organic wastes is to be conducted, provide specifications on the location of the site and
procedures to be followed for the composting.
 Evaluate at least two (2) alternative options for the collection, treatment, and
management/disposal of all these wastes, based on their characterization. If waste is to be
transported to mainland for final disposal, provide details of the staging area on mainland
and the potential negative environmental impacts of the management of waste by this
means and their mitigation measures.
 Select the preferred option(s) for disposal of these materials. Again, this should be based
on environmental grounds, and should specify any residual impacts, their significance and
the mitigation measures, which are to be undertaken. Additionally, provide the following:
o A detailed solid waste management plan for the tourism component of the project.
o A detailed solid waste management plan for the subdivision component.
o A detailed solid waste management plan for the marina including vessels.
o The above plans shall including methods for collection, treatment, and disposal of
solid waste.
7.1 Introduction
Coastal areas, especially islands, often present significant challenges for solid waste management.
When solid waste is disposed of inappropriately in offshore areas it can have detrimental impacts
on marine ecosystems and create unwanted algae growth leading to a loss of biodiversity,
breeding and nesting grounds. In addition, the visual impact created by improper solid waste
management can seriously threaten the image and viability of the Caye Chapel Resort and
Residential Development.
___________________________________________________________________________
The types and quantities of waste that will be generated from the project are specified in this
waste management plan. The plan also addresses the handling, collection, storage, and
transportation procedures together with the ultimate disposal option for each waste category.

As was noted in previous chapters, Caye Chapel is currently in a period of reduced operations in
which many of the services previously offered to visitors have either been severely curtailed or
are no longer available. While the developer awaits the necessary permits to proceed with the
development, the site maintains a skeletal staff and has reduced its operations to essential
activities centered mainly on the upkeep of the facilities and the grounds.
Because of downsizing and the introduction of austerity measures, solid waste production has
been significantly reduced and the former management system designed to manage solid waste
have been downscaled in scope. Because of this, solid waste management at the site does not
conform to best environmental practice and is in dire need of overhaul and upgrade.
At the present time, Caye Chapel produces mostly field waste from its landscaping and site
maintenance operations. A considerable amount of green waste is generated by the mowing and
site cleaning operations however large amounts also accrue from the landscaped areas primarily
as leaf and fruit litter from the coconut orchard. Considering the island covers an area of 115 ha
this accumulates into a considerable amount of waste from coconut fronds and nuts (see Plates
7.B, Insert 3). Some domestic waste is generated from the kitchen and lavatory facilities. These
are packed into garbage bags and burned or taken out if suitable transportation is available.
Besides this, large amounts of sargassum weeds (see Plate 7.B, Insert 1) with unsightly
accumulated flotsam and jetsam arrive daily on the beach and must be cleaned periodically (see
Plate 7.B, Insert 2). This is typical of offshore islands in Belize.
Besides field waste, disused appliances are discarded in a heap in front of the staff quarters (see
Plate 7.A, Insert 3). Scrap metal from the garage is piled nearby in front of the garage and repair
shop (see Plate 7.A, Insert 4). According to the site foreman, all field waste is burned in a
specially designated area on the island (see Plate 7.A, Insert 1 and 2) while metals, plastics and
appliances are taken out periodically for disposal at the waste disposal site in Belize City, however
at least some domestic waste is also burned (see Plate 7.B, Insert 4). Management plans to stop
the burning of domestic waste as soon as other arrangements can be made. Since the field visit in
March and with the presence of the new owners, the entire area that was formerly used to burn
waste has been cleared and tidied up and an improved but provisionary system for waste disposal
implemented which is more environmentally accountable.
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Insert 1: View of open heap where field waste is burned. Insert 2: Field waste stacked for burning.
Insert 3: Disused appliances stored in front of staff Insert 4: Metal scraps in front of garage.
quarters.
Plate 7A: Aspects of current solid waste management issues on Caye Chapel.
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Insert 1: Workers cleaning beach of sargassum weed Insert 2: Industrial and commercial waste collected along
beach area.
Insert 3: Coconuts collected and stored in heaps. Insert 4: Regular household garbage routinely burned
including Styrofoam.
Plate 7B: Aspects of current solid waste management issues on Caye Chapel.
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7.3 Solid Waste Management Plan

Tourism facilities can generate significant volumes of solid waste and some hazardous waste,
however offshore islands face added challenges in collecting treating and transporting waste
compared to mainland destinations. Effective waste management will help to ensure the long-
term sustainability of the fragile adjacent marine ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of
Caye Chapel including its coveted open areas, ponds, beaches, adjacent coral reefs, mangrove
forests and wetlands that tourists will come to enjoy.
Taking a proactive approach to waste management will allow the Developer to reduce operating
costs, offensive odors and pest infestations while increasing visitor appreciation of the facility
and the ambient environment.
The Caye Chapel development hopes to achieve the following benefits under its proactive waste
management program.
o reduced requirements for waste handling and disposal,
o protection from insect and rodent infestations,
o reduction of fire and health hazards,
o improved community/stakeholder relations,
o compliance with applicable government regulations and codes,
o reduced odors and improved aesthetics and sanitation, and
o increase guest satisfaction.
7.3.1 Waste Profile

The developer will create a system to sort and differentiate waste as the first step in its proper
management and disposal since this has knock on implications for downstream treatment options
and mitigation. Each class of waste will be assigned to a different treatment category based on
waste characteristic and potential for recycling or treatment. It is expected that the project will
produce the following waste streams according to source both during the construction and
operational phases; however, the relative quantities and sources will vary:
 Field Waste (Waste Category I)
 Domestic Waste (Waste Category II)
 Industrial (Construction and transportation) Waste (Waste Category III)
 Hazardous Waste (Waste Category IV)
The above waste categories are by no means limited and can therefore be modified to encompass
other waste produced during the construction and operational phases. These wastes will be
categorized according to the above nomenclature and will consist of further sub-categories. In
addition, all coastal areas in Belize receive marine waste which is washed on shore from unknown
___________________________________________________________________________
sources. Most originate from passing international marine traffic moving along well established
shipping lanes within and outside Belize’s territorial waters. Substantial quantities of garbage
washed up on Belizean beaches have also been known to originate from neighboring countries.
These wash up on Belizean shores when the currents arrive from the south. Recently the country’s
beaches have been inundated by an onslaught in Sargassum Weed which shows no signs of
abating.
I. Waste Category I - Field Waste

Field waste production continues unabated on Caye Chapel as the large acreage of
landscaped areas are constantly maintained. Since only small new areas will be cleared for
development no significant increase in field waste is envisioned during the construction
period, however the construction program will use a considerable quantity of local poles
and thatch some of which will end up as waste.
During the operational phase, as landscaping work intensifies and the site is rehabilitated
with the use of fertilizer and irrigation it is expected that considerably more field waste will
be produced.
II. Waste Category II – Domestic Waste

Currently small amounts of domestic waste are produced by the skeletal staff on the island,
however as the construction pace picks up more and more workers will arrive on the island.
The production of this waste stream will increase and expand exponentially during the
operational phase as investors take up occupancy and the hotel begins to receive visitors.
Domestic solid waste will mainly come from the offices and from the sites hospitality
services – primarily the hotel restaurant kitchen and dining facility and from the individual
residences of which 99 are planned.
Solid waste produced by the residences should be typical of household and office waste
generally while those produced from the hotel should be typical of hospitality industry in
the Caribbean. It is estimated that typical domestic waste in Belize is comprised of organic
(60%), paper 20% while the remainder consists of metals, plastics; glass and other waste
however the waste production of the facility may more closely approximate other similar
facilities in the Caribbean (see Table 7.1).
The hotel is also expected to produce a significant amount of consumable waste including
from disposable eating and drinking utensils, used bedding and towels and bathroom waste.
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III. Waste Category III - Industrial including Construction and Transportation

Waste
Construction waste will include scrap boards and poles, metal rebar scrap sheeting,
plasterboard, concrete rubble from demolition and packaging materials. Most construction
waste will arise during the construction phase however small amounts will be generated
during the operational phase from occasional repairs and refurbishments and from the
demolition of the old buildings and other structures which do not conform to the new design.
It is the philosophy of the developers to recycle all the materials arising from the demolition
process into the new design.
The vehicles, boats, lawn care and other motorized equipment used at the site will produce
a small amount of used oil, air, fuel filters and replacement parts. Other waste falling within
this category will include scrap metals, and other metallic components chemical waste and
medical waste.
IV. Hazardous Waste

Limited amounts of hazardous waste will be generated during the execution of the project.
Of the industrial waste generated, almost all will be from the operation and maintenance of
the vehicles, boats and generators and other motorized equipment that are to be used as well
as small amounts of medical waste. The Company’s policy will be to minimize use of
potentially hazardous chemicals on site for cleaning and lawn maintenance work. Potential
hazardous waste will include but not limited to packaging materials and discarded
containers, batteries, used oil and cleaning products including solvents.
7.3.2 Expected Solid Waste Production Streams
Table 7.1 describes the type of solid waste to be generated during each of the 3 stages of project
activities.
Table 7.1: Solid waste by stage during the development and operation of the site.
i) Clearing and site preparation stage:
Type of waste and origin
Activity
Ordinary Hazardous Others
Vegetation removal Field and
Land filling and shoreline
leveling debris, trees
Rehabilitation of and shrubs
marina removed for -- --
buildings and
Rehabilitation of golf
infrastructure,
course
rock and earth
Drainage and
debris
contouring
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ii) Construction stage:

Activity
Construction of new Paper, cardboard, Packages with chemical or Rubbish,
buildings and demolition plastics, food waste, dangerous substances, fluorescent earth (soil)
of existing buildings medical waste, wood lamps, remainders of sharp objects
(treated and (e.g. machetes and files, worn
untreated), metals, circular saw blades and chainsaw
and packaging, chains, Ni-CD batteries, lead acid
Cement blocks, battery, cloth impregnated with
cement plaster, steel oils or chemical substances, oil
rods and PVC piping filters.
Construction of piers,
--
groynes and marina
Construction of ancillary
Wood, plaster,
support facilities
cement, Paper,
Installation of services Waste generated from equipment
cardboard, plastics,
including amenities such and machineries such as used oils
packaging, electrical
as water electricity and and filters and batteries. --
wires, PVC piping
waste disposal facilities
etc.
Construction of support
infrastructure such as
roads, piers beach etc.
iii) Operational stage:

Activity
Kitchen and dining
areas
Paper, cardboard, plastics, Medical
Worker and staff --
Styrofoam, cloth, metal cans wastes
accommodations and
hospitality services
Operation of Food waste, medical supplies
-- --
amenities waste, etc.
Offices and Ink paper, cardboard, printer
administrative cartridges, pens, markers etc.
services
Used oils
Transportation Replacement parts --
and filters
7.3.3 Expected Solid Waste Production Rates
During construction and on assuming full operation the development will produce domestic waste
at the rates given in Table 7.2 below assuming an average occupancy of 68% for the hotel and an
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average occupancy of 68% for the residential homes, a full staff complement and a seven-day
week. Also assumed is that the estimated waste generation per person per day will be in the order
of 0.5kg (visitors), 1.5kg (residents), and 1.0kg (staff).
Table 7.2: Expected domestic waste volumes during the construction and operation phases.
Type Unit Pax Expected Kg per Projected Projected
Description Occupancy Capita per Production Production per
Rates Day per day (kgs) week (kgs) full
occupancy
Construction Phase
B Employees 518 100% 1.0 518 3,626
Operational Phase
A Hotel Visitors 192 68% 0.5 96 672
B Employees 500+ 100% 1.0 500 3,500
C Residents 1324 68% 1.5 1,986 13,902
Total Production
2,582 18,074
Operational Phase
Table 7.3 shows typical resort waste streams of regional (Caribbean) resorts and potential waste
minimization measures.
Table 7.3: Typical Caribbean resort waste streams.

Typical Resort waste streams
Accommodation Sector Food and Beverage Services Open Spaces and Administrative
(hotels, guesthouses) Grounds and Office
Functions
Accommodation facilities Tourism and recreational Landscaping and A facility’s main
generate various types of solid facilities dispose of large gardening activities at office, front desk
waste: quantities of solid waste golf courses and many and shipping/
including: hotels generate ground receiving areas
- newspapers and magazines
related solid waste create solid waste
- cleansing agent containers - empty cans, bottles, tins and
including: including:
used by housekeeping and glass
laundry services - food - plant trimmings - paper and
- flowers in guestrooms and - small non-refillable product - empty pesticide/ envelopes
public areas containers (sugar, salt, insecticide bottles and - travel pamphlets
- plastic shampoo and pepper, flour and cream) fertilizer packs, and brochures
cosmetic soap bottles - paper serviettes, coasters, pesticides, insecticides which are often
- old towels, linens, bed sheets straws, toothpicks and and fertilizer products quickly
and furniture cocktail napkins (which are often discarded by
- paint and varnishes, used - used aprons, kitchen towels hazardous). tourists.
fittings, fixtures and and napkins.
plumbing supplies,
refrigerators and other bulk
items.
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It should be noted that Table 7.3 does not include waste volumes for field and construction
waste whose production volumes are also expected to be substantial and in the case of field
waste is a waste stream expected to be produced into the foreseeable future.
7.4 Solid Waste Management Plan

(i) Objectives of the Waste Management Program
 To formalize waste handling, transfer and disposal activities from Caye Chapel;
 To prevent inappropriate management of waste and associated risk of environmental
pollution;
 To facilitate waste minimization entailing avoidance, reduction, reuse, recycling or
treatment before disposal;
 To streamline waste segregation, storage, and disposal and promote resource recovery
from waste;
 To contain, control and dispose of waste in accordance with required waste management
practices (e.g. waste segregation) and in accordance with local legislation and
international best practices;
 To define responsibility for waste management at the various levels of operation within
the site.
(ii) The Waste Management Hierarchy

In accordance with international best practices and local regulations, the management of all waste
streams generated on the island will demonstrate support for the Hierarchy of Waste Management
(see Figure 7.1). The Hierarchy of Waste Management aims to promote the re-use and recycling
of wastes, along a continuum giving effect to the concept of ‘cradle-to grave’ waste management.
The hierarchy sets forth waste management strategies or options according to importance and
preference in a descending order. The aim is to extract the maximum practical benefits from the
products and manage waste in the best possible manner, so that the minimum amounts of waste
is generated that reaches landfill.
The principles of good waste management are firstly to avoid or minimize the generation of waste
and, secondly, to discharge or dispose of any unavoidable waste in an environmentally
responsible manner. The order of preference for waste management for the Caye Chapel
development will be as follows:
 Wherever possible avoid generating waste,
 Where waste is generated, attempt to minimize it,
 Where waste is generated, reuse, recycle or recover to the maximum extent possible,
 Disposal to landfill and incineration should only be considered after the recovery and
recycling options have been exhausted. This is the least desirable option (see Figure 7.1).
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The Principles of each category for waste management is as follows:

6. Reduce: optimizing processes to minimize waste generation.
7. Reuse: using objects which may still be useful but have already been used in other
applications, activities or task.
8. Recycle: using waste as feedstock for new product generation.
9. Valuing: use waste as feedstock or process input to generate energy.
10. Discard: give final disposal to the waste when it is not possible to apply any of the
principles described above.
Figure 7.1: Caye Chapel’s waste management hierarchy.
(iii) Waste Disposal Strategy

The Developer will deal with waste in accordance with national legislation and in particular the
Belize Solid Waste Management Authority regulations. As a first step during the operational
stage, Caye Chapel Company will implement a full waste audit of its facilities including the hotel,
staff facilities, and residences. This will inform future waste management at the site and justify
all subsequent management actions including the implementation of the waste management plan
(see Figure 7.2).
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Figure 7.2: Organizational and procedural diagram of waste management approach at Caye Chapel and ancillary facilities.
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(iv) Waste Disposal Options

Caye Chapel has several options for the disposal of waste including the following:
a. Transport all solid waste out to the waste transfer station on Caye Caulker,
b. Dispose of waste on the island by a combination of disposal methods including burning
and burying,
c. Implement a more expensive but environmentally responsible program in which waste is
diverted from landfill through progressive actions taken on the island to reduce, reuse and
recycle. Waste unable to be treated on the Island will be taken to a small transfer station
or storage facility for it to be transferred to the Mile 21 Sanitary Landfill via the Belize
City transfer station. All solid waste treatment and storage facilities will be located in the
BOH area.
Option A and B are rejected because they do not conform to the objectives of the sites waste
management program (see Section 2.4 (i) above). Transporting all waste out to Caye Caulker
(Option A) would fail to promote waste recovery and the overarching objective of using waste as
a resource on site. Moreover, this is not acceptable as it would be transferring waste from one
island to the next requiring additional transportation related risks. Option B would violate
national waste management legislation and best practice and would cause ground water pollution
and reduce air quality.
Option C would meet the objectives of waste recovery through waste minimization measures
while protecting human health and the environment. In section 7.4.1 the system to meet the
requirements of Option C for each phase is discussed.
Waste Management - Site Establishment Phase
During the site establishment phase most waste produced will be plant debris generated during
the land clearing and thinning operations. The Developer will install a wood chipper to chop up
plant waste and discarded boards the chips from which will be used in landscaping (see Plate
7C). No open air burning of field waste will be allowed on the island during any of the phases.
Plate 7.C: Typical tractor driven wood chipper.
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Site clearing and good housekeeping operations will be done primarily by hand with limited use
being made of heavy machinery and therefore little or no hazardous type waste will be produced.
7.4.2 Waste Management - Construction Phase
The following will apply for waste management during the construction phase:
 Where practicable waste wood will be recycled back into the construction effort,
 Most existing buildings will be demolished. Rubble from demolishing of existing
buildings will be reused in the construction of new buildings and as fill for foundations
and the construction of roads and groynes,
 During construction, waste concrete, cement blocks hardboards and sheetrock will be
crushed and recycled into concrete or used as backfill,
 Metal waste will be collected and taken out for recycling,
 Every effort will be made to buy building materials with reduced packaging,
 Open waste burning will not be undertaken field waste will be shredded and use on site as
compost,
 Waste which cannot be recycled, or reused will be taken to the Caye Chapel transfer
station preparatory to final disposal at the licensed landfill site on the mainland.
 Waste treatment, storage and disposal will not take place near open surface waters but in
a proper containment structure.
Hazardous waste
 Hazardous waste will be handled by appropriately trained personnel on site,
 Hazardous waste will be stored in a sealed container in an enclosed structure well above
water level and away from staff areas and workers facilities,
 Adequate and appropriate personal protection Equipment (PPE) will be worn while
handling hazardous materials. This will include proper protective clothing footwear and
eye protection,
 Solid hazardous waste will be placed in appropriate, clearly labeled containers, in
accordance with manufacturer’s / supplier’s instructions and industry good practice,
 Oily rags will be placed in a metal container provided at each workspace. Oily rags will
not be mixed with other combustible materials or stored in direct sunlight which might
cause spontaneous combustion,
 Used oil filters will be drained into a waste oil container and placed in a dedicated
collection bin,
 Oil filter containers must not be stored in direct sunlight as this could lead to overheating
and combustion,
 Used batteries (both wet and dry) will be stored then transported to an appropriate disposal
facility or returned to the manufacturer if they can demonstrate good recycling practices,
 Wet cell batteries will be drained prior to storage and transportation, and cell fluids will
be neutralized,
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7.4.3 Waste Management Operational Stage

This stage offers great opportunities for improvement over the current system and allows for the
adoption of new technologies and processes for proper management of solid waste. It will cover
an extensive period when the most waste will be produced and management interventions have
the potential to make the most difference. It is expected that the propose 5-star branded hotel
planned for the site will have their own stringent solid waste management procedures, however
they must conform to national guidelines and at a minimum exceed the measures outlined in this
section. In addition, the residences must fall in and conform to the provision of this plan where
applicable. The plan also provides an opportunity to educate staff and workers about solid waste
management issues.
Boaters who use the marina will be required to place their solid waste in suitable receptacles and
bagged. Waste will be unloaded at the marina and taken by workers to the back of house area
where they will enter the islands solid waste management stream and managed according to the
provisions laid down for the management of the island’s solid waste. No repairing of vessels or
the changing of oils will take place at the marina.
During this phase, the development will focus on reducing unnecessary waste by using, durable,
reusable and bulk items rather than disposable or single-use products (see Table 7.4). This will
cut waste and result in substantial cost savings over the long run. Although most of the bulleted
points below are particularly relevant to the hotel and the staff facilities it is expected that private
property owners will adhere to the principles to the extent practicable.
 The developer will develop and maintain an educational program including signage,
posters and pamphlets for staff and guest and vigilantly enforce the provisions of the waste
management plan,
 In no case shall solid waste from the hotel and residential area be deposited in surface
water sources.
 The Developer will purchase housekeeping chemicals in bulk and concentrated form,
rather than in small, ready-to-use containers. This will reduce packaging waste and
purchasing costs. As a general rule, the unit cost of most chemicals is inversely
proportional to the size of the containers in which they are sold. The smaller the container,
the greater the unit price.
 Where practicable the developer will buy food items in bulk form instead of purchasing
in single-portion packages. This will significantly save on cost while dramatically
reducing packaging waste.
 Food will be served to guest in reusable containers or dispensers to the extent possible.
 Management will reduce the purchase of products with excessive packaging and avoid
styrofoam packaging altogether where practicable.
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 Boxes, crates, bottles and containers will be returned to suppliers for reuse where an
adequate system exists for reuse.
 Caye Chapel will buy goods and fresh food from coastal and inland areas or from Caye
Caulker where possible to reduce packaging cost, support the local economy and save on
energy cost for transport.
 Where practicable the Development is encouraged to use soda fountains or carbonators as
opposed to glass or plastic bottles for refreshments.
 The Hotel Company will commit to donating used but serviceable items to church,
charities, needy members of nearby communities or recycle them,
 Printing will be done as double-sided copies as a matter of office policy, scrap paper will
be collected and sent to Belize Recycling Company or other local recycler,
 Refillable pens, toner cartridges, and re-inkable ribbons will be used as a matter of
Company policy,
 Where practicable the hotel will donate or sell outmoded furniture or equipment and old
crockery, cutlery, magazines and linens as a conservation measure,
 Company will donate used bottles to local artisanal enterprises to be used for coconut oils,
wines etc. Bottles not used this way will be recycled using a color-coded system or
crushed and sent for recycling (see Plate 7.D),
Plate 7.D: Typical view of a bottle crusher.
 Efforts will be made to reuse bags obtained through bulk purchasing to reduce the use of
disposable plastic bags. These will be used to store yard waste as well as certain types of
garbage,
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 Staff at the hotel will remove partially used amenities from bathrooms. These products
will then be reused around the property in useful applications or given away to charities,
 Maintenance staff will collect and recycle items such as glass and PET bottles, used
cooking and motor oil, steel and aluminum cans, paper, and printer cartridges.
 Cans and plastic containers will be crushed before disposal to decrease the volume of
waste that needs to be dealt with and reduce transportation cost.
 All waste will be securely stored and covered to avoid attracting animals.
 Management is encouraged to reduce or eliminate the use of single-use items with durable
items. This will apply to areas such as paper napkins (replace with coasters) and
disposable plates, cups, cutlery, place mats, aprons and cook hats.
 The use of plastic film will be reduced by purchasing durable plastic containers to store
food in refrigerators and freezers.
 To the extent possible cloth cleaning rags will be used instead of disposable paper towels.
 In dining areas paper napkins and table coverings will be replaced with linen.
 Instead of disposable black plastic bags where practicable staff will use cloth bags,
wheeled bins, canvas bags, wheelbarrows or carts to collect yard waste.
 Refillable amenity dispensers will be used in guest bathrooms. To the extent practicable
management will purchase and install bulk dispensing systems for guest amenities and
cleaning products instead of using disposable individual containers such as for soap,
shampoos and conditioners.
 Color coded containers for recycling will be placed at each residence,
 Recyclables from residences will be combined with the main recycling stream from the
hotel for efficient handling and to reduce cost.
 Containers shall have a lid, be labeled with colors, and located away from the rain.
 Waste non-chlorinated solvents, cleaners and thinners will be properly contained, labeled,
segregated and stored until disposal.
 Waste aerosol containers will be stored separately from other waste products. Aerosols
will not be disposed of through incineration. Aerosol containers will be de-pressurized
before being placed in waste containers for scrap metal,
Table 7.4 summarizes the waste minimization measures at the site.
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Table 7.4: Caye Chapel summary of potential waste minimization measures for hotel and residences.
Examples of waste minimization measures for facility waste streams
Accommodation Food and Beverage Open Spaces and Administrative and
Grounds Office Functions
- Introducing sorting/recycling of glass, - Establishing purchasing guidelines to - Phasing out the use of - Using bulletin boards
aluminium, paper and plastics from encourage the use of durable equipment hazardous materials for memos,
guest rooms. (which can be repaired easily) and high- where possible. pamphlets and
quality, reusable products such as linens and brochures instead of
- Providing bulk dispensers and eliminate - Using organic
tableware. circulating copies to
the use of individual bottles and other gardening techniques
all staff.
containers. - Using refillable containers for such items as and products.
sugar, salt, pepper, flour, soda, syrup and - Using e-mail.
- Returning laundered clothes to guests in
cream.
reusable cloth bags/baskets thereby - Purchasing refillable
eliminating plastic bags. - Replacing plastic/foam cups, utensils and pens and toner
plates with washable cups, dishes and cartridges.
- Offering rarely used items such as
utensils and biodegradable utensils.
sewing kits by request only. - Using shredded paper
- Using dispensers for straws and toothpicks instead of bubble
- Instructing housekeeping not to replace
and avoid purchasing individually wrapped wrap or foam for
half-used rolls of toilet paper/tissue
items. packaging purposes.
boxes and leave replacements for guests
to use when required. - Reusing linens for aprons and kitchen
towels.
- Using partially used items from
guestrooms in employee restrooms or - Using cloth roll towels or hand dryers
donating to charities. instead of paper products.
- Extending the lifespan of equipment by - Composting unused food or donate to
having it serviced regularly. charitable organizations.
- Collecting unusable food scraps and giving
or selling them for animal feed.
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7.5 Disposal Options

7.5.1 Domestic Waste Disposal
Non-organic waste such as plastic drinks bottles should be taken
out for recycling. Workers will remove waste from the site at
regular intervals depending on the rate of production which will itself depend on the level of
visitation to the site. Waste will be taken out by boat, properly secured and covered to recycling
destinations. Proper waste management is seen as an integral part of site management hence
financial and material resources must be made available for effective rendering.
The Caye Chapel development will implement the following system for the management of solid
waste within the project site:
 Garbage will be separated into management streams according to whether they can be
reused, composted, or recycled. With proper implementation such a system of garbage
separation, composting and recycling can result in up to 80% reduction in waste output,
 Color coded bins will be purchased for separation of solid waste into recyclable,
compostable, and discardable items (Plate 7.E). Bins for recycling or reuse will be
provided in easily accessible common areas across the site including residential homes,
strategic areas around the hotel including the restaurant, the staff quarters and staff
kitchen. They will be easily accessible to staff and visitors alike and clearly labeled,
 At regular intervals, Caye Chapel staff will thoroughly wash, and disinfect, garbage
receptacles which must always be covered when in use,
Plate 7.E: Typical colour coded containers for solid waste disposal.
Management will cease all open air burning at the site which has created an air quality, visual and
odor nuisance. Disposal to landfill or incineration is considered as the last option after all
opportunities for re-use, reduce and recycling are exhausted (see Table 7.5). It should be noted
that the landscape for recycling in Belize is fast evolving and new opportunities may arise in the
future to recycle materials currently not recyclable. In addition, it is also possible to recycle select
materials in neighboring countries where such options are not available in Belize.
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Table 7.5: Management and Disposal of Domestic Solid Waste.

WASTE DESCRIPTION MANAGEMENT AND FINAL
CLASSIFICATION DISPOSAL
Food waste generated at the eating These shall be composted on site
areas and food warehouses plus preferably using accelerated
green cuttings from landscaping decomposition to reduce odor and vermin
ORGANIC:
etc. infestation.
Sludge from treatment plant will be used
to create compost or to make methane in
a bioreactor for use on site.
Paper, cardboard, plastic, cans,
RECYCLABLE: These shall be delivered to Belizean
wood not impregnated with
recycling plants or to companies with the
hydrocarbons, glass containers,
relevant waste management permits.
and scrap.
Waste that is not recyclable, such These shall be delivered to a competent
NON-
as laminated paper, Styrofoam, company having the required
RECYCLABLE
carbon paper, among others. environmental permits in force for the
CONVENTIONAL
transportation, management, treatment,
WASTE:
and final disposal thereof.
7.6 Hazardous Waste Management Plan

Hazardous waste contains harmful chemicals and produces harmful by-products when burned or
placed in poorly constructed landfill site. Considering the sensitivity of the offshore environment
the hazardous waste generated will require stringent control and management to prevent harm or
damage and consequential liabilities. Given the nature of the operation, the site is expected to
produce only small quantities of hazardous waste however they may be produced in a wide variety
of forms (e.g. liquids, solids, contained gases or sludge).
Hazardous waste requires special treatment procedures before disposal and is not appropriate for
ordinary on-site treatment, placement in open landfill sites or burned in an uncontrolled manner.
All hotels and other tourism facilities are legally responsible for the safe and correct disposal of
hazardous waste. Not following proper procedures and regulations can result in damage to the
environment and legal liabilities.
There are four main categories of hazardous waste viz:
1. Ignitable wastes - e.g. waste oils and solvents.
2. Corrosive wastes - these are acids or bases that are capable of corroding metal storage
tanks, containers, drums, barrels and the like, for example battery acid.
3. Reactive wastes - these are unstable under normal circumstances and can cause
explosions, toxic fumes, gases or vapors when mixed with water e.g. lithium-sulfur
batteries and explosives.
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4. Toxic wastes - these are harmful or fatal when ingested or absorbed. When toxic wastes
are disposed on land, contaminated liquid may drain or leach from the waste and pollute
groundwater e.g. many chemicals and certain heavy metals.
At Caye Chapel potential hazardous waste is expected to include:

 Cleaning and disinfecting products (carpet and oven cleaners, detergent, bleach, spot
removers and pool chemicals).
 Office products (white-out fluids, permanent ink markers, photocopying and printing
fluids).
 Pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides used around the site.
 Solvents and aerosols, including air fresheners.
 Oil based paints, varnishes and thinners.
 Polishes (used on floor, metal, shoes and furniture).
 Cooling tower and chilled water chemicals, and refrigeration products.
 Motor oil and Batteries,
 Fluorescent lamps, computers and monitors
The following should be adhered to:

1. As a minimum requirement, hazardous waste must be separated at source from the general
waste stream and stored separately. This will ensure that non-confirming waste does not
enter any landfill site, as well as preventing cross contamination and potential risks to
personnel and the environment.
2. The generation of hazardous waste will be avoided wherever possible. This would
typically be implemented through procurement processes e.g. purchasing of less toxic /
environmentally friendly products for use at the site.
3. Unavoidable hazardous waste will be handled, stored and disposed of / recovered in a
manner that does not result in environmental pollution or health and safety hazards to
personnel.
Storage of hazardous materials

Safely storing hazardous waste at the site will requires careful planning and preparation including
adhering to the following:
 Product labels are attached and readable, and containers are in good condition.
 Products are stored on an impermeable surface which can be monitored for leaks and
spills.
 Products are not stored in areas open to activities that could damage containers or result
in chemical spills.
 Area is not accessible to all staff and the public, and is locked to discourage theft and
vandalism.
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7.6.1 Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous waste such as chemical agents, oils, paintings, packages of fuels, lubricants, welding
material (ends of electrodes), medical (medicine kits, etc., pieces of pipe, containers to gather fuel
spills, wipes, gloves, rags and textiles impregnated of oils or fuels, air cleaners, filters of fuels,
oil filters, fuel or oil used by vehicles, machineries and equipment will be handled separately and
are considered hazardous waste; hence from the moment of its generation, they will be collected
and placed in a suitable container which is clean, dry and labeled (see Figure 7.3).
Medical waste nursing or

medicine cabinet,
impregnated with
combustible materials,
medical waste, chemical
waste products
Figure 7.3: Example color and labeling of container for the disposal of hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste will be handled by personnel trained in the proper disposal of this type of waste.
The transporting vessel will not be able to compact the bags of waste; therefore, it will be properly
locked to avoid dispersal of garbage bags on the water or the roads. Records of the quantities of
hazardous waste generated per month will be made. In addition, Caye Chapel will comply with
all relevant requirements of the Department of the Environment and the Belize Solid Waste
Management Authority particularly to ensure compliance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations,
2009.
Waste engine oil will be stored on site until a proper disposal procedure has been approved by the
DoE. If approved by the DoE it may be possible to pass this waste onto a licensed and competent
company for recycling.
The careless and improper use, storage and disposal of chemicals waste money, pose unnecessary
hazards to staff and guests and can threaten the long-term health of the local environment. To
avoid these problems, the Caye Chapel hotel and residential development will implement the
following measures.
 Train staff in the safe and proper handling, use and disposal of chemicals.
 Provide protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection to staff when appropriate.
 Insist that contractors and subcontractors follow proper procedures when handling, using
and disposing of their chemicals.
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 A well-managed development will have the interest of its guest and staff at the forefront.
To that end the development will obtain MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for all
chemicals used on property. Management will use the information contained in the MSDS
to inform area supervisors and staff on the potential risks posed by the chemicals used in
each department.
The Management of Caye Chapel will be legally responsible for the safe and correct disposal of
hazardous waste. Not following proper procedures and regulations may result in environmental
damage and significant fines and bring the development into disrepute. The following are
relevant considerations:
1. Only suitably qualified waste service providers will be used for the management of
hazardous waste. This entails ensuring that all transportation and disposal / recovery
permits and licenses are held by the service provider.
2. All hazardous waste transported from the site must be reconciled with waste transfer
statements and agreements including written agreements for safe disposal which should
be made available to relevant authorities (e.g. Doe) upon request.
Management of Organic Waste
Organic Waste from Landscaping and Hospitality - Composting is the natural decomposition
of organic material, such as yard waste, vegetable and fruit by naturally occurring micro-
organisms. Composting is a simple process that requires only a modest amount of effort and can
significantly reduce a developer’s solid waste stream and eliminate the need to purchase fertilizer
or mulch. The management of Caye Chapel will compost yard and other organic waste with the
composted material use for gardening and landscaping.
The key to a successful composting program is separating compostable materials (e.g., yard
waste, vegetable cuttings, fruit peels) from non-compostable waste (e.g., plastics, meat and fatty
food waste and metals) as they are generated. It is much easier to keep wastes separate from the
beginning than to separate them after they are mixed. There is a range of methods for composting,
from simple “no-tech” methods, to windrow methods, to specialized bins that accelerate the
composting process. Generally, the simpler methods are cheaper and slower, while the
engineered systems are faster, require less space, and afford more control over the composting
process, reducing risks of odors and proliferation of pests. Caye Chapel will compost field waste
in a dedicated area within the “back of house” area using a covered concrete containment
structure. Food waste will be composted in a purpose-built compost tub that is mechanically
operated but designed for rapid decomposition with minimal odor and pest problems (see Plate
7.F).
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Plate 7.F: Mechanically operated high output composter.
Organic Waste from Liquid Waste Treatment Facility – The liquid waste treatment plant is
expected to produce a large amount of sludge over time. The proposal is to place this waste in a
bioreactor facility to produce methane fuel which can be used on site for heating. The bye product
of this process can be used as an organic fertilizer.
7.7 Selected Waste Disposal Sites

To the extent possible Caye Chapel will used the waste generated as a valuable resource on site
for power and fertilizer, however even with the most rigorous method some waste will inevitably
have to be taken out for recycling or disposal. The most feasible option for disposal is as follows
(remains) depending on their type will be treated as follow:
 The recyclable waste (papers, plastic bottles) will be given to recycling companies. The
Belize Recycling Company located at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway is a major
recycler of paper waste, plastics (HDPE and LDPE) and all types of metals. Recyclable
waste will be delivered to the Company via boats (barge) and truck, however where the
volume dictates, the recycling company will be contacted for pickup (see Plate 7.G,
Insert 1).
Recently Belize Waste Recycling Company began establishing depots to receive solid
waste at strategic locations around the country. Caye Chapel will take its recyclable
materials to the nearest available depot.

The Belize Solid Waste Management Project opened its sanitary waste facility at Mile 24
on the George Price Highway in April 2013 and its services would be available to this
project, however distance dictates that waste meant for the sanitary landfill be taken to the
___________________________________________________________________________
transfer station on Caye Caulker for eventual disposal at the sanitary landfill site (see Plate
7.G, Insert 2).
Insert 1: Belize Recycling Company main Insert 2: Caye Caulker Transfer Station.
depot Mile 8 Western Highway
Plate 7G: View of recycling and waste disposal facilities available for project waste
management.
Relevant Waste Management Issues – Although the idea of recycling sounds simple and
straight forward the experience in Belize can be quite frustrating and time consuming. The
following are frequent complaints of developers trying to comply with national waste
management legislations:
 National solid waste legislation requires venders to receive empty plastic bottles from
customers and pay the mandatory deposit fee, however recent experience has shown that
venders are reluctant to do this therefore national authorities must take steps to enforce
this requirement,
 Packaging materials are a major contributor to the accumulation of Styrofoam at
residential and tourism facilities. In the same vein glass bottles tend to accumulate quickly
due to the use of beverages and alcoholic drinks. Although improving, there is still limited
options in the country for recycling materials such as glass and Styrofoam.
 Glass also often needs to be recycled by color coding. Although these materials can be
recycled in neighboring countries the cost for transportation can be prohibitive and time
consuming. The developer will need to consult closely with the DoE and the Solid Waste
Management Authority for an environmentally acceptable way to dispose of these
materials.
___________________________________________________________________________
8.0 ENERGY GENERATION
(Corresponding to Section 9 in the ToR)
Determine the projected energy requirements for the entire development.

 Indicate the energy source to be used in the tourism component.
Evaluate alternatives for meeting these needs, using fossil fuel, solar, wind resources (and others
if appropriate). For each of these options, it will be necessary to investigate:
 fuel storage (where relevant);
 transportation (where relevant);
 health and safety;
 pollution sources, volumes, and types;
 significance of any pollution that may result from energy generation; and
 mitigation measures
It will be necessary to divide examination of energy provision into construction, operation, and
maintenance phases.
 Select the preferred option for energy generation. Again, this should be based on
environmental grounds, and should specify the residual impacts of generation of the
preferred option, their significance and the mitigation measures, which will be undertaken.
 If the main grid is chosen, then the laying of the cable must be addressed, showing how
and from where the cable will be run to the development.
8.1 Introduction
The development will need a consistent and reliable source of energy for the construction and
operation phases. Of the 2 phases, the operational phase will be by far the largest consumer of
power since it includes the operation of the 100-room hotel and up to 100 dwellings plus the
operation of ancillary support facilities such as the RO system, central air conditioning, battery
charging of golf carts and other recreational vehicles and open space lighting.
___________________________________________________________________________

Caye Chapel is currently served by diesel generators which are housed in a garage type structure
in the back of house area, near the staff quarters and dining facility (see Plate 8.A). Presently,
only two (2) generators of the four (4) present are working and these are only run intermittently,
usually at night to meet demand for essential services including power for the RO system,
lighting, refrigeration and battery charging.
Generators present at the site produce power at 480V, 3 phases and include the following:
 (2) 1000KW (about 22 years old), of which 1 no longer functions,
 (1) 410KW (about 2 years old), and
 (1) 70.4KW (about 2 years old)
All functioning generators are suffering from general neglect and are operating below optimal
efficiency and with reduced environmental controls including exhausting and muffling. Fuel to
the generators is provided via metal pipes routed underground from the adjacent fuel storage area.
The new development will require an upgraded power supply system of sufficient capacity to
service the planned development with an appropriate level of redundancy.
8.3 Projected Energy Requirements

It is hard to arrive at an energy requirement figure for the development with any degree of
accuracy given that the development is expected to proceed in phases and the general seasonal
nature of the tourism and expatriate residential developments in Belize. Despite this, figures
extrapolated from similar developments having similar energy requirements allow for rough
approximation in terms of expected energy requirements of the installed systems and facilities.
a) Construction Phase
The construction phase will require energy to power construction tools and building equipment,
to produce water using the RO system for both construction use and construction worker
hospitality services, for the operation of transport facilities such as charging batteries for the golf
carts, lighting and other related power needs.
It is very difficult to calculate peak power demands or average energy use. Notwithstanding this,
the power demand for this Phase will be met by the existing generators which still have substantial
unmet capacity with potential to bring the two other generators currently not working condition
back on stream after repairs. For work within isolated areas on the island not served by the
existing grid network, contractors will use portable 8kVA gensets for heavy loads when using
equipment such as welders and jackhammers and a 3.5kVA gensets for lighter loads for portable
drills and circular saws.
___________________________________________________________________________
Top right, View of working small diesel generator within

generator room.
Bottom left, View of large 1000kVA generator used to power
heavier loads on site.
Bottom right, Metal drum used to store waste oil within the
generator room.

Plate 8.A: Typical view of generators and used oil storage.
___________________________________________________________________________
b) Operational Phase
Electrical energy will be required to power the hotel and its associated facilities, the residential
buildings, the reverse osmosis plant whose energy requirements is expected to increase with
increased water demand, public space lighting, air conditioning, battery powered transport
services, irrigation pumping and other sundry demands.
Based on the above rationale, it is expected that the development will use the power equivalent
shown in Table 8.1 which can be roughly divided into the following main components:
 Hotel facility and marina village
 Residential development
This would also include associated services provided within these main areas such as for
irrigation, lighting, HVAC, restaurant, back of house facilities and guest amenities. The expected
energy demand for all amenities and services including maintenance of grounds and infrastructure
would approximate to 4,504 KVA (see Table 8.1)
Fossil fuel derived energy will be needed for cooking and other applications requiring heat.
Transport and recreational intra island services will require boats driven by gasoline and diesel
engines. In addition, inter island transport will rely on vans as well as a fleet of golf carts and
four-wheel drive vehicles which will be consuming energy. Additional fuel will be needed to
power generators, compressors and information systems.
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Table 8.1: Approximate development load calculation. (Source: exp. U.S. Services Inc., 2016)
QTY Load per Unit Connected load Demand/NEC Art.10 Demand Load
LIGHTING
General OFFICE @ 1VA/SF
3,523SF 3,523 VA/SF 1.00/220.42 3,523 VA
SPA & FITNESS SF @ 1VA/SF
9,820 SF 9,820 VA/SF 1.00/220.42 9,820 VA
FOOD AND BEVERAGE @ 1.5VA/SF
21,095 SF 31,643 VA 1.00/220.42 31,643 VA
PUBLIC AREAS @ 1VA/SF
4,068 SF 4,068 VA 1.00/220.42 4,068 VA
HOTEL BACK OF HOUSE @ 0.3VA/SF
12,085 SF 3,626 VA 1.00/220.42 3,626 VA
HOUSEKEEPING & LAUNDRY @ 2.5 VA/SF
3,533 SF 8,833 VA 1.00/220.42 8,833 VA
RECEPTACLES
GENERAL OFFICE @ 2 VA/SF
3,523 SF 7,046 VA 1.00 7,046 VA
SPA & FITNESS @ 3 VA/SF
9,820 SF 29,460 VA [NOTE#3] 19,730 VA
FOOD AND BEVERAGE @ 0.5 VA/SF
21,095 SF 10,548 VA [NOTE#3] 10,274 VA
PUBLIC AREAS @ 0.5 VA/SF
4,068 SF 2,034 VA [NOTE#3] 2,034 VA
HOTEL BACK OF HOUSE @ 1VA/SF
12,085 SF 12,085 VA [NOTE#3] 11,043 VA
HOUSEKEEPING & LAUNDRY @ 0.5 VA/SF
3,533 SF 1,767 VA [NOTE#3] 3,533 VA
KITCHEN&LAUNDRYEQUIPMENT [NOTE]@ 30 VA/SF GAS
14,081 SF 422,415 VA 0.65/220.56 274,570VA
SITE LIGHTING @ 1 VA/EA
20,000 20,000 VA 1.00/220.14[F] 20,000 VA
HVAC EQUIPMENT @ 4.5 VA/SF
54,124 SF 243,558 VA 1.00/220.50 243,558 VA
OTHER
CLUBHOUSE @ 7 VA/SF
21,603 SF 151,221 VA 1.00/220.14[A] 151,221 VA
RETAIL-MARINA VILLAGE @ 7 VA/SF
25,000 SF 175,000 VA 1.00/220.14[A] 175,000 VA
EXISTING BOH @ 1 VA/SF
20,000 SF 20,000 VA 1.00/220.14[A] 20,000 VA
EMPLOYEE HOUSING @ 4 VA/SF
15,000 SF 60,000 VA 1.00/220.14[A] 60,000 VA
10
USA National-Electrical-Code-NEC-Article
___________________________________________________________________________
SPECIFIC APPLIANCES OR LOADS

QTY. LOAD HP VOLT FLA/EA11 CONNECTED DEMAND/ DEMAND
DESCRIPTION S/PHA LOAD NEC LOAD
SE ART.
2 GOLF 75 480/3 96.00 159.626VA 1.00/220.5 159.626VA
IRRIGATION 0
PUMPS
4 RO PLANT 250 480/3 302.00 1,004,312VA 1.00/220. 1,004,312VA
PUMPS 50
2 WELLS 50 480/3 65.00 108,080VA 1.00/220.5 108,080VA
PUMPS 0
4 CONDENSOR 15 480/3 21.00 69,836VA 1.00/220.5 69,836VA
WATER 0
PUMPS
4 COOLING 15 480/3 21.00 69,836 VA 1.00/220.5 69,836 VA
TOWER 0
PUMPS
CONNECTED KVA SUBTOTAL 2,728 KVA
DEMAND KVA SUBTOTAL 2,569 KVA
HOTEL GUESTROOM LOADS
NAME/ID QUANTITY UNIT AREA BUILDING HVAC CONNECTED
AREA LOAD
363,400 VA
OVER WATER 90 @2 VA/SF 767 SQ FT 76,700 SQ FT 2.3 KW
ROOMS
76,700 SQ FT
TOTAL UNIT SQUARE FOOTAGE
TOTAL QUANTITY OF GUESTROOMS 100 ROOMS
363 KVA
GUESTROOM KVA SUBTOTAL
422 KVA
GUESTROOM SUBTOTAL[DEMAND]
ESTATE LOT & MEMBER UNIT LOADS
UNIT CONNECTED KVA SUBTOTAL 5,333 KVA
UNIT DEMAND KVA SUBTOTAL 1,1217 KVA
TOTAL 4,504 KVA
11
Full Load Amperage/each.
___________________________________________________________________________
8.4 Energy Supply Source

The project proponents would will install a system capable of meeting the energy needs of the
development that will also be reliable and environmentally responsible while being economical
and cost effective. There are 2 prime options that the developer has looked at to meet the primary
energy needs of the development;
1. Primary Self-Generation – The developer will use onsite diesel generators to provide
prime power in line with the existing system. It is estimated that four (4)
1000kW/1250kVA prime rated generators would be sufficient to serve the prime power
needs for the development. Due to the harsh coastal environment, it is recommended that
the generators be located indoors and not outdoors under cover as the existing installation.
The (4) generators will allow one to be down for maintenance without impacting the
power needs to the development. Since this development is geared to be a
‘green’ development consideration should be given to low emissions generators. (see
Plate 8.A). Even if the development decides on another system for prime energy
generation such as importing energy via the national grid, there would still be the need for
a full complement of generators for standby and backup if the main system fails.
The second option for prime energy self-generation is to use a gas turbine system. Such
a system would be able to produce both electrical energy for the site as well as a ready
supply of hot water for the hotel lowering the cost of generated power from US$.19 per
kWH to $.8 to $.12 per kWH (exp. U.S. Services Inc., 2016). The project is presently in
discussion with GENTRAC, a well-established business, exploring the possibility for the
supply of gas turbines and its required maintenance servicing (see Plate 8.B).
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Plate 8.B: Typical view of diesel generator proposed for Caye Chapel.
Plate 8.C: Typical view of small gas turbine plant.
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Figure 8.1: Schematic diagram showing proposed route of

undersea cable. Source: exp. U.S. Services Inc., 2016.
2. Primary generation from national provider – Currently there is no Belize Electricity

Limited (BEL) grid power to either Caye Chapel or Caye Caulker, however there is a
proposal to reinforce the system into San Pedro from the mainland using a second 34.5kV
cable. This would allow the utility company to provide power via undersea cable to Caye
Caulker over a distance of 10km. If this proposal materializes, the project proponents
would like to link into the grid via Caye Caulker using a one mile undersea cable (see
Figure 8.1). Under the initial BEL proposal, the power would be available to Caye
Caulker in the 2017-2018 time period which would roughly coincide with the early
development phases of the Caye Chapel project.
8.5 Alternative Energy Sources

The energy supply option detailed in Section 8.4 offers the best option for meeting the primary
energy needs of the development, however the project proponents will also incorporate renewable
energy into the overall mix as much as is technically and economically feasible and which will
be determined by further feasibility studies. The options being considered are as follows:
___________________________________________________________________________
(a) Solar Energy - Solar power has the greatest potential for utilization in this project.
Recently the technology has achieved economic maturity and grid parity in many regions
resulting in worldwide deployment to offset fossil fuel burning generators and to reduce
carbon footprint.
Photovoltaic (PV) is now relatively inexpensive and can provide power at a density of
roughly 12 watts per square foot. The developer will implement a sustainability initiative
in which residents would be required to install PV systems on their dwellings and the hotel
with the goal of offsetting the demands of at least the HVAC system.
For the estate homes where the average size is anticipated to be 4,500 square feet, the
HVAC load would be roughly 12kW. If PV panels were provided on each estate home to
offset the HVAC load it would take up roughly 1,000 square feet of south facing roof area.
Each PV installation would interface to inverters that would feed back into the
development’s utility grid offsetting the individual estate home’s electric bill. Off peak
power solar production will help offset the other lighting and/or miscellaneous electrical
loads.
(b) Bio Digestion – It is proposed to install a small bioreactor near the wastewater treatment
site. The bioreactor would convert organic waste material (mainly sludge from the
wastewater treatment system) into methane which is a fuel that could be used on site to
provide heat or to power equipment. This system would significantly reduce the amount
of solid organic waste the operators would have to remove from the island while producing
a valuable fertilizer bye product.
(c) Wind Turbine – it is believed that the island has a reasonably good wind resource and
there is a proposal to install a 20kW wind turbine both to contribute to the islands dynamic
energy mix and as a commitment by the developer to renewable energy generation which
over time is expected to expand as the technology matures and price per kW falls.
(d) Wave Generator – The project is exploring the idea of installing a wave generator
offshore Caye Chapel within the drop off beyond the reef. The developers believe that
given the location and the quality of the resource the technology has great potential to
provide reliable and economic power to the site. However it is still in experimental phase
or early stages of deployment.
In addition, the developers are considering the potential of using a gas turbine plant to produce
power for the RO plant with a heat recovery system to provide hot water for the hotel. The main
advantages of the gas turbine are reliability, compactness and reduced noise levels; however, they
are more expensive to purchase and install than diesel generators (see Plate 8.B).
___________________________________________________________________________
8.6 Fuel Transportation and Storage

Presently, fuel is brought to the island via barge from Belize City where it is unloaded from the
marina and transferred via metal pipes to fuel storage tanks which are located behind and
immediately south of the main staff building (see Plate 8.C, Top Right). Within the fuel storage
depot area are 6 fuel tanks of different sizes, of which only two (2) tanks are presently being used.
Two (2) are not being used while two (2) had been retired from service and were placed in front
of the fuel storage area.
Fuel from the fuel storage tanks are then routed to the generator room and back to the marina
where a fuel dispenser to service boats had been built (See Plate 8, Bottom Left). Used oil from
the generators are currently store in drums on the site although in the past when the site was busier
and larger volumes of used oil was produced, it was transferred to the Mennonites who would go
to the island to collect it (see Plate 8.A, Bottom Right). Besides the large fuel storage tanks, a
smaller compartmentalized tank behind the generator room is used to store different grades of
lubricants and other fluids to service the transport and mechanical equipment (see Plate 8.C,
Bottom Right). The present fuel supply network which uses metal pipes are subject to corrosion
in the salty air, therefore, the present facilities and infrastructure for the storage and distribution
of fuel will be evaluated and upgraded to comply with present environmental standards.
8.7 Fuel Management

The project will follow the environmental clearance process required for the re-installation of
existing and/or installation of new Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) and Liquid Petroleum
Gas (LPG) tanks, the application to operate and follow up inspections by relevant authorities,
including DOE and NFS and Fuel Supplier’s storage guidelines.
In the case of ASTs, where the development decides to replace some or all existing tanks,
consideration should be given to double-wall fiberglass fuel tanks. Installation of ASTs
require they be placed within containment walls capable of storing 110% of the tank’s total
volume capacity or if installed next to each other, the containment walls should be capable of
storing 110% of the largest tank’s total volume capacity. LP gas will be stored in approved
commercial sized 1,000 and/or 2,200-litre LPG tanks following the standard offset distances
from residential/commercial buildings. The storage tank will be either independently purchased
by the developer or supplied by a local fuel supplier. In the case the tanks is provided by the
local supplier, the supplier will be responsible for the upkeep of the fuel storage tanks. Visible
warning signs, fire extinguishers and other requirements will be installed in accordance with the
Department of Environment, National Fire Service (NFS) and Fuel Supplier’s storage
guidelines.
The small compartmentalized tank behind the generator room used to store different grades of
lubricants and other fluids to service the transport and mechanical equipment (see Plate 8.C,
___________________________________________________________________________
Bottom Right) will be evaluated for its continued use. The used fuel/lubricants will be stored
in 45-gallon containers and placed on a drum inline spill container platform(s). To further
prevent spillage, a rotary action poly pump will be used to transfer fuel/lubricants from one
container to the other.
The containers will be located in the Genset Building with restricted access. Visible warning
signs and fire extinguisher will be installed following the Department of Environment and
National Fire Service (NFS) storage guidelines. The developers will follow the recommended
guidelines for the temporary storage, transportation and final disposal of these Hazardous
Materials.
The contracted fuel supplier and Caye Chapel Development will be responsible for the
transportation of fuel to the resort. Fuel will be transported via a fuel cargo barge. Both will
adhere to the recommended local guidelines (current and anticipated) and international
standards, and best practice guidelines for fuel transportation, loading and unloading at sea.
In addition, Caye Chapel Development will develop an Oil Spill and Fire Contingency Plan to
address prevention, containment, and cleaning of oil spills and leaks as well as fire prevention
and firefighting capabilities both on the island and at sea.
___________________________________________________________________________
Top right, Fuel storage tanks used to store gasoline and diesel
for use on site.
Bottom left, Fuel dispenser pump assembly at marina.
Bottom right, Tank used to store machine fluids.

Plate 8.D: Views of the fuel storage and dispensation system on Caye Chapel.
___________________________________________________________________________
9 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
(Corresponding to Part B, Section 5.0 (5.01 to 5.03) in the ToR)
 Provide information on the geomorphology of the island and its relation to the regional
geological history of the area. Identify geological features of the project site e.g. seismology.
 Provide information on the specific soil type(s) on site and submit results of analysis carried
out to determine soil permeability/profile in the proposed project area.
 Conduct at least three bores of a diagonal transect of the tourism area for the reconfirmation
of bedrock for structural support. For the area identified for the main marina, resort, hotel,
and overwater structures, a detail geo-technical study shall be conducted and the report
incorporated into the EIA report. An assessment to identify any karst formations should be
conducted, particularly of the location of the proposed marina, resort, residential
development, and overwater structures.
9.1 Geology
9.1.1 Geological History of the Region
The evolution of Belize occurred in different stages with the deposition of the Santa Rosa group
with associated volcanics, regional metamorphism and the emplacement of granitic intrusions in
the Late Triassic to Paleozoic orogeny. This was followed by the clastic sedimentation of
Northern and Southern Belize in the Jurassic period (Margaret Creek Formation). The Cretaceous
saw the carbonate and evaporate deposition in shallow water environments. The uplift of the
Maya Mountains occurred during the late Cretaceous – early Tertiary. Following this period there
was continuous fault movement and further deposition of carbonates. By the late tertiary northern
Belize experienced a lagoonal type of sedimentation with the deposition of clays, gypsum and
sand (Red Bank formation) as well as limestone and marls of the Orange Walk group.
Three major structural entities have been identified following the uplift of Maya Mountains
(Flores, 1952a; Cornec, 1985; Rao & Ramanathan, 1988; Purdy et al, 2003) (Figure 9.1).
 A northern Corozal Basin north of the Maya Mountains, representing an eastern
continuation of the northern Guatemala Peten Basin dominated by NNE – SSW faults
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 9.1: Geological Map of Belize showing structural fabric, after Purdy 2000 in Purdy et
al.
___________________________________________________________________________
 A central Maya block of Paleozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks.

 A Belize Basin that borders the Maya block offshore to the east and onshore and offshore
to the south, and is a continuation of the southern part of the Peten Basin. This southern
basin is dominated by EW to NE-SW system of faults.
9.1.2 Geological History of the Project Area
Lithostratigraphy, depositional facies architecture, and diagenesis of upper Pliocene to Holocene
carbonates in northern Belize are evaluated based on a ca 290 m, continuous section of samples
from a well drilled on Ambergris Caye that can be linked directly to outcrops of Pleistocene
limestone, and of overlying Holocene sediments. Upper Pliocene outer-ramp deposits are overlain
unconformably by Pleistocene and Holocene reef-rimmed platforms devoid of low stand
siliciclastics.
Tectonism controlled the location of the oldest Pleistocene platform margin and coralgal barrier
reef, and periodically affected deposition in the Holocene (see Figure 9.2). A shallow, flat-topped,
mostly aggradational platform was maintained in the Holocene by alternating periods of
highstand barrier-reef growth and lowstand karstification, differential subsidence, and the low
magnitude of accommodation space increases during highstands. Facies in Pleistocene rocks to
the lee of the barrier reef include: (i) outer-shelf coralgal sands with scattered coral patch reefs;
(ii) a shoal–water transition zone comprising nearshore skeletal and oolitic sands amidst scattered
islands and tidal flats; and (iii) micritic inner-shelf deposits. Four glacio-eustatically forced
sequences are recognized in the Pleistocene section, and component subtidal cycles probably
include forced cycles and autocycles.
Excluding oolites, Holocene facies are similar to those in the Pleistocene and include mud-
mounds, foraminiferal sand shoals in the inner shelf, and within the interiors of Ambergris and
surrounding cayes, mangrove swamps, shallow lagoons, and tidal and sea-marginal flats.
Meteoric diagenesis of Pliocene and Pleistocene rocks is indicated by variable degrees of
mineralogic stabilization, generally depleted whole-rock d 18 O and d 13 C values, and meniscus
and whisker-crystal cements.
Differences in the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Pliocene and Pleistocene rocks are
attributed to variable extent of meteoric alteration. Dolomitization in the Pliocene carbonates may
have begun syndepositionally and continued into the marine shallow-burial environment. Positive
dolomite d 18 O and d 13 C values suggest precipitation from circulating, near-normal marine
fluids that probably were modified somewhat by methanogenesis. Sedimentologic and diagenetic
attributes of the Pliocene–Pleistocene rocks in the study area are similar to those in the Bahamas
with which they share a common history of sea-level fluctuations and climate change.
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Figure 9.2: Holocene sediment characterization of Belize shelf.
(A) Composite stratigraphic section in northern Belize based on the Airstrip well and exposures
on and around Ambergris Caye, proposed stratigraphic terminology, and vertical range of basal
Late Pliocene benthic foraminifera. Uppermost beds of the Ambergris Caye Limestone exposed
on Ambergris Caye contain age-dated corals assigned to Late Pleistocene (Sangamon) oxygen
isotope stage 5e. (B) Stratigraphy of northern Belize (Corozal Basin), no vertical scale, from
Purdy et al. (2003), who placed upper beds in the Gulf Oil No. 1 Basil Jones well on Ambergris
Caye, within the Eocene Doubloon Bank Formation. Note the prominent 'Belize unconformity' at
the top of the Pliocene, which correlates to the unconformity at the top of the Pliocene.
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Lithologic and biotic attributes of subsurface Pliocene and Pleistocene rocks (excluding surface
exposures), and inferred unconformities, depositional environments, and hierarchal cycles; refer
to Figure 9.3 for lithologic legend. Particles are listed in order of decreasing abundance; and
under ‘Texture’, M-W-P-G refers to mudstone, wackestone, packstone and grainstone,
respectively (see Figure 9.4).
The lithostratigraphy, depositional facies and architecture, diagenesis, and nature and extent of
inferred sea-level fluctuations and tectonic controls on the deposition of upper Pliocene to
Holocene carbonate deposits in northern offshore Belize are evaluated based on strata in the
Airstrip well on Ambergris Caye, limestone exposed on and around the caye, and Holocene
marine sediments. The basal part of the subsurface section in the Airstrip well includes ca 150 m
of dolomitic, slightly silty and siliceous, fine-grained limestone of upper Pliocene age.
These rocks are overlain unconformably by ca 133 m of dominantly coarse-grained, coralgal
limestone of Pleistocene age. The youngest strata in the Airstrip well partly overlap with and are
overlain by additional section of Pleistocene limestone that is exposed on and around Ambergris
Caye. A sample of exposed limestone is radiometrically dated at 135800 years and is assigned to
oxygen isotope stage 5e (Sangamon interglacial).
Pliocene rocks in the Airstrip well comprise relatively deep-water ramp deposits that shallowed
upwards and which are capped by an unconformity. Depositional architecture changed abruptly
across the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary to a progressively shallower reef-rimmed platform,
which has persisted into the Holocene, coincident with the onset of northern Hemisphere
glaciation. Similar depositional history and architecture are indicated farther south in Belize
based on seismic data, and also along the western side of Great Bahama Bank. Pleistocene facies
in the well and in outcrops include:
(i) Platform-marginal, coral barrier-reef deposits composed of frame building corals such
as A. palmata, A. cervicornis, and Agaricia spp. and associated with relatively abundant
Homotrema and encrusting coralline algae; and to their lee;
(ii) A wide outer-shelf tract of coralgal sand with scattered patch reefs, the latter dominated
by M. annulari with little to no Homotrema or coralline algae;
(iii) A wide outer-shelf to inner-shelf transition zone that comprises nearshore coralgal and
some oolitic sand, coarse skeletal beach sands fringing small islands and/or tidal flats,
and locally, fine-grained foraminiferal sands; and
(iv) A micritic, molluscan-dominated, inner-shelf lagoon. Four unconformity-bounded
depositional sequences of probable glacio-eustatic origin are recognized in the
Pleistocene section. Component higher-frequency, shallowing-upward cycles are of
sub-tidal character, and probably include such forced cycles and autocycles. With the
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Figure 9.3: Lithological and biotic attributes of local subsurface Pliocene and Pleistocene
rocks.
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Figure 9.4: Depositional geological elements.
exception of oolites, the facies present in Pleistocene rocks are represented in Holocene
deposits, which also include mud-mounds, inner-shelf foraminiferal sand shoals, and
within the interior of Ambergris and surrounding cayes, Rhizophora mangrove swamps,
shallow lagoons, tidal and sea-marginal flats.
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The initial development of a flat-topped, reef-rimmed platform during the Pleistocene was
structurally controlled, and platform-to-basin topography was maintained and accentuated into
the Holocene by barrier reef growth, lowstand karstification, differential platform-to-basin
subsidence, and low magnitude of eustatic accommodation-space increases during highstands.
Subsidence rate during Pleistocene and Holocene deposition was less than in central to southern
Belize, but high enough that a dominantly aggradational style of platform accumulation
developed. Syndepositional and post-depositional faulting locally affected Pleistocene and
Holocene deposition. Unlike central and southern Belize, there was no siliciclastic influx during
Pleistocene lowstands. The drainage pattern of incised valleys along the top-of-Sangamon
unconformity was largely controlled by bedrock structure, and these channels are believed to have
formed by karst dissolution.
The entire area around Ambergris Caye was land from 125,000 to 6500 years ago. At that time
sea level was about 100 meters lower than now, and if you stood at what is now Hol Chan you
would have had to look down to see the ocean. During this long period of time rainwater etched
the soluble Pleistocene limestones in this area, and created many caves and sinkholes, and this
karsting process also carved what is now Ambergris Caye standing as a long hill bounded by
valleys to the east (the lagoon behind the reef) and to the west (Chetumal Bay). Channels such
as Hol Chan, Boca del Rio, Bacalar Chico and Boca Chica are all-natural joints and fractures in
the limestone that were widened by solution-etching of the Pleistocene limestone bedrock during
this time.
9.1.3 Faulting and Seismology
Sea level began to rise in this area about 6500 years ago, and progressively flooded the area,
leaving Ambergris Caye as an island surrounded by a shallow, reef-rimmed platform. Extensive
diversity and complexity of tectonic regimes characterizes the perimeter of the Caribbean plate,
involving four major plates (North America, South America, Nazca, and Cocos). Inclined zones
of deep earthquakes (Wadati-Benioff zones), ocean trenches, and arcs of volcanoes clearly
indicate subduction of oceanic lithosphere along the Central American and Atlantic Ocean
margins of the Caribbean plate, while crustal seismicity in Guatemala, northern Venezuela and
the Cayman Ridge and Cayman Trench indicate transform fault and pull-apart basin tectonics
(see Figure 9.5).
Along the northern margin of the Caribbean plate, the North America plate moves westwards
with respect to the Caribbean plate at a velocity of approximately 20 mm/yr (see Figure 9.6, 9.7
and 9.8.
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Figure 9.5: Seismic geological characteristics of the project site.
Figure 9.6: Maximum Mercalli intensity for Belize.
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Figure 9.7: Projected horizontal ground acceleration for Belize.
Figure 9.8: Horizontal ground velocity.
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The seismic coefficient considering the zone of low seismic intensity and a terrain of low
resistance is considered to be 0.20 (see Figure 9.9).
Figure 9.9: Seismic hazard map of North and Central America and the Caribbean.
9.1.4 Geology in the Area of the Overwater Structures

The developer proposes to place 33 overwater structures and an overwater restaurant at the
northern end of the island. Figure 9.10 shows the depth contours around the end of the island
where these structures are supposed to be placed. On the western side where the cabanas will be
placed (See Figure 1.3 and 1.4) the depths range from 1.5 to 2.5m however they are shallower
on the eastern shore ranging from 0.5 to 1.5m. Currents in this area are mainly from the northeast
however they are minimal along the western shore due to the blocking effect of the island except
during cold fronts when the winds blow from the northwest.
To the east of the northern end of the island is also proposed for dredging (see Section 11.3.2).
Detail analysis of the sediment samples were made along both the east and west shore in the
location of the propose cabanas and the dredge area. The analysis of the samples show that the
materials consists entirely of sand of various grades (see Section 11.3.2 and Appendix 12). As
the contour map in Figure 9.10 shows the area propose for dredging at the northeastern end of
the island is also very shallow with depths ranging from .5 to 2.0m.
No channels were identified leading into these areas.
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Figure 9.10: Depth contours in the area of the overwater structures and propose northern dredge site.
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9.2 Soil and Subsoil Characteristics and Result of Borehole Test

9.2.1 Approach and Methodology for Borehole Penetration Test
The ToR calls for soil investigation to determine specific soil types in the propose project area
and for the reconfirmation of the bedrock for structural support. It called for three (3) test to be
conducted in the tourism area however the project proponents decided to exceed this requirement
and conduct additional test within the residential areas falling within both the east and west shore.
In all seven perforations were made and a log kept of each penetration as well as the location (see
Figure 9.11).
To achieve this requirement GeoTech Belize was contracted to conduct dynamic penetration test
to assess the existing soil characteristics. The objectives of the investigation were as follows:
 Investigate load bearing capacity of native soil,
 Investigate assumed soil type and thickness,
 Investigate depth to bedrock from existing grade.
Scope of Investigation – The contractor created a total of seven boreholes to assess field
conditions. The locations were identified and properly marked and Dynamic penetration tests
were performed at each location to determine load bearing capacity of the soil, assumed soil type
and thickness and also the depth to bedrock.
Methodology for Perforation of Boreholes – The contractor utilized the Dynamic Penetration
Test using an LMSR – HK hydraulic dynamic probing rig with blows per 10cm readings being
recorded. Readings would then be correlated to Nspt and bearing capacity values. The dynamic
penetration test (DPH) was done in accordance with BS 1377 - Part 9.
Assumed soil classification and other properties were derived based on readings and inference
from a previous investigation. Results for the seven (7) perforations are summarized in the
appended Borehole log in Appendix 11.
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Figure 9.11: Location of perforation used for geotechnical investigation.

9.2.2 Results of the Dynamic Penetration Test
The results of the investigation showed that Dynamic Penetration readings were fairly consistent
across boreholes with a depth to assumed bedrock ranging from 5.4m to 6.1m. All boreholes met
refusal with a final recorded reading of 5mm penetration at 5 blows.
Soil classification and other properties are inferred based on the results obtained in previous
researches and presented in Tables 9.1 to 9.7 below. The complete results are presented in Tables
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9.8 to 9.14. Below are the inferred characteristics of the materials existing at the site where each
boring was carried out according to the stratigraphy of the subsoil reported in the stratigraphic
profiles presented in Appendix 11.
Table 9.1: Borehole BH-1

Depth (m) Description
0.00 – 1.00 Sand with poorly graded gravels, loose compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight
14.43 KN/m3, saturated unit weight 18.79 KN/m3, effective stress 7.22 KPa, standard
penetration resistance rate (NSPT) variable of 8 to 15 blows, with an average of 9.53
blows. With permeability coefficient of 10-² cm/sec.
1.00 – 3.00 Peat with very soft consistency, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 13.32 KN/m3, saturated
unit weight 18.10 KN/m3, effective stress 27.75 KPa, standard penetration resistance
rate (NSPT) variable of 0 to 1.50 blows, with an average in the order of 1.08 blows.
3.00 – 3.70 Sand with poorly graded gravels, very loose compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit
weight 13.75 KN/m3, saturated unit weight 18.37 KN/m3, effective stress 45.88 KPa,
standard penetration resistance rate (NSPT) variable of 3.50 to 5 blows, with an average
of 4.27 blows.
rate (NSPT) variable of 0 – 2 blows, with an average of 2 blows.
5.40 – 5.50 Silty sand, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 15.86 KN/m3,
saturated unit weight 19.67 KN/m3, effective stress 74.17 KPa, standard penetration
resistance rate (NSPT) of 22 blows, with an average of 21.96 blows.
5.50 – 5.60 Limestone, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 24.52 KN/m3, saturated unit weight 24.52
KN/m3, effective stress 76.19 KPa, standard penetration resistance rate (NSPT) of 200
blows, with an average of 199.6 blows.

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0.00 – 1.00 Sand with poorly graded gravels, loose compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight
blows. With permeability coefficient in the order of 10-² cm/sec.
1.00 – 1.60 Poorly graded sand, very loose compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 13.61
KN/m3, saturated unit weight 18.28 KN/m3, effective stress 18.32 KPa, standard
blows.
1.60 – 2.10 Poorly graded sand, very loose compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 14.16
blows.
rate (NSPT) variable of 0 to 1.5 blows, with an average of 1.13 blows.
5.60 – 5.70 Silt, compact, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 17.00 KN/m3, saturated unit weight 20.38
5.70 – 5.80 Silty sand, compact, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 17.63 KN/m3, saturated unit weight
20.77 KN/m3, effective stress 78.72 KPa, standard penetration resistance rate (NSPT)
of 42 blows, with an average of 41.92 blows.
5.80 - 5.90 Gravel, very compact, clay fraction 0%, unit weight 18.68 KN/m3, saturated unit weight
5.90 - 6.00 Gravel, very compact, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 19.08 KN/m3, saturated unit
weight 21.63 KN/m3, effective stress 82.43 KPa, standard penetration resistance rate
(NSPT) of 104 blows, with an average of 103.79 blows.
6.00 - 6.10 Limestone, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 24.52 KN/m3, saturated unit weight 24.52
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0.00 - 3.60 Sand with poorly graded gravels, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight
penetration resistance rate (NSPT) variable 8 to 22 blows, with an average of 10.45
3.60 - 5.50 Poorly graded sand, very loose compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 13.47
penetration resistance rate (NSPT) variable of 2 to 3 blows, with an average of 2.2 blows.
5.50 - 5.60 Silt, loose, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 13.98 KN/m3, saturated unit weight 18.51
5.60 - 5.80 Silt, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 16.41 KN/m3, saturated unit
(NSPT) of 28 to 34 blows, with an average of 29.46 blows.
5.80 - 5.90 Sand with fine gravel, very compact, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 18.99 KN/m3,

0.00 - 1.30 Poorly graded sand, in a very loose condition, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 13.56
1.30 - 2.40 Peat, very soft consistency, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 13.25 KN/m3, saturated unit
(NSPT) variable of 0 to 1 blows, with an average of 0.61 blows.
blows.
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5.70 - 5.80 Silt, loose, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 14.24 KN/m3, saturated unit weight 18.67
5.80 - 5.90 Silty sand, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 16.64 KN/m3,
5.90 - 6.00 Silty sand, compact, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 18.16 KN/m3, saturated unit weight
5.90 - 6.10 Very compact gravel, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 19.14 KN/m3, saturated unit
blows, with an average of 199 blows.

0.00 - 0.90 Poorly graded sand, loose state, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 13.98 KN/m3, saturated
unit weight 18.51 KN/m3, effective stress 6.29 KPa, standard penetration resistance rate
(NSPT) variable of 4 to 10 blows, with an average of 6.00 blows. With permeability
coefficient in the order of 10-² cm/sec.
(NSPT) variable of 0 to 1 blows, with an average of 0 blows.
penetration resistance rate (NSPT) variable of 1 to 3 blows, with an average of 2 blows.
(NSPT) variable of 0 to 2 blows, with an average of 1 stroke.
5.10 - 5.20 Silty sand, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 15.65 KN/m3,
resistance rate (NSPT) of 20 blows, with an average of 20 blows.
resistance rate (NSPT) of 62 blows, with an average of 62 blows.
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5.30 - 5.40 Gravel, very compact, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 19.21 KN/m3, saturated unit
(NSPT) of 98 blows, with an average of 98 blows.

0.00 - 0.80 Sand with poorly graded gravel, in a loose condition, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight
0.80 - 1.70 Sand with poorly graded gravel, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight
blows.
blows.
5.60 - 5.70 Silty sand, compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 16.26 KN/m3, saturated unit
___________________________________________________________________________

0.00 - 0.60 Sand with poorly graded gravel, loose, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 14.06 KN/m3,
resistance rate (NSPT) variable of 6 to 12 blows, with an average of 6.60 blows. With
permeability coefficient in the order of 10-² cm/sec.
blows.
1.30 - 1.90 Sand with poorly graded gravel, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight
blows.
penetration resistance rate (NSPT) variable of 2 to 3.50 blows, with an average of 3.26
blows.
5.60 - 5.90 Silt, medium compactness, clayey fraction 0%, unit weight 15.01 KN/m3, saturated unit
(NSPT) variable from 12 to 30 blows, with an average of 14.31 blows.
It was also observed that the depth to the ground water table across boreholes ranged from 4.5m
to 5.3m with the exception of BH-6 which had a depth of 1.9m. Tables 9.8 to 9.14 shows soil
property values computed by the Dynamic Probing software using established correlations from
various authors, with dynamic penetration test readings.
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Table 9.8: Soil layer properties borehole #1.
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10.0 TRANSPORTATION

(Corresponding to Section 6.0 and 7.0 in the ToR)
Road and Drainage

 Evaluate options for the provision of suitable roads/walkways for the development, taking
into account proper access to proposed facilities, etc. including a layout of the planned
road(s)/walkways in the development site.
 Select preferred option for the provision of suitable roads/walkways for the development.
This will need to examine construction materials (types, sources, volumes, transportation),
and methods in relation to their environmental impacts.
 Identify the preferred option for surface drainage system for the project area, including
drains, culverts, bridges, and sedimentation structures and run off control system.
Water Transportation
 Determine the projected number and types of boats likely to be associated with the entire
development.
 Evaluate options for storage of marine vessels/expansion of existing marina. If applicable,
this will require examination of:
i. Dredging requirements/volume of materials to be dredged;
ii. Disposal/use of dredged materials;
i. Physical characteristics of materials to be dredged;
ii. Benthic substrate
iii. Design of marina
iv. Type of dredging equipment
v. Need for shoreline protection;
vi. Near shore and off shore current patterns;
vii. Near shore and off shore sedimentation patterns;
viii. Wind conditions;
ix. Wave conditions;
x. Transportation of construction materials;
xi. Methods of controlling sedimentation of marina;
xii. Requirement for maintenance dredging (frequency & volume)
 Provide bathymetry of the area to be dredged, in particular the access channel and the
marina area, if applicable.
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 Evaluate options for the construction of beach protection structures/devices and identify
the preferred option (if applicable), including the use of natural shoreline protection
measures.
 Evaluate options for the supply of fuel to boats and identify the best method for
eliminating potential spillages and maximizing health and safety. This should include
options for the proper storage of the fuels.
 Provide information on alternative sites considered and the rational for the selection of the
proposed site and design of the preferred choice for the access channel, fuel storage and
the marina. In the case of the marina, proper flushing must be considered in the design.
 Provide specifications (dimensions) of the proposed docking facilities, pier, breakwaters,
and boardwalk indicating the type(s) of construction materials that will be used.
 Identify the preferred option for the extraction methods, the source, and transportation of
materials for the construction of this project, specifying the necessary mitigation measures
to be used, their residual impacts and significance.
 The proposed marina and overwater structures must include dimensions to scale (e.g.
length, height, width) for all related structures, both land and water based, berthing and
mooring arrangements as well as the specific locations for the various facilities such as
fuel dispensing and boat storage off-land. Text must be submitted (accompanying the
plan) justifying the size and scope of the marina and details on the type, size and number
of vessels to be involved with this undertaking.
10.1 Project Transport Requirements

Transportation to and from Caye Chapel will be an important consideration affecting the long
term economic viability of the site. As an enterprise catering to the higher end of the tourism
market it is expected that the jet set clientele will want quick, easy and comfortable access into
the resort facility. In the same vein, the affluent residential home owners will want easy and
convenient access into the site.
Fortunately, Caye Chapel already has significant transport infrastructure in place to partially meet
the needs of the anticipated clientele including a well-developed marina; an airfield and a system
of internal roads which span the length of the development and connect the existing main nodes
of operation (see Plate 10A).
The proposed development will want to reinforce and modernize the existing transport
infrastructure to meet the anticipated level of new demand, and to improve safety and convenience
to the visitors and residents of the island.
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Airfield
Marina
Internal Road
Network
Plate 10A: View of existing transport network.
Road Transport - Caye Chapel is served by an existing network of roads and footpaths which
spans the island from north to south connecting the main nodes of the island including the
residential areas, utility areas, marina and airfield. A network of footpath supplements the
existing roads reaching into more remote areas of the island. Roads are constructed of native
materials consisting of a limestone base, gravel fill and sand (see Plate 10.B, Top Right). They
are used primarily by golf carts, utility vehicles and lawn care equipment.
Marine Transport – Marine transport is centered on the marina which is located in the center of
the west shore of the island (see Plate 10.B, Bottom Left). The marina consists of an
approximately 100m x 100m, west facing, excavated rectangular basin connected to the ocean by
a 100m long, 25m wide access channel which at present the entrance measures approximately
40m due to erosion (see Figure 2.12c). The current water depth ranges from 1.50m at the edges
to 3.50 at the center (off center to the north); however the original design depth of the marina
basin was 4m suggesting that significant shoaling has taken place due to entry of sediments into
the basin.
In addition to the marina, there is a large wooden pier on the east shore of the island opposite the
marina extending to sea about 76.5m which includes a landing deck (2.m x 15m) and rising about
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1.2m above mean sea level. This pier was expensively damaged by Hurricane Earl in August
2016 and has not been repaired since (see Plate 10.C).
Air Transport – Caye Chapel has an airfield at its southern end which currently accommodates
flights from local airlines (see Plate 10.B, Bottom Right). The total length of the runway
including the non-usable length is 1,036 m, while the length available for landing and takeoff is
960m with an effective runway width of 18m. Based on these measurements the airfield would
be classified with an Aerodrome Reference Code of “2B” according to International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Department of Civil Aviation (Belize) classifies the airstrip
“ for the use of single and twin-engine airplanes whose Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW)
does not exceed 12,500 lbs”.
This airstrip replaced a previous airstrip that used to be in the center of the island and has since
fallen into disuse; however, the runway is still visible.
10.3 The Development Proposal

Improving the transport system is considered crucial to the future viability of the enterprise and
to safeguard the new investment. In line with expanding the guest services on the island and
creating a vibrant residential community, the Caye Chapel developers are attentive to the need to
improve the transportation network and remove potential bottlenecks. To that end the developers
have created a new transportation plan with the expansion of the airfield as its centerpiece.
Main features of the new plan are as follows:
1. Reroute roads further into the interior of the island from the beachfront areas, and improve
general road condition and aesthetics,
2. Renovate, refurbish and redesign the existing marina complex to increase capacity and
user utility,
3. Expand the airfield runway to accommodate larger classes of private airplanes in line with
improving access and sector competitiveness at the site,
4. Improve on the current system of fuel handling, signage and general transport safety.
10.3.1 Roads
The project proponents expect to create a system of roads on the island that will offer ready access
to all areas of the development and amply serve the hotel, residential area, marina and airfield
which are the principal nodes of the development. The main road not including incidental trails
will have a total length of 8 km. and will have the layout and orientation shown in Figure 10.1.
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Top right, Typical view of an access road on the island.

Bottom left, The marina area with boat slips (west view).
Bottom right, South view of the existing Caye Chapel airport
runway.

Plate 10.B: Views of the existing transport infrastructure.
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Plate 10.C: Damage caused by Hurricane Earl to the pier on the east shore.
The new roads will be constructed of sand dredged from the sea during the dredging operation to
create the beaches. Given the general nature of the site to be well drained with a sturdy subsurface
layer there is no need to raise the roadbed higher than minimal levels of 20cm and 2.4m wide
which would require approximately 3,840.00m3 of fill material. This fits in with the vision of the
developers who are promoting a laidback experience with roads serving primarily as footpaths to
access other areas of the island (see Plate 10D).
Surface Drainage - As a long but narrow island with many internal manmade ponds, Caye
Chapel is one of the better drained island destinations. The layout of the land especially in the
golf course area is undulating which allows water to rapidly flow from the higher areas into lower
areas and the ponds most of which are interconnected. If excessive water accumulates within the
ponds, large pumps are used to remove this water to the ocean (see Plate 10.E). Several large
drainage pipes that drain the surrounding landscape empties into the marina.
In its current layout, excess rainfall collects within the numerous ponds on the island which then
acts as a reservoir storing freshwater for periods of declining rainfall. The water in some of the
ponds is currently used for irrigation of the golf course – a use which will be expected to increase
under the new development plan. Besides this, there are no additional plans and no need to
improve on the natural drainage on the island.
As an island that has already been developed the site already has a network of large drainage
ditches which connects into the canals. Crossing these large drainage ditches is a system of
bridges and culverts (see Plate 10.E).
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Figure 10.1: Caye Chapel propose road network.

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Insert 1: Concept view of 2.0m mangrove boardwalk. Insert 2: Concept view of 2.5m marina boardwalk.
Insert 3: Concept view of 2.4 to 2.8m path through golf course Insert 4: Concept view of 2.4 to 2.8m flagstone footpath
and residential areas. through branded residences.
Plate 10D: Concept view of pathways and walkways.

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Figure 10.2: Layout of propose Caye Chapel drainage system.
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Top right, Large diesel pump used to remove excess water

from pond reservoirs.
Bottom left, Small bridge over drainage ditch near golf
course.
Bottom right, large drainage ditch connecting between ponds.

Plate 10E: Views of the existing drainage system on Caye Chapel.
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10.3.2 Marina and Pier

No changes will be made to the marina or pier to facilitate the construction program as the existing
arrangements are considered adequate. During the construction program however, and in
preparation for the operational phase the marina will be refurbished and reinstated to its former
depth since heavy deposition of sediments over time has caused the basin to shallow out. This
will necessitate the dredging of the marina basin and the access channel. The boat house will be
renovated and a new fuel pump will be installed to replace the existing pump which has fallen
into disrepair, however the marina itself will not be expanded.
Currently the marina has enough space to accommodate a fleet of up to 50 recreational boats. At
this time, it is impossible to say how many boats will be associated with the development and if
all slips will be filled. It is expected that most boats of private owners will be small to medium
size ranging up to 8 meters in length. Catamarans are not expected to use the facility however
large boats belonging to local water taxi services are expected to make frequent stops according
to the level of demand for their services. Presently there are no boat slips on the northern shore
of the marina hence there is elasticity in this number depending on the size of boats expected to
use the marina. The entrance is wide enough to accommodate a large boat of 16m or 2 smaller
boats of 8m. The walls of the marina are held in place by PVC sheetpile revetment capped on top
with concrete.
The depth of the marina is now between 3.2 to 3.9m deep from a design depth of 4.3m suggesting
that since the last dredging maintenance, up to a meter of sediments may have accumulated. It is
believed that sediments enter the marina basin from currents that arise during northerlies which
affect the area between October and March of any year and bring winds from the northwest.
Figure 10.3, insert 1, shows the effects of this shoaling at the entrance to the marina with
sediment intrusion clearly visible along the north shore.
It is also likely that a small but unquantifiable amount of sediments enter the marina via the storm
drains that discharge into the basin during the rainy season. Drastic sedimentation is often seen
during hurricanes which have necessitated dredging to maintain depth.
Over time, the marina has developed an ecosystem of its own, replete with some sea grass beds
and shoals of juvenile fish which find sanctuary near the revetments of the marina walls and the
supports for the jetties. Apart from the occasional sea grass colony the substrate consists of fine
sediments derived from calcareous materials.
It is generally accepted that the entrance to the marina is poorly design and in its present
configuration allows excessively high waves of up to 0.6m high into the basin when the wind
blows from the NW. This is considered high for a marina where the maximum acceptable wave
height is generally considered to be about 0.3m.
Jetties - The marina is accessed through 10 fixed concrete jetties about 2.3m wide supported on
concrete 24cm piles. Small water faucets and power boxes are available at the jetty entrances and
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a single disused fuel pump is located next to the small thatch building used as a waiting area. It is
clear that the existing arrangement of the jetties does not make best available use of the marina
basin and that in the future some reconfiguration may be required.
Boathouse - The marina is served by a boathouse which can store 2 medium sized boats of
approximately 12m length. The boat house is equipped with lifting mechanisms to raise boats
out of the water. The development proposal envisions no major changes to the existing boathouse
other than replacement of worn or corroded equipment and general visual enhancements including
painting.
Pier - On the east shore the development has an 80m long pier made of timber supports and
wooden decking. The pier is accessed from a concrete platform. This facility was badly damaged
by Hurricane Earl in 2016 and needs major repair, however part of the pier is still useable and in
times of inclement weather producing rough waves on the west shore, passenger boats will dock
there. The developer proposes to build a pier of similar dimensions on the west shore to provide
access to the marine areas on that side of the island.
Dredging Requirements – The developer proposes to reinstate the depth and original
functionality of the marina basin by undertaking maintenance dredging and to create a realigned
access channel to avoid the current sedimentation problems (see Figure 10.4). The procedures
for the dredging will be as described in Chapter 11, Section 11.4.
It is expected that volumes of materials to be extracted for the marina and access channel will be
as follows
- Assuming on the evidence an average sediment depth in the marina basin of 0.8m we get:
0.8m (depth) x100m(width) x100m(length) = ~ 8000m3,
- Assuming an average depth in the access channel of 1m sediment and a length of 200m
including the existing channel (100m) and the channel created by the Groynes (100m) we
get: 1m x 200m x 25m (width of channel) = ~ 5000m3
The above calculations show that the developer can reasonably expect to gain 13,000m3 of spoils
from the dredging of the marina and the access channel. Depending on the quality of this dredged
material applications may include use for road construction or beach enrichment.
Sedimentation Control – From past experience it appears that major intrusion of sediments into
the marina basin only happen during violent storms particularly hurricanes (see Figure 10.3,
Insert 1). Although sedimentation occurs during cold fronts it appears to be a more gradual and
much slower process.
To address this situation and break the wave energy responsible for the siltation, the developer
proposes to create 2 groynes with the largest extending from the north shore outwards for 150m
from the mouth of the marina while a smaller groyne extends out from the south shore about
100m. In the new design, the access channel is slanted towards the SW mitigating against
potential migration of sediments into the marina basin (see Figure 10.3, Insert 2).
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Insert 1: View of shoaling and sediment intrusion into marina Insert 2: Propose design of marina access channel with
basin. associated groynes to dissipate wave energy.
Figure 10.3: Views of the existing and proposed modified marina layout.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 10.4: Marina Hydrometry. Adapted from ATM 2016 (Not to Scale).
___________________________________________________________________________
It is believed that the new orientation of the access channel will prevent sediment buildup within
the channel itself and the marina while the groynes will effectively dissipate wave energy which
is currently responsible for the mobilization and transport of the sediments.
The groynes were "designed" to mitigate against sedimentation, the resort engineers will monitor
the sedimentation and make recommendations for dredging as required.
Refueling Facility - The marina has a fuel terminal which was previously used to dispense
gasoline and diesel (see Plate 10.F). The developer proposes to replace the current badly worn
and decrepit refueling facility with new metering pumps and incorporate existing safety features
to provide fuel to boaters operating out of Caye Chapel.
The fuel pumps are supplied from fuel tanks stored in the Back of House area and connected to
the fuel pump via underground buried metal pipes which were replaced with new pipes in March
2017. The fuel tanks will be replaced in the operational phase of the project replete with fire
suppression equipment and emergency cutoff switches. The current fuel tanks are placed on a
concrete floor but are not contained in a bondwall structure. This situation will be rectified in the
new development.
Plate 10.F: Current fuel pumps.

10.3.3 Airfield
Improvements to the airfield to accommodate larger aircraft are one of the most important
component of the new development and a central pillar of the island’s tourism strategy. Due to
the caliber of guests expected to use the amenities on the island, the developer would like to be
able to receive flights from regional and foreign destinations directly into Caye Chapel, thereby
increasing visitor convenience and comfort while maximizing time spent on the island. This
arrangement will only be used for guest drop-off on the island. All planes not returning abroad
the same day would be housed at the PGIA.
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Plate 10.G: Aerial view of the existing Caye Chapel airstrip.

Currently the existing runway is constrained by shortcomings including short runway and lack of
instrument landing aids and a runway end safety area (see Plate 10.G). Central to the new thinking
is the desire to upgrade and extend the existing airstrip to accommodate larger class of private
___________________________________________________________________________
aircraft. Under the new development proposal, the existing runway which currently has an airstrip
measuring 1,036m long by 18m wide would be expanded to accommodate Gulf Stream G550
business jets.
i. Required Landing Length

In determining the airfield runway length requirements, the Developer used the concept of the
great circle distance which is the most direct route as the crow flies. Miami, Florida and Mexico
City, Mexico are the two hubs which airplanes using Caye Chapel should be able to fly to. These
destinations have a range of about 1080 km {(650 nautical miles (NM)} hence this distance is
taken as the minimum given target range.
The developer has taken the landing and takeoff requirements of the Gulfstream G550 as an
example of a widely used aircraft by business men with suitable passenger capacity and range on
which to model airfield requirements (see Plate 10.H). The requirements of this aircraft are given
in Table 10.1.
Plate 10.H: View of Gulfstream G550.
To accommodate this class of aircraft the runway would have to be expanded by 1650m which is
at variance with the value given in Table 10.1, however this value is added to the existing length
to give a total of 2,650m.
Several factors influence runway length for airplanes including amount of fuel the aircraft can
carry, elevation above sea level and condition of the runway e.g. wet or dry. If no fuel uptake is
available at the airfield, any landing aircraft would need to bring their fuel with them in order to
safely return to their originating airport. This means, if the same payload for arriving aircraft is
assumed, the landing weight (LW) has to be equal to the take-off weight (TOW).
___________________________________________________________________________
Assuming wet conditions as a worst case, the runway length requirements for an aircraft increases
as is shown by the example of the B737-800 LW of 62.66t (see Figure 10.5 and Figure 10.6).
As the landing length requirement is more onerous than the take-off length, this means that the
current runway would need to be extended by at least 1,800m however taking
Table 10.1: Description of Gulfstream G550.

Component Description Value
Ship Gulfstream G550
Crew 4
Capacity (passengers) 18
Long (m) 29.40
Wingspan (m) 28.50
Height (m) 7.90
Empty weight (kg) 21900.00
Gross weight (kg) 41300.00
Cruise speed (km/h) 904.00
Reachable distance (km) 12500.00
Take-of length (m) 2660.00
Landing length (m) 1247.00
Climb speed (m/s) 30.00
Figure 10.5: Example runway length requirement for a B737-800 for 650NM.
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Figure 10.6: Example Landing Length Requirement B737-800 for LW= 62.66t.
into account probability of onerous operating conditions, we bring the additional add on safety
requirements into the calculations as follows:
Present runway length: 1,024 M.
Runway required length: 1,800 M.
Weather condition adds 25% length: 450 M.
Maneuvering length: 400 M.
Total required runway length: 2,650 M.
With this in mind major improvements are planned for the airfield with the planned works
centered on expanding the runway by 1,650m to the south to create a runway of 2,650m capable
of landing aircraft of the class Gulfstream G550. This builds in the necessary safety factor and
allows larger aircraft to land in the future if the need arises and especially during emergencies.
Figure 10.7 gives the propose layout and orientation of the expanded airfield.
ii. Airfield Construction Specification

The airfield would be built to similar design specifications as the existing airstrip however the
length of the landing strip would be increased by 1650m and the landing surface sufficiently
reinforced to allow landings of larger, heavier aircraft
For the expansion of the runway, the developer proposes to use locally sourced dredge material
from the shallow sea bed if available and from inland with the runway being maintained at
existing width of 18m but furnished with refueling facilities (see Figure 10.7). Unlike the beach
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area which requires sand of high aesthetic quality the construction of the runway would require
material of higher impact strength hence barrow pits to the southwest of the island which was
used in the previous development to build up the land surface of Caye Chapel could be used.
Figure 10.7: Conceptual layout of new airfield.
During the field assessment for this study these relic barrow pits were studied in terms of habitat
condition. It was found that the barrow pits were well on their way to recovery and were fast
filling up with sediments. In addition, the pits were being recolonized with sea grass, and had
developed a vibrant marine life including sessile organisms and fish.
The fill material will be held in place by PVC sheet piling capped by concrete similar to the
existing situation of the current airfield. Dredging for the airfield will be carried out in line with
the procedures laid down for dredging at the development and detailed in Chapter 11, Section
11.4.
The seas to the south of the airfield are quite shallow reducing the need for large volumes of fill
(See Figure 10.8). To create the extension of the airfield the developer has calculated by volume
the requirement for 64,437.5 m3 of sand and 27,787.5 m3 of stone, giving a total volume of
92,625.5 m3 of filling material.
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The upgraded airstrip would be required to conform to international regulations including a

system for the illumination of the airstrip and the construction of a control tower. The airstrip
must be able to operate effectively and safely in inclement weather hence the airfield will also
require operation light signal. Planes using the airstrip would be expected to discharge passengers
on Caye Chapel but would be expected to park at the Phillip Goldson International Airport if
overnighting is required.
The developer has also considered the potential need for helicopter landing near the runway. This
mode of transportation would become operable in case an emergency evacuation is required.
10.3.4 Legal Requirements to Operate the Airstrip
The Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA) has the right to regulate all aerodromes
operating within the country. Aerodromes are regulated under the Civil Aviation Act, Chapter
239, Revised Edition 2000 of the Substantive Laws of Belize and BCAR 14. The applicable
Belize Civil Aviation Regulations which have also been developed, further detail the
requirements for compliance in accordance with Annex 14, Volumes I and II to the Convention
on International Civil Aviation.
Public and private aerodromes including heliports operating in the country require a licence issued
by the BDCA. The Belize Department of Civil Aviation has regulatory responsibilities related to
the safety and security of flight operations and flying itself. All licenses for flight operations are
subject to approval and control.
In further developing the Caye Chapel aerodrome the developer must be mindful of the following
:
 No person may instruct, cause, or permit to be constructed any aerodrome without the
written permission of the Director of Civil Aviation; and on completion of construction,
the owner or occupier of the land or place or the proprietor or operator of the aerodrome
shall apply to the Director of Civil Aviation for an aerodrome license.
 The Director of Civil Aviation, after consultation with the Minister, shall satisfy himself
that such aerodrome is in the public interest, and in particular shall have regard to the
following:
o that the proposed aerodrome is not in any place reserved for any other national or
public purpose;
o that the aerodrome or the use thereof will not pose a threat to national security;
o that adequate security arrangements are made to ensure that the aerodrome shall
not be used for any purpose contrary to law or public policy; and
o that the proposed aerodrome shall have no adverse impact on the environment.
o only aircraft authorized by the Director of Civil Aviation shall be permitted to use
the aerodrome;
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South End
of Airstrip
Extension Airstrip
Corridor (Proposed)
Figure 10.8: Caye Chapel airfield hydrometry survey.

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11.0 Dredging and Material Extraction
 Provide a detailed analysis of the depth contours and sub-bottom profiles of the sediments
in the immediate vicinity of the over-the-water structures, proposed dredge site(s) as well
as a concise description including maps and plans, of the alignment of any channel(s)
leading to or from these areas that are to be dredged.
 Details of the sediment profile below the sub-bottom, the material to be displaced or
extracted;
 Determine the type and volume of landfill materials required for the entire development
including beach nourishment, the airstrip and the subdivision.
 Estimate and justify the total volume of material to be extracted/dredged for the construction
of waterways/channel, marina, overwater structures, and land reclamation and/or creation
for the airstrip expansion and other activities.
 Consult with the Mining Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources over fulfilling
requirements for a quarry/mining license, which will be required before any
dredging/mining commences.
 Consult with the Fisheries Department on the identification (if any) of the proposed burrow
sites and the impacts to the surrounding environment.
 Identify, if any, the volumes of dredge spoils to be disposed of, provide a description of the
physical state and composition of these spoils; Provide a description of the method(s) to be
applied in regard to the conveyance of the spoils from the dredge site(s) to the spoil
dewatering/fill site; including the placement of engineering structures or equipment
associated with the process;
 Provide a description of the fate of the dredged spoils, if applicable, including any process
to dewater, distribute, deposit, compact or transport the spoils and land reclamation;
Describe the methodology for containment of silt and sediments at the dredge site;
 Evaluate the potential impacts of excavation/dredging on marine flora and fauna, and human
beings and their use of the area, including information on sub-tidal habitat such as sea grass
beds, macro-algal beds, and the beach or near-shore environment. This evaluation should
include:
i. Direct and indirect biological impacts;
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ii. Direct and indirect physical impacts;

iii. Impact on water resources;
iv. Specific mitigation measures.
 Describe the methods for dredging to be applied and description of type of equipment to be
used. Identify the preferred method for material extraction, identifying the source, and
transportation of materials, specifying the necessary mitigation measures, their residual
impacts and significance.
 Provide a brief history of the previous dredging activities within the area, identifying the
major environmental impacts and measures implemented to address these, including socio-
economic impacts.
11.1 Requirements for Dredging

Dredging for materials to raise and firm up low-lying areas is an indispensable requirement for
land development in coastal Belize and its offshore islands. Most tourism development projects
in offshore and coastal areas of the country will require the importation of materials to raise the
elevation of the land. Large dredging operations to reclaim land and to build elevation are readily
observable in such important tourism destinations as San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia.
On the basis of past and recent precedence it can be concluded that from the regulatory and
sediment availability perspectives beach nourishment and land reclamation activities on Caye
Chapel would be feasible. From a technical perspective, design supported by comprehensive
analyses and investigations can yield a sustainable coastline with minimal impacts on the
environment given the relatively benign metocean conditions at the site.
Dredging is included as a separate chapter in this report because it is central to the main
developmental program areas touching the following key sectors:
 Beach enrichment – The developer plans an extensive program of beach enrichment
and rehabilitation covering most of the east and west coast of the island,
 Roads – The plan calls for the road network to be built from reclaimed dredging
materials,
 Landfill – The developer plans to raise the level of the land on Caye Chapel and
improving the contours for rainwater catchment by filling some low lying areas with
dredged materials including portions of the golf course, hotel and back of house area
among others,
 Airfield – major expansion is planned for the airfield to accommodate larger class of
aircraft. It is planned for the additional section of the airfield to be built from dredged
materials.
As indicated above, the primary purpose of the dredging operation will be to gain spoils for the
construction program, however the marina and its channel will need to be dredged to recover the
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required design depth of the basin and its access channel. This operation will gain dredge spoils
which can be used in the construction program.
Because of the pervasive nature of the activity and its central role, no distinction is made in this
analysis between the feasibility of beach nourishment and land reclamation other than the
location of the source material, since the basis of the operation is similar and involves dredging
to acquire sediments.
Recent Dredging Activity - Caye Chapel has had a history of using dredged materials from the
sea for land reclamation, landfill and beach nourishment. In the recent past, (since the 1990s)
the following volumes of dredged materials have been used on the site:
 765,000m3 was taken from several borrow pits located about 100 to 200 m from the
southwest shore of the island. The material won from this dredging operation was used
to build the golf course and airport runway area,
 460,000m3 was dredged from the sea after Hurricane Keith in 2000 to make repairs for
damages sustained to the island,
 An additional 460,000m3 of sediments was dredged from pits located along the northwest
shore and were used for the land fill in the northern end and repairs. The average depth
of the pits was approximately 5.5m (18 feet).
In addition, the Company had received a permit for a pilot beach creation program which was
executed in early 2017 and entailed the deposition of approximately 12,240m 3 (16,000yd3) of
dredged materials for the creation of 300m of beach area with a width of 30m (see Plate 11.A).
As indicated in previous chapters, Caye Chapel originally had an area of 290 acres as per the
original property title; however, the area has now been reduced to 265 acres showing a deficit of
25 acres from the original area. Accordingly, and based on expert advice, the 25 acres deficit
should be recovered by the developer because of previous legal existence and restored to the
beachfront from where it was lost as a result of erosion. It is expected that the installation of the
groynes will effectively mitigate against this effect during the operational phase.
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Plate 11.A: View of completed pilot beach area.
11.2 Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines for Dredging

From a regulatory perspective, there is nothing that would prohibit dredging at the site provided
that proper controls are in place to avoid pollution and to control and contain sediment drift. The
developer must also take steps to ensure no sensitive sites are unduly disturbed. Notwithstanding
this, dredging is considered a potentially harmful activity under the EIA regulations and is often
the justification for some developmental projects requiring full Environmental Impact
Assessment.
The Department of the Environment is in the process of producing guidelines for dredging
operations in Belize, however current best practices calls for the following:
- Signs, beacons, lights and demarcation buoys be placed to demarcate the dredging area
to marine traffic using the area,
- Measures to inform the public via written and electronic media to the proposed dredging
operation as per Belize Port Authority regulations,
- Use of silt curtain to contain the dredge spoils disposal area against siltation of adjacent
areas with the lower end of the curtain resting on the seafloor and the top penetrating the
surface of the water,
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- Dredge materials must first be removed to a dewatering site enclosed with geotextile
membrane on a berm structure having an appropriate height to prevent the escaped of
dredge slurry and placed a minimum distance of 10m from the coastline.
- Won dredged materials should only be spread after 80% of its water content has been
drained away.
Water leaving the berm structure should be released to the environment only after most or
all sediments have settled out and at any rate should have an acceptable Nephelometric
Turbidity Units (NTU) value to be determined by the DoE or not more than 55NTU.
11.3 Dredge Volumes and Source Materials

11.3.1 Areas Requiring Dredged Materials and Volumes to be Extracted
The development will require the mining of large volumes of materials from the seabed to meet
the projects development requirement. As Table 11.1 shows, the largest consumer of dredge
material will be the beach area at roughly half of the total consumption or 507,000m 3. All the
other sectors combined will require about 533,000m3 of fill.
Table 11.1: Quantities of dredged materials required for development

SECTOR Volume (M3)
Materials for the Golf Course 60,000.00
Materials for the extension of the runway (1600m) 70% of the total
volume 224,000.00
Stone for the extension of the runway (1600m) 30 % of the volume12 27,795.00
Roads (depth = e%=20cm, and width =2.4m) 3,406.00
Estimate for the Estate Lots (60% x 0.8) 131,378.80
Estimate for landscaping of Branded residences (40% x 0.8) 14,275.84
Estimate for Hotel (40% x 0.8) 20,215.36
Estimate BOH (25%x0.8) 1,394.91
Estimate for common areas (40% x 0.8) 78,626.58
Estimate for the beach enrichment 507,000.00
SUBTOTAL 1,040,297.49
Minus dredge spoils from marina and access channel 13,000
TOTAL 1,027,297.49
12
Stones will be brought in to the site and not sourced from dredging.
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The developer also intends to dredge the marina basin and its access channel. This work is
estimated to win 13,000m3 of dredged materials which can be used on the island in the works
program including for the roads and golf course if found to be of suitable quality.
For simplicity the dredging program can be divided into the following 3 main areas:
i. Beach Nourishment and Enrichment

The need for sand for beach enrichment is a major reason for undertaking the dredging program.
The project proponents would like to develop a high quality beach area for the use and enjoyment
for their guest. For this purpose, the design engineers would like to source a high quality deposit
that would enhance the aesthetic appeal of the island and which would have suitable color and
texture. Unfortunately, sand of the required standards is only found in a few offshore locations
of Caye Chapel. The developer has therefore endeavored to source this material from deposits
anticipated to result in least environmental impacts and to import the material onto Caye Chapel
for aesthetic beach building purposes and beach nourishment.
In calculating the area for beach enrichment, the total proposed beach area has been summarily
divided into 19 sections (segments) and the total amount of dredged spoils needed for each
calculated (see Figure 11.1). In all about 507,000m3 of sand will be required for the beach
enrichment program (see Table 11.1. The beach enrichment program will be carried out to the
standards and specifications of the existing pilot demonstration area in the area marked on
Figure 11.1 as beach area #1. A cross section of the propose beach areas is given in Figure
11.2.
Groynes – To reduce the effects of erosion from wave energy the developer will protect his
investments along the reclaimed beachfront area by installing a series of groynes at critical
locations such as near the hotel and overwater cabanas (Figure 11.3). The groynes will act as
buffers dissipating wave energy before they can impact the beach area. They will also play the
dual role of calming the shoreline currents which are responsible for moving sediments dislodged
by the waves away from the beach.
The groynes are being designed to be as unobtrusive as possible while allowing access beyond
the beach area for pedestrians who would like to experience the marine environment further from
shore. Typical design of the groynes is given in Figure 11.4.
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Be
Be Be Be Be
ac Be
ac ac ac ac
h ac
132 h h h h500
Playa 3 4 m 500 498 503 h Beac
5m 6 7 8m 366
162 193 m m 9m h 10
m m 440
255 339 m
mBe Be m 598
ac ac Beac m 346
h h h 15 Beac m 689
beach volume (m3) 219
1 2 1
19,980.4
h 14 Beac m
2 26,487.5
m Beac
3 20,193.1
h 13
Beac h 11
4 12,692.4
5 24,259.0 h 12
6 31,228.3
7 37,314.4
8 36,295.5
9 26,867.5
10 31,129.6
11 72,211.7
12 27,302.3
13 32,638.4
14 64,828.9
15 43,497.1
total 506,926.0
Figure 11.1: View of Caye Chapel beach segments marked for sand enrichment.
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Figure 11.2: Cross section of beach area.
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Figure 11.3: Typical view of design and dimensions of the groyne structures.
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Figure 11.4: Typical design of groyne structures for Caye Chapel.
ii. Airfield Land Reclamation and Expansion

TAL hopes to be able to expand the airfield by 1650m from its existing southern end. The expansion
of the airfield will require the use of dredged spoils mined from the local area and the use of rocks
which will be mined from an as yet unidentified inland quarry and brought to the site by barge (see
Table 11.2). The rocks may be used singly or in combination with geotextile membrane to provide
added stability and protection (see Figure 11.5).
The slope of the runway will be on a ratio of 1.5 meter horizontal slant for every 1.0 meter of elevation.
Table 11.2: Quantity of materials required for construction of runway.

quantity per quantity per
Concept unit
linear meter 1600 meters
material to be dredged to conform
M3 140 224,000
embankment
slope protection with rocks/geotectile
M3 40 64,000
tubes
bearing capacity improvement for runway M2 30 48,000
Pavement M2 30 48,000
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SECTION AA´ 50 mts
+1.5 mts
NMM 0.0 mts
-1.0 a -3.0 mts
Section to be dredged Embankment conformed with

dredged material
Bearing Capacity improvement
to be designed
1600 mts
A A´
Bearing Capacity improvement
Rocks protection or Geotextile tubes to to be designed
be designed
Figure 11.5: Design cross section of the airport runway.
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iii. Landfill to Increase Inland Elevation and Improve Drainage

Approximately 309,000m3 of materials will be required for raising the elevation of the land which
will be occupied by the golf course, the residential lots, the hotel, and the back of house area
among other sections within the main development areas. A small volume of 3,406m3 will also
be required to build the roads.
11.3.2 Source Materials

Finding sources of sediment for beach nourishment and land reclamation is always problematic.
In general, four sources are typically considered:
(i) importing sediment from land sources,
(ii) sediment from deep water areas,
(iii) sediment from new unexploited nearby borrow areas, and
(iv) sediment from existing previously exploited nearby borrow areas.
Based on cost, using sediment from existing previously exploited borrow areas would be the
preferred option of the developers provided the resource is close enough for exploitation and of
acceptable quality. From an environmental impact perspective, the use of already exploited
borrow pits is also preferred by regulators including the Department of the Environment since it
results in least environmental impact to habitats and less scarring of the seafloor.
Several large borrow pits are located to the southwest and northwest of the island from previous
dredging operations which were used to raise the level of the island and to build the airfield (see
Figure 11.6). During this time about 1,225,000m3 were mined from the borrow pits to the
southwest of the island for the golf course and airport runway area and for repairs after Hurricane
Keith. A further 460,000m3 were extracted from the borrow pits to the northwest of the island
for landfill at the northern end and for repairs from hurricane damage.
During the marine surveys accompanying this study it was found that the borrow pits to the SW
were well on their way to recovery and were healing with the deposition of new sediments. The
borrow pits to the NW were also recovering but at a slower pace. In view of the fact that sediment
flow is predominantly from north to south it is possible that at least some of the materials for
filling can be obtained from this area.
Importing sediments from mainland sources would be prohibitively expensive and time
consuming with concomitant environmental impacts to inland areas and from transportation to
the site. It is also possible to obtain some of the sediments from further ashore in deeper waters
adjacent to the barrier reef and directly east of the northern end of Caye Chapel.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 11.6: Location of existing borrow pits.
Preliminary field work carried out by Axisema Ingeneria y Medio Ambiente (hereafter Axisema)
in early 2017 showed that a good sand resource existed in that location. Notwithstanding this,
the location was discounted as a possible exploitable deposit due to environmental concerns
associated with the presence of the barrier reef.
It is also possible for the developer to identify and exploit new borrow pits adjacent to Caye
Chapel. Using borrow pits adjacent to the island would have the following advantages:
1. Reduced cost associated with pumping, piping and labor;
2. Reduced environmental impacts since it is easier to contain the sediments entrained in the
slurry near to shore plus less distance for piping to travel through marine habitats,
As part of the Caye Chapel Development Project, TAL commissioned engineering assessments
to provide a depiction of the potential quality of the dredge material from the adjacent sites. The
contracted engineering firm, Axisema collected sediment samples at 10 locations to determine
the composition of the materials. Analysis of the bottom benthic layer indicates a significant
layer of sand that may be available for mining.
The investigators have found that a good resource (in terms of quality and quantity) existed near
the northeastern end of the island (see Figure 11.7). Further investigations were conducted to the
south of the island along the trajectory of the proposed airfield extension for a total of 10 sediment
sampling locations. The coordinates of these locations are given in Table 11.3.
Sediments collected were sieved tested in a laboratory and graded according to the Unified Soil
Classification System (see Table 11.4). The results of the test are presented in Table 11.5 and the
certified laboratory results are reproduced in (see Appendix 12).
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 11.7: Location of sampling points.
Table 11.3: Coordinates of sampling locations.
Point X Y
1 389495.00 1958468.00
2 389483.00 1958705.00
3 389771.00 1959061.00
4 390135.00 1958900.00
5 390079.00 1958456.00
6 390048.00 1957990.00
7 389118.00 1954858.00
8 389124.00 1954395.00
9 389118.00 1953894.00
10 389118.00 1953377.00
Table 11.4: Summary of sediment grading results.
D10 D50 D90

Point (U.S.C.S.)
(mm) (mm) (mm)
1 0.173 0.423 1.310 Sand
2 0 0.201 2.265 Sand
3 0.434 1.058 3.182 Sand
4 0.215 0.548 1.716 Sand
5 0.176 0.516 1.396 Sand
6 0.194 0.41 1.217 Sand
7 0.192 0.839 3.723 Sand
8 0.255 0.610 1.457 Sand
9 0.196 0.592 1.803 Sand
10 0.318 0.835 3.180 Sand
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 11.5: Unified Soil Classification System.

Major divisions Group Group name
symbol
Coarse grained gravel > 50% clean gravel GW well-graded gravel,
soils more than of coarse <5% smaller fine to coarse gravel
50% retained on fraction than No.200 GP poorly graded gravel
or above retained on Sieve
No.200 (0.074 No.4 gravel with GM silty gravel
mm) sieve (4.75 mm) >12% fines GC clayey gravel
sieve
sand ≥ 50% of clean sand SW well-graded sand, fine
coarse fraction to coarse sand
passes No.4 SP poorly graded sand
(4.75 mm) sand with SM silty sand
sieve >12% fines SC clayey sand
Fine grained silt and clay inorganic ML silt
soils liquid limit < CL clay of low plasticity,
50% or more 50 lean clay
passing the organic OL organic silt, organic
No.200 (0.074 clay
mm) sieve silt and clay inorganic MH silt of high plasticity,
liquid limit ≥ elastic silt
50 CH clay of high plasticity,
fat clay
organic OH organic clay, organic
silt
Highly organic soils Pt peat
Figure 11.8 shows the expected horizontal profile of the dredged areas following sand extraction
against the current situation. The profile provides a cross section for Area 1 and Area 2 for which
2 profiles are provided. For area 1, the dredged area covers approximately 300m by 2000m.
During the dredging, materials will only be extracted to a depth of 1 meter and the pump will then
be moved to a new location, however this depth could be increased to limit impacts to a smaller
area. This compares well with previous dredging activities adjacent to the island where depth of
dredging was often several meters deep.
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 11.8: Profile of expected appearance of dredged area following dredging.

___________________________________________________________________________
11.4 The Propose Dredging Program

The developer has the option of using either mechanical or hydraulic dredges or a combination
of both to remove materials from the sea floor for the construction program (see Figure 11.9).
The use of any type of dredging equipment should be dictated by local environmental conditions
to reduce impacts to the extent possible and should ultimately be determined by relevant national
authorities.
Normally the mechanical dredge will employ a grab dredger head in the deeper areas and a
backhoe type dredger in the shallower areas. Although the use of mechanical dredge inland and
nearshore locations cannot be entirely ruled out the developer intends to use hydraulic dredging
to reduce the amount of silts and sediments suspended into the water column from the disturbance
arising from the dredging activity. To further prevent the flow of sediments from the working
area a floating silt curtain will be built around the dredge to reduce migration of sediments from
the work area (see Figure 11.10).
Materials dredged by the cutter-head/suction will be pumped to the dredge spoils dewatering site
through a series of 4” and/or 8” High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) submerged pipes with
flanged and/or fused ends.
Figure 11.9: Typical views of Grabber and Suction Dredge.
11.4.1 Methodology for the Dredging Program

(i) Equipment - An electric submersible centrifugal type pump will be powered by an
electrical generator both of which will be mounted onto a pontoon boat (see Plate 11C,
Bottom Left). The pump amd generator will be transported to the sand bank on the
pontoon boat and
___________________________________________________________________________
Figure 11.10: Views of the boom and membrane containment structure.

___________________________________________________________________________
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes will convey the dredge slurry to the dewatering
area (see Plate 11.B, Insert 1 and Plate 11C, Top Right). The discharge pipes will then
be connected from the suction pump to the regeneration zone for beach construction.
(ii) Anti-fine mesh - Before starting with sand filling activities an anti-fine-dispersion mesh
is installed. The mesh will be fine enough to trap sediments inside while allowing filtered
water to escape. The curtain will be held erect and above the surface by booms consisting
of Stryrofoam or other similar suitable flotation device (see Figure 11.9). The sections
of the curtain will be seamlessly connected to stop the inadvertent passage of sediments.
The bottom of the curtain will connect to the seafloor by weights so sediments do not
escape below. The water must have sufficient residence time for all the sediments to settle
out and in any case must conform to the following formula.
Settling Velocity and Detention Time Using the Continuity Equation,
Q = AV (Clarifier Theory)
– Q = Pump Rate, L3/T
– Vs = Settling velocity, L/T
– A = Surface Area required to remove sediment (by gravity), L2
Therefore: A = Q/Vs
(iii) Aspiration of sand and beach profiling - The pump is lowered on the sandbar by means
of a system of mechanical pulleys (see Plate 11C, Bottom Left). When the pump is ready
to operate, the generator that supplies electrical power to the pump is started. The pump
starts the sand aspiration process. When the pump has drilled an average of one meter
depth into the sandbar the system stops and the pump is relocated to a new position. The
process then continues incrementally until the required volumes of dredged materials are
obtained. The conformation of the beach will be made in successive layers, with the first
being the base, the second the beach area itself and finally the profile or beach crown.
(iv) Stability of beaches - To secure the stability of the sand filling, a system of “pocket”
beaches is designed based on groins constructed with Geotextile Tubes covered by rocks
(see Plate 11.B, Insert 2).
(v) Inland sites – The developer will pump dredge slurry into areas on land contained by
membrane which are designed to release water while trapping sand and sediments. The
membrane will be held erect by appropriately sized poles and the bottom will be stabilized
by rocks (see Plate 11.D).
___________________________________________________________________________
Insert 1: Dredge pipe discharging slurry into Insert 2: Vertical view of groyne structure in
dredge spoils containment structure in the pilot the pilot area.
area.
Plate 11.B: View of discharge area and groyne.
___________________________________________________________________________
Top right, Pipes to be used to convey dredge slurry.

Bottom left, Dredge suction head.
Bottom right, Pontoon with pump and generator.

Plate 11.C: Views of the system that will be used during the dredging operation.
___________________________________________________________________________
Top right, Schematic view of the membrane structure used to

trap dredge silts.
Bottom left, Typical picture of a dewatering site using
membrane technology.
Bottom right, Picture showing design of drainage system with
membrane structure.
NB: All pictures courtesy of Axisema.

Plate 11.D: Views of potential design of the dewatering system to be used on Caye Chapel.
___________________________________________________________________________
11.4.2 Specifications of the Dredge Equipment

Dredging engineers will always try to match their equipment to the difficulty of the task at hand
for an effective dredging operation. The materials identified adjacent to Caye Chapel as potential
material for beach enrichment and land reclamation are loose granular sand which is very easy to
remove using moderately powered equipment.
Therefore, for the dredging of the loose sand hydrodynamic suction dredging techniques will be
used. This includes having a suction dredge with cutter-head mounted on a barge/pontoon with
suitably sized pumps to push the watery dredge material to the selected dredged dewatering sites.
The DoE has already indicated to the developer preference for use of dredge equipment described
in Table 11.6 below.
Only the top 1 meter of the sandy layer will be removed however this could be increased to
constraint impacts to a smaller area. No silt and organics or clayey sand nor fat and lean clays will
be mined. In the same vein, no cemented or calcareous strata will be penetrated which would
likely present a challenge for hydrodynamic dredging techniques as the jettying water may not be
able to disintegrate the materials into individual particles; rather, these soils tend to “ball” and
potentially clog the dredge pipes and dredging heads.
Table 11.6 summarizes the types of dredging equipment that will be used on Caye Chapel.
Table 11.6: Dredge equipment needed for the dredging operation Caye Chapel.
Dredging BASIC USE
capacity per
8 hours
EQUIPMENT SIZE QUANTITY operating
8''x8'' 1 300-500 m3 Dredge/filling operation
Electric Centrifugal 100-300 m3 Maintenance/ Geotextile tubes
pump 6''x6'' 2 filling operation
<100m3 Maintenance/ geotextile tubes
4''x4'' 2 sand filling operation
120 KVA 1
Electric Generator 100 KVA 1
65 KVA 1
Pontoon 8m x 2.5m 2
6'' 300 m
Hydraulic pipes
4'' 300 m
HDPE pipes 8'' 1200 m
Marine cables 0 300 m
___________________________________________________________________________
12.0 THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

 Conduct an investigation to determine the potential social impacts of the proposed

development, taking into account factors such as:
o Labor - employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers for example
in the tourism and estate industry; and provision of basic health care and hygiene,
the provision of recreational spaces, sanitary facilities for all workers, during
construction and operation of the project.
o An analysis of the requirements of areas for public services should be incorporated
into this study. Issues such as the following should be addressed;
 Fire protection
 Police/Security services
 Educational institutions
 Recreational centers
 Medical emergency evacuations
 Conduct an assessment/survey to identify users of the project zone of influence, in view
of addressing the displacement of people, particularly fisher folks and recreational users
of the area. An explanation should be provided as to why displacement is unavoidable, if
applicable, and recommendations/assistance to be provided to the displaced.
12.1 Introduction
The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) seeks to ascertain the social and economic impacts of a
development or project on human groups within the endeavor’s sphere of influence. According
to Olsen and Merwin (1976), there are three important features of SIAs that are worth noting; 1)
that impacts can be both positive and negative, 2) impacts “interact with their original causes in
a reciprocal process,” and 3) impact assessments are intended to inform policy makers of the
potential disadvantages of a project so that these can be mitigated beforehand.
The SIA thus, plays an important role in the life cycle of any major project. It forms the basis of
negotiation between proponents and stakeholders to arrive at sustainable social and economic
developments that are within the interests of all parties. A fundamental principle of the SIA is
the understanding that humans by their very nature are driven to increased development, however
___________________________________________________________________________
these developments must maintain harmony between individuals and groups as well as with the
natural environment.
This social impact assessment for the Caye Chapel Development Project is concerned with the
social and economic impacts of the development on stakeholders’ resident on Caye Chapel, as
well as the nearby islands of Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, the Shoal, in addition to the Belize
District and other areas within the project’s sphere of influence.
A team of Consultation Specialists trained in educational research carried out this assessment.
The team used an on the ground face to face approach for gathering the primary data needed for
this chapter. The names of the team members and CVs are given in Appendix 14.
This report has been compiled in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Terms of Reference
for an Environmental Impact Assessment, Caye Chapel Development Project, by the Department
of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable
Development and Climate Change, Belize.
Matters considered include the social and cultural area, community engagement, a social baseline
profile, potential impacts and mitigation strategies.
12.1.1 Methodology
The social impact assessment consultants employed International Association for Impact
Assessment (2015), best practice methods. The methods ensured that the team could identify and
focus on the major social impacts of the project and be able to respond to the concerns, needs and
ambitions of the stakeholder groups. The method employed for the Caye Chapel Development
Project is as follows:
 Literature review – a thorough review of the literature on impacts of tourism/tourism
ventures and residential developments in coastal areas was carried out. The Caye Chapel
due diligence report (Hill International, 2012) and design plan (Enviroplan Consultants
Ltd., 2016) was then evaluated to ascertain the possible socio-economic impacts related
to this project.
 Map stakeholders – the impact zoning technique was used to map the geographic sphere
of influence of the different types of social impacts identified. Stakeholder analysis was
then carried out to identity stakeholder groups (those who could potentially be impacted
by the development).
 Identify representatives of stakeholder groups.
 Consult with the representatives – face-to-face, telephone interviews and email
correspondences were used in this instance.
 Provide stakeholders with sufficient information about the project.
 Solicit views about the project and identify aspirations and concerns.
 Develop profile of baseline condition.
___________________________________________________________________________
 Use stakeholders’ feedback, statistical data, data from observation, and technical
knowledge to analyze effects of impacts and make predictions against baseline profile.
 Develop alternatives or mitigation responses if needed.
 A survey was also designed and made available on-line at Survey Monkey as well as
administered at Expo Belize Tradeshow on September 16th -17th at the Green Building
Association booth of which the project was a sponsor (see Appendix 13). Since this SIA
is intricately connected to a larger EIA, the team worked closely with the other consultants
and experts involved to ensure a coordinated effort in responding to stakeholder questions
and providing feedback to team members. A grievance procedure has been designed to
accommodate this even during and post the construction phase.
The overarching approach was analytical, community-based and consultative in nature, keeping
with a methodological approach which values and affirms both proponents and stakeholders.
Stakeholder consultations were undertaken from late May through September, 2017.
12.1.2 Stakeholder Analysis
Caye Chapel is a private island located 25 km (16 miles) north east of Belize City, 2.5 km (1.5
miles) east of Belize’s barrier reef, 1.7 km (1.02 miles) south of Caye Caulker, 24.82 km (15.4
miles) south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and a stone’s throw north of the tiny island commonly
known as The Shoal. Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are the two most populated islands in
Belize, and both are major tourist destinations.
In addition, because Caye Chapel is less than 3 km (2 miles) south of the Caye Caulker Marine
Reserve, it has been included in the Caye Caulker Coastal Planning Region, which itself is a part
of the larger Central Belize Coastal Planning Region. Caye Caulker Coastal Management Zone
is one of nine zones that make up the Integrated Coastal Zone of Belize, a management framework
under the authority of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI). The
island is also within a 32.19 km (20 miles) radius of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the
Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, it is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) west of Belize’s beautiful
Barrier Reef, which has been designated a world heritage site. This Barrier/Coral Reef is the
largest reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world.
The SIA team’s, impact zoning technique, identified Caye Chapel, Caye Caulker, The Shoal, San
Pedro Town, and the Belize District as the primary geographical sites of impact for the
development of the Caye Chapel Project. Communities of interest included residents, fisher folk,
tour operators, restaurateurs, hoteliers, crafts people, educators, environmentalists, reserve
management officials, related associations, utility and municipal service providers, non-
governmental organizations, the Belizean public and the relevant governmental departments.
Efforts were made to engage representatives from all these communities.
The objectives of the community engagement were to discuss and explain the project including
possible social impacts, receive feedback from stakeholders, respond to concerns, and establish
___________________________________________________________________________
routes for ongoing communication. Stakeholders’ concerns, local knowledges and aspirations,
were the types of feedback solicited. In sum, these were to make for a more informed and
authentic SIA, in keeping with a responsible and sustainable development agenda whereby those
impacted by an action should 1) hold participatory roles to determine the direction of the
development, plan or policy and, 2) should be supported to benefit from the event (International
Association for Impact Assessment, 2015)
Community Stakeholders and Private Sector Entities: Community stakeholders in San Pedro
Town and Caye Caulker were visited on May 31 and June 1, 2017, respectively. At the face-to-
face visit, stakeholders were shown a large map of the proposed development, during which time
a team member provided a description and explanation of the project. Stakeholders in San Pedro
Town, except for a minority, were generally more neutral to the project and many indicated that
it would not affect them at all.
Most stakeholders in Caye Caulker however, were happy to learn of the project and to have an
idea of what exactly was being developed on the island. Nonetheless, a few Caye Caulker
stakeholders indicated that there was not enough detail provided and the team informed them that
the developers had not finalized the plans for all aspects of the development and had left some
aspects open pending feedback from the stakeholder consultations. The team however, noted that
a business plan with financial projections would have added more substance to the questions and
concerns of some stakeholders. For example, a few stakeholders wanted a better idea of the
workforce requirements during the lifecycle of the project, the sourcing of labor, and housing
plans for the workforce. This information was not available at the time of the initial consultations
but should be available for the follow up consultations scheduled for September as well as for the
larger public consultations.
Stakeholders in the final event, were provided with the consulting team’s contact information,
should they have any further questions or comments. In addition, stakeholders were informed
that they would have additional opportunity for input, once the public consultation was held. They
were also provided with a survey monkey link to be able to participate in airing their views. This
resource has not been utilized up to the production of this revised ESIA report.
Public Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Key public sector and non-
governmental organization (NGO) stakeholders were sent (via email) a short document
explaining the project and were asked to respond within two weeks. Four public sector/NGO
groups indicated that they wanted a meeting as they needed more information than was provided,
to be able to offer comments within their areas of expertise.
___________________________________________________________________________
12.2 Social and Economic Baseline Profile
12.2.1 Demographic Profile – Country, District and Local Data

Population and Degree of Urbanization – The Belize Population and Housing Census (2010)
indicated that Belize has a total population of 322,453 not including 1,957 individuals who are
living in various institutions and 118 homeless people. This is an increase of 75,612 people since
the last census was taken in 2000, amounting to an annual intercensal growth rate of 2.65%.
The total population of the Belize District, of which the islands of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker
and Caye Chapel are a part, is 95,292. Belize City itself has 57,169 residents, while San Pedro
Town has 11,765 residents. The remainder of the Belize District, which includes the islands of
Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel in addition to some 28 villages on the mainland, has a total of
26,358 residents. Caye Caulker specifically has 1,763 inhabitants. The private island of Caye
Chapel currently has no permanent inhabitants. However, there are approximately 20
maintenance employees resident there which has since been increased to 57 Belizean employees
working on rehabilitating the island. They maintain the existing infrastructure at a rudimentary
level and provide the island’s security.
The proposed development on the other hand, is expected to increase the occupancy of Caye
Chapel to 1,516 persons at maximum capacity not including staffing (see Chapter 1, Section
1.5).
Belize remains unique in the region with more than half (54.8%) of the population, or 176,624
people living in rural areas. Whilst portions the island of Caye Caulker, the second most populous
island in Belize retains a rural flavor, the island of San Pedro has seen a massive increase of
inhabitants (175.7%) over the past 10 years. This makes San Pedro one of Belize’s urban centers
and the most populous island in the country with a density of 2,950 people per square mile.
The density of the proposed Caye Chapel Development Project will be much less than the density
of San Pedro Town and well below the projected density of the Blackadore Caye Development
Project – a similarly planned project west of Ambergris Caye, which has already gotten the
necessary approvals for development (Table 12.1).
Table 12.1: Population Density Comparison for Different Areas of Belize.
___________________________________________________________________________
Area Approximate Land Population Density

Area (sq. ml.)
Country Total 8,867 322,453 36
Belize District 1,663 95,292 57
Belize City 10 57,169 5,700
San Pedro Town 4 11,765 2,950
Caye Caulker 0.7 1,763 2,500
Caye Chapel 0.41 1,516 estimated 3,688
Blackadore Caye 0.15 1,032 estimated 6,880
Source: Enviroplan Consultants Ltd. (2016)
Sex Composition and Family Size - Of the total Belize population, 161,227 are males and 161,226
are females accounting for a 1:1 sex ratio, that is, 100 males for every 100 females. The Belize
District has 46,872 males and 48,419 females, with a total of 27,282 households and an average
household size of 3.5. Belize City, which is home to 60% of the district’s inhabitants, has a
demographic breakdown of 27,655 males and 29,514 females. The average household size there
is similar to the district level at 3.5.
San Pedro has the largest proportion of males to females (1.059:1) but the smallest average
household size of all urban areas in the country at 3.1. This can perhaps be attributed to the fact
that San Pedro is a higher end tourist village, which also caters to a growing community of
American expatriates and vacation home residents. In addition, the boom in tourism related
construction and enterprises has led to an influx of male workers from the mainland. Caye
Caulker’s average household size is slightly higher at 3.2. These areas are all below the country’s
average household size of 4.1 (Table 12.2).
Table 12.2: Population by Sex Composition, Number of Households and Average Household
Size.
Area Population Males Females Sex Number of Average
Ratio Households Household
Size
Country
322,453 161,227 161,226 100 79,492 4.1
Total
Belize
95,291 46,872 48,419 96.8 27,282 3.5
District
Belize City 57,169 27,655 29,514 93.7 16,162 3.5
San Pedro
11,765 6,051 5,714 105.9 3,769 3.1
Town
Caye
1,763 875 888 98.5 555 3.2
Caulker
Source: Statistical Institute of Belize (2010)
___________________________________________________________________________
Ethnicity – Belize is a very ethnically diverse country with approximately eight major groups.
These include the Mestizo (52.9%), Creole (25.9%), Maya (11.3%), Garifuna (6.1%), East Indian
(3.9%), Mennonite (3.6%), Caucasian (1.2%), Asian (1%) and other (1.5%). Most of these groups
have, over the course of the history of Belize, immigrated to the country and settled in various
pockets of the country allowing for geographic pre-eminence of each group, which then came to
prominently define their respective culture within the context of Belize (Premdas, 2002).
The islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker were no different from the rest of the country
as they historically were inhabited by Mestizos from Mexico who had fled the Caste War
beginning in 1847. “Island culture” subsequently came to define some of northern mestizo culture
within Belize. Originally cut off from the rest of the country, reliable transportation has now
made the islands more accessible. In addition, the tourism boom beginning in 1980s has created
a lure for the relocation of mainlanders and American ex-patriates. Nonetheless, these islands
have remained predominantly Mestizo.
Belize City, on the other hand, has remained a predominantly Creole society, in keeping with its
historical settlement roots. The city was the original outpost of the British colonizers, called
“Baymen,” and their African woodcutting slaves (Shoman, 1994). These two groups are the
ancestors of the modern day Belizean Creole. The ethnic distribution of the various geographical
impact zones can be found in Table 12.3.
Language – Languages spoken in Belize include English (63%), Spanish (56.6%), Creole
(44.6%), Maya (10.5%), Garifuna (2.9%), German (3.2%) and Chinese (0.9%).
Religion – Belize is religiously diverse akin to the diversity in ethnicity (see Table 12.4). Major
religious groups practicing in Belize include Roman Catholic (40.1%), Protestant (28.3%),
Eastern religions (0.5%), Muslim (0.2%), None (15.5%) and Other (15.4%).
Poverty – At the last country poverty assessment carried out in 2009, it was found that 41.3% of
Belize’s population or 31% of households were living below the poverty line. Of this, 15.8% of
the population or 10.4% of households were considered indigent and 25.5% of the population or
20.6% of households were considered poor/not indigent (Government of Belize and the Caribbean
Development Bank, 2010).
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 12.3: Ethnic Distribution of Key Stakeholder Communities.

Ethnicity Asian Caucasian/ Creole East Garifuna Maya Mestizo/ Other Not Total
White Indian Hispanic Reported
Belize
1,328 1,248 45,467 2,163 3,735 1,338 27,600 12,217 197 95,292
District
Belize City 1,009 363 30,197 1,340 2,560 542 12,886 8,181 93 57,169
San Pedro
54 553 943 213 272 288 8,552 863 29 11,765
Town
Caye
25 76 270 12 51 98 1,156 64 11 1,763
Caulker
Table 12.4: Religious Distribution of Key Stakeholder Communities.

Religion Anglican Baptist Jehovah Methodist Nazarene Pentecostal Roman Seventh Other None Not Total
Witness Catholic Day Reported
Adventist
Belize
7,887 2,122 768 4,985 1,297 2,700 23,214 2,642 4,280 6,771 505 57,169
City
San
Pedro 144 96 222 52 190 1,010 5,027 642 1,369 2,924 90 11,765
Town
Caye
35 7 60 6 16 110 858 44 142 472 13 1,763
Caulker
___________________________________________________________________________
Poverty, in this instance, is defined “as not having the per capita income to afford a market basket
of basic food,” (MFB) whereas indigence means “falling short of being able to afford even food”
(Close, 2017, p. 276). The market basket is determined by calculating the minimum cost of a
balanced diet, within a particular community, for an adult male consuming 2,400 calories/day.
Table 12.5 shows the daily and annual MFB cost for an adult male, for each district of Belize, in
2009.
Table 12.5: District Minimum Food Basket Costs for an Adult Male.
District Daily Cost Annual Cost
Corozal $5.35 $1,953.00
Orange Walk $5.32 $1,942.00
Belize $5.36 $1,958.00
Cayo $4.91 $1,791.00
Stann Creek $5.99 $2,186.00
Toledo $6.12 $2,234.00
Country $5.50 $2,005.00
Source: Government of Belize and the Caribbean Development Bank (2010)
An additional 13.8% of the population or 12.9% of households, while not poor, were considered
vulnerable to poverty. When individual or household expenditure is less than or equal to 25%
above the General Poverty Line of the community, then this individual or household is thought
to be vulnerable to poverty. The General Poverty Line (GPL) is derived from determining the
average food share (of total expenses) of the poorest 40% of the community and then accounting
for the difference (MFB x reciprocal of food share) in expenses.
The GPL also tells a story of the cost of living within particular areas of Belize. As Table 12.6
below shows, San Pedro Town is the most expensive area in the country to live. The GPL is
almost twice that of the Toledo District, which is the least expensive place in the country to live.
Noteworthy, is that while food share of expenses in San Pedro Town is only 45%, indicating that
San Pedro Town residents spend more than half of their monies on non-food items, the food share
expenses in Toledo is 81%, indicating that residents of Toledo spend almost all of their monies
on food.
In addition, Toledo has the second highest MFB (after San Pedro Town) in the entire country.
This detail would seem surprising as the Toledo District is home to some of the most fertile
agricultural lands in the country. Toledo however, is very sparsely populated and has only
recently been the focus of infrastructure development. The Cayes, including San Pedro Town
and Caye Caulker are more densely populated and their economies are largely tourism based
except for the declining fishing industry.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 12.6: District General Poverty Line.

District MFB Annual Food Share Annual General
Poverty Line
Corozal $1,952.00 64% $3,041.00
Orange Walk $1,941.00 59% $3,308.00
Belize City &
$1,920.00 50% $3,810.00
surrounding
San Pedro Town $2,354.00 45% $5,279.00
Belmopan &
$2.088.00 56% $3,730.00
surrounding
San Ignacio/Santa
Elena & $1,621.00 54% $3,537.00
surrounding
Stann Creek $2,186.00 56% $3,906.00
Toledo $2,233.00 81% $2,753.00
Country $2,005.00 58% $3,429.00
Finally, Belize’s not poor population constitutes 44.9%. These individuals have an expenditure
that is more than 25% above the General Poverty Line.
While the poverty situation in Belize might look dismal, it must be remembered that the actual
“not poor” figure is 69%, which takes into account those who are vulnerable but not poor (Table
12.7). The Country Poverty Assessment Report also did indicate that there were several external
impacts that created this picture of poverty in Belize, including but not limited to, a sluggish
economy due to a global recession, setbacks in several of the agricultural industries, a hurricane
in 2007, and major floods in 2008.
Table 12.7: Extent of Poverty.

Category Indigent Poor/Not Total Vulnerable Not Poor Total Grand
Indigent Poor Not Poor Total
8,539 16,852 25,390 10,583 45,927 56,510 81,900
Households
10.4% 20.6% 31% 12.9% 56.1% 69% 100%
52,185 84,455 136,640 45,614 148,460 194,074 330,715
Population
15.8% 25.5% 41.3% 13.8% 44.9% 58.7% 100%
12.2.2 Employment
Labour Force – Belize District has 80,585 persons within its working age population. Of this
figure, 69% or 55,626 comprise the labour force (see Table 12.8). The remaining 41% do not
comprise the labour force because they are not available or not able to work. This includes
students, housewives, disabled and retired persons. Thirty thousand, five hundred
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 12.8: Belize District Labour Force Distribution by Age Group

Age Group Working Age Labour Force Unemployed
Population
14 – 24 24,555 10,846 3,415
25 – 34 19,472 17,325 1,848
35 – 44 15,133 13,312 1,308
45 – 54 10,650 9,045 448
55+ 10,775 5,095 86
Total 80,585 55,626 7,105
and forty individuals in the labour force are males while 25,086 are females. The group of 25-34
year olds, have the highest representation in the labour force of the Belize District.
This is followed by the 35-44 year olds and the 14-24 year olds, respectively. The bulk (41%) of
the labour force in this district has only a primary level education; 31% has a secondary level
education; 21% has a tertiary level education; and the remaining have no education or were not
sure (see Table 12.9).
The unemployment rate in the Belize District is 12.8%, equates to 7,105 individuals. This is
slightly higher than the national average of 11.1%. Unemployment among Belize District women
is almost twice as high as that of men. Unemployment among men in the Belize District is the
second highest in the country at 9.2%, trailing the male unemployment rate in the Stann Creek
District by 0.3% (see Figure 12.1). The bulk of the unemployed have only a primary school level
education, followed by those with only secondary school level education.
The majority of unemployed prefer future employment in the service industry as opposed to
primary and secondary industries. This tendency of primary certificate holder to the service
industry is not indicative of global trends. Noteworthy, is that 76.3% of the unemployed in
Table 12.9: Belize District Labour Force Distribution by Highest Level of Education.
Education Level Working Age Labour Force Unemployed
Population
None 6,124 3,780 316
Primary 38,271 22,863 4,278
Secondary 21,609 17,121 1,706
Tertiary 13,659 11,523 804
Other 257 - -
Don’t know/
666 338 -
Not sure
Total 80,585 55,626 7,105
___________________________________________________________________________
45
40
35
30
25
Female
20 Male
15
10
0
Corozal Orange Walk Belize Cayo Stann Creek Toledo
Figure 12.1: District Unemployment Rate by Sex.

the Belize District are Creole and an almost equal percentage (79%) of unemployed individuals
prefer jobs in the service industries. This is perhaps attributable to historical colonial trends where
the Creole population was guided into the civil service and other service oriented jobs and away
from production jobs (Shoman, 1994). In addition, service oriented jobs have historically been
indicative of an elevated social status in Belize (Shoman, 1994).
Finally, there are 5,594 individuals in the Belize District who are underemployed. Approximately
82.8% of these individuals indicated that they were underemployed not of their own making but
because the only jobs available required less than 35 hours of their labour time or their work hours
had been cut. Again, the bulk of the underemployed had only a primary school education, while
57% were Creole and 27% Mestizo
Employment Sector – the bulk of economic activity on the islands of Ambergris Caye, Caye
Caulker and the Shoal is concentrated in the fishing and tourism industries, while support
industries such as retail, construction and transportation make up the remaining economic
activities.
Residents of the cayes have a long tradition of fishing several species including Spiny lobster,
finfish and Queen Conch. While most fishermen are involved in multiple fishing activities, 94%
are primarily lobster fishermen, 22% engage in catching finfish and 8% are conch fishers (Coastal
Zone Management Authority and Institute, 2016). These fishing activities have contributed
significantly to Belize’s fishing industry, both for local consumption and export to markets in
___________________________________________________________________________
USA, Canada, Asia, Mexico, Guatemala and CARICOM (Beltraide, 2015). Fishing accounted
for 3% of Belize’s Gross Domestic Product in 2015, while the highest contribution to GDP was
in 2005, when fishing accounted for 6.8% (Statistical Institute of Belize, 2017). According to the
Belize Fisheries Department (2017), Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and surrounds alone have
registered a catch of over 1,456,790 pounds of lobster tails, equating to 23% of the country’s
catch, during the period 2000-2014 (Figure 12.2).
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000 Ambergris Caye/Caye

Caulker (lbs lobster)
300,000
Total (lbs lobster)
200,000
100,000
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Figure 12.2: Lobster Catch Ambergris Caye/Caye Caulker and Country, 2000-2014.
Source: Belize Fisheries Department (2017)
Tourism on the other hand, has a recent history on the islands beginning in the 1980s with the
advent of increased transportation to and from the mainland. The industry however, has overtaken
fishing in terms of income earner for residents – contributing 4% of GDP in 2014 and 3.7% of
GDP in 2015. This increase in tourism is due to the decline in fish catch as a result of climate
change and over fishing, among other things. The growth of the tourist industry is expected to
continue.
Over the past year alone, there has been an increase in tourist arrivals at the airport of 16.5%
above the previous year, 2015 (Belize Tourism Board, 2016). The number of overnight tourist
has also increased from 341,161 people in 2015 to 385,583 people in 2016 (Belize Tourism Board,
2016). This translates to a 16.9% and 19.6% increase in visits to Ambergris Caye and Caye
Caulker respectively (Belize Tourism Board, 2016). Ambergris Caye also registered 11,302
cruise visitors in 2016 – an increase of 36.7% over the previous year (Belize Tourism Board,
2016).
___________________________________________________________________________
Economic activity in the Belize City/District area also includes tourism. Belize City is a major
cruise port with well over 300,000 visitors per year. This is in addition to the 60,000 overnight
visitors. Tourist destinations in the area include historic old Belize, several Maya sites, a water
park, cave tubing and the Belize Zoo. Additionally, Belize City is the largest commercial center
in the country with offshore outsourcing, fisheries, agribusiness & agro-processing (coconut &
cashew), logistics (road & highways, sea ports, airports), construction and administrative
industries.
Traditional User Activities Around Caye Chapel – the area around Caye Chapel is used for
commercial/subsistence fishing, fly fishing, tours (snorkeling and diving) and picnics (daytime
and moonlight). Commercial fishermen from the area have traditional territorial fishing rights
around the entire coast of Caye Chapel (Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, 2016).
The rights allow individual fishermen to set lobster traps and fish within their designated area,
without any threat of theft or turf dispute.
Fly fishing activities occur immediately beyond the commercial fishing area in the vicinity of the
reef and the inner lagoon on the west of the island. However, fly fishing is not allowed in the
marine reserve area. Tour guides offering snorkel and diving trips are another traditional user of
the area. Their tours include the barrier reef and other coral patches, the Canons dive site and
manatee habitats all located immediately in front of the island, within an area of not more than 2
miles. In addition, some guides take their guests for picnics (daytime and moonlight) on the
beaches of Caye Chapel. Employment will reach as far as the northern, western and southernmost
tips of Belize where construction and hospitality workers are often sourced.
12.2.3 Community Infrastructure
Housing – approximately 2/3 of the houses in San Pedro Town are made of concrete with zinc
roofing, while 1/3 are wooden with zinc roofing. In Caye Caulker, the reverse is the case, with
2/3 being wooden and the remainder made of concrete. Most houses in Caye Caulker have zinc
roofing. In Belize City 40% are wooden, while the remaining houses are made of concrete. Here
too, the bulk of houses have zinc roofing.
Communication – all stakeholder communities in the study have telephone and internet service
provided by both Belize Telemedia Ltd. and the Smart phone company.
Electricity – is provided to all stakeholder communities by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL).
Belize City receives electricity from the main grid running in overhead powerlines. Ambergris
Caye also receives electricity from the main grid however, these are distributed through
underwater cables from the mainland originating at Bomba in the Belize District. Caye Caulker
is not powered through the main grid but rather is supplied electricity via four generators located
on the island. These generators belong to Belize Electricity Limited. There is a proposal for BEL
to reinforce the transmission line serving Ambergris Caye and extending services to Caye Caulker
with potential to reach Caye Chapel if an agreement is made.
___________________________________________________________________________
Water – the Belize Water Services Limited (BWS), supplies potable water to all stakeholder
communities in this study. In Caye Caulker, BWS owns and manages its own desalination plant
while in San Pedro, BWS supplies water which it sources from Consolidated Water Company
Limited (Haydon Brown, personal communication). The majority of households in each
community use the public water supply while a few have their own source of water including
rainwater catchment.
Transportation – Belize City is accessible by automobile, plane and boat. The islands of
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are serviced by several water taxies, including San Pedro
Belize Express and Ocean Ferry. Currently accessing Caye Chapel via the San Pedro Belize
Express is sometimes difficult, as most of their boat captains do not like stopping for only one or
two passengers. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air provide airplane service to the islands.
Health Facilities – San Pedro Town has a Poly Clinic, which offers 24-hour emergency services
and 12-hour regular medical service. The staff at the Clinic includes one doctor and four nurses.
Additionally, there is a dentist, an eye clinic and several general practitioners. Emergency
services are provided by the Lions Club and Wings of Hope. Caye Caulker has only a health
center with one doctor. Emergency cases are referred directly to the Karl Heusner Memorial
Hospital or the four private hospitals in Belize City.
Schools – there are several primary schools on both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Each
island also has one high school, while San Pedro Town has a junior college linked to the high
school. Students in San Pedro can also access Galen University through one of its online training
centers located in the San Pedro High School building.
Many students from the islands also travel daily or board in Belize City to attend high school,
junior college or the University of Belize.
12.2.4 Caye Chapel Baseline
12.2.4.1 Employees
Workforce Requirements – the developer plan to hire an estimated 518 construction personnel
and 100 operations personnel during the development phase of the project. This is over the course
of two years, from 2018 – 2020. Personnel requirements during full operations, beginning late
2020, is projected at 500 including 250 for the branded hotel at an average of 2.5 persons servicing
each room (Table 12.10).
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 12.10: Workforce Requirement for each Phase of the Development Project
Full
Development Phase
Operations
Operations
Phase Year Activity Construction Workforce Operations Workforce
Workforce
0 Sales venues that might include beach club,
2017
model villa, viewing towers, lot markers.
Horizontal infrastructure: earthworks, 49 masonry builders 1 island manager
underground utilities, golf course, grading, 6 runway builders 3 division managers
landscape nursery setup, flora relocation, 43 specialist builders 36 operative personnel
artificial beaches, etc. (electrician, plumbers)
6 heavy machinery operators
13 supervisors
1 2 construction managers
2018
6 safety supervisors
3 paramedics
5 general managers
2 environmental supervisors
4 administrative accountants
Total – 139 construction Total – 40 operations
(infrastructure) personnel personnel
Hotel and spa, including overwater units (40 190 masonry builders 1 island manager
keys & 10 branded residences) 135 specialist builders 3 division managers
2018 2 heavy machinery operators 56 operative personnel
2
- 40 supervisors
2019 12 construction managers
Total – 379 construction Total – 60 operations
(building) personnel personnel
Estate homes & marina village, up to 40 keys Approximately
2019
3 & 30 branded residences. 500 +
-
operations
2020
personnel
___________________________________________________________________________
Employee Housing – 70 permanent personnel will be housed in back-of-hotel accommodations,

staff villas and houses, primarily during the weekdays. Over 100 temporary personnel will
occupy overlapping hotel and temporary allocations. Additional day labourers will commute
between San Pedro Town, Caye Caulker or Belize City on a daily basis.
Accommodations for temporary staff will be located immediately south of the marina. Currently
there are a few dilapidated pimenta (stick) structures for employees, which were constructed by
the previous owner. These will be demolished and permanent, sturdy cement housing will be
erected for employees.
Healthcare – the plan is to have at least one nurse, three paramedics (1 for every 50 persons) and
six safety and hygiene supervisors (1 for every 25 persons). A number of safety plans will be
developed in coordination with the appropriate organizations and individuals. These include
emergency alternatives, personnel transfer on incidents, first aid procedures, marine wildlife
attack plans and emergency evacuation plans. The island currently uses a high-speed motorboat
(with 2 – 300hp engines) to rush emergency patients to Belize City for treatment. It is expected
that the helipad to be built in the new development will greatly facilitate the evacuation of
emergency cases. A disaster management plan for the site is included in Chapter 15.
Sanitary Facilities – the island currently houses two (male and female) barracks with shower and
flush toilet facilities. Over the years, these have degraded. Presently these amenities do not
provide for secured individual privacy and safety, for example, many of the toilet stalls have
missing locks and shower stalls having inadequate shower curtain cover causing a privacy issue
as well as bath water to spill outside the shower stall, rendering unsafe wet floors. Privacy is an
issue especially for female staff. The developers plan to upgrade these buildings with the
necessary fixtures in each individual unit to ensure privacy and safety to both genders.
12.2.4.2 Public Service
Fire Protection – see Chapter 15.
Police/Security – the island currently has a small security unit whose primary task is to guard the
property against theft. During the construction and operational phases, security personnel
numbers as well as security related tasks will be increased. In addition to guarding against theft,
security personnel will be seminal in maintaining peace and order. The managers additionally
plan to liaise with the Belize Police Department as well as the Caye Caulker police substation to
coordinate efforts and to ensure that necessary protocols are maintained.
Educational Institutions – the need for educational institutions on the island will not be
necessary. The branded houses and residential lots will be marketed as vacation homes to high-
end clientele. It is being assumed that their children will be going to school in their home
countries. Clientele, with school age children, who do intend to make the island their permanent
residence have the option of the many schools in the nearby communities of Caye Caulker or
Belize City. In addition, they also have the option of home schooling their children.
___________________________________________________________________________
Training for Staff - Maintaining a high-end development requires a high level of service and
professionalism. To ensure this high standard, the developers have included within their work
plan consistent staff development and training especially in regards to emergency procedures,
disaster response and first aid (see Chapter 15).
12.3 Views on the Caye Chapel Development Project – Questionnaire Analysis

During the community consultations stakeholders were asked to provide responses to 8 items on
a questionnaire which sought to garner their views on the development. Fourteen stakeholders
gave their response. Eighty six percent either strongly agree/agree that Belize should continue to
develop its tourism and that the project will bring more economic opportunities into the region,
while 64% strongly agree/agree that more high-end tourism and residential development is
needed and that the Caye Chapel project will help to diversify the tourism offering in the region.
Only 21% strongly agree/agree that the development proposal incorporates sufficient safeguards
to protect marine and terrestrial wildlife populations in the area but 29% strongly
disagree/disagree while 50% where not sure. Fifty percent strongly agree/agree the project will
not compete for resources currently being exploited by their community while 29% strongly
disagree/agree. Although the perception that the project will help bring more economic
opportunities into the region was high, it was not the case with the perception that the
development will bring direct economic benefits to themselves or community/institutions with
43% saying they strongly agree/agree and 36% saying they strongly disagree/disagree. The
responses are summarized below in Table 12.11
Table 12.11: Summary of Community Responses.

Question Strongly Disagree Not Agree Strongly
Disagree Sure Agree
Section II
1. Belize should continue to fully develop its tourism
0 1 1 8 4
potential and appeal.
2. The project area needs more high-end tourism and
1 3 1 7 2
residential development to capture this niche market.
3. The Caye Chapel project will help to diversify the
1 3 1 7 2
tourism offering in the region.
4. The project will help to bring more economic
0 2 1 9 2
opportunities into the region.
5. The new project may affect marine ecosystems
0 2 0 7 5
including sea grass beds and coral reefs.
6. The development proposal incorporates sufficient
safeguards to protect marine and terrestrial wildlife 0 4 7 2 1
populations in the area.
7. The project will not compete for resources currently
2 2 3 7 0
being exploited by your community.
8. The development will bring direct economic benefits to
you and your family or community/institutions. 0 5 3 5 1
___________________________________________________________________________
13.0 NGO AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

 The EIA team will report on the views and concerns of local NGO’s, public interest
groups and relevant government departments/agencies regarding the development of the
project.
 Provide a copy of the questions/answers used for the report including the name and
organization of all the interviewees and the date of interview.
13.1 NGO and Private Stakeholder Consultations

The Department of the Environment’s TOR required that the relevant private and public sector
agencies be consulted on the Caye Chapel Development Project. NGO and private sector
organizations included the BTIA, Siwa-Ban Foundation, Northern Fishermen Cooperative
Society Ltd., The Shoal Development, APAMO, Oceana, the Price family, and the Atlantic Bank
Ltd. Public sector agencies that regulated the various stakeholder industries or that managed
protected areas within the stakeholder mapping zone were also consulted. These agencies include
the Belize Tourism Board, Caye Caulker Village Council, CZMAI, DoE, Belize Fisheries
Department, Belize Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources, the San Pedro Town
Council, and the Ministry of Education (Employment Training and Education Services).
13.2 Approach to Consultations

Public sector and non-governmental organization (NGO) stakeholders were sent (via email) a
short document explaining the project and were asked to respond within two weeks. Several
public sector/NGO groups indicated that they wanted a meeting as they needed more information
than was provided, to be able to offer comments within their areas of expertise. Additionally,
information-sharing sessions were conducted with additional individuals within the projects
sphere of influence with the assistance of Chamberlain Consulting Ltd.
13.3 Consultation Outcome

13.3.1 NGOs and Private Organizations
(i) Belize Tourism Industry Associate (BTIA) – is a “national private sector tourism
association.” Its mandate is to advocate for “the issues of members and to influence
tourism policy, legislation and marketing for the sustainable development of the industry
and improved quality of the visitor experience” (BTIA, 2015, para. 1).
___________________________________________________________________________
In the meeting with the BTIA, they indicated that their main concerns for the Caye Chapel
Development Project were 1) how sustainable the development would be in all aspect, and
2) how it would affect existing businesses. The director asserted that he would be better
able to make an assessment when he is able to see a full business plan.
Additionally, the BTIA was concerned about the following:
 Groynes and their possible negative effects on other areas of the coastline.
 Over water structures – here there were several issues of concern including the
damage to sea grass beds, obstruction to water taxies travelling through the Caye
Caulker channel, silt disturbance caused by the driving of piles in the water, and
potential for contamination of the sea caused by improperly managed sewage and
waste water.
 Increased flow of activities/traffic causing damage to the reef in front of Caye
Chapel and also causing an increase in manatee deaths. It was noted that there
were several manatee-breeding sites around the Caye Chapel area especially near
the Caye Chapel channel.
(ii) Siwa-Ban Foundation (SBF) – founded by Ellen McRae, the foundation lobbied for the
establishment of the Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve, which covers the northern
part of Caye Caulker and a section of the nearby reef. Ellen McRae is also an active
member of the Forest and Marine Reserve Association of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC).
FAMRACC co-manages the reserve with the Belize Forest and Fisheries Departments.
Ms. McRae who is a marine biologist and an environmentalist had numerous concerns
about the project. The primary concern of which was the use of pesticides, biocides and
fertilizers on the golf course. She advised that a permanent technician or engineer should
be hired to manage a packaged sewage and wastewater treatment plant. In relation to the
golf course Ms. McRae also mentioned the issue of rising sea levels during hurricanes.
She explained that the island, in most cases, will be covered by the sea inevitably leading
to chemical runoff into the sea.
She advised that greens practices, such as using salt tolerant plants, be implemented that
will require less chemicals for maintenance. Brine discharge and fuel storage were also
of concern to her. She questioned whether proper management protocols would be
implemented. She also asserted that no dredging should be done in front of the island.
She recommended that a covenant be developed that would detail the proper use and
disposal of laundry detergents that contain harmful phosphates. Finally, she questioned
the tax contributions of the development and noted that the developers should consider
contributing to the island of Caye Caulker especially if they planned to use any of the
services there. Ms. McRae in providing sustainable suggestions made mention of a
___________________________________________________________________________
sunken boat somewhere on the west side of Caye Chapel. She suggested that it could be
“converted into something charming for snorkelers.”
(iii) Northern Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited – founded in 1960 by a group of Caye
Caulker lobster fishermen, with the assistance of American Peace Corps volunteers. The
purpose of the cooperative at that time was to negotiate with mainland lobster buyers for
better lobster prices. Today the cooperative is a major seafood processing and exporting
plant.
The Northern Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited was contacted on several
occasions. At the time of final submission of the SIA no feedback was received.
(iv) The Shoal Development – The Shoal is the local name given to a small island south of
Caye Chapel belonging to Mr. Santiago Marin and his family. Currently, the Marin family
is constructing a three-story hotel and several cabanas on the island.
Mr. Marin, who indicated that he has been a long time fisherman himself, was mostly
concerned with the effect of the Caye Chapel development on the fishing industry. He
added that currently, the seabeds on the west side of the island are still muddy due to the
impact of hurricane Earl which hit Belize in August 2016. Muddy seabeds tend to drive
lobster away. The silt from the dredging would also create this muddy effect and so this
was of concern to him.
Additionally Mr. Marin felt that the Caye Chapel development could potentially be
beneficial to his own business endeavor. He recalled that in the past, visitors and the
proprietors of Caye Chapel would spend the occasional day at his island. This was even
before he had any development there, and so he is optimistic that the same will occur with
the new owners and residents of Caye Chapel. Finally, Mr. Marin, stated that if the new
development brought direct economic benefits to the country, he would be “good with
that.”
(v) Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) – is a network of
13 non-governmental protected areas management organizations. APAMO represents a
united voice for the management of protected areas. Its objective is to encourage
Belizeans to advocate for the continued conservation of the natural environment through
the protected areas system. The organization collectively co-manages 18 terrestrial and 9
marine protected areas.
Representatives of APAMO, TASA and Programme for Belize had many questions and
concerns surrounding the possible impacts to the environment. They were interested to
learn more about the extension of the airstrip, the overwater units, the management of the
golf course, electricity generation and beach erosion.
APAMO representatives further asked whether there was any water quality baseline study
done, whether fishermen using the area were consulted and whether the consultants had
___________________________________________________________________________
reviewed and considered the Coastal Zone Management Guidelines for the area; all of
which, they were assured, had been done or was in process. Finally, the representatives
asked about the target clientele and whether the developers or brand would be considering
ISO and Green Certification.
CCL consultants informed the representatives that these were all being thoroughly
addressed in the EIA and their comments and concerns would be taken seriously. They
were also informed that the consultants conducting the environmental assessment were
reputable individuals and that the developers and brand holders have established their
commitment to the conservation of the environment which is important to the future
residents and visitors to the island.
(vi) Oceana – is an international organization, established in 2001, exclusively dedicated to
Ocean conservation through targeted policy campaigns. According to their website, their
accomplishments include over 100 victories for ocean protection and more than one
hundred million square miles of protected ocean worldwide. Oceana has been operating
in Belize since November 2009.
Oceana representatives were primarily concerned with the environmental effects of the
extended airstrip and the overwater units. CCL consultants informed them that while the
airstrip would be an asset to the investment, that all considerations would be taken
seriously by the developers. CCL also advised that the overwater structures would be
built to the highest environmental standards. Representatives of Oceana also inquired
about the generation of electricity and the management of beach erosion. In addition, the
wanted to know what long term monitoring plans were in place. Finally, they asked that
consideration be given to the manatee and turtle population in the area, especially due to
Caye Chapel’s proximity with the Swallow Caye Reserve. They also requested that the
developers considered using boats with 4-stroke engines rather than 2-stroke engines
which are known for dumping oil into the sea.
(vii) Price Family – As noted in the project overview, (see Chapter 1), there are approximately
8 privately held lots, separate from the developer’s property, on the island of Caye Chapel.
The Price family owns the only lot with a residence on it, which the family visits often.
The family stated that they supported the development but had several questions and
concerns that they would like the developer to address. For example, they wanted to know
what would happen to the existing buildings on the island and they also wanted to know
if all rooms and residences would be connected to one wastewater treatment system.
Concerns included the current practice of dumping heaps of garbage in the mangroves on
the south end of the island. The family indicated that the garbage dump was originally on
the north side.
The family was also concerned about the artificial beaches on the northwest side of the
island. They informed us that grass was removed to create a beach effect with sand,
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however, this sand is now loose and blows into the residences daily when the winds start.
The grass that was removed was what had previously contained the sands and had helped
with erosion. Finally, they indicated that the private lots seemed to be positioned
incorrectly on the developers’ map. They also wanted to learn more about the waste
disposal on the island now and into the construction and resort phase. These are all
addressed within this document.
(viii) Atlantic Bank – is a financial institution founded in August 1971. They currently have 15
locations and 19 ATMs. They provide individual, small business and corporate loans in
the areas of tourism, manufacture, agriculture, commerce, etc.
While the Atlantic Bank was not initially a stakeholder, it became one because of its
expression of interest in the development. The bank requested a meeting with CCL. Their
questions/concerns related to both the environmental and financial aspects of the
enterprise. Representatives wanted to know how wastewater and solid waste disposal
would be managed. They were also interested in knowing how the overwater units would
be set in place so as not to damage the environment. From a financial perspective the
representatives were concerned about the amount of foreign exchange that would remain
in the country based on experience of other development.
13.3.2 Public Sector Institutions and Permitting Agencies
(i) Belize Tourism Board (BTB) – a legislated body formed through the Belize Tourism
Board Act, 1990, which governs the tourism industry in Belize. Their primary goal is the
socioeconomic development of the country through strategic tourism initiatives and policy
(BTB, 2017).
Major initiatives of the Board include the development of a national strategic tourism
document, the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2030; in addition to other policies
including those regulating hotel and accommodation standards, the timeshare act, tour
operator/guide licensing and the national code of practice for scuba diving among others.
The BTB were primarily concerned with the hotel and resort area of the development since
this falls under their regulations as well as comprise their tax base. From the description
of the project provided, the BTB representatives seem to feel that the hotel would meet
the licensing requirements of the board. They felt that all bases were covered in the
project. Their only advice was for the developers to incorporate the Belizean component
into the development. They also informed us that the developers should be aware that if
they planned on providing their own tour operators, by law, the operation must be 51%
Belizean owned.
(ii) Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) – comprises a chairperson and six councilors. The
council is tasked with the good governance and improvement of the village and the
enforcement of the provisions of the Village Council Act and any laws relating to it.
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Duties include the registration of births and deaths, recommendations for the appointment
of Justices of the Peace and the care and maintenance of public property as well as the
property of the council.
The Caye Caulker Village Council’s main concerns of the development revolved around
the extension of the airstrip and the environmental effects of such, the fishing community
and the possible threats to their livelihood, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal and
jobs for Caye Caulker residents. The CCL consultant informed the council that the
developers were committed to environmentally sound best practices and that they would
be applying state-of-the art equipment and practices to the management of the issues
raised.
In terms of employment opportunities for residents of Caye Caulker, CCL indicated to the
council that the labor pool would include the entire country of Belize however, the
residents of Caye Caulker would have the advantage of proximity. Finally, the council
requested that construction or other equipment left in the water at night, be properly lit to
avoid accidents.
(iii) Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) – CZMAI was formed in
1989 when it was recognized that there was a need for an integrated, holistic approach to
the management of coastal resources. Currently the CZMAI oversees 9 coastal regions of
Belize (see Figure 13.1). The organization itself consists of two parts 1) an authority,
which was established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Co-operatives with
functions related to policy development, the elaboration of coastal zone management
guidelines, the commissioning of research, the monitoring of the coastal zone, and the
fostering of regional and international integration among others; and 2) an institute, which
is the leading marine scientific research organization in Belize (CZMAI, 2011).
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Figure 13.1: Coastal Planning Regions of Belize. Source: CZMAI, 2016.
The main concerns of the CZMAI were the dredging activities, the access and rights of
stakeholders to continue their traditional activities in the area, the housing density and the
maintenance of the overwater units. They advised that dredging should not happen
between the reef and east coast of the island. The developer had identified sources in that
area for artificial beach sand. The CZMAI however, advised that the developer offer an
alternative. In terms of the traditional user activities they suggested that stakeholders be
consulted before any activity proceeded. They also stated that the culture is that overwater
structures are discouraged. In any event, they suggested that the DoE guidelines for these
structures be applied if the developers receive the go ahead to build. Finally, they advised
that the guidelines for Land Utilization be applied on the issue of the density of the lots.
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(iv) Department of the Environment (DoE) – was first established in 1989 but became a
statutory body through the Environmental Protection Act, 1992. The DoE falls under the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development
and Climate Change. Its mission is to ensure the effective management of the
environment leading to sustainable development of the country. Informal discussions
were made with Mr. Allegria in terms of the environmental requirements for the project.
(v) Belize Fisheries Department – is another statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change. The
Fisheries Act, 1977, along with revised edition 2003, is the regulation legislating this
body. The Fisheries Department has responsibility for fisheries management including
conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources, research, education, fisheries law
enforcement, liaising with fisheries cooperatives, and the issuing of registrations, licenses
and permits related to fishery activities.
On a visit to the department on June 15, 2017, the consulting team was informed by Mr.
Adriel Castañeda, that the department would be giving their formal feedback and
comments on the Caye Chapel Development at the NEAC meeting which will be
considering the project. Mr. Castañeda however, did provide his personal comments.
Mr. Castañeda’s first concern was with sewage and waste water management, and in
particular pesticide and fertilizer runoff from the golf course. He mentioned that there
could be significant coral and fish damage, particularly on the eastern side of the island,
if not managed correctly.
Another concern was the effect of dredging on lobster traps, particularly on the western
side of the island, where dredging is being proposed. He explained that the Caye Caulker
fishermen have a territorial user rights arrangement for fishing. The fishermen respect
each other’s right to a certain fishing area, and the Fisheries Department has honored this
agreement as it has worked for the community. Indeed, Mr. Castañeda has spearheaded a
Managed Access Program, which takes a “rights-based management approach” to
negotiating shared use of Belize’s waters and associated sea-beds (Belize Fisheries
Department, 2016, para. 2).
Traditional lobster fishing grounds surround the entire island of Caye Chapel. A mapping
of these grounds, using GPS coordinates, is currently being undertaken by the Department.
Mr. Castañeda was also concerned about potential impacts on lobster traps from dredging
and on obstruction of marine vessels from the presence of the overwater structures. These
issues of concern are addressed at length in the impact and mitigation section of this report
(vi) Belize Forest Department – This Department is also housed under the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate
Change. The department’s mission is the protection and management of forest resources
for sustainable development. They inform policy development, regulate the extraction of
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forest resources, engage in education and research and liaise with stakeholders, among
other forestry related activities.
The Forest Department was contacted on several occasions. On May 30, 2017, we spoke
with Chief Forest Office, Mr. Wilbur Sabido, who indicated that he would be sending
feedback as it relates to consideration and management of the mangroves on the island.
At the time of final submission of the SIA, however, no feedback was received.
(vii) Ministry of Natural Resources (Physical Planning Section) – the governing body in charge
of the coordination, protection and sustainable management of the natural resources of
Belize. The physical planning section of the Ministry of Natural Resources is the
secretariat of the Land Utilization Authority. Their portfolio includes the subdivision of
land, management of the seabed, development and execution of the national land use
policy and the issuance of pier license.
Consultants spoke with Dr. Paul Flowers who is the director of the policy coordination
and planning unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources. While our telephone conversation
did not allow us to show Dr. Flowers the map of the proposed development or to go into
all the details of the development, Dr. Flowers’ main advice was the importance of
adhering to the regulations of the Land Utilization Act, for example, ensuring that sub-
divisions are of an appropriate size, that there is sufficient road access, that recreational
and green spaces are available. He further pointed us to the National Guidelines for
Subdivision and Consolidation of Land in Belize (Ministry of Natural Resources and the
Environment, 2010).
(viii) San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) – comprises a mayor and six councilors. The council is
tasked with the general rule and good governance of the town as accorded in the provisions
of the Town Council Act (2000) and any laws relating to it. General powers include the
control, care and management of public streets, coordination of activities of utility
agencies, and administration of safety regulations as it applies to fences adjoining public
streets. The SPTC also has authority over markets, slaughter-houses, bath-houses and
wash-houses; and additionally manages building hazards, the property numbering system,
parks, libraries, cemeteries, garbage collection, drain cleaning and ensures the continued
maintenance and development of the town’s conveniences and amenities.
The San Pedro Town Council was contacted on several occasions. At the time of final
submission of the SIA no feedback was received. CCL did, however, have an informal
information sharing conversation with Honorable Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism
and Culture, who also happens to be the representative of the area.
(ix) Ministry of Education – Employment Training and Education Services (ETES) –
Representatives of ETES participated in an information sharing session presented by
CCL. They informed the consultants that the developers needed to advise ETES on the
type of labor required, especially in the hospitality field, so that ETES could prepare the
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necessary curriculums and organize for the necessary training which would be
implemented by the local ITVETS.
See Appendix 13 for issues of concern raised by stakeholders and record of meeting minutes.
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14.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEVELOPMENT
(Corresponding to Part D, Section 1.0 in the ToR)
This section documents all of the alternatives that were taken into account in developing the
project and the reason why certain alternatives were recommended or eliminated. Fundamental
to the alternatives analysis is an evaluation of the no-action alternative which provides a
benchmark, enabling decision-makers to compare the magnitude of environmental effects of the
action alternative(s). The goal is to identify the alternative that causes the least damage to the
biological and physical environment and which best protects, preserves, and enhances historic,
cultural, and natural resources, whilst satisfying the basic purpose and need of the proposed
action.
 Conduct a comparative analysis of the project alternatives, including the “no-action
alternative” and as far as possible, should be illustrated with cost-benefit analyses. The
analysis should include, but not limited to the setting, project design, environmental
mitigation and protection considerations, production technology, construction
technology; operations and maintenance procedures.
 Discuss the alternative whether the project will be feasible without the overwater
structures.
 Each alternative should be evaluated in respect of its potential environmental impact and
capital and operating costs.
 Based on the analysis, identify the preferred environmental alternative with supporting
evidence; giving reasons why certain action alternatives were recommended or
eliminated.
14.1 Introduction
The consideration of alternatives to a development proposal lies at the heart of the EIA process
and is a standard requirement of EIA systems worldwide. It is considered a mandatory
requirement for Belizean tourism and residential developments under consideration for approval.
It is generally accepted that during the scoping process different options for project design and
execution will be generated or refined. A comparison of alternatives helps to determine the best
method for achieving project objectives while minimizing environmental impacts. It is generally
accepted that pursuing this path should result in a project that is environmentally friendly with
the best practicable environmental option.
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From an environmental perspective, not carrying out this development project may not be the best
option given that the site is a privately owned island and is already heavily disturbed with many
features that require environmental improvements. The detailed planning for this project, which
places heavy emphasis on addressing inherited environmental shortcomings will address
environmental issues needing remediation while taking opportunity to adopt progressive and
sustainable technologies which should also help to improve the ecology of the site.
Even without this development, Caye Chapel, given its outstanding aesthetic appeal and
accessibility to major tourism centers would continue to be significantly impacted by
anthropogenic and natural factors. From a socio-economic perspective, the “no action” alternative
would not be the best alternative as the numerous economic and social benefits to be gained from
the development both locally and nationally would not be realized and the tourism resources in
the area would continue to be underutilized.
For the proposed project to minimize its environmental impacts and at the same time achieve its
objectives alternatives options were assessed in the architectural and engineering designs of the
facilities which was augmented by environmental planning and reevaluation during this EIA. This
not only justifies the course of action (base case) but also enables risk management to follow a
hierarchy of:
a) Avoidance: Temporal and spatial,
b) Elimination and minimization: non-structural ex-ante mitigation,
c) Elimination and minimization: structural ex-ante mitigation,
d) Elimination and Response: structural ex-post mitigation,
e) Elimination, Recovery and Development: non-structural ex-post mitigation.
The following subsections review these alternatives under the themes of location, time, design,
inputs, existence and the base case with mitigation.
14.2 Project Alternatives

The following alternatives were considered for this project
(a) Alternative Sites

This option involves pursuing the proposal but on a different site or on a different location within
the island. This is not a viable option given the outstanding natural features of Caye Chapel
making it one of the crown jewels of Belize’s offshore island system and a magnet for tourism
development. The present layout of the island offers little opportunity to place facility in different
areas since the north and central region has always been the place of highest human impact and
deforestation while the south has been dedicated to recreation and the airfield with substantial
areas under natural forest cover.
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Moving the facilities to the south would disturb valuable natural habitats which the developers
would like to preserve. The avoidance of these in-situ and ex-situ local and regional impacts
would be the main benefit of this option but there will also be other impacts specific to the
alternative site and due to specifications of the proposed project. Alternative sites with similar
natural features and attractions are also not readily available since availability of land in offshore
areas is low.
(b) Alternative Schedule

This option entails carrying out the proposal at a later time thereby offsetting its impacts to that
time. There would be minimal benefits in pursuing this option since it would delay many of the
important interventions that are required to bring the site under sustainable management with
environmentally progressive technologies. Since there would be no improvements in the baseline
conditions or guarantee in improvement in technology delaying the development of the project
would hurt the local and national economy, hence carrying out the proposed project with
mitigation would be a preferred option due to this uncertainty. In addition, carrying out the
proposed project at a later time may lead to additional operational and logistic costs due to
increasing inflation as well as increased damage to local ecosystem due to continued use of
existing polluting technologies.
(c) Alternative Designs

This option explores different infrastructural designs that encompass: buildings, roads, power,
water and liquid and solid waste. The selected project design was achieved by considering the
options available that would ensure cost-effectiveness and avoid or reduce environmental and
social impacts as much as possible, through rigorous evaluation of alternatives and consultation
with the project’s environmental experts.
 Buildings – The site layout significantly increases the number of buildings versus the
existing situation, however these buildings fall into areas already heavily disturbed from
previous development in areas of high aesthetic value. This includes the hotel and new
residential buildings which are needed to make the project economically viable.
For the buildings and their layout several options were explored and different options were
curtailed to reduce environmental impacts including reducing the number of overwater
cabanas. Additionally, several of the proposed designs would have resulted in higher
building densities and less internal transport/path optimization and open space for visitors
and residents. This would have meant the project using more energy and resources as
compared to the preferred project option. Additionally, the alternative designs that were
rejected would have reduced the project’s commercial viability as well as its targeted
balance with the area’s natural ambience.
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 Roads – The total length of the road network stays approximately the same however,
roads are rerouted further onto the interior freeing the more fragile and pristine coastal
belt.
(d) Alternative Inputs

Alternatively, the project may use different combinations of inputs such as for water; electric
power, liquid and solid waste management and building materials. This may reduce the project’s
impacts in several cases but as compared to the project’s preferred options for these services they
may result in extensive costs and bottlenecks since several of these options/inputs are at a techno-
commercial infancy stage and have a varying set of impacts.
Different options for providing energy, water and solid and liquid waste treatment have already
been addressed in the respective chapters. The sole criterion used in selecting the
approaches/technology for meeting the needs of the site was consideration for potential
environmental impacts and efficiency to meet the needs of the expected population to be served.
No assessment was made of alternative technologies’ purchasing and operating cost since
environment and not cost was the main determining criterion used for selection.
 Power – The proposed project had various options for its source of the electricity and
these are reviewed in contrast to the preferred option. In its present configuration, the
power system on the island consist of noisy and polluting generators. The new hybrid
system of generators and renewable energy with future option of using mains electricity
offers an exciting new prospect and major improvement over the existing situation in
terms of cost, reliability and environmental benefits.
 Water – As is currently the case the new project will rely on reverse osmosis to provide
potable water; however, the new approach is to recycle treated wastewater to augment the
output from the RO system and implement a system of water conservation measures
including collection and storage of rain water. In the future, it may be possible to link into
the Caye Caulker water supply if management considers it necessary or feasible (see
Chapter 5).
The base case has the advantage of ensuring consistent supply while placing minimal
pressure on the regional water demand and infrastructure. The new approach promotes
wise use including water recycling and capture strategies that ensure effective usage and
conservation of water. The disadvantages of this option are that it will involve additional
cost for the construction of new facilities and will consume management resources for the
treatment plant. The latter option has the main disadvantage of placing possible pressure
on the regional water demand although water recycling and conservation strategies will
also be employed.
 Liquid and solid waste – The current management of solid and liquid waste on Caye
Chapel does not conform to acceptable environmental standards, however steady
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improvements were being made during the preparation of this EIA with most of the
unsightly piles of waste now cleared off. The new approach is to have a holistic view of
waste management that emphasizes best environmental practices including tertiary
treatment for waste water and reduction, recycling and reuse for solid waste (see Chapters
6&7).
 Materials - Alternative sources for materials to be used in project construction include
the following:
o Using materials procured from regional suppliers and businesses (base case) based
on availability and cost considerations,
o Using materials sourced from certified suppliers following sustainable and
environmentally responsible practices (e.g. forest products),
The latter alternative is the preferred option since it will ensure the project contributes to
the national economy by creating business opportunities for responsible suppliers of these
materials while conserving the environment by ensuring the most environmentally
friendly suppliers are contracted. Timber and thatch will be sourced from producers who
can demonstrate sustainable harvesting. Every effort will be made to recycle building
materials including those from demolished buildings. Given the number of building to be
demolished this should translate into a significant addition to the availability of recycled
building materials.
14.3 No Project Option

Having discussed the main features of the project in physical, biological and environmental terms,
the question remains as to whether the intended use of the site offers the most advantageous option
in social, economic and environmental returns. Clearly the site offers many attractions that can
be put advantageously to use in ways that will benefit people and society with minimal
environmental impacts. The no action alternative must therefore be rejected out of hand in view
of the many favorable attributes that this site possesses which could help to forward the
sustainable development of the country. A summary of development alternatives investigated is
outlined below along with their perceived advantages and disadvantages.
This alternative means forfeiting the proposed development altogether, however this would only
have avoided some of the negative impacts while forfeiting the many potential benefits. The no
project option would give benefits in terms of reduced production of solid and liquid waste and
reduced transportation requirements and land take, however many of these effects have been
mitigated through proper management of waste including an extensive program of recycling for
solid waste and state of the art treatment system for liquid waste enabling safe recycling and use
of bye products. Some benefits might also accrue from reduced loss in flora due to the required
land take limitations for buildings and infrastructure.
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The “No Project Option” would negate any potential positive gains from the project on the
economy including employment creation, revenue generation, tourism development, capital
injection into the economy and infrastructure development including the adaptation of progressive
environmentally friendly technologies.
14.4 Contribution to the National Socioeconomic Outlook

From a dynamic efficiency standpoint, it should be apparent that a conscientious tourism
enterprise would maximize on the use of the resources at the site without compromising on long
term benefits. A resort and residential facility including the golf course and overwater structure
offers a differentiated product for the Belizean market and the best opportunity to capitalize on
the area’s unique attractions while keeping important environmental parameters intact. This
stress on environmental wholesomeness is not accidental. Unlike other development projects,
which are expected to trade some degree of environmental quality in consideration of benefits in
other categories, in high end resort and residential developments this is not the case. For such
enterprises, it is essential that the quality of the natural resource be maintained at the highest
possible level for client appreciation. This is to say that the environment is the basic resource and
careful exploitation can lead to its enhancement, which can create a more marketable product.
Tourism in the area is dependent on the area’s beauty and natural ambience but is non-extractive
and can provide the impetus for serious and sustained conservation efforts as has been the case
throughout Belize.
Historical resource users such as fishermen will have a wonderful opportunity to market their
products and their fishing and diving skills as guides to take clients to the dive sites and for sport
fishing excursions. This unexpected windfall will be at its height when the fishermen need it
most, during the winter months, when fishing is the least productive and most of the mainstay
marine products are in their close season. Besides boating and guiding services, the resort and
residential development will provide many jobs during the construction and operational phase of
the facility.
Among the many other benefits that the enterprise will bring for the economy are:
 Strong linkage with other major sectors of the economy such as transportation, food
production, utilities, real estate, construction, retail sales etc.,
 High levels of employment due to the labor intensive nature of the enterprise,
 Major source of government revenue, through taxes, import levies, etc.
14.5 Complementarities with National and Local Tourism Strategy

The impact of the tourism sector on the national economic outlook is well known and needs no
further elaboration. More to the point is the sustainability of the sector over the long haul. The
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scope, scale and approach of the Caye Chapel development is justified by the following from the
Blackstone report:
 Niche Market – The document advocates that Belize remain committed to attracting
visitors from the high end of the tourism market. These visitors demand a high quality
product and are willing to pay the price providing it represents a good value for the dollar.
These visitors are in the main, mature, experienced travelers, who seek unique vacation
experiences that promise authenticity and the opportunity to learn more about the natural
environment and new cultures.
 Development Strategy – the document makes the point that there has been a necessary
shift away from “straight ecotourism” to one that embodies the concept of “responsible
tourism”. This is the new and innovative approach to nature based tourism that embraces
the ethics of ecotourism while avoiding the pitfalls of being too restricted in formulating
marketing approaches. Essentially this approach stresses a way of doing tourism rather
than a type of tourism. Size of the facility now takes a backseat to the overall quality of
the services and the use of innovative environmentally friendly technologies.
 Service Category – Research in the study showed that hotels with the highest and most
expensive services had a higher occupancy rate than hotels at lower price levels (see Table
14.1). It found for example that Ambergris Caye (which has the best quality of service
and charges the highest price) has the highest occupancy rate of all tourism areas in Belize.
Unfortunately, the report found that most of Belize’s so called upscale resorts do not meet
international standards.
Since this report other favorable factors have emerged to support the development of tourism
facilities on the cayes including a survey which showed that 74% of all visitors who come to
Belize plan to engage in some water sport, while the majority (46.4%) rated marine attractions as
a very important motivating factor for visiting Belize (see Table 14.1). Visitors also showed a
high frequency of participation in marine and coastal activities and cited these as the main places
of interest visited.
Table 14.1: Occupancy Level per Quality of Hotel Accommodation in Belize.
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Classification of Facilities
Hotels Rooms
Classification Number Average Number Percent
Occupancy Rate
Level 5 74 38 1,195 35
Level 4 39 26 472 14
Level 3 37 18 298 9
Level 2 37 22 340 10
Level 1 139 19 1,140 33
Total 326 27 3,445 100
Source: Tourism Strategy Plan for Belize, 1998. (NB: 5 is highest quality and 1 is lowest).
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15.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE

CHANGE

(Corresponding to Part D, Section 1.0 in the ToR)
 Identify emergency preparation and response management measures for the proposed
development (e.g. hurricane, fires, medical emergencies, etc.). This should include
evacuation and hazard management plans inclusive of climate change adaptation
measures (such as sea level rise and structural/building design conducive with the climatic
conditions of project site.) This should include the number of emergency transportation
needed for the development.
 Develop a spill response plan for oil, fuel, liquid wastes, and sewage to address any
potential spills, be it at the marina, over-the-water structures, or on the island, taking into
consideration climate change issues, such as sea level rise. This plan must address issues
such as training of personnel to combat spills, measures to be employed in cleaning and
containing spills, etc.
The Disaster Management Plan is intended to guide management actions and structure
appropriate response measures in order to prevent or better respond to emergencies, with the focus
being saving lives and property while protecting the environment. The plan seeks to establish the
organizational structure necessary to effectively prevent, avoid or mitigate the loss of life,
material goods, equipment, infrastructure, facilities and environmental degradation in the event
of natural disasters or through human error, or material and equipment failure.
15.1 Site Disaster Risk Assessment

Strategic Overview
As a remote offshore island, it is imperative that Caye Chapel develop pre-emptive and coping
mechanisms to address potential hazard occurrences. Sound planning and adequate safety
precaution measures including adhering to all relevant national legislation and regulations as well
as the adaptation of best practice measures is essential. These are key to maintaining the highest
standards of safety during the site preparation, construction and operational phases.
The location of the island offshore and close to the Belize Barrier Reef shelf makes it very
vulnerable to tropical storms and incipient climate change. Other potential hazards include fires,
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inadvertent fuel spills and the presence of hazardous materials. The management of the facility
will need to focus on protecting lives and property in the event of a disaster. As a tourism facility,
this need is even more profound since many of the guests will be unfamiliar with Belize and
potential threats to their safety. In addition, distance to off island emergency services including
medical and fire suggest the facility will need to develop internal and competent adaptive and
resiliency mechanisms to cope for most threats.
Potential Threats and Hazards

The objective of disaster management is to identify, estimate, classify and strategize to effectively
respond to risks or disasters from hazards that may arise. The Disaster Management Plan for
Caye Chapel focuses on four potential types of disasters that could negatively affect the operation
of the facility or the safety and security of its residents and clients.
The four potential disaster areas can be either anthropogenic or natural in origin. This
management plan proposes initial strategies for addressing these threats, however once the site
becomes operational this plan should be revised and a more comprehensive and detail plan should
be developed which properly reflect the existing conditions at the site. The main potential disaster
types that could threaten the operation of the facility are outlined in Table 15.1 below.
Table 15.1: Disaster types and response levels relevant to the Caye Chapel development.
Disaster Hurricanes and Fire Fuel/oil Spills and Climate change

Type tropical storms leaks
Description This natural This anthropogenic This hazard can This phenomenon may
of potential phenomenon can and to some extent negatively affect already be affecting the
effects drastically affect natural event can the soil and water site with future
the site’s pose a serious threat resources of the projections of
infrastructure to the infrastructure site and offshore. intensifying effects.
and operation. and occupants of Response will focus on
the facility. adaptation.
Response Hurricane Fire Prevention and Spill Contingency Tidal Rise
level Preparedness Response Plan Plan (Tier levels) Contingency Plan
Plan  Response  Response,  Alert,
 Alert,  Recovery  Response
 Response,
 Recovery
Management must take into considerations these potential hazards and plan accordingly to
mitigate and remediate the negative effects these occurrences could have on the infrastructure and
operation of the site.
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15.2 Response Measures
15.2.1 Management Structure

The management of Caye Chapel development will form an Emergency Management team
(committee) with its members drawn from staff of the hotel and island residents. The team will
be headed by an Emergency Coordinator (EC), who shall direct all the activities outlined in the
disaster management plan detailed below. The Committee and the EC shall have clear terms of
reference for their various responsibilities.
The Emergency Committee must conduct periodic meetings to address important issues relating
to the Disaster Management Plan and update the plan accordingly in a system of constant revision
and improvements and maintain good lines of communication with national emergency services
including NEMO.
15.2.2 Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Hurricanes are the most common and destructive natural phenomenon affecting Belize and the
only one that would require an immediate full scale evacuation to the mainland. Belize lies within
the hurricane belt, and is vulnerable to high wind and storm surge which are especially dangerous
in offshore locations like Caye Chapel. During the past 100 years, the country has been hit several
times by major hurricanes. The return period for storms since 1870 is three (3) years, with the
vulnerability increasing from South to North. The hurricane season in Belize commences
officially on June 1st and ends on November 30th in any year.
The Hurricane Preparedness Plan (HPP) for the site is aimed at making reasonable preparations
should Caye Chapel and its ancillary facilities be threatened by a developing tropical storm or
Hurricane. The plan will help to protect visitors and residents as well as assets and to ensure that
the site is able to function after the hurricane has passed.
At the start of the hurricane season each year the management should convene a full meeting with
the staff to discuss hurricane preparedness measures. There will also be simulation exercises in
relation to various elements of the plan.
15.2.2.1 Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the hurricane preparedness plan is to:
(i) increase awareness to Caye Chapel owners, investors, visitors, residents and staff of the
need for hurricane preparedness,
(ii) To establish the coordinating mechanisms necessary to prepare and implement measures
to safeguard property and lives of all concerned during the threat of a storm or hurricane.
The basic responsibilities of Management are to ensure that the coordinating mechanism to ensure
the safety of property and lives during an incoming storm, is put in place, and that the developer
or residents/guests are familiar with the mechanism.
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15.2.2.2 Storm Information System

The “official alert” system for hurricane requires coordination between the management of Caye
Chapel Development Company Ltd, NEMO and the Belize National Meteorological Service
(NMS). Site Management will also supplement their information on the threat of a hurricane
from the Internet with satellite tracking maps. The site Emergency Coordinator will activate the
Hurricane Plan.
(i) NEMO Storm Categories

Caye Chapel will follow the official alert system currently in place by NEMO. Hurricanes
Categories and Wind Speeds can be described as follows:
 Tropical Depression 29 mph – 38 mph
 Tropical Storm 39 mph – 73 mph
 Hurricane Category 1 74 mph – 95 mph
 Hurricane Category 5 Above 155 mph
(ii) NEMO Summary of Hurricane Warning Flags

Caye Chapel will adopt the official Warning Flag System as follows:
Flags Phases
 One Red Flag Preliminary Alert Phase (Storm/Hurricane Watch)
 One Red flag with Black Center RED I Phase (storm or hurricane watch)
 Two Red Flags with Black Centers RED II (Warning Phase)
 One Green Flag Green Phase ( ALL CLEAR)
15.2.2.3 Pre-Season Preparation
At the beginning of May each year the Emergency Coordinator will ensure that the following
items are available and properly maintained ready for use and that every member of staff and
residents are familiar with the Hurricane Preparedness Plan. The hotel and owners of residences
should have the following in good working order:
 Emergency lighting, including both plug-ins and flashlights with spare batteries and bulbs.
 Backup generator and fuel,
 Emergency food supply for staff and guest,
 Electrical tape with spare heavy-duty extension cords.
 Standard first aid kits fully up to complement.
 Rainwear, rubber boots, hard hats, gloves, swim vests.
 Functional hand held radios with spare batteries and chargers.
 Duct tape minimum 12 rolls 2”. Spare rope 5/8” 200 feet.
 Tools, hammer, nails. Sledge hammer, axe.
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 Lumber, both 1” and 4”, also plywood sheeting for protection of windows etc.
 Ladders, tow bar/chain.
 At least two tarpaulins for damage control.
 Wrecking bars for use afterwards.
The Emergency Coordinator will ensure that all equipment at the hotel are checked and available
at all times during the hurricane season and encourage residents to do the same. During the
hurricane season, any overhanging trees at the site should be trimmed. The site Emergency
Coordinator will ensure that all buildings and assets such as equipment, boats and vehicles are
photographed (digital with date) at the beginning of each hurricane season, for possible insurance
claims.
The Emergency Coordinator will also ensure that all company boats are inspected for
serviceability and maintained with full fuel tanks at all times. The assignment of boats for
hurricane emergency response purposes will be made at the beginning of the hurricane season.
Owners of private residences will be encouraged to do the same
All portable electrical generators will be inspected and the fuel tanks maintained full. All fire and
portable water pumps will be similarly inspected and kept in a state of readiness. The Emergency
Coordinator will also ensure that all non-national employees are registered with their respective
Embassies or Consulates.
15.2.2.4 Implementation Plan during Threats
a) Preliminary Alert - Hurricane Watch

This is the First Phase, and means that a storm or hurricane may threaten within 72 hours. A storm
or hurricane is within 21° N 80° W of Belize.
Actions to be Taken:
(i) The Emergency Committee should be prepared to convene and take action if the Belize
Weather Bureau issues a warning.
(ii) Stay informed by radio and television of the storm progress.
(iii) Obtain hurricane tracking chart for committee members and project management,
(iv) Obtain the contact numbers of residents and guests,
(v) Inform guest and residents who are owners of marine vessels of the alert phase,
(vi) Ensure that contact is made with all guests and captains of vessels, whether by direct or
indirect means to alert them of the phase and to make initial contact,
(vii) Prepare a checklist (electronically) of items required in the event of a hurricane hitting the
site,
(viii) The Emergency Coordinator will identify and categorize items or equipment to be
removed as follows:
a. list of equipment to stay, and
b. list of those to be removed to designated site preferably inland.
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(ix) Prepare a tentative list of all the guests, residents and staff on the island.
b) Hurricane Warning – Red 1 Phase (Watch)

During this phase, a hurricane may threaten within (36) thirty-six hours. A hurricane or storm is
located within 20° N 85° W.
Actions to be taken:
(i) Advise all private vessel captains to leave the marine areas immediately and take their
vessel to safe harbor,
(ii) The Emergency Coordinator will advise all employees and available human resources to
install the hurricane shutters on the villas, hotel, private residences and other buildings,
(iii) Advise all occupants of the island including guests and employees to be prepared to
evacuate the island upon the recommendations of NEMO,
(iv) Identify officially designated shelter managers about the site’s guests and island residents
and any other employee in need of such shelters. The use of shelters on the island will
depend on the expected severity of the storm
(v) Management will identify employees to report to work after the hurricane or after the
Green Phase all clear is given,
(vi) Update NEMO on all actions taken.
c) Hurricane Warning – RED 2 Phase

Whenever Phase 2 (Red) is given, this means that a hurricane is likely to strike Belize within (24)
twenty-four hours.
(i) The checklist of items required will then be printed and each head of department as well
as residents will be provided with a checklist,
(ii) The precautionary list will be printed and distributed to each head of department and
resident,
(iii) Final hurricane preparations should be concluded
(iv) Evacuation of employees, guests and residents should be completed
d) Fourth Phase – Green (All Clear)

This is the ALL CLEAR, which will be declared by NEMO after the hurricane has passed and it
is safe to return to review the effects of the hurricane.
(i) The Emergency Committee will attempt to return and survey the island as soon as
possible,
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(ii) The Emergency Committee will immediately make a brief report on all damages
(supported with photographs), and prepare an estimate of damages, and submit the same
to NEMO and site management for their perusal.
(iii) Employees of the island will report to work as previously advised.
(iv) Clean-up phase will commence with the assistance of project employees, and all available
human resources, where possible.
It is proposed that at least one building on Caye Chapel be designated a hurricane shelter in case
it becomes absolutely necessary for some personnel to stay behind for security and maintenance
of the facilities. The designated building must be robustly designed and sturdily constructed and
in every way made hurricane proof.
15.2.3 Fire Prevention and Response Plan
The prerequisite of maintaining a fire suppression capability will be a standard and very necessary
requirement for the Caye Chapel tourism and residential facility. The facilities must have
firefighting capability in the form of a water supply system and water delivery equipment (for fire
suppression) and fire suppression aids as backup for smaller threats. Most importantly the facility
must focus heavily on fire prevention measures given the distance to other sites with fire
suppression capability and the need to transport equipment by water.
Fire outbreaks are considered a life-threatening event should it occur. It is therefore important to
have a conscientious approach to the likelihood of this event. This plan outlines the standards
and practices that will minimize the danger from the risk of fire, and in case of fire, provide for
immediate suppression and notification. Presently, the National Fire Service closest fire station
is 6.5km away in Caye Caulker and further off in San Pedro and Belize City which has the most
robust equipment but limited ability to reach the site by water (see Table 15.2). Any fire incident
occurring on the project site will have to be dealt with locally at least in the initial phases.
15.2.3.1 Purpose of Plan
The purpose of this Fire Prevention and Response plan is to:
(i) increase awareness among guests, management and others of the need for a fire prevention
and response plan,
(ii) To establish the coordinating mechanisms necessary for site management to prepare and
implement measures to safeguard property and lives should a fire occur on the island,
(iii) Indicate all possible evacuation routes from each building and facility on the island.
The basic responsibilities of site management is to ensure that the coordinating mechanism that
will ensure maximum protection of lives and property during a fire, is put in place, and to ensure
that the developer, residents/guests are familiar with the mechanism.
15.2.3.2 Fire Prevention
Fire prevention is an important aspect in precluding its occurrence. Measures designed to prevent
and control fires include:
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(i) Use of fire retardant material

The use of nonflammable building material will be encouraged throughout the project. For
example the use of fire resistant roofing materials will be encouraged as will the use of
concrete instead of wood, fire resistant furniture, fire rated doors and fire resistant barriers.
(ii) Qualified personnel to install electrical system
Only certified licensed electricians will be allowed to carry out any electrical work on the
premises. The electricians to be employed by the project will need to be approved by Belize
Electricity Limited (BEL) and licensed by the Public Utilities Commission. All electrical
work must be inspected for quality on completion.
(iii) Building Codes
A set of building codes will be developed by the engineers of the project, in order to ensure
adequate construction of buildings. The engineering standards will include provisions for
adequate and safe wiring, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems in conformity with
acceptable building codes which are approved by the Central Building Authority of Belize.
15.2.3.3 Fire Protection Equipment/Systems
All the units and buildings on the property will be protected from fire in one form or another. The
following are fire detection, notification and suppression systems that will need to be utilized at
the site.
a) Fire alarm detection and notification systems.
 Smoke and heat detectors: The project will install fire detection equipment in the form
of smoke and heat detectors in each of the units and in the building hall ways and
walkways. The smoke/heat detectors will activate the smoke alarm which would
indicate the possibility of an uncontrolled or some other type of combustion.
 Manually activated pull station: Certain buildings such as the main hotel will have a
manually activated pull station (fire alarm) in the event that someone detects an
accidental fire. It is essential that both guests and staff are aware of the warning
devices, their location and use in the eventuality of a fire.
b) Fire Suppression Systems.

 Sprinkler Systems: It is recommended that the Company install sprinkler system in the
main tourism buildings in areas such as the restaurant. Water for the sprinkler could
be provided from the recycled wastewater via a pressurized system or from the main
water supply which will be provided by reverse osmosis.
 Hydrants: Fire hydrants should be placed at strategic locations on the island but
especially within the residential areas, near the tourism buildings, the back of house
and utility area. The hydrants should be spaced out according to each developmental
zone and zone densities. Water for these hydrants can be obtained from recycled
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wastewater or the numerous ponds. A portable water pump mounted on a golf cart or
ATV with hoses will be coupled to the hydrants and used as a mobile fire engine.
 Commercial Kitchen hood exhaust/suppression system (foam): This applies to the
restaurant within the tourism area. Industrial ranges have an exhaust hood to vent
fumes and integrated in the hood is a fire suppression system consisting of a foam
water mixture.
 Fire Extinguishers: The Caye Chapel development will install multi-purpose dry
chemical (Class ABC) fire extinguishers. Dry chemical extinguishers will range in
sizes of 5 lbs to 10 lbs and will be installed in every building. These will also be
installed at key areas such as hallways, walkways, piers, containment walls,
generators, electrical panels, maintenance areas, etc. In addition, two portable high-
pressure water pumps for the suppression of fire will be strategically located so that
they are readily available.
15.2.3.4 Fire Response

It is difficult to portray a response plan for the project site considering the different scenarios that
might arise from a fire. It is important though, to have in mind certain tips and guidelines in the
event of a fire. These guidelines may come in the form of a fire combating plan whereby trained
workers would utilize the fire extinguishers to extinguish small fires or utilize the fire hydrants
and sprinkler system to extinguish bigger flames.
Another important guideline may also come in the form of a fire evacuation plan. Although an
unlikely occurrence given the fire prevention measures in Section 15.2.3.2 and 15.2.3.3, it is
nevertheless important that the project develops such a plan, especially for the, restaurant and
other areas heavily used by guests and visitors.
The evacuation plan will require the use of evacuation cards (or posters) to disseminate the
procedures and conditions necessary for an evacuation. These cards must be handed out and made
known to each member of staff and management as well as residents of the site. These cards
should also be posted in each building and gathering area as well as public areas. Signs should
show the evacuation route in case of a fire.
Escape routes will be investigated for easy use during emergency evacuation. Any restrictions or
barriers must be resolved before operations begin. All enclosed areas must have two routes of
escape. The Caye Chapel development should develop a basic fire suppression capability on site
including the use of a small water pump and hoses, water holding tank, fire extinguishers and fire
blanket among others. While water is plentiful at the project site, it may not be immediately
available or the preferred choice for the conflagration at hand.
Given the location of the site it is unlikely that local backup support will be immediately available
in case of a fire. Notwithstanding this, relevant authorities should be informed of the new
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development and contact information shared with the Belize National Fire Service. Arrangements
should be made for clear lines of communication and command and control in case of a fire.
Fire tender backup is potentially available in Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro. In an
emergency the telephone number for the various relevant Fire Departments are listed in Table
15.2.
Table 15.2: Emergency contact numbers for relevant fire suppression services.
Fire Service Telephone Number Distance Comment
Caye Caulker 206-0353 6.5 km Nearest to site but with only
moderate fire suppression
capacity.
San Pedro 206-2372 25 km straight line Relatively far from site only fair
by water fire suppression capacity.
Belize City 90 or 227-2579 27 km straight line Far from the site with robust fire
by water suppression capacity.
15.2.4 Fuel Spill Contingency Plan
The Fuel Spill Contingency plan provides an organizational structure and procedures for
preparing and responding to spills and leaks and is to be used by Caye Capel Co. Ltd. in response
to petroleum product spills and/or leaks.
Each spill is different and it is not practical to develop a spill response procedure, which will
encompass every situation. It is better to understand the goals of the response plan in order to
tackle every spill situation. Such understanding coupled with training will enable those involved
in the response effort to determine the best practical procedures given the various conditions.
Risk Assessment – The likely scenarios for a spill are via the following routes:
 Transportation to and unloading of fuel at Caye Chapel,
 Leakage from storage tanks or distributor pipes on site including those in the Back of
House area and the airfield,
 Leakage during fuel dispensing both in the Back of House area and the marina,
15.2.4.1 Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the plan is to outline the procedures necessary to reduce and contain the effect of
a spill by means of a well-coordinated response and is intended for the following purposes:
 To increase staff awareness on spill response procedures taking into consideration the
different governmental tier response levels.
 To define the coordinating mechanisms necessary for managers and support staff to utilize
their resources in response procedures.
 To establish and define clearly the roles and responsibility of management in spill
contingency and response procedures.
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15.2.4.2 Mechanism
This plan justifies the need for a timely and effective response to spill incidents. In order to
respond rapidly and successfully to a spill, personnel responsible for containing and cleaning up
the spill must know the steps that need to be followed during and after the spill. Contingency
plans describe information and processes for containing and cleaning up a spill that occurs in a
defined area of the project site.
Because the approaches and methods for responding to oil spills are constantly evolving, and each
spill provides an opportunity to learn how to better prepare for future incidents, contingency plans
should be constantly revised and improved to provide better protection for human health and the
environment in the future.
15.2.4.3 Response Policy
Tables 15.3 and 15.4 are DoE Tier levels as described by the National Emergency Preparedness
Plan for Oil Spills (NEPPOS).
Table 15.3: Marine Spills Levels

Tier Quantity (gals) Location Response
I 1,000-10,000 Coastal/ Marine To be manage by polluter
II 10,000-100,000 Coastal/ Marine Requires government assistance for management
III >100,000 Coastal/ Marine Requires Government and/or external assistance
Table 15.4: Inland Spill Level

Level Quantity Location Response
A <1,000 On land or Inland To be manage by polluter
B >1,000 or poses significant health On land or Inland Responsible party requires GoB
hazard and requires evacuation assistance to manage the discharge.
Considering the small fuel requirements of the project only marine Tier I and II and inland Levels
A and B will be considered. This is especially so because of the fuel transportation from the
mainland to the project site, as well as to meet the project’s daily operational requirements.
15.2.4.4 Spill Response Procedure
In the event of a spill, properly trained field personnel should be mobilized to respond to the spill
following these general procedures:
 Report all spills to the immediate supervisor, regardless of quantity.
 Stop the spill at its source.
 Contain and control the spill.
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 Notify the appropriate authority:

o Report minor spills to the Project site supervisor,
o Report all spills to the emergency coordinator,
o Report spills of a reportable quality and quantity to the Department of the
Environment.
 Clean up the spill using absorbent pads or other materials such as sawdust based on the
type and quantity of substance spilled.
 The Emergency Coordinator will record the incident in a field log book describing
communication, mitigation, and cleanup measures.
Any spill of a substance that is toxic, polluting, or deleterious to aquatic life of reportable
quantities must be reported immediately to the Department of the Environment. When reporting
the spill, the following information will be provided:
 Name and contact phone number,
 Location and time of the spill,
 Type and quantity of the substance spilled,
 Cause and effects (potential) of the spill,
 Actions currently being taken on site,
 Names of other persons or agencies (e.g. neighboring communities, adjacent resorts etc.)
alerted about the spill.
15.2.4.5 Contingency Equipment
Spill response equipment is the most important component in the Spill Contingency Plan. This
equipment can vary depending on the size and type of the activity. For the Caye Chapel
Development the following equipment will be required:
 Spill response Kits – these will be made available to the maintenance staff and installed
at key locations such as generators, fuel storage tanks, refueling station on marina, etc.
 Containment Booms – these are mostly for marine spills and will be deployed if need be
the case.
 Trays – These are for use under generators and any other equipment using petroleum fuels.
15.3 Climate Change Contingency Plan

There is unequivocal evidence that climate change is taking place and its impacts are becoming
more evident in diverse places including tropical regions such as Central America and the
Caribbean. On present trend, these impacts are expected to become more severe as changes in
climate intensify.
Climate Risk Assessment - As a low lying country with its population and infrastructure
concentrated in the coastal region, Belize is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate
change. Belize’s vulnerability to climate change is closely linked to the country’s low adaptive
capacity and dependence on resources sensitive to changes in climate. Large areas of the coast
___________________________________________________________________________
are susceptible to sea level rise including offshore islands and coastal communities. It therefore
stands to reason that adjustments precipitated by the need for climate adaptation will influence
engineering specifications, alignments, and planning at the Caye Chapel site. The worst effects
are expected to come from hurricanes, sea temperature rise and sea level rise (see Figures 15.1
and 15.2).
Figure 15.1: Projected temperature increase from 2010 to 2100.
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Projections of global mean sea level rise over the 21st century relative to 1986-2005 from a
combination of the CMIP5 ensemble with process-based models (RCP2.6 – RCP8.5) (SPM
WGI, IPCC 2013)
Figure 15.2: Expected global mean sea level rise.
A rise in sea level will in all likelihood acerbate and magnify threats to coastal ecosystems, with
potential consequences such as coastal erosion and land loss, flooding, soil salinization, and
intrusion of saltwater into groundwater aquifers. Similarly, changes in sea surface temperature
and ocean circulation could affect marine organisms including corals, sea grasses, and fish stocks.
Other potential effects include the effects of damaging storms. Hurricanes are expected to become
more severe even if less frequent.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the National Climate Change Office
now requires that all new development projects consider climate change within their overall
development planning.
Potential Impacts – According to a recent UNEP study (UNEP, 2008) the Caribbean tourism
sector can expect to experience the following detrimental impacts as a result of climate change:
 Warmer summers,
 Increase in extreme events,
 Water scarcity,
 Marine biodiversity loss,
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 Sea level rise,

 Increase in disease outbreak,
 Political destabilization,
 Travel cost increase from mitigation policy.
Climate change could influence travelers’ choice of destinations and result in higher operating
costs (e.g. cooling, irrigation, medical and insurance costs) as well as physical destruction and
interruption of services from storms, surges, erosion, flooding and inundation. In addition species
loss such as from corals could impact the marketability of the destination. As a result of these
potential impacts, tourist may decide to reduce their carbon footprint and travel less or nearer to
home.
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies – At Caye Chapel, climate change mitigation strategies
will include technological, economic and social changes. This requires the use of alternatives and
changes in behaviour on the part of the managers and guest with the objective of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
Almost unique among Belize’s offshore islands, the elevation of Caye Chapel has been raised
significantly from previous development and large areas along the coastline have concrete sea
walls. Unfortunately most of the natural protection that would have been afforded by mangroves
along the shoreline has been removed with large areas of beach exposed without the benefit of a
seawall. The development plans for Caye Chapel will incorporate solid adaptive measures for
incipient climate change including the following:
i) Creation of groynes to protect vulnerable beach areas,
ii) Measures for reforestation in vulnerable areas along the coastline,
iii) Place buildings on elevated platforms and building most structures up to 2 stories,
iv) Use reverse osmosis and recycled water system instead of relying on the freshwater lens,
v) Sturdy design of buildings and amenities,
vi) Placement of marina in sheltered area,
vii) Development of a hurricane and fuel spill management plan,
viii) Further building and raising of the beach using dredged sand,
ix) Elevation of low lying areas of the island including golf course, hotel and residential
building locations,
x) Comply with national building regulations and best practice,
xi) Adherence to and respect for Belize’s coastal planning guidelines,
xii) Respect for set back requirements,
xiii) Enforcement building design standards (e.g., for hurricane force winds),
xiv) Water conservation measures including education for employees, guests and residents,
xv) Leaving most of the existing natural areas intact,
xvi) Hurricane proof building design and construction.
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At the present time there is not much else that the developer can do to adapt to climate variability
owing to the dearth of information and gaps in current understanding of the climate phenomenon.
Gaps - The National Climate Change Office believes that there is the need to identify gaps which
may remain in the vulnerability and adaptation sectors. Gaps and deficiencies remain in the
following areas:
 Deficiency in the characterization of current climate because of inadequate data.
 Uncertainty in the characterization of climate change in the medium and longer terms in
order to characterize future impacts.
 Uncertainty in characterization of vulnerability indicators and how they might change in
the future.
In view of these climate uncertainties, the plans presented above for the development of the site
are considered sufficient and progressive. In the near future and once operational, the company
may want to increase its climate mitigation and adaptation program through
participation/collaboration in the following areas:
(i) Calculate and monitor the carbon footprint of the development,
(ii) Institute management program to reduce carbon footprint,
(iii) Obtain Green Globe Eco-standard certification for visitor facility,
(iv) Obtain Environmental Management System (EMS) certification including ISO 14001 for
the Company’s operations in Belize.
15.4 Medical and Emergencies

15.4.1 Response level to Injuries
It is expected that only negligible rates of accident will occur during the seismic operation since
safety requirements will be strictly enforced. Notwithstanding this, potential natural hazards
abound including bees, snakes and pathogenic organisms. This is quite apart from other accidents
that could conceivable occur around the construction camp and along the seismic lines.
15.4.2 Response level to Injuries
(i) Incidents that should be handled by on-site personnel

Most incidents are expected to be minor and can be handled by the on-site personnel and
supervisors. They include:
 Near miss incidents
 First aid, both on-site and off-site (clinic visit with release back to work)
 Small injuries (bruises, scratches)
 Small spills that do not breach containment
Any incident involving any of the above actions must be immediately reported to the on-site
supervisor. The supervisor will be responsible for coordinating with any other affected service
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provider on location. The Caye Chapel development will offer medical services on site to deal
with minor injuries and illnesses.
(ii) Incidents that involve management notification

Some incidents are serious enough that off-location line supervisors and EC are notified. They
include:
 Lost time accidents (injury serious enough that employee cannot return to work)
 Injuries that require ambulance or medical personnel dispatched to location
 All fires regardless of size or significance.
 Spill or pollution that escapes containment
It is expected that all parties involved in any incident will coordinate their information, provide
consistent information to all parties involved, agree on a spokesman, respect the lines of
communication, and provide emergency management support for operations. The primary outlet
for contact with Belizean government officials and all information distributed outside of the site
will be the responsibility of the Emergency Coordinator. In Belize, the National Emergency
Management Organization (NEMO) is the body responsible for disasters and emergencies.
Caye Chapel will have a first responder’s capacity, with first aid equipment available and persons
trained in first aid to deliver assistance in case of medical emergencies. The site management
will need to make contact with local medical providers to ensure they are aware of potential
medical needs of residents and guest. Emergency medical contact numbers are provided in Table
15.5 below.
Table 15.5: Medical emergency contact numbers.
Medical facility Telephone Numbers Comment

Caye Caulker Health 226-0166 Basic facilities only
Center
San Pedro Polyclinic 226-2536, 226-2555 Moderate capacity to treat
emergencies
Northern Regional 322-1560, 322-1561 Reasonably good facilities.
Hospital
Karl Huesner 223-1548 Wide range of medical services
Memorial Hospital facility subsidized by taxpayers.
Private Hospitals Belize Medical Associates – 223- Modern private medical facilities
0302 offering higher end specialized
Belize Healthcare Partners Ltd – 223- services
7870
Gastroenterology Center – 223-4666
Button Wood Bay Medical Center –
223-1901
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The Site Manager or Emergency Coordinator will identify a boat to respond to medical
emergencies both during the construction and operational phase. Although this vessel will not be
dedicated solely to this purpose it should always be available for emergencies. In addition, the
island currently has a modern airfield which will be further upgraded during this project. The
Emergency Coordinator will keep the contact details of all local airlines, private and military
helicopter and the BERT ambulance service for aerial dispatch of emergency cases.
The Emergency Coordinator must make connections with and arrange for medical emergencies
to be evacuated from the island. Pre-arrangements must be made with regional hospitals and
clinics in case of medical emergencies requiring hospital care or hospitalization prior to the need.
The Emergency Coordinator will be responsible for placing flow charts throughout the facility
for easy access.
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SECTION C:
POTENTIAL IMPACTS, PROPOSED MITIGATION

MEASURES AND MONITORING PLAN
(FOR RECEPTORS WITH POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT)
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16.0 ANTICIPATED DIRECT AND CUMULATIVE

IMPACTS
 Identify all potential cumulative impacts and significant changes that may result from the
implementation of this overall project, taking each individual component into
consideration. This should include, but not be limited to, changes in the following:
a. Water Quality of the area;
b. Land Use Pattern;
c. Traffic (land and water);
d. Infrastructure;
e. Employment Opportunities;
f. Socio-cultural environment;
g. Abundance of Flora and Fauna
h. Navigational issues;
i. Recreational activities;
j. Abundance and distribution of flora and fauna, including coral cover if applicable;
and
k. Ecosystem health.
The above analysis should distinguish between significant positive and negative impacts;
direct and indirect impacts; immediate, medium and long-term impacts, irreversible or
unavoidable impacts and identify impacts that may result from accidental events (i.e.
oil/fuel spills, accidental release of untreated wastewater/ effluent, etc.). This analysis
should be divided into construction, operational and maintenance activities / phases.
 Characterize the extent and quality of available data, explaining significant information
deficiencies (gaps) and uncertainties associated with the prediction of such potential
impacts.
16.1 Criteria for the Assessment of Impacts

The evaluation of potential impacts must be balanced against legal requirements and applicable
national standards, or international standards where national standards have not yet been
developed. Notwithstanding this, the assessment of impact significance often involves
interpretation and the application of the judgement of the assessor. In this Environmental
Statement (ES) the following are considered to be guiding factors in assessing significance.
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 The relative importance of the environmental resource in question i.e. national,

regional, or local importance,
 Whether environmental quality will be impaired or enhanced i.e. an adverse or
beneficial impact,
 Whether the environmental impact will be direct (such as land-take) or indirect (such
as polluted run-off entering watercourses),
 The scale of the change e.g. the area of land, number of people affected and the degree
of change from existing conditions,
 The scale of change resulting from cumulative impacts,
 Whether the effect is permanent or temporary and, if the latter, its duration,
 The degree of mitigation that may be achieved through design.
The Caye Chapel development is expected to be a long term investment within a relatively
sensitive offshore area not far from the barrier reef and hence the nature and magnitude of its
impacts needs to be carefully considered based on these important considerations and mitigated
accordingly. The impact of this project on the general environment can be cumulatively
significant for an extended period of time hence most natural systems would take a long time to
recuperate. On the positive side none of the proposed developmental activities will take place
within restricted areas although some will occur within sensitive sites
The challenge of implementing these proposals is to find an acceptable level of change that will
strike the necessary balance between the need to develop the/ national economy and the need to
protect vital environmental processes. Also important is the nature and scope of the proposals
and their potential to unravel the social fabric and lifestyles of the people in the area within which
they are based.
Although most people support the development of the country’s tourism industry and the many
jobs and opportunities it provide, people are just as clear that they do not want that to be at the
cost of severe environmental degradation. Tourism development that incorporate dredging and
the construction of overwater habitation are often the focus of community scrutiny because of
their capacity to degrade the environment on which local people depend for their livelihood.
Major attention is therefore paid to how these operations are managed.
The impacts of this development will be felt mainly in the area of physical alterations to marine
ecosystems. Other potential areas of impacts such as solid and liquid waste disposal, water
resources, energy generation and transportation will be smaller, easily reversible and amenable to
mitigation.
It is incumbent on the developer to reduce all impacts to their lowest possible level, or negate
them entirely if the situation permits. The developer will be aided in this undertaking by the
impacts and mitigation discussion in the relevant sections of this report and summarized in the
tables below. These cover the aspects of project activities which have been identified by the DoE
as liable to produce significant environmental impacts among others.
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The process is taken one step further with outlines for a monitoring regime (Environmental Action
Plan) in Chapter 17 which will further protect the physical and biological resources within the
project area by requiring the developer to actively gauge and measure the impacts of his
development in the construction and operational phases.
This monitoring program will constitute the defining litmus test to see whether the developer’s
mitigation measures are working or whether they need to be modified or replaced entirely. The
Environmental Compliance Plan to be prepared for the developer by the DoE (if necessary) will
set out further measures deemed necessary by the environmental community to maintain these
pristine and sensitive sites from undue environmental harm.
It is the view of the project’s environmental advisors that if best management practices are
incorporated throughout the stages of project implementation and if mitigation measures
contained elsewhere in this report and below are implemented, then the level of impacts will be
within acceptable limits and will not place an unbearable stress to the area’s ecosystem to the
detriment of man and the area’s life support systems. As always, the ultimate hope is that this
project will become a model for others, demonstrating that economic gains and social
advancement is possible without sacrificing important environmental principles.
16.1.1 Impact Definitions and Guidance

Definition of Impact Categories
Major negative impact - Can, if not mitigated, affect the potential subsistence, recreational or
commercial use of a biophysical resource sufficiently that the value of that resource is reduced
far below publicly acceptable values.
Moderate negative impact - Can, if not mitigated, affect the potential subsistence, recreational
or commercial use of a biophysical resource sufficiently that the value of that resource is reduced
below publicly acceptable values.
Minor negative impact - Will affect the same potential biophysical resource use as above, but at
levels publicly perceived as being inconvenient rather than unacceptable.
Positive impact - Will increase the potential subsistence, recreational or commercial use of a
biophysical resource.
Extent of Impact
Local impacts - May occur anywhere within the immediate environment of the project area.
Regional impacts - May extend beyond the immediate environment of the project.
National impacts – Can affect the entire country.
Duration of Impact
Short-term impacts - Will cease within one year of their onset.
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Medium-term impacts - Will cease within ten years of their onset.

Long-term impacts - Will continue for more than ten years.
Criteria for Significance of Impact -The impacts, both potential and actual, of the proposed
works were assessed according to the following criteria:
 The importance of a receiving habitat, defined by its position in a hierarchy of site importance
and conservation value. This hierarchy extends from international (highest) importance to
local (negligible or lowest) importance. This range of values is expressed in the protection
afforded to a site by international and national legislation, and in planning policy at a more
local level.
 The magnitude of the impacts on the features of interest during the development of the
proposals. The magnitude of ecological impacts is assessed by considering the change in the
ecology of a site that will arise as a result of the direct and indirect effects of a particular
development on that ecology in question. Both direct and indirect impacts, and the duration
of these impacts are examined.
16.1.2 Information Deficiencies and Uncertainties in Impact Prediction
Every effort was made during this study to acquire the best scientific data to get the best possible
understanding of the local environmental factors at Caye Chapel. In this study impact predictions
are based on an understanding of the existing baseline situation and the projected changes that are
being proposed based on the development plans and the forecast visitation and population levels.
Notwithstanding this the following shortcomings in the available information are identified:
a) Limited understanding of the biological baseline of the site due to seasonality of the
study,
b) Limitations in water quality data again due to the seasonality of the study,
c) Uncertainty as to the future population levels of the site and the level of use of the
facilities since much depends on the ability to find sales for the parcels and to attract
quest,
d) Although the Developer is promoting the natural attractions of the area as a selling point
of the island at this stage it is impossible to determine the demand for recreational use of
the areas natural resources and the form that this would take e.g. number of boat owners
etc.
16.2 Summary of Direct and Indirect Impacts
16.2.1 Flora, Fauna and Ecosystems

Terrestrial - The ecosystems of Caye Chapel are already severely disturbed from previous
development activity on the island. The majority of the new development activity will fall within
this already disturbed area especially in the zone currently described as coconut orchard which is
a human altered ecosystem (see Chapter 4) created in pursuit of aesthetic values. Only a small
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area to the north of the airfield will see deforestation of a small piece of natural mangrove forest
measuring about 2 acres. In addition, the placement of the groynes and the expansion of the
airfield will result in the loss of some seagrass beds however the placement of the overwater
structures should not result in the loss of seagrass as construction technique and mitigation
measures will allow sunlight penetration and the movement of natural currents. In all it is
estimated that about 5 acres of seagrass beds will be affected.
The developer has already undertaken enrichment planting of coconut to offset some of the impact
from the loss of coconuts in the built up area. In addition, the area coverage of structures within
the lots will be restricted in size and in most instances will be about 30% of the lot size hence a
significant amount of trees within lots will remain undisturbed.
Aquatic – During the development works some of the existing ponds will be lost in the interest
of reconfiguring the golf course however the development calls for the construction of new ponds
to offset the loss of the existing ponds with approximately equal coverage to the baseline situation.
Since many of these ponds and the marina are stocked with fish many of which migrate in from
the sea the developer is urged to take measures to protect aquatic species currently existing on the
island and to relocate specimen where feasible before any of the existing ponds are filled in.
The ponds in the south in particular are rich in bird life especially North American ducks and
wading birds. The attraction lies in the abundance of food and the thick vegetation cover that
gives wildlife the cover they crave while feeding. The large pond to the east of the airfield is rich
in wading birds and mangrove affiliated species.
The ‘minor adverse’ categorizations of those impacts associated with land-clearing and the loss
of roosting habitat and foraging opportunities for wetland birds are a function of the limited area
being impacted or transformed. The area of mangroves to be north of the airstrip is less than 2
acres.
Activities of the work crew, visitors and residents will be closely monitored for behavior that will
create disturbances and may create avoidance behavior in the area’s wildlife population in
addition to disrupting nesting and roosting sites.
16.2.2 Project Impact on Water Resources
The impacts to water resources can be varied and will require careful scrutiny and oversight.
Some impacts are those related to the accumulation of ion exchange cartridges from the RO
system which can contribute to aesthetic pollution. In addition, disposal of these cartridges will
add to the volume of solid waste generated at the site. The absolute need to increase the produce
volume of RO water will place additional demands on the power supply system which will
continue to be sourced from wells. Increased production of RO water carries with it a concomitant
need for more fuel for power generation (See Table 16.2).
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Since the development is planning to use rainwater catchment from roofs the threat of pathogenic
diseases from microbes associated with this water source is profound however none of this water
is intended for human consumption.
The sourcing of potable water for the resort using the RO system will result in the production of
large amounts of hypersaline water as a byproduct of the process. If this water is not disposed
properly it can create hypersaline conditions within the nearshore environment (See Table 16.2).
The effects will be dependent on the dilution capacity of the surrounding seas, which are expected
to eliminate the potential for negative consequence on slow-moving and sessile invertebrates and
the wider marine habitat. To avoid these impacts the current brine discharge point will be
decommissioned and replaced with a deep well injection system like that which BWSL has in
Caye Caulker.
The removal of some of the mangrove vegetation in the south near the airfield and of portions of
the coconut orchard ecosystem for residential homes and the hotel could result in the loss of
protective forest cover resulting in increased surface runoff and sediment loading. In view of the
small areas to be cleared within each residential lot and the judicious placing of drains in strategic
locations it is expected that impacts from this activity will be small. The use of culverts and
bridges placed along the internal roads will help to improve water flow along natural flow
channels.
Water for the construction effort and for the irrigation of the golf course and other uses around
the site will be sourced from the RO system. Some water will also accrue from surface runoff
into the ponds and from rainwater catchment as well as recycled waste water hence natural
freshwater deposits in the underground freshwater lens should not be depleted. This will in turn
ensure the pond habitats and vegetation ecosystems remain viable.
Monitoring and evaluation of water consumption – Caye Chapel will consume a large amount
of water to maintain its operations including the irrigation of the gold course. The developer will
be required to monitor water abstraction volumes for the RO system. Water should not be
extracted from the ponds to an extent that would deplete or cause their aquatic habitat quality to
be diminished.
The abstraction of water from surface water bodies will be done responsibly, ensuring that any
draw down does not affect any other users of the source. In addition, the Developer will consult
with the National Integrated Water Resources Authority (NIRWE) to ensure that the relevant
permit/license for water abstraction is obtained.
16.2.3 Impacts from Liquid Waste Generation
Eutrophic impacts are potentially deleterious to the marine environment, particularly in
circumstances where nutrient pulses would trigger autotrophic growth spurts. In the context of
the Caye Chapel sub-tidal environment this could potentially impact both phytoplankton growth
in the water column such as the green micro-algae Skeletonema (Skeletonema spp.) and
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Tetraselmis (Tetraselmis chuii), as well as rooted or anchored plant growth in forms such as the
macro-algae Halimeda (Halimeda spp.) and the Forked Seaweed (Dictyota dichotoma), as well
as the Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinium).
The two (2) potential sources of Eutrophic pollution are sewage and domestic effluents, as well
as runoff in the form of both organic and inorganic fertilizers from the golf course. The main
source of nitrogen in the form of nitrates (NO3-1) is derived from urine – while the main source
of the other macro-nutrient phosphorus in the form of the Phosphate anion (PO4-3) derives from
detergents used in domestic cleaning operations. The other notable source of Phosphate (PO43)
comes from the irrigation and fertilizing of the golf course.
It has been theorized that the limiting macro-nutrient in the marine environment is nitrogen. The
path of macro-nutrients entering the surrounding seas from the perspective of the propose
development is either from surface runoff, or alternatively subterranean seepage. The
concentration and chemical configuration of nitrogen and phosphorus that would enter the
environment depends on the management regime for sewage and gray water. The treatment
regime to be employed for sewage and gray water is a function of the filtration, clarification and
oxidation up to Tertiary Level Treatment Standards by the MBR BIO-CEL Treatment
Technology. This entails greatly reducing the nitrate (NO3-1) and Phosphate (PO4-3) loads in the
post-treated effluents.
The probability of nitrate (NO3-1) and Phosphate (PO4-3) effluents escaping into the surrounding
seas is largely a function of the integrity and efficiency of the plumbing systems and the MBR
BIO-CEL Treatment Technology, as well as the probability of nutrient rich effluents from the
golf Course entering the wider marine environment. The post-treated effluent from the MBR BIO-
CEL Sewage Treatment Plant will be recycled to irrigate and fertilize the Golf Course. This is to
be augmented from industrially produced inorganic fertilizers. The probability of Eutrophic
effluents from the Golf Course entering the aquatic environment is a function of the topography
of the area.
The plumbing system associated with the Caye Chapel Development will be engineered to the
highest design standards. The installation and operation of the Tertiary Level MBR BIO-CEL
Sewage Treatment Plant to optimal industry standards will be regularly inspected and tested by
the Caye Chapel Equipment Operations and Maintenance Team. The installation of plumbing
services and piping will follow international codes and best practice measures.
Both the plumbing and sewage treatment system will be accompanied by a rigorous system of
monitoring, inspection, repair and maintenance (See Table 16.2).
The Golf Course has been engineered to ensure that minimal fertilizer will be required due to the
hardy grass species to be used as turf. Although the potential exist for small amounts of runoff
this would be directed to the ‘Traps’ or ponds on the property. The porous nature of the marl and
sand soils will result in seepage into the groundwater stores, curtailing the volumes that would
otherwise cascade directly into the sea.
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Potential Health Impact - Pathogenic bacteria, viruses and toxic algae cause diarrhoea, shellfish
poisoning and other diseases. Studies show bathing in polluted water causes gastroenteritis and
upper respiratory diseases; eating polluted shellfish results in hepatitis, liver damage and in some
cases death.
Potential Impacts to Groundwater - Improper disposal of wastewater can directly impact the
quality of an area’s groundwater and water resources and since their movements are dynamic,
contaminants can spread far beyond the immediate pollution area. The presence of fecal matter
in surface waters is common because of improper/incomplete treatment facilities. Fecal
contamination of surface and groundwater sources has serious health implications for residents
and tourists since fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea and dysentery.
Potential Impacts on Marine Environment - Suspended solids may cause excessive turbidity
and shading of sea grasses, produce sedimentation, damaging benthic (bottom layer) habitats and
affect anaerobic conditions at the sea bottom. High BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) levels
may cause severe oxygen depletion, especially in shallow and enclosed aquatic systems such as
marinas and estuaries that are ideal breeding grounds for various marine species. BOD results in
fish deaths and anaerobic conditions which release bad odors (hydrogen sulfide). In addition,
improperly treated wastewater can have the following effects on the marine environment:
 Adverse nutrient levels cause algal blooms, resulting in the death of coral and sea grasses
and eutrophication leading to severe oxygen depletion which kills living resources.
 Many toxic materials and suspected carcinogens and mutagens can concentrate in shellfish
and fish tissue, putting humans at risk when they eat them.
 Metals in specific forms can be toxic to humans and various marine organisms, especially
shellfish which is vulnerable, in areas with highly contaminated sediment layers.
 Fats, oil and grease that float on the water surface interfere with natural aeration. They
are possibly toxic to aquatic life, destroy coastal vegetation and reduce recreational use of
waters and beaches.
16.2.4 Impacts from Solid Waste Generation
The generation of solid waste is associated with both the construction phase and the operational
phase of the project. Much of the solid waste associated with the construction phase of the project
relates to accumulation of packaging material and the demolition works associated with the
dismantling of the residential structures currently on the island. Much of the packaging material
will be in the form of crates, boxes, buckets and insulation material comprised of cardboard,
plastic, Styrofoam and metal. The impact of the synthetic material, especially plastics, can be
deleterious, resilient and long-lasting. This impact has thus been assessed in the ‘major adverse’
category (See Table 16.2).
The assessment of land clearing impacts during the construction phase has been assessed in the
‘minor deleterious’ category. This has been a function of the relatively limited land clearing
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requirement. Caye Chapel has seen a fair amount of development which included significant land
clearing, thus there will be minimal need for additional land clearing for the propose development.
During the operational phase of the proposed project the major contributor to solid waste is
expected to be domestic waste from the restaurants, bars, refreshment kiosks and residences. Also
during this phase, the development will produce waste in the form of spent RO Cartridges, used
batteries from golf carts and other equipment and used lubricating oil.
Wastes that are considered hazardous to human health because of their corrosive, reactive,
explosive, toxic, inflammable, infectious, or radioactive nature may be generated. For this type
of waste, EPA guidance will be used for classification. This type of wastes shall be temporarily
placed in properly labeled containers and stored away from the rain in roofed, hard-surfaced areas.
If not properly managed the waste produced by the development may have undesirable
environmental consequences in the following areas:
a) Create fertile breeding grounds for vectors such as flies to spread disease,
b) Encourage the proliferation of feral creatures including birds and domesticated animals,
c) Contaminate water resources including groundwater and surface water resources such as
ponds and offshore waters,
d) Create visual impacts that would detract from the natural ambience of Caye Chapel and
its offshore waters,
e) Create hazardous conditions for wildlife who may feed on and choke on leftover food and
electrical equipment,
The Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol) of
the Cartagena Convention sets forward general obligations and a legal framework for regional
co-operation, provides a list of priority source categories, activities and associated pollutants of
concern and promotes the establishment of pollution standards and schedules for implementation.
Annex III relates directly to domestic wastewater and establishes specific regional effluent
limitations, as well as a timetable for the implementation of wastewater treatment.
For the purpose of the Annexes, effluent limits are divided in two classes, depending on the water
in which they are discharged. Class 1 waters are particularly sensitive to impacts from pollution
while Class 2 waters are less sensitive. The effluent limits for domestic wastewater in the LBS
Protocol are set to:
Parameter Class 1 Waters Class 2 Waters

Total Suspended Solids * 30 mg/l 150 mg/l
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) 30 mg/l 150 mg/l
pH 5-10 pH units 5-10 pH units
Fats, Oil and Grease 15 mg/l 50 mg/l
Faecal Coliform or E. coli.or Faecal coliform: 200 mpn/100ml
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enterococci E. coli: 126 organisms/100ml Not applicable

Enterococci: 35 org./100ml
Floatables Not visible Not visible
16.2.5 Impacts from Energy Generation

Impacts associated with energy generation will arise during both the construction and operational
phases of the development. These impacts include sedimentation and turbidity impacts associated
with trenching activities to embed and bury the transmission cable from Caye Caulker if it is
decided to pursue that option when it becomes available.
If trenching is required to bring power from Caye Caulker, the duration of the trenching would
be expected to last for only a couple of weeks and should occur during the Closed Season for
lobsters when traps should be off the fishing grounds. The trench should be restricted to be 1 m
wide maximum and 1 m deep and is to be covered and compacted. It is expected that the area will
be re-colonized by sea grass in a relatively short time period hence fishing activities should not
be interrupted.
Impacts to human health and wellbeing would be from smoke and other particulates which may
affect asthmatics and others challenged by respiratory conditions. Impacts would also be expected
from noise associated with the operation of the generators. These impacts would be especially
relevant in the operational phase of the project when the potential is high that they would
constitute a noise nuisance to human and wildlife.
Other potential impacts associated with the provision of energy stem from the use of large
generators and their concomitant need for the storage and transport of fuel which increases the
likelihood of a spill, fire or explosion. The use of generators in a upper scale resort can also create
noise and air pollution. Small quantities of used oil, filters and replaceable parts will also be
produced.
16.2.6 Impacts from Transportation
Marine - Impacts associated with transportation can affect both sea-based and land-based
transportation modes. Impacts range from fuel issues to those associated with the haulage of bulk
supplies, as well as noise and air pollution.
The most significant impacts regarding sea-base transportation are related to the operation of the
marina. Many marinas allow bilging activities of vessels in port and the release of effluent stream
from toilets and domestic waste. This will not be the case in Caye Chapel which will not offer
bilging services in its marina or the discharge of human waste.
The other issue of note regarding marine transportation is the risk of collisions at sea between
water crafts servicing the resort and general marine traffic plying the area. In particular the
transport of materials on barges through narrow reef channels in inclement weather will not be
allowed.
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Land transportation - The greatest impacts from land-based transportation is the transport and
dispensing of fuel and its potential for environmental harm. This include spillage and leakage of
lubricating oils from transmissions, engines and suspension systems. Other effects include noise
and exhaust fumes including particulates from internal combustion engines.
Air transportation – Impacts from air transportation relate to the extension of the airfield and
from the movement of aircraft to and from the island. The expansion of the airstrip by 1650m by
18m will extend it into pristine marine habitats to the south of the island which consist of bare
substrates, rocks and sea grass beds. The total new area that will be covered is 29,700m 2. In
addition to damage to marine habitats the construction of the airstrip may obstruct existing
navigational channels around the island, interfere with natural currents and flushing on the
leeward side of the island and the movement of sediments and nutrients. The transport of building
materials to the site from the mainland and the associated dredging to win spoils from adjacent
marine areas carry with it the threat of accidental fuel and oil spill, increased turbidity levels and
inadvertent damage to habitats.
The expanded operation of the airstrip will mean more frequent flights and larger planes. This
will release increased amounts of air pollutants into the ambient air around the island and create
noise impacts at least for residents in the central and southern portion of the island.
16.2.7 Impacts from Overwater Cabanas
Potential impacts arising from the construction of the Over Water Cabanas (OWC) includes
depending on phase, noise pollution, sedimentation and turbidity, the altering effects of standing
structures on the seafloor, nutrient pollution, aesthetic pollution, wildlife interactions and health
and safety issues related to navigation (See Table 16.2). The impacts can be both positive and
negative.
Positive impacts relate to the Fish Attracting Device effect (FAD) of the piles supporting the
OWCs and indeed the facility of these standing structures to act as settlement substrate for a host
of sessile invertebrates as well as macro-algae. Invertebrates colonizing such structures include
sponges, soft corals, tunicates, sea anemone, clams, oysters and tube worms.
These piles in effect set up a mini ecosystem of primary and secondary producers which includes
familiar fin-fishes of known commercial importance such as the mutton snapper (Lutjanus
analis), the yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) and rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulatus).
The facility of the railings and roof and indeed the runway aspect of the boardwalk as perches for
seabirds and waterfowls are also a positive ecological impact.
Potential negative impacts are associated with navigational safety and aesthetic (visual) pollution.
This is especially relevant in the operational phase of the development which in principle extends
indefinitely. The erection of standing structures above the shoreline and immediate coastal
vegetation is in principle out of character with the rustic setting of the area and thus has been
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assessed as ‘major deleterious’. The possibility of collision by watercrafts, particularly on

moonless nights or during low visibility stormy conditions, is potential cause for concern.
The noise generated by cacophonic construction activities has been assessed in the ‘moderate
adverse’ impact category. This include pile-driving activities associated with ‘jetting’ concrete
encased piles into the seafloor, as well as hammering, and sawing and drilling activities. Other
activities assessed in the ‘moderate adverse’ impact category includes nutrient pollution arising
from the potential for leakage from plumbing connected with wastewater disposal, and the
interaction of wildlife with development activities. In the case of the latter the effect of light
pollution on sea turtle nestlings, as well as on the behavior of water fowls which forage mainly at
night is a major consideration.
16.2.8 Impacts from Dredging
General Consideration of Potential Impacts - The turbidity and sedimentation influences
associated with dredging and reclamation has potential negative implications for biodiversity.
Corals and coral reef are among the most vulnerable to the impacts associated with dredging and
land reclamation however dredging and land reclamation is also associated with the loss of
seagrass beds. Dredging is particularly deleterious when it occurs on the windward side of
offshore islands especially when such locations fall near to the reef which is usually associated
with robust and abundant seagrass meadows.
The impacts arising from dredging and reclamation are ecological and human health related. The
primary ecological impacts are sedimentation and turbidity influences. The magnitude and
orientation of these impacts are related to the type of ecosystems associated with the receiving
water body, as well as the health status of these ecosystems and the scope of the propose project.
The propose dredging project should be considered a major undertaking within the marine
environment given the volume of ‘fill’ or dredged spoil required, as well as the areal or geographic
extent of the infrastructure or ‘real estate’ to be created. The main area of the seafloor to be
impacted by the dredging event is 250,000 m2 and the volume of ‘fill’ to be extracted is over
868,153 m3. The airstrip runway is to be upgraded and projected into the sea from the existing
southern shoreline for a distance of 1650m.
The area to be reclaimed is exclusively dominated by seagrass ecosystems with seafloor cover
varying from 70 to 100%, with other components of the seafloor being mainly macro-algal stands,
sponge colonial assemblages and bare sand substrate. The predominant seagrass in terms
abundance and area coverage is Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinium). The amount of seafloor
cover and the density or seagrass blades per unit area shows that this ecosystem is in relatively
good condition.
The area proposed for the burrow pits to the northeast of the island is also dominated by seagrass
meadows. However, the more distal locale away from the island are characterized by bare sand
substrate, sparse seagrass meadows and intermittent stands of macro-algae.
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The orientation of the sedimentation and turbidity impacts has been assessed in the ‘adverse’
impact category (See Table 16.3). The magnitude of these impacts has been assessed in the
‘moderate’ and ‘major’ impact categories. These assessments are a function of the macroscopic
scale of the project and the nature of the receiving environment.
The robust nature and pristine condition of the seagrass beds makes them a major contributor to
primary and secondary productivity in the area and to marine biodiversity.
The sedimentation and turbidity related impacts are graded ‘short term’ because of the
composition of the seafloor and the time-frame over which the dredging event is supposed to take
place. It is also dependent on the dredging protocol where the initial dredging activity is normally
followed by daily suction dredging to avoid the recurrent re-suspension of settled sediments in
the burrow pits. The composition of the seafloor in the area of the burrow pits is coarse biogenic
sand and compacted or ‘pavement’ carbonate material.
Human health impacts are associated with the dredging and reclamation activity itself. The
anchorage of the Dredge and the deployment of the Spoil Discharge Pipes are a potential
navigational hazard. The creation of ‘new land’ in the extension of the airstrip that was formerly
characterized as seafloor also poses a potential navigational hazard. The anchorage of the Dredge
off the northeastern quadrat of Caye Chapel is outside the main boating route for commercial
crafts and general marine traffic – they cannot be ruled out however for irregular traffic and non-
traditional mariners.
The affected population includes sport fishers who will generally exploit good fishing
opportunities as they become available. This entails general navigation in the nearshore seas with
dedicated stops including the main pier on the eastern side of the island south of the burrow sites,
as well as the mini patch reef south of the pier and the sunken barge near the entrance to the
marina on the western side of the island.
The primary activity of these fishermen relates to ‘spin casting’ for target species that include
pelagic stocks such as the barracuda (Sphyraenidae), mackerels (Scombridae) and jacks
(Carangidae), as well as benthic stocks such as snappers (Lutjanidae) and groupers (Serranidae).
Apart from sport fishers, other irregular mariners include commercial fishers and the general
citizenry whom may be navigating the area especially at night.
The navigational impacts have been assessed in the ‘moderate adverse’ category. This relates to
both the anchored Dredge, as well as the deployed Spoil Discharge Pipes. The categorization for
the Dredge is based on its anchorage away from trafficked sea lanes for the limited duration of
the dredging event. The ‘moderate adverse’ assessment for the Spoil Discharge Pipes is very
much related to their routing overland to the beach and the airstrip reclamation site.
Although no mangrove will be directly removed because of dredging careless preparation for
dredging is often associated the loss of mangrove stands. The developer will have to ensure that
sediments from the land filling operations do not migrate around mangrove roots. The loss of
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mangroves brings with it a decline in regional biological productivity and the loss of critical
habitat. The latter is especially relevant to the prop roots of the Red Mangrove, which form the
habitat for a wide range of attached plants and sedentary invertebrates such as sponges, tunicates
and tube worms. Sediments must also not be allowed to drain into the open ponds on site which
should be as pristine and biologically functional as possible. Table 16.1 gives the turbidity levels
for open water bodies.
The developer will need to obtain permits and approvals from relevant authorities before any
dredging activity can take place.
Table 16.1: Turbidity Limits for select water bodies.
Surface Water Classification Turbidity Not to Exceed Limit*

(NTU’s)
Streams 50
Lakes & Reservoirs 25
All Trout Waters 10
* Turbidity may not exceed upstream background levels. If background levels are less than the above limits, the
above limits must be met.
16.2.9 Impacts of Golf Course Operations
16.2.9.1 Uses of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)

To reduce the impacts of the operations of the 18-hole golf course the developer will be
utilizing Seashore Paspalum for its turf. Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) will be
used on the Fairways, Greens, Tees and Driving Range taking into account the advantages to
the environment because of the relatively low maintenance associated with the species (Plate
16.A).
___________________________________________________________________________
Plate 16.A: Seashore Paspalum and its Overall plant structure (University of California
Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2017)
Seashore Paspalum is a salt-tolerant grass that has been recorded on golf courses since the mid-
1970s. It was only used on a limited basis because of its inferior turf quality but this last decade
has seen major advances in its development with the introduction of several fine-textured
varieties. With irrigation water quality and availability at the forefront of environmental/golf
development concerns, the breeding of such grasses has contributed significantly to the reduction
of the environmental impacts associated with the golf courses of the past.
Seashore Paspalum is a perennial grass that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of North
and South America. There are several species that are native to Belize including this
recommended sea shore species. There has been several research conducted in foreign
universities utilizing native varieties obtained in Belize. A variety of this species has been used
with much success in the existing Caye Chapel Golf Course which will be reconfigured and
redesigned. Hence, this species is also not listed as an Invasive Alien Species nor does it have
the potential to become invasive. Native trees and shrubs will be used on the ‘Rough’ areas of
the golf course, much of which already exist on the property.
16.2.9.2 Global Use of Seashore Paspalum

Seashore Paspalum is currently being maintained on courses in Asia, South Africa South
America, Hawaii and the United States of America. It is being used throughout the Caribbean
on courses such as the:
 Caye Chapel Golf Course: Belize
 Emerald Bay Resort: Exuma, Bahamas;
 Divi Resort : Grand Cayman, Cayman Lands;
 Cap Cana Golf Resort: Cap Cana, Dominican Republic;
 Trump International Golf Club :Canouan, St. Vincent, Grenadines, and;
 The Royal St. Kitts Golf Course: St. Kitts.
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16.2.9.3 Characteristic of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)

Extensive research has been undertaken on Seashore Paspalum worldwide. Based on its many
advantageous characteristics, Seashore Paspalum has been described as one of the most
environmentally ‘friendly’ turf grass utilized on golf courses to date. Table 16.2 below shows
how characteristics of Seashore Paspalum compared to other popular turf types. The four
species discussed include Seashore Paspalum, Bermuda Grass, Zoysia, and Centipede Grass
and. A comparison of these is summarized in Table 16.2.
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Table 16.2: Comparison of Characteristics of Four Commonly Used Turf Grasses

Environment Commonly Used Turf Grass Species
Seashore Bermuda Zoysia Centipede
Paspalum Grass Grass Grass
Soil Type Wide range Wide range Wide range Acid - infertile
Drought Tolerance Good Good Medium Medium
Salt Tolerance Excellent Good Good Poor
Wear Tolerance Good Excellent Good- Good- Poor
Excellent Excellent
Nematode Tolerance Good Poor Poor Poor
Maintenance level Medium Medium-High High Low
Adapted from: EPA, 2002
Advantages of Seashore Paspalum

 Seashore Paspalum is highly drought resistant and can survive in an area that receives
less than two hundred and fifty (250) days of rainfall per year. This is due to its
extensive and deep root system. This will reduce the amount of water needed to meet the
irrigation requirement for the golf course.
 It can withstand a wide variety of mowing heights so the same grass can be used on tees,
fairways, greens, and roughs. This is actually an important consideration for anyone
thinking about using this grass, as maintaining playing surfaces of mixed grasses, e.g.
Paspalum fairways and Bermuda grass greens, is not recommended as cross-
contamination is highly likely.
 To established turf, nitrogen rates are 30-50% lower than that ordinarily used on hybrid
Bermuda grass greens.
 Unlike Bermuda grass (Cynodon transvaalensis and C. dactylon), Seashore Paspalum
maintains good turf quality in shaded areas or during cloudy weather.
 Paspalum produces a very dense cover and tight canopy on tees, fairways and rough,
providing excellent lies.
Disadvantages of Seashore Paspalum
Seashore Paspalum does have its limitations and these include:
 Susceptibility to common turf grass pests, but these can be readily managed.
___________________________________________________________________________
 Paspalum has accelerated thatch accumulation due to its highly rhizomatous growth
character, which can cause mower scalping that is slow to recover. Aggressive topdressing
is required to manage thatch and to produce a smooth, firm surface.
 Its leaves and stems are tough, requiring sharp mowers to produce a clean cut.
 While it is tolerant of saltwater, and some greens are irrigated with nothing but, it requires
fresh water for establishment and will be healthier if better quality water is available from
time to time. Regular leaching is necessary to maintain salt at a tolerable level.
16.2.9.4 Agrochemical Requirements
Chemical applications to golf courses take two main forms – inorganic fertilizers and pesticides.
Organic fertilizers, derived from seaweeds, manures and other organic sources are not, in this
context, considered to be chemicals, although fertilizing with any material– and over fertilizing
in particular – can pollute.
The use of current varieties of Seashore Paspalum for golf course turf and tees has been one of
the major improvements made in reducing the impacts traditionally associated with golf courses
due to heavy use of agrochemicals. This is no longer the case since present grass varieties used
in the construction of new golf courses require less agrochemical inputs than many other
traditional crops. The production of more environmentally friendly pesticides than those once
used in the seventies and eighties has reduced many of the issues once associated with golf
courses. These products are safer to the environment and are more species specific and are also
biodegradable. Formulators, manufacturers, distributors and applicators of pesticides are
making modern agriculture safer and more successful than ever. Today, there are new products
that are highly-targeted pesticides that affect only the specific pests. In addition to safer
products that leave the environment more quickly, overall quantities of the product used is
much lower.
Seashore Paspalum is less susceptible to insects and diseases as compared to other turf grasses,
therefore reducing the amount of pesticides that has to be used during the maintenance of the
turf.
16.2.9.5 Agrochemical Requirements of Seashore Paspalum
Seashore Paspalum has a high shoot density and is therefore more competitive against weed
than other grasses. In addition, it is less susceptible to insects and diseases as compared to other
turf grasses. These two characteristics have reduced the amount of herbicide and other
pesticides during the maintenance of the turf.
Seashore Paspalum has nutrient uptake and utilization mechanisms which provide functional
growth and development under very low nutrient imbalance situations. As compared to other
turf grasses, such as Bermuda grass, this species has a lower nutrient requirement and a higher
and more efficient uptake system. This characteristic associated with Seashore Paspalum when
___________________________________________________________________________
compared with other species, will reduce the amount of fertilizer that will be needed to maintain
a healthy turf.
Use of Fertilizer
The potential impacts associated with the possibility of irrigation water runoff and leaching
poses the greatest threat to the environment associated with the proposed development of the
golf course. The impacts on the water quality of the surrounding marine environment, ground
water and surface water bodies ( ponds) ( if not properly monitored and managed are perhaps
the most important issues to be taken in the design and operations of the golf course.
Nutrient loading in spite of the judicious use of fertilizers in turf maintenance and the use of
nutrient – rich recycled water for irrigation of the course, could have a long-term major negative
impact on water quality of surface and ground water.
Whilst most of the nutrients will be used up during the growing cycle of the turf grass and rough
areas along the golf course, significant loading could occur to these water bodies through the
processes of leaching and run-off. These nutrients may affect the pH, temperature and the
dissolved-oxygen levels within the water bodies in this area.
The result is potential eutrophication of the surface water bodies in the area. This surge in algal
growth can increase turbidity and hence light attenuation in water and also lead to a reduction of
dissolved oxygen and subsequent fish kills in surface water bodies within or near the vicinity of
the project site.
It is expected that approximately 60 -80 percent of all nutrients will be readily taken up by the
turf and surrounding vegetation. Of the remaining amount, 10 percent can be expected to be lost
to the surrounding ecosystem where an additional uptake of these nutrients will occur as the
water travels through the soils and leaches into the nearby seagrass beds.
The loading resulting from the potential leaching of nutrients into the marine ecosystem will be
far less due to other mitigation measures which will be undertaken. The proponents of the golf
course will utilize only environmentally friendly fertilizers or soil enhancer as those mentioned
in Chapter 1.
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Pesticide Use
Chemicals are not used across the entirety of a golf course. They are targeted most closely at the
tees, greens and green surrounds. These areas account for, on average, less than 10% of a golf
course. Next in terms of chemical applications are the fairways, which make up an average of
21% of the golf course area. Semi-rough, which may take very occasional chemical treatment of
herbicide, accounts for an average of 25% of the course. This leaves around 44% of golf
courses, often valuable habitat, completely free from any chemical application.
A healthy turf that is fertilized, irrigated, and mowed properly will out-compete many weeds.
Due to regulations as outlined in the Pesticide Control Act Chap 216 and 216 S. Rev. Ed. 2000,
only herbicides approved by the Pesticides Control Board (PCB) will be used to control weeds
on the golf course. New products not registered will registered with the PCB prior to being
imported. Despite the implementation of the proposed measures the residual impacts associated
with the operations of the golf course are assessed as “major deleterious” and long term because
of the island’s proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef.
16.2.9.6 Proposed Mitigation Measures

Proposed Mitigation Measures:
 Turf areas of the golf course near the coastline are proposed to be lined with geo-textile
material to mitigate against leaching and run-off.
 Maintain a vegetation buffer around natural water bodies to reduce the nutrient loading
to these waterways.
 Develop and implement a comprehensive Agrochemical Management Program for the
maintenance of the golf course and golf course maintenance staff will be trained in these
best practices.
 Water from the ponds and irrigation water storage pond will be recycled though the
irrigation system to be used by the golf course.
 Fertilizer applications will be based on the results of regular irrigation water and soil
testing to avoid over application of nutrients.
 Only slow-release fertilizers will be used to reduce the potential of leaching and run-off
into water bodies. The application of these fertilizers will be timed to minimize the
leaching from soil by rainfall or irrigation.
 Ensure that all machinery and vehicles used in the maintenance of the golf course are
regularly maintained and that maintenance of these vehicles is always conducted in the
stipulated area.
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 Incorporate wetland features within the water features of the golf course, these can assist
to remove or manage the nutrient loading to these water features by providing natural
filtration features for fertilizers and pesticides used in golf course maintenance, as well
as assisting with the decrease in the rate of eutrophication of water bodies.
 Apply practices and use products that reduce the potential for contamination of ground
water and surface water which includes the physical removal of weeds, and choosing the
most ‘environmentally friendly products available.
 The use of fertilizer can be adjusted to consider natural sources of nitrogen. Grass
clippings can be recycled throughout the entire golf course. It is estimated that these
clippings can provide approximately 0.45 kg/ 100 m2 of Nitrogen per year.
 Where these clippings are not used, they must be properly collected, stored, and later
composted.
 Establish ‘no-spray’ zones and buffer areas particularly near coastline and areas where
there are water features and other surface waters.
 Staff should be trained to identify and operate with care in these areas; Native species,
especially those with deep rooting systems should be planted in these areas as a natural
means of groundwater attenuation.
 Prevent the contamination of ground water by the designation of a maintenance area for
the maintenance of vehicles and other equipment to be used for the upkeep of the turf.
This area should be paved with an impervious material and all run-offs from this area
channeled through an oil/ water separator and collected and properly disposed.
 Ensure that all chemicals are properly stored in a specific location. All chemicals stored
in this area must be properly labeled. The area where chemicals will be stored and
handled must be constructed with an impermeable surface. This area should also be
bunded with the capacity to contain 110% the amount of substances stored.
 Locate chemical storage and handling areas as far as possible from water course. Ideally
a vegetative buffer should be incorporated in the design of the golf course between the
storage area and water courses.
 Monitor surface water quality to help with the regulation of nutrient loading
 Care should be taken not to apply more fertilizer than is needed since there may be a
growth surge in response to the nutrients which can lead to increased thatch production
and predisposition to increased insect and or disease activity.
 Monitor the Chloride level in irrigation water as this may suppress the uptake of
Nitrogen in Seashore Paspalum.
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 Ensure that there is proper blending of irrigation water with fresh water from runoff.
This water must be tested regularly, and fertilizers and pesticides adjusted accordingly to
consider the input from this source.
 Purchase and store only the amount of pesticide needed for the immediate future.
 In the event of a spill, ensure that this cleaned up immediately.
 Follow recommended mowing schedules and technique to maintain a healthy pest
resistant turf, and therefore reduce the amount of pesticides required.
 Develop and follow an Integrated Pest Management Policy. This policy should include
the times for treating pests and other turf problems. This should also include
recommendations for mowing time, and also indicate how to use non-chemical options
for pest control.
 Irrigation systems must be regularly checked to ensure there is proper water distribution
in all areas.
 Install a filtration system in water intake areas to ensure that nozzles do not become
blocked with suspended solids which can reduce irrigation efficiency and uniformity;
Incorporate evapo-transpiration rates and weather data into the daily irrigation decisions; and
reduce the level of irrigation on all unused or minimally used areas of the property.
16.3 Potential Social and Economic Impacts

This section of the SIA describes the type, level and significance of the project’s potential social
and economic impacts (both beneficial and adverse) on the local and cultural area, based on
outcomes of community engagement processes, the social baseline study and social impact
assessment. The main community concerns and elaboration of the perceived risk is discussed
below.
16.3.1 Loss of Livelihood
Fishery – as indicated above, the fishing industry, although declining, is still a major source of
economic activity in the area. As such, most individuals consulted, took interest in those activities
of the development that could affect the fishing industry. Two activities identified were the
dredging and the building of overwater structures.
Dredging was a serious point of contention among the fishermen. All those consulted talked
about the bad experience they had with the previous owner who indiscriminately dredged the
entire west coast of the island (Figure 16.1). Fishermen were not consulted and as a result many
traps were physically destroyed and those that were not destroyed were covered (trapped lobster
and all) with the silt that surfaced from the dredging process.
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The deleterious effects of indiscriminate dredging, that is, dredging outside of prescribed areas
and without the proper containment curtains, are many. As mentioned in the above paragraph,
this type of dredging can cause damage to lobster traps as well as lobster already caught in the
traps. Dredging also destroys sea grass habitats, creating large holes in the ground and covering
everything with silt, causing lobster and other fish to migrate. Silt cover on coral reef habitats
also result in fish migration. Finally, indiscriminate dredging results in loss of traditional
territorial rights.
Figure 16.1: Dredge (borrow) pits on the west side of Caye Chapel.
Courtesy: San Pedro Scoop
Tourism – unlike mainland tourism destinations, the industry in this area depends exclusively on
the marine ecosystem for its survival and thus any potential damage to the marine habitats will
be of serious concern to residents. Tourism stakeholders identified a number of development
activities that were of concern to them. These included dredging, golf course management, waste
water contamination, brine discharge from desalination plant, increase flow of traffic and
restrictions on the 66 feet beach reserve.
Dredging has been identified as one of the main culprits in coral reef destruction. Silt stirred up
from the dredging process can flow many miles with sea currents eventually ending up on top of
sensitive corals. Corals are heavily dependent on clear water for zooxanthellae within its pulps
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to photosynthesize and provide the coral with food. Corals can only withstand a maximum of 1-
2 days before dying under sedimentation. Dredging also has the additional effect of reducing
much needed oxygen in the water as well as releasing bacteria from the sea floor and (in some
locations) toxic matter (heavy metals) that can lead to disease and damage to corals (Mamanuca
Environment Society, n.d.).
Chemicals (herbicides and pesticides), fertilizers and dyes from the golf course also pose severe
threats to coral reefs and marine animals, especially if not managed properly. Herbicides can kill
zooxanthellae, phyto-plankton, algae and sea grass communities essentially affecting the food
chain of marine animals. Pesticides directly kill the reef communities and can also end up in
animal tissue affecting physiological processes (Mamanuca Environment Society, n.d.). Finally,
hydrocarbons release in spillage of fuels can affect the reproduction, growth rate, feeding, defense
responses and cell structure of corals (Mamanuca Environment Society, n.d.).
Wastewater contamination through improper sewage management processes and through
compromises to sewage lines of overwater units were mentioned as sources of concern.
Wastewater contamination can lead to a problem called nutrient loading or eutrophication.
Eutrophication is when too many organic compounds are in the water, this causes oxygen
depletion and excessive growth of algae and seaweed. Since these plants grow very fast with the
nutrient overload they end up exceeding the ability of grazing organism to control them and
inevitably end up overcrowding the area and blocking sunlight from reaching corals (Mamanuca
Environment Society, n.d.).
Brine discharge, from desalination plants, are also destructive to corals. Release of brine into the
sea causes an increase in salinity, water temperature and density affecting organisms and marine
life in both the benthic and pelagic regions of the sea. In addition, the de-aeration process and
addition of oxygen scavengers have the effect of reducing much needed oxygen levels in the sea.
Finally, chlorine, heavy metals, anti-scalants, antifoaming agents and cleansing chemical that are
added to the process may make their way to the sea if not managed properly. These all have
negative effects on the marine ecology (Latterman, 2005).
According to the BTB, Caye Chapel’s 100 key hotel will be the largest in the country (2017,
personal communication). As such an increase flow of traffic in and around the island is expected.
There are several concerns with this. For instance, the occurrence of destructive boating practices
could lead to coral destruction or manatee deaths, the increase of unmanaged garbage can end up
in the sea, and higher incidences of uninformed tourists handling delicate marine life have been
cited as negative effects as well as unsupervised contact with corals.
Finally, tourism stakeholders were concerned that the owners might not respect the 66 feet beach
reserve and deny tour guides access.
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16.3.2 Impacts on Sociocultural and Economic Infrastructure

One projected negative impact of the project on the social infrastructure has to do with the
increase of migrant workers living on Caye Caulker. The effect of this is increased urbanization,
especially in low-income sections of the island inevitably resulting in slums. The projected
increase in population on the island will also lead to a strain on social services that are already
unable to adequately service the existing population. Finally, demand for housing that the market
is not able to supply can lead to an increase in rental rates affecting even currently renting
residents. At the last census, approximately 292 households were renting on Caye Caulker
(Statistical Institute of Belize, 2010).
Socio-cultural impacts include commercialization of local culture, increased standardization of
the tourism product and adaptation of local culture to tourist demands. A prime example of
commercialization is when locals are asked to perform traditional rituals that have been hugely
modified to fit the tastes and available time of tourists. The resulting “reconstructed ethnicity”
become stereotypes taken back home with the tourist. Standardization and adaptation to tourist
demands occurs when local culture changes to meet the tastes of tourists. Standardization can
quickly lead to cultural uniformity damaging the variation and beauty of diverse cultures.
Adaptation to tourist demands, for example in the way art pieces are crafted, again results in
cultural erosion (Flanders Marine Institute, 2013).
16.3.3 Economic Benefits
There are many potential economic benefits of a project of this scale. The most obvious of which
is the generation of employment. Workforce requirements during the development phase alone
total 518, while projected operational workforce requirements remain at a steady 500 + people.
Besides direct employment opportunities are the skills and aptitudes that the workforce will
acquire during the construction and operational phase of the project and which can be marketed
to other employers thus increasing employability prospects for all workers. These skills will help
to grow the economy and modernize the country while encouraging recipients to set up their own
businesses as service providers further increasing employment.
Another obvious benefit is the contribution to local economies, especially Caye Caulker and
Belize City. Contractual arrangements with local tour operators/guides, artisan and crafts people,
suppliers, retailers, vendors, maintenance and service businesses, and transportation businesses
have the effect of injecting much needed capital into the economy, directly to these individuals
but also indirectly as these people spend that money – the eminent multiplier effect. Finally, there
is the direct and indirect contribution to government revenue. Direct contributions come in the
form of income tax, business tax, property tax and various tourist taxes. Indirect contribution
comes from goods and services supplied to tourists.
The not so obvious economic benefits of this project include foreign exchange earnings, direct
financial contributions to nature protection and competitive advantage attained when the entire
community works towards sustainable tourism. Tourist and residents entering the nearby marine
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reserves will directly contribute to their sustainable management through the payment of fees,
donations and other gratuity. The developers have made a commitment to use only state-of-the-
art, environmentally friendly management processes and practices in keeping with the sustainable
development guidelines of the Caye Caulker Coastal Zone Management Authority and the
residents within the zone. The end result is competitive advantage through a better tourism
product.
16.3.4 Sociocultural Benefits
As with the economic benefits, the sociocultural benefits are many. Tourism has the effect of
strengthening communities, revitalizing cultural traditions and encouraging social involvement
and pride as well as steering communities away from resource extraction and other harmful
environmental practices. The infusion of money into the local economy can deter the need for
emigration out of the society. Tourism related professional development and training, may lead
to a greater influence of local residents on the tourism product, while the demand of tourists to
engage local and diverse cultures may lead to the revival of dormant cultural practices. Finally,
tourism acts as a force for peace. When diverse local and tourists engage each other in a respectful
and dignified manner with the intent to understand, then stereotypes are broken down.
16.3.5 Community Expectations
Most members of the stakeholder communities were very supportive of the project. They all
agreed that increased economic development was vitally important to the area. However, they
pulled no punches in asserting that the development needed to be environmentally sound and
sustainable. Community consultees uttered such words as, “they need to do the right thing,” “they
need to buy local,” “hopefully they provide jobs to the community” and “they need to involve us
before making decisions that can affect us.” Other sentiments that made their way in the
conversations related to a continued respect for the existing ways of being and doing of the Caye
Caulker residents.
16.3.6 Abandonment
Although not foreseeable at this point all projects are inevitably scaled down and many are
outright abandoned at some future point. If the site is ever abandoned for any reason it is up to
the developer to make good on restoring the island to an acceptable state. During abandonment,
there will be demolition of structures, transportation of materials, waste disposal and restoration
activities. Impacts will be short term and localized. The activities may create temporary changes
in employment which may be minor, short-term, direct, local, and positive. The reduction in the
labor force will reduce population density producing an effect that will be minor, direct, local,
short-term and positive as the area is restored to its prestige status.
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16.4 Project Specific Reversible/Irreversible Effects
Some of the impacts identified above will be ameliorated and the environment returned to pre-
project condition over time, however other impacts are long lasting and irreversible.
i. Reversible effects
a. Temporary displacement of aquatic and terrestrial biota;
b. Increase noise level during construction period;
c. Increase smoke and dust during construction and transportation;
d. Air pollution caused by the operation of internal combustion machinery;
e. Temporary behavioural changes in wildlife arising from presence of workers, installed
infrastructure and noise especially adjacent to and over the marine environment and
the mangrove encircled ponds to the south of the island.
ii. Irreversible effects
a. Barring the unlikely event of a fuel or chemical spill reaching down into the water
table no irreversible effects are identified. All areas should eventually reforest
naturally after site abandonment.
Table 16.3 summarizes the main impacts associated with the development of the tourism and
residential facility.
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Table 16.3: Matrix of potential direct and cumulative environmental impacts plus residual impact ratings.
a) Impacts to Flora and Fauna
Topic Area Specific No. Description of Impact Probability Geographic Contextual Time-scale Mitigation Residual
Area Impact (L, M, H) Level of Importance (ST, MT, Available Significance
Importance (L, M, H) LT)
of Use Reversibility
L R N (R/IR)
Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Construction Site 1 Some Adverse H √ L LT, R, D √ Minor
of buildings preparation deforestation to
and prepare site for
installation buildings and
of facilities utilities
Construction 2 Clearing of Adverse H √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
of airstrip small area of
mangrove to
south of airstrip
3 Construction of Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
runway in
marine area
Redesign of Installation 4 Filling in of Adverse H √ M LT, R, D √ Minor
golf course of water some old ponds
features and
construction of
new
Dredging in Materials for 5 Disturbance to Adverse M √ H ST, R, D √ Major
marine areas landfill, benthic
beach and environment,
airstrip turbidity and
sedimentation.
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6 Threat from oil Adverse L √ H ST, R, D √ Moderate

spills or release
of other
harmful
substances into
marine
environment
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Guest High 7 Excessive Adverse M √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
services and demand for contact with
recreation water based wildlife and
recreation damage to
corals
b) Water Resource Impacts

Topic Specific Area No. Description of Impact Probability Geographic Contextual Time-scale Mitigation Residual
L R N (R/IR)
Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
De- Accumulation 1 Accumulation of Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
salination of solid waste ion exchange
cartridges which
are unsightly
Salinization of 2 Salinization and Adverse H √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
soil loss of fertility of
soils and
physiological
stress of
vegetation
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3 Hyper-salinity of Adverse M √ L LT, R, D √ Minor

nearshore waters
from brine
effluent
constituting
physiological
stress to sessile
invertebrates.
Rainwater Threat to 4 Threat of Adverse M √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
harvest human health pathogenic
disease from
rainwater
harvested from
roofs
OPERATIONAL PHASE
High Water scarcity 5 Excessive Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
water during dry production of
demand season brine from RO
system resulting
from increased
demand for
potable water
c) Impacts from Liquid Waste

Area Impact (L, M, H) Level of Importance (ST, MT, LT) Available Significance
Importance (L, M, H) Reversibility
of Use (R/IR)
L R N Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
Marine Eutrophication 1 Nutrient Adverse L √ H LT, R, ID √ Minor
ecology enrichment from
sewage and gray
water stimulating
primary
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productivity
resulting in
phytoplankton
blooms.
2 Nutrient Adverse M √ H LT, R, ID √ Moderate
enrichment from
irrigation of golf
courses resulting
in plankton
blooms
d) Impacts from Solid Waste

L R N (R/IR)
Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Bio- Land clearing 1 Felled trees Adverse H √ L ST, R, D √ Minor
degradable and pruned
waste branches a
source of litter
and aesthetic
pollution
Human 2 Discarded Adverse H √ M ST, R, D √ Minor
settlement items of food
by
construction
workers
Non- 3 Discarded Adverse H √ M ST, R, D √ Moderate
biodegradable paper bag,
wastes Styrofoam
trays, cups and
___________________________________________________________________________
other
containers
Construction 4 Plywood and Adverse H √ H LT, NR, D √ Major
waste cardboard
boxes,
Styrofoam,
sawn wood etc.
Concrete Adverse H √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
blocks, and
debris, roofing
materials etc.
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Bio- Pruning and 5 Accumulated Adverse H √ L LT, R, D √ Minor
degradable landscaping debris and
wastes litter resulting
in aesthetic
pollution and
habitat for
pests and
vermin
Human 6 Un-eaten and Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
settlement discarded food
creating
substantial
store of fodder
for scavengers
and vagrant
birds and
animals.
Non- 7 Increased Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
biodegradable volumes of
wastes disposable
containers and
packaging
materials,
derived from
___________________________________________________________________________
restaurant, bars
and domestic
Maintenance, 8 RO Cartridges, Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
repair and boxes, buckets
replacement and drums of
plastic,
Styrofoam and
metal
construction
Un-serviceable Adverse H √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
golf carts,
spent batteries,
expended cans
of insecticides,
lubricating oil
bottles and
drums and
other toxic and
hazardous
wastes.
e) Impacts from Energy Generation

L R N (R/IR)
Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Accessing Trenching of 1 Sedimentation Adverse H √ L ST, R, ID √ Minor
energy from seafloor and and Turbidity
BTL Grid in laying impeding
Caye Caulker submarine photosynthesis
cable of seagrass,
___________________________________________________________________________
between Caye macro-algae

Caulker and and
Caye Chapel phytoplankton
2 Blanketing of Adverse M √ L ST, R, D √ Minor
seafloor and
mechanical
clogging of
respiratory
surfaces of
sessile and
slow-moving
invertebrates.
3 Displacement Adverse H √ L ST, R, D √ Minor
and damage to
lobster traps
Anchorage of 4 Collision at sea Adverse H √ M ST, R, D Moderate
Dredge incident
Noise and 5 Disturbance to Adverse H √ L MT, R, D √ Minor

vibration wildlife
from especially
combustion resident bird
of diesel populations
generators
6 Nuisance to Adverse H √ M MT, R, D √ Minor
human health
causing stress
and deafness
Air Pollution 7 Smoke and Adverse H √ M MT, R, D √ Minor
from particulates
combustion posing health
of diesel risks
generators
Petroleum 8 Toxic effect to Adverse M √ H MT, R, D √ Moderate
pollution aquatic
organisms from
___________________________________________________________________________
from accidental
spillages spillage of
diesel fuel
9 Accidental Adverse M √ M MT, IR, D √ Minor

spillage of
lubricating oils
Visual Installation of 10 Power Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
Impact of transmission Transmission
Standing lines, poles, infrastructure
infrastructure transformers not visually in
concert with
idyllic tropical
touristic island
setting
Human Threat from 11 Threat of light Adverse M √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
health and falling poles and
safety transmission transmission
infrastructure lines falling on
houses and
patrons during
severe storm
events
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Noise and 12 Disturbance to Adverse M √ M LT, IR, D √ Minor
vibration wildlife
from especially
combustion resident bird
of diesel populations
generators
13 Nuisance to Adverse H √ H LT, IR, D √ Moderate
human health
causing stress
and deafness
Air Pollution 14 Smoke and Adverse H √ H LT, IR, D √ Moderate
from diesel particulates
___________________________________________________________________________
Generators posing health

risks
Petroleum 15 Direct toxic Adverse L √ H LT, IR, D √ Minor
pollution effect of diesel
from fuel to aquatic
spillages organisms from
accidental
spillage
16 Accidental Adverse L √ H LT, IR, D √ Minor
spillage of
lubricating oils
f) Impacts from Transportation

Topic Area Specific Area No. Description Impact Probability Geographic Contextual Time-scale Mitigation Residual
of Impact (L, M, H) Level of Importance (ST, MT, Available Significance
L R N (R/IR)
Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Water transportation
Petroleum Low fuel 1 Low fuel Adverse L √ L MT, R, D √ Minor
pollution economy economy and
pollution of 2-
Stroke
Outboard
Engines
High volume 2 Ferrying of Adverse H √ H MT, R, D √ Minor
consumption voluminous
construction
supplies
3 Ferrying of Adverse H R M MT, R, D √ Minor
workers to the
___________________________________________________________________________
construction
site by sea
Operation of 4 Accidental Adverse L √ H MT, R, D √ Minor
the marina spillage of
petrol and
diesel from
fueling
operations
5 Bilging Adverse M √ H MT, R, D √ Moderate
activities of
vessels
resulting in
pollution from
lubricating
oils and grease
6 Effluent Adverse M √ H MT, R, D √ Moderate
stream from
toilets and
domestic
waste flushed
in marina
Transportation Petroleum 7 Threat of Adverse L √ M LT, R, D √ Minor
of bulk products spillage of
supplies and bulk fuel
equipment stores and
lubricants
during heavy
sea states and
from collision
at sea.
8 Threat of Adverse L √ L MT, R, D √ Minor
heavy cargo
falling
overboard and
set adrift in
heavy seas
___________________________________________________________________________
Navigational Groundings 9 Threat of Adverse L √ L MT, R, D √ Minor

Issues barges and
boats running
aground
Collision at 10 Risks of Adverse M √ M MT, R, D √ Moderate
sea collision at sea
between water
crafts
servicing the
resort and
general
marine traffic
Turbidity and 11 General Adverse M √ L MT, R, D √ Low
sedimentation suspension of
sediments
associated
with
navigation of
skiffs and
barges
Land-based Transportation
Access roads Building, 12 Clearing of Adverse H √ M MT, R, D √ Moderate
and paths upgrading and mangrove
maintenance forests, and
of roads and low-lying
paths on the wetlands
property leading to
increased run-
off and
erosion
Land-based 13 Heavy fuel Adverse H √ H MT, R, D √ Major
traffic consumption
14 Damage and Adverse M √ H MT, R, D √ Moderate
disturbance to
wild-life
___________________________________________________________________________
15 Threat of Adverse M √ M MT, R, D √ Moderate

collision,
injury and loss
of life
16 Likelihood of Adverse M √ M MT, R, D √ Moderate
road accidents
by vehicles
plying the
area.
Petroleum Fueling 17 Accidental Adverse M √ H MT, R, D √ Minor
pollution operations spillages from
fueling
operations
Lubricating 18 Spillage and Adverse M √ H MT, R, D √ Moderate
oil leaks seepage of
lubricating
oils from
transmissions,
engines and
from oil
changing
operations
Noise Operation 19 Noise from Adverse H √ H MT, R, D √ Moderate
pollution internal engines and
combustion road traffic
engine detracting
from the
ambience of
the site.
Air Pollution Emissions in 20 Smoke and Adverse H √ H M, R, D √ Moderate
terms of some particulates
and from engine
particulates emission
posing a threat
to human
health,
___________________________________________________________________________
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Sea-based Transportation
Petroleum Low fuel 1 Low fuel Adverse L √ L MT, R, D √ Minor
pollution economy economy and
pollution from
2-Stroke
Outboard
Engines
High volume 2 Ferrying of Adverse H √ H MT, R, D √ Minor
consumption voluminous
goods and
supplies
requires large
scale use of
fuel
3 Ferrying of Adverse H R M MT, R, D √ Minor
workers to and
from the
resort.
Operation of 4 Accidental Adverse L √ H LT, R, D √ Minor
the marina spillage of
petrol and
diesel from
fueling
operations
5 Bilging of Adverse M √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
vessels in port
resulting in
pollution from
lubricating
oils and grease
6 Effluent Adverse M √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
stream from
toilets and
domestic
___________________________________________________________________________
waste flushed
into marina
Transportation Petroleum 7 Threat of Adverse L √ M LT, R, D √ Minor
of bulk products spillage of
supplies and bulk fuel
equipment stores and
lubricants
during heavy
sea states and
from collision
at sea
8 Threat of Adverse L √ L LT, R, D √ Minor
heavy cargo
falling
overboard and
set adrift in
heavy seas
Navigational Groundings 9 Threat of Adverse L √ L LT, R, D √ Minor
Issues barges and
boats running
aground on
shallows
around the
island.
Collision at 10 Risks of Adverse M √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
sea collision at sea
between water
crafts
servicing the
resort and
general
marine traffic
Turbidity and 11 General Adverse M √ L LT, R, D √ Low
sedimentation suspension of
sediments
associated
___________________________________________________________________________
with
navigation of
skiffs and
barges
Access roads Building, 12 Clearing of Adverse H √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
and paths upgrading and forests and
maintenance low-lying
of roads and wetlands
paths on the
property
Land-based 13 Heavy fuel Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
traffic consumption
requiring
frequent fuel
importation
14 Damage and Adverse M √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
disturbance to
wild-life
15 Threat of Adverse M √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
collision,
injury and loss
of life
16 Likelihood of Adverse M √ M LT, R, D √ Moderate
accident by
vehicles
plying the area
Petroleum Fueling 17 Accidental Adverse M √ H LT, R, D √ Minor
pollution operations spillages from
fueling
operations
Lubricating 18 Spillage and Adverse M √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
oil leaks seepage of
lubricating
oils from
transmissions,
engines and
___________________________________________________________________________
from oil
changing
operations
Noise Operation 19 Noise from Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
pollution internal engines and
combustion road traffic
engine
Air Pollution Emissions in 20 Smoke and Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
terms of some particulates
and from engine
particulates emission pose
a threat to
human health,
g) Impacts from Overwater Cabanas

Topic Area Specific No. Description Impact Probability Geographic Contextual Time-scale Mitigation Residual
Area of Impact (L, M, H) Level of Importance (ST, MT, Available Significance
L R N (R/IR)
Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Noise Cacophonic 1 Pile driving Adverse H √ M ST, R, D √ Moderate
pollution construction activities from
activities sea-based
platform or
barge
2 Hammering, Adverse H √ M ST, R, D √ Moderate
sawing and
drilling
activities
___________________________________________________________________________
Sedimentation Impact of 3 Impact of Adverse H √ L ST, R, D √ Minor

and turbidity sediments suspended
influences and turbid sediments
influences arising from
on marine sea-based
ecosystem pile-driving
activities
Navigational Potential for 4 Risk of Adverse H √ H ST, R, D √ Major
issues collision at collision at
sea sea with pile-
incidents driving and
working
platform
erecting
overwater
cabanas
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Aesthetic Visual 5 Visual Adverse M √ M LT, R, D √ Major
pollution impact of incongruence
over water of over-water
structures structures
with low
profile and
nature based
setting of caye
FAD effect Impact of 6 Behavioral Beneficial H √ M LT, R, D N/A Moderate
standing tendency of
structures finfishes to
on the aggregate
seafloor around
standing
structures in
the water
column
7 Hard substrate Beneficial H √ M LT, R, D N/A Moderate
of piles acting
___________________________________________________________________________
as settlement
surface for
macro-algae
and attached
invertebrates
such as
sponges and
soft corals
Nutrient Leakages of 8 Leakage of Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Moderate
pollution plumbing raw sewage
fixtures over and gray
water water over sea
leading to
eutrophic
pollution from
phosphates
and
nitrogenous
wastes
Shift in 9 Shift in Adverse H √ H LT,R, D √ Moderate
dominance dominance
of macro- from seagrass
algae to macro-
algae with
loss in
secondary
productivity
Wildlife 10 Standing beneficial H √ M LT, R, D N/A Moderate
interaction structures
including
verandah
railing and
board as
perches for
sea-birds and
water-fowls
___________________________________________________________________________
11 Harmful Negative L √ M LT, R, D √ Minor

effect of light
on wildlife
including
waterfowls
and sea turtles
Navigational Potential for 17 Risk of Adverse H √ H LT, R, D √ Major
issues collision at collision at
sea sea with pile-
incidents driving and
working
platform
erecting
overwater
cabanas
h) Impacts from Dredging

L R N (R/IR)
Type of
Impact
(D/ID)
Marine Clearing of 1 Loss of roosting Adverse H √ L LT, IR, D √ Minor
ecology Mangroves at habitat for resident
north end of and migratory
Air Strip birds
2 Loss of foraging Adverse H √ L LT, IR, D √ Minor
opportunities for
wetland birds
3 Exposure of soil to Adverse M √ L LT, R, ID √ Negligible
weathering and
erosion
___________________________________________________________________________
Reclamation 1 Downstream Adverse H √ H ST, R, ID √ Moderate

of extended sedimentation and
runway. turbidity influences
in the water
column and on the
seafloor with
consequent
decrease in primary
and secondary
productivity
2 Loss of seafloor Adverse H √ H LT, IR, D √ Major
habitat, including
seagrass beds,
macro-algal stands
from physical
location of runway
real estate and
infrastructure along
path of seafloor
3 Mechanical loss of Adverse H √ M LT, R, D √ Major
seafloor habitat
from location of
burrow pits and
extraction activity
of dredging
process, resulting
in decline in
primary and
secondary
productivity.
4 Downstream Adverse M √ M ST, R, ID √ Moderate
turbidity and
sedimentation
effects in lee of
burrow pits,
including
___________________________________________________________________________
blanketing of
sessile and slow-
moving
invertebrates
Human Anchoring of 1 Collision at sea Adverse M √ M ST, IR, D √ Moderate
health Dredge incidents.
posing
Navigational
Hazard
Deployment 2 Collision at sea Adverse M √ M ST, IR, D √ Moderate
of spoil incident
discharge
pipes
___________________________________________________________________________
16.4 Mitigation for Direct and Cumulative Social Impacts

The following mitigation measures are proposed to alleviate the anticipated social impacts:
- Discuss development plans with communities and local stakeholders,
- Create formal lines of communications with local stakeholders including sharing of contact
details,
- Discuss demands and requirements for services with local communities prior to project
commencement,
- Respect traditional community rights in the project area,
- Respect local conservation areas and support local conservation initiatives,
- Alert local stakeholders of work in the area and place warning signs,
- Train workers in the safe operation of all machinery and equipment,
- Ensure adequate planning to meet all the health and safety needs of the workers,
- Ensure adequate security for site including for the protection of workers,
- Ensure that adequate housing and basic needs for the workers and staff are met,
- Keep machinery and other equipment properly maintained and in good running condition,
- Properly store all equipment when not in use,
- Movement of workers, machinery/equipment and cargo should be scheduled in advance to
provide for the smooth and efficient movement of vehicles and boats through the area,
- The establishment of a full range of services (e.g. health and recreation) for workers should
be made available at the onset of the development program,
- Create a credible fire suppression capability at the site during the operational phase through
training and the purchase of equipment including those designed for fires in buildings and
on fuel containers,
- Ensure plan is available for medical and weather emergencies and coordinate plan with
national emergency organizations,
- Skilled and semi-skilled workers should be hired locally to enhance economic opportunities
in the region, as well as the potential for long-term employment, community gains and
identification with the project,
- Provide adequate safety gear for personnel and visitors,
- Obey all relevant national labor laws and good work practices,
- Include emergency evacuation procedures in event of emergencies ,
- Prepare an emergency response plan to address among other things, possible instances of
pollution and contamination and from accidents resulting from natural disasters..
Table 16.4 summarizes the main social impacts and proposed mitigative measures to alleviate
them.
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 16.4: Anticipated Socioeconomic Impacts and Proposed Mitigative Measures.
Activities and Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Residual Impacts - Magnitude

Conditions Direction/Duration/Scope
Population/Housing  Increased population density in the  Adequately plan for the need of all workers (i.e. Medium/positive/months/local
area. housing, food, water, etc.).
 Pressure on existing resources and  Source medical and health services outside Low/positive/months/local
social infrastructure. communities if deemed necessary
 Increase housing needs in nearby  Adequate staff quarters are constructed to meet
communities. temporary/resident workers if required.
Socio-Cultural  Pressure on existing institutions and  Locally strengthen existing institutions and Medium/positive/long/local
social groups. social groups or develop new ones.
 Introduction of cultural practices  Keep workers away from community areas if Medium/positive/long/local
alien to locals. locals complain.
 Pressure on existing lifestyles.  Strengthen existing institutions, and regulatory
systems.
Education/Health/  Increased pressure on existing  Coordination with established local and public Medium/positive/months/local
Safety educational and health institutions. institutions.
 Increased pressure on sanitary  Ensure workers are provided with restroom Low/no change/months/local
facilities. facilities, adequate drinking water, basic health
services, and safety equipment.
 Laborers working in unsafe  Create workplace guidelines and codes for
conditions. workers.
Labor and  Laborers from the region not  Local laborers should be employed and/or High/positive/decades/long
Employment employed during construction phase. trained as needed.
 Laborers lack access to training.  Laborers paid as per skill requirement(s).
 Women and minority groups not  Explicitly encourage women and minorities to High/positive/decades/long
represented in workforce. participate through information program.
Noise Nuisances  Noise pollution from construction  All machinery and equipment used during all Medium/no change/months/local
and operation of vehicles and other stages should be maintained in proper running
machinery. condition.
___________________________________________________________________________
Air Quality  Disturbance from dust.  Slow speed, properly service and outfit Medium/no change/months/local
 Disturbance due to airborne machinery, water roads if necessary.
pollutants and contaminants.  Properly service machinery and keep in good
running condition.
Communications  Lack of proper communication  Equip site with proper communication facilities Low/negative/months/local
services. and ensure proper phone coverage.
 Establish communication procedures in case of
emergency.
Security  Security threat to community  Inform communities and business owners of Medium/negative/months/local
members and business enterprises. presence of workers
 Intrusion into private marine reserve  Instruct workers and staff about the management
resulting in poaching for resources. objectives of adjacent marine area,
 Assist PA managers with monitoring post
project.
___________________________________________________________________________
17.0 MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN
 Based on the investigations, develop a mitigation matrix outlining mitigation measures

for all potential negative environmental impacts including, but not limited to: site
preparation activities, water abstraction, waste treatment and disposal, habitat alteration,
biodiversity protection, erosion and sedimentation.
 Provide a robust monitoring plan and strategy to be implemented for the duration of the
entire operation. This should include monitoring of waste water discharge characteristics
(if any), water abstraction levels and changes in ecological species and processes over
time.
 Characterize the extent and quality of available data, explaining significant information
deficiencies and any uncertainties associated with the prediction of such impacts.
 Provide a detailed plan and spatial distribution maps for the rehabilitation of the site to
other uses in the event that the project is discontinued.
 Provide a plan of action on how to restore areas impacted by the mining activities in that
zone. This takes into consideration that an ongoing activity of this nature has been
taking place for many years.
17.1 Proposed Mitigation Measures

There are a number of mitigation measures which the developer can implement to reduce or
negate potential impacts and in addressing the concerns of local stakeholders and in particular the
environmental community about the nature and intent of this project (see Table 16.2). Public
perception or misconception about this project can create fertile grounds for conflict. The
developer and all stakeholders need to work together to create a project that is environmentally
acceptable and socially just for the good of all.
The following provides guidance on mitigation measures that should be adopted for the various
areas assessed.
___________________________________________________________________________
17.1.1 Mitigation Measures Flora and Fauna

The developer must do the utmost to conserve as much of the existing natural mangrove forest to
the south as possible and to encourage vegetation around the newly built ponds to encourage
wildlife especially migrant and overwintering birds who now use the island on their route.
There will be a strict no fishing policy that will be inculcated into the workers during the
construction phase, thereafter resident and visitors will be encouraged to practice catch and
release if they chose to fish. This will be a constant theme in the daily tool box talk where the
culture of respect for wildlife will be reinforced. If during the land clearing operation, workers
come across any nesting sites for endangered species relevant authorities should be informed and
the site GPS for future reference.
Sensitivity to the presence of wildlife and knowledge of how to handle wildlife encounters will
be a part of the initiation training program and will be inculcated into the employees. Boat
operators will especially need to be vigilant and to follow applicable guidelines.
After the subdivision of the parcels and into the operational phase, heavy restriction will be placed
on land clearing and limiting the footprints of buildings with dedicated percentage of each parcel
to remain in green (see Appendix 3).
Several species of global conservation concern or are critically endangered are known to frequent
the project area however almost all are marine species. No fishing of endangered species or
extraction of any coral for trophy, display or otherwise will be allowed. Employees will be briefed
before they assume employment on the objectives and mission of the development and the
management philosophy of adjacent marine areas.
Due to its heavily disturbed state no endangered terrestrial ecosystem was noted although the
mangrove forest to the north of the airfield have great structure and provide cover for migrant
ducks and other waterfowl using the ponds. Endangered marine species live throughout the
project area. Visitors who visit dive sites and marine protected areas will be required to have
trained and certified guides. No personal contact with wildlife will be allowed. Visitors will not
be allowed to engage in extractive fishing and residents will and residents will be informed about
protected marine species and closed fishing season through educational programs and posters.
Manatees and sea turtles are known to frequent the project area including the Caye Caulker
Marine Reserve. Incidents of mortality to Manatees from boating accidents is reported to be low
from this area (Sea to Shore Alliance pers comm.) probably because of deeper waters allowing
evasive action on the part of the Manatees and probably because the few Manatees spotted in the
area are likely to be transient moving between feeding areas having freshwater resources.
The Caye Caulker conservation community does not post signs either around the community or
within the marine reserve cautioning boaters of the presence of manatees nor for the need to
restrict speed probably because at this time danger to the manatee is minimal. Since all tours into
the marine reserve and areas of manatee sighting will be under trained guides it is expected that
___________________________________________________________________________
the guides will ensure safe speed limits and enforce other good practice measures in relation to
wildlife interactions.
The developer will enhance habitat value at the site by ensuring mangrove areas around existing
ponds are protected to provide cover for wildlife. In addition, the developer will encourage the
growth of natural vegetation around the margins of new ponds to encourage their colonization by
wading birds and migrants. Landscaping will include ornamentals and fruiting trees that will
benefit wildlife as feeding roosting and breeding sites. The Developer would like to also
undertake the enrichment planting of coral in the patch reef offshore the east central portion of
the island. This area is already rich in fish species diversity and should further benefit from this
activity if approved. New ponds will be stocked with native fish species which now provide rich
feeding opportunities for migrants in the existing ponds.
To alleviate the impacts identified above, a robust program of mitigation measures will have to
be implemented to assure the best use of available technology and the adoption of progressive
methods which will result in least impacts. The developer would like to implement biodiversity
offset measures to compensate for unavoidable impacts to the marine and terrestrial environment.
These measures would include cooperating with Ocean University to implement marine
educational programs on Caye Chapel and enrichment planting of corals in the small patch reef
adjacent to the midsection of the eastern shore where most corals have already died. The
developers are committed to creating net-zero impact to flora and fauna and are considering
proposals by the Cousteau family to further mitigate impacts through education, research and
protection of habitats.
17.1.2 Mitigation Measures Water Resources and Water Quality
The mitigation measures associated with the sourcing of potable water are per force also varied
in scope and magnitude. This ranges from the proper disposal of brine waste, to water treatment
and monitoring, as well as the adoption of water conservation measures. The solid waste disposal
interventions related to the judicious collection, bagging, labeling of RO Cartridges in Utility
Zone, for onward transmission to the transfer station in Belize City or Caye Caulker for recycling
and/or subsequent disposal at mile 24 Sanitary Landfill.
The water treatment and monitoring responses entails the physical screening of rainwater
harvested from newly constructed buildings, including residential homes, hotels, utility area and
recreational buildings – and the judicious sampling of the basement cisterns to ensure the water
is free from pathogenic organisms for domestic usage.
Water conservation strategy to be employed ranges from the adoption of water recycling measures
for Golf Course during the dry season that entails the reuse of post-treated chlorinated water from
the Tertiary Level Waste Water Treatment Plant – as well as the planting of drought resistant
grass on the golf course, and the golf course such that runoffs are directed to the ponds and in
general internal portion of the island (See Table 17.1). Water conservation measures also includes
the deployment of water conservation technology that includes low flush toilets, no flush urinals
___________________________________________________________________________
and timer regulated showers and basins, as well as administrative interventions to encourage
guests into water conservation.
17.1.3 Mitigation Measures Liquid and Solid Waste
Liquid Waste - Liquid waste will be treated on site in a purpose built MBR BIOCELL reactor
system which should be able to achieve high treatment efficiencies. Most of the treated water
will be stored and used on site for irrigation after storage. Drain fields if used should not be
routed into ponds, drainage ditches or the sea. Oil water separators as well as a water settlement
pond may be used to treat any water that may be contaminated with oil residue. The water quality
for these facilities will be monitored to meet the required standards.
The mitigation measures to be put in place regarding eutrophic impacts associated with the Caye
Chapel Development Project are geared at reducing the load or concentration of the two (2)
primary macro-nutrients, viz: nitrate (NO3-1) and Phosphate (PO4-3), as well as instituting the
engineering design feature that would decrease the runoff rate and volume of said macro-nutrients
into the surrounding seas. In the case of the latter the Caye Chapel Golf Course will be
reconfigured to ensure that non-point effluent streams are directed to the Golf Traps, which are a
series of eleven (11) ponds. This in effect reduces the volume and rate of Eutrophic runoff from
the Golf Course directly into the sea. As a corollary to this response the ponds have been
engineered with the capacity to accommodate the run-off volumes, which is a function of the
amount of rainfall in the area.
The mitigation responses regarding the impacts of macro-nutrients is in the first instance the
adoption and installation of the Tertiary Level MBR BIO-CEL Sewage Treatment Plan which
reduces the load of the primary nitrate (NO3-1) and Phosphate (PO4-3) anions. It needs to be
recalled that nitrate (NO3-1) via the Nitrogen Cycle vis-à-vis microbial activity is reduced to
atmospheric nitrogen at the end of the cycle, which is bubbled off as an atmospheric gas which is
not a contributor to nutrient enrichment pollution.
It also needs to be kept in mind that Phosphate (PO4-3) are lost from the soil and water column
either by fixation as organic compounds by algae and compound plants, or it becomes unavailable
as a pollutant by being leached to subsurface soils or pond bottoms in this case, and possibly the
seafloor.
As mentioned above, the mitigation response in regards to runoff from the Golf Course is the
engineering of the area such that the catchment area for much of the runoff is the ponds. The
cultivation of the area with wetland mangroves and grasses such as the cat tail, are efficient sinks
for the polluting macro-nutrients (See Table 17.1).
The gray waters will have to meet the quality parameters before being sprinkled to the ground.
These parameters will be verified through chemical and bacteriological analysis every two
months, those parameters measurement in-situ, will be performed every two weeks.
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On request relevant information will be made available to the pertinent authorities such as the
Department of the Environment (DOE) and Public Health Department (PHD) to name a few. The
Developer will ensure that all contractual obligations in waste management, if any, are fulfilled
at all times. The monitoring of guidelines and practices will be done internally, wherever
possible. Any gross violations requiring notification to the enforcement authorities will be done
as soon as possible.
Solid Waste - The Project Proponents will develop a solid waste management plan that will
address solid waste, liquid waste and hazardous waste for the entire operation including the
construction and operational phases. These management tools will be a part of the company’s
environmental management system. The following are waste management issues that must be
incorporated and made part of the waste management program.
The waste produced and collected in all phases will be collected and treated/disposed of according
to the type of waste. It should be possible to use some of the waste produced in the kitchen as
animal feed or for composting in a suitable pit or earth tub on site that is protected from flies.
Other non-organic waste such as plastic drinks bottles should be taken out for recycling. Items
that are not currently recyclable in country and are not hazardous should be collected in garbage
bags and taken by truck to the sanitary landfill site or a regional transfer station.
(i) Waste Minimization Measures

The principles of good waste management are firstly to avoid or minimize the generation of waste
and, secondly, to discharge or dispose of any unavoidable waste in an environmentally
responsible manner. The order of preference for waste management is as follows:
 Wherever possible avoid generating waste,
 Where waste is generated, attempt to minimize it,
 Where waste is generated, reuse, recycle or recover to the maximum extent possible,
 Treatment should only be considered after the recovery and recycling options have been
exhausted.
(ii) Waste Treatment and Disposal Measures

Disposal, as the last option, should be confined to a designated and managed area. The following
general principles of waste management will be applied throughout the project:
 The types and quantities of waste that will be generated from operations must be specified
in the waste management plan. The plan should address the handling, collection, storage,
and transportation procedures together with the ultimate disposal option for each waste
type,
 Waste will be segregated for efficient treatment and disposal,
 All waste will be securely stored and covered to avoid attracting animals,
 Hazardous waste will be handled by appropriately trained personnel,
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 Adequate and appropriate PPE must be worn while handling hazardous materials as
specified in the waste management plan,
 Solid hazardous waste will be placed in appropriate, clearly labelled containers, in
accordance with manufacturer’s / supplier’s instructions and industry good practice,
 Oily rags will be placed in a metal container provided at each workspace and subsequently
incinerated when practical. Oily rags must not be mixed with other combustible materials
or stored in direct sunlight,
 Used oil filters will be drained into a waste oil container and placed in a dedicated
collection bin,
 Oily filter containers must not be stored in direct sunlight as this could lead to overheating
and combustion,
 Waste non-chlorinated solvents, cleaners and thinners will be properly contained and
labelled, segregated and stored until disposal.
 Any waste aerosol containers will be stored separately from other waste products.
Aerosols must not be disposed of through incineration. Aerosol containers should be de-
pressurized before being placed in waste containers for scrap metal,
 Used batteries (both wet and dry) will be stored before transport to an appropriate facility
for recycling or disposal depending on battery type,
 Wet cell batteries will be drained prior to storage and transportation, and cell fluids will
be neutralized,
 Open waste burning will not be undertaken. A closed, waste incinerator will be purchased
and used for suitable materials,
 A bioactive treatment unit will be used for all black and grey water the sludge from which
will be used in horticultural applications at the site,
 Waste treatment and disposal will not take place near surface water,
(iii) Educational Programs

An educational program should be organized to inform and educate the staff and management to
the importance of collection, handling and disposal of the waste generated at the site and any
ancillary facilities. They will then be in a better position to instruct the workers, residents and
guest about proper waste disposal. This educational program should include new employees as
well as visitors and contractors to the site. During the construction phase tool box talks will be
especially useful as it will allow managers and supervisors to appeal directly to the workers within
the field in the proper procedures for waste management.
(iv) Closure and Abandonment

This would not apply to Caye Chapel anytime in the near future as the investment is considered
a permanent development, however if certain facilities in particular overwater structures are
abandoned or have become redundant it is the responsibility of the developer to dismantle the
structure/facility which will be removed, any excavation made will be properly covered, and if
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necessary re-vegetation of the area will be undertaken. All remaining residual waste will be
removed from the site and properly disposed according to the waste management plan.
17.1.4 Mitigation Measures Energy Generation
At least in the early phase and certainly during the construction period the Caye Chapel
development will need to rely on thermal diesel generators for the bulk of its energy generation
needs. Subsequently if BEL’s expansion of services reaches Caye Caulker it may be possible to
negotiate for an extension of services to the island in which case the island would be obtaining
60% of its energy from renewable sources like the rest of Belize which are served by BEL.
The issue of noise and air pollution must be mitigated by technological interventions such as
fitting the walls of the generator house with acoustic tiles, as well as routing the mufflers
underground and through the use of noise suppressors. Other responses will include the regular
servicing and maintenance of the machinery.
The issue of accidental mass spillage of fuel and lubricants is to be mitigated by relocating bulk
fuel tanks away from the heart of the Utility Zone and enclosing it with a rectangular bund wall
with 110% capacity of fuel tanks (See Table 17.1).
The fuel for the generators (and indeed all fuels) should be stored in containment bund walls but
where this is not practical they should be handled with diligence and care and securely stored in
drums contained within a bonded structure designed for that purpose and having proper
dispensers. While transporting fuel containers they should be properly secured to the boat and
emergency procedure drawn up for containment in case of a spill. Drip pans should be placed
under all generators and stationary motorized equipment during the construction phase (see Plate
17A).
For the routing of the undersea cable from Caye Caulker (should that option ever materialize) the
mitigation measures should be directed at controlling turbidity and sedimentation impacts and
may range from the deployment of silt curtains around the trenching site to confirming and
confining such activities to calmer sea states. In the case of potential interference lobster trapping
activities mitigation measures entail dialogue between the developer and fishers that would allow
for the trenching path to exclude the productive fishing grounds or for the activity to occur out of
season (See Table 17.1).
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Plate 17A: View of drip pan under portable generator.
The visual and physical threat from transmission lines and its negative aesthetic impact is to be
mitigated by running distribution lines underground and installing the transformers and low relief
lamp posts in strategic locations to blend in with the architecture and décor of the buildings and
rustic setting of the caye. Mitigation measures also include installing lamp posts, transformers
and other standing electrical infrastructure sufficiently out of range of falling trees or buildings,
or flying missiles in a storm.
Much of the mitigation responses during the operational phase of the development related to
rigorous monitoring, reporting, repairing, maintenance and replacement of worn and derelict parts
and fixtures.
17.1.5 Mitigation Measures Transportation
The mitigation measures to be adopted varies from the adoption of technological innovation
geared at improved fuel economy or employ battery power, to administrative interventions such
as ensuring that boats are piloted by certified captains only, as well as observing nationally and
globally mandated protocols such as adopting non-discharge regulation for boats within the
marina. Other interventions in particular for the land-based transportation includes a limitation
on the amount and geographical extent of major roadway arteries, restriction on the tonnage and
number of vehicles to be allowed on the island, and the definition and enforcement of speed limits
on the roadways.
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One of the most substantive interventions regarding fuel economy is the adoption of 4-stroke
outboard engines for marine traffic, and the adoption of battery powered golf carts as the preferred
mode of motorized transportation for residents and guest. Workers and residents are encouraged
to use the ferry for transportation to and from the caye, instead of having a boat specifically
assigned from the resort to undertake this task. As a corollary to this, workers quarters are
available for workers to camp for an extended period before returning home hence reducing the
need to travel.
Mitigative response to potential impacts of collision at sea include ensuring that all crafts
associated with the development observe domestic legislation and keep all running lights
functional and in good working conditions, as well as the flying of flags and keeping radio calls
current (See Table 17.1).
One of the more salient mitigative responses in relation to the impacts of smoke and particulates
on human health and as a mitigation against climate change is the stipulation that a significant
portion of the golf cart fleet be powered by batteries. Vehicles should not be washed next to ponds
nor the sea nor should fuels be stored without adequate containment including the use of
bondwalls. The Construction Contractor and Sub-contractors must ensure that they adhere to the
following stipulations regarding transportation of workers, materials and supplies at the site:
 If heavy-duty equipment is stored overnight, drip pans will be placed beneath the
machinery engine block and hydraulic systems to prevent any leakage from entering
runoff or receiving waters.
 Maintenance and fueling activities will be conducted in an area that meets the criteria set
forth in the spill prevention plan (e.g., away from the ponds and drains).
The airfield is a critically important feature of the Developer’s overall development plans.
Construction of the airfield will constitute an unavoidable impact in terms of the area covered and
the distance for the extension which is rationalized in the transportation chapter of this report.
Water circulation can be improved by providing culverts at strategic places under the airfield.
Safety lights will be placed on the airfield and night flights will be restricted.
Noise and air quality impacts to residents and visitors on the island will be mitigated by distance
and by the vegetation buffer between the airstrip and the rest of the development. Aircraft using
the airfield will be required to reduce the amount of time engine is allowed to idle and the time to
takeoff. Aircraft will not be allowed to overnight on Caye Chapel but will instead be routed to
the PGIA.
Transportation of materials into the airfield area will be via established navigational routes.
During the dredging operation silt curtains will be installed around the dredging site and the
dredge spoils disposal (dewatering area) area and a boom will be installed around the dredge itself
to contain any inadvertent fuel or oil spill including hydraulic oil. For unavoidable impacts to sea
grass beds the developer will employ the principle of biodiversity offset to established a similar
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area of sea grass beds within the project area or collaborate with willing conservation
organizations to establish sea grass beds of equal size to the affected area within the project region.
17.1.6 Mitigation Measures for Overwater Cabanas
The overwater cabanas must be built 50 feet from the shoreline and must not be over 1 story high
as per the guidelines for the construction of overwater residential structures. The cabanas will be
connected to the islands state of the art waste water system hence the potential for a high degree
of water quality treatment exist. Pipes must be regularly monitored for leaks and only the highest
grade materials should be used for conveyance of waste.
Mitigation measures connected with this activity includes encircling the cabana construction zone
with silt curtains and confining construction activities to calmer sea-states. The Contractor should
deploy marker buoys and flashing beacons around the construction site to ward off mariners in
an effort to avoid collusions at sea. The Developer must ensure that boats and water crafts
belonging to, or serving the facilities are duly licensed by the Port Authority and that such vessels
obey maritime traffic laws and that they are piloted by licensed captains (See Table 17.1).
Mitigation measures must also include the mounting of lights and reflectors on the OWC and
associated boardwalk superstructure at a reduced height and ensuring that they are shaded in such
a way that no point source is visible from the shore to guard against the movement of any
hatchling sea turtles on the windward beaches landward.
At no point should used or recycled water whether from general cleaning or washing be released
into the sea since they may contribute to nutrient pollution. All cleaning solvents should be
limited to phosphate-free and biodegradable formulations. Other responses include the
employment of vacuum suction pumps to convey waste water from the OWCs to the waste
treatment plant.
Mitigation measures in relation to aesthetic pollution include ensuring that the architecture is
consistent with natural setting of caye, including restriction on the height of buildings which will
be limited to one storey. Other measures include encasing all electrical fixtures, telecom cables,
plumbing and domestic gas tubes in PVC conduits and fixtures and installing them below the
deck of buildings and walkways.
17.1.7 Mitigation Measures for Dredging
The mitigation responses in relation to the sedimentation and turbidity impacts entail measures to
contain or curtail the broadcasting of sediments excavation source, the path travelled by the
dredged spoils and the deposition or reclamation site for the spoils. The primary response entailed
the deployment of floating silt curtains around the burrow site, as well as along the path of the
spoil discharge pipes (See Table 17.1).
Secondary measures include the use of existing borrow pits to the SW and NW of the island for
some of the dredging requirements to limit the area of disturbance of the marine benthic
environment. The Developer should also use ‘vacuuming’ or rapid suction dredging of sediments
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that had been re-deposited in the burrow pits. Other secondary mitigation measures entail the
monitoring of turbidity downstream of the burrow site, as well as avoiding dredging during rough
weather or heavy sea-states and completing the dredging and reclamation activity in as short a
timeframe as possible to limit the time frame over which the turbidity and sedimentation
influences would impact the area.
The mitigation responses in relation to the mechanical disturbance of the seafloor and in effect
the destruction of habitat is based on limiting the reclamation area of the airstrip to the absolute
minimum width, and adopting a dredging strategy at the existing borrow pits which entails
digging down as far as possible so that the area spread of the seafloor to be extracted would be
minimized – this has positive implications for the conservation of marine habitat.
The human health and safety mitigation responses related mainly to collision at sea incidents.
This ranged from technological interventions such as the deployment of buoys and beacons, to
public awareness initiatives and the establishment of communication protocols with the Port
Authority to report accidents at sea relative to the dredging and reclamation phase of the project.
17.1.8 Mitigation Measures for Social Effects
Loss of Livelihood (Fishery and Tourism) – Dredging was the only identified source of risk to the
fishing industry in the area. The fishermen consulted, with the exception of one, were not against
the dredging per se. They however, wanted to be consulted before dredging occurs so that they
can secure their traps and they also wanted the necessary protections put in place, such as using
the containment curtains, during any dredging process.
While the fishermen expressed willingness to share their fishing grounds with the developers, the
developers must in turn ensure that they do not exploit all the grounds or the best fishing grounds.
Consultations with the fishermen and the DoE prior to dredging, and adherence to agreed
dredging sites, should remedy this problem.
Dredging was identified as an area of concern for stakeholders in the tourism industry. It is
recommended that no dredging or disturbance from dredging occur next to the barrier reef where
they are likely to come in contact with currents heading to the reef. In addition, all necessary
protective measures must be implemented to ensure the safety of the marine ecosystem which all
stakeholders, including the developers, depend on for their livelihood. This is especially relevant
for the dredging program scheduled for the east side of the island.
Golf course hazards, waste-water and brine discharge must all be managed using the protocols
provided in the EIA section of this document. In addition, it is recommended that the golf course
does not come in direct contact with the beach where run-offs will be hard to contain. Building
levees around the golf course especially in those areas near the beach side should aid in containing
hazardous chemicals applied to the course. In addition, it is recommended that the developers
consider xeriscaping with local plants native to the islands, as a means of reducing the need for
excessive golf course and lawn chemicals and fertilizers.
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Potential negative impacts from the increased flow of traffic brought about by the sheer size and
scale of the development needs to be properly managed for sustainable development. The first
issue of increased manatee deaths and damage to corals, because of improper boating practices,
is mitigated by instituting regulations for the docking and anchoring of boats and other sea crafts.
All boats belonging to the residents of the island should be properly docked in the marina when
not in use. When in use, the vessels must remain on the Belize Port Authority prescribed routes.
In addition, all boat captains should be given an environmental briefing that details where boats
may anchor and the prescribed routes and speeds especially within sensitive areas. Guests and
residents of the island should also be given an environmental briefing as it relates to safe practices
in and around marine ecologies. Finally, residents should be required to sign a home owners’
association code of restrictive covenants which will detail housing matters such as size, setbacks,
landscape, and waste water best practices among other environmentally conscious house
management requirements.
Most community stakeholders consulted understood the business and safety prerogative that may
cause the developer to want to restrict non-residents and their guests in their future use of the
island. However, these stakeholders also valued the rights and freedoms that came with being
citizens of Belize. One of these is the right of 66 feet public access to any beach, whether natural
or artificially developed and privately maintained, in the country of Belize.
The crafters of the law probably intended for this access to provide relief to mariners in times of
emergency but also to maintain a nature of inclusivity that is a seminal part of Belizean culture.
Thus, while the developers cannot deny this access to anyone, it is recommended that the
possibility of eminent contention, probable legal action and public outcry be mitigated by
negotiating terms of access that respect and honor the dignity of all parties. For example, signs
that demarcate the end of the 66 feet reserve should be erected on the island. Signs should be
written in positive language rather than in a threatening and intimidating manner.
Designated picnic areas with basic amenities and proper solid waste receptacles, constructed by
the developers and co-managed with operators/guides, show the developers intention to integrate
in the community rather than remain exclusive from the community. Hosting events on the island,
for neighboring community members, also will aid in the continued peaceful coexistence of all
these island communities.
It must be remembered that many of the islander still have misgivings from the activities of the
previous developer who disregarded views of the community, brought harm to their livelihood
and maintained an air of exclusivity. On the other hand, islanders recounted their childhood years
of playing in volleyball tournaments on Caye Chapel with glee. This recount is testament to their
desire of inclusive relationships with neighbors. This desire should not be construed with
intrusiveness however.
Impacts on Sociocultural and Economic Infrastructure – the sociocultural and economic impacts
relate to the housing situation of migrant workers in Caye Caulker as well as the potential for
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deleterious cultural impacts brought about by the commercialization and standardization of the
cultural tourism product.
There are several recommendations for the mitigation of the first issue. The first is that migrant
workers be paid a reasonable salary so that they can afford to pay for decent accommodations and
adequate food and services. In addition, it is recommended that the workers (especially unskilled
workers) be subsidized for transportation to and from the island and Belize City. This is to ensure
that the high cost of transportation does not deplete their much needed incomes. Finally, the
developers should elect to provide funding and assistance to social service institutions to alleviate
the strain of additional workers on the island especially Caye Caulker. This assistance to these
institutions will result in a win-win for the development as the institutions will be able to better
coordinate and support the developers’ activities on the island.
Finally, the erosion of cultural heritage can be relieved through less demands of standardization
on the tourism product, sensitization of tourists to the Belizean culture and employing actual
Belizean cultural representatives to enact cultural traditions in an authentic manner.
17.2 Additional Mitigation Measures

Additional measures that should be implemented include:
 The developer should produce a detailed development plan for this and any subsequent
phases of the proposed project. This plan should give the full conceptual framework for
the development, main objectives, methods to be used for the development accompanied
by detailed maps for the siting of the facilities and full description of the required
technologies to be installed to support the operation. This plan should be made widely
accessible to all stakeholders,
 The Developer should appoint a community Liaison Officer to interface with the
community on a regular (but preferable weekly basis) and always accessible through
electronic media,
 While developmental work is in progress community leaders should be invited to observe
the progress of the work and to have questions and concerns answered on site,
 The developer should develop an environmental and social agenda as part of a broad based
strategy that guides operating policies and decisions and as a move towards greater
Corporate Social Responsibility,
 At regular intervals, coordinate with an independent outside body to analyze and evaluate
the social and environmental strategy,
 Conduct a thorough review of management practices as a way of finding opportunities for
improvement and set priorities for action,
 Regularly audit and evaluate the development to ensure that:
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 It is in compliance with all applicable legislation and guidelines,

 The monitoring program prescribed in this ES is implemented, and in particular
implementation of the provisions of the Environmental Management Plan,
 In every way the company is complying with the provisions of its ECP
It is important from the outset that an acceptable limit of change be established before any
development takes place and proper indicators established to determine whether those limits have
been breached. Acceptable limits will depend on the location of the site, sensitivity of identified
habitats and the views of the local stakeholders. These indicators should be cost effective and
easy to measure as long as they are verifiable. The developer should seek to form collaborative
partnership with other institutions involved in natural resource management work in the area but
in particular the CZMAI, Green Reef, Sea to shore Alliance, the Fisheries Department and other
local conservation NGOs.
In addition, the developer can take the following measures to ensure the integrity of the
ecosystems in which he will operate:
 Avoid to the extent possible work within sensitive sites and habitats,
 Avoid to the extent possible work within sites currently being used or demarcated for marine
education and research,
 Conduct or cause to be conducted a survey of the area prior to embarking on the proposed
development with particular emphasis on endangered or vulnerable species including fish,
mammals, birds and amphibians,
 Conduct frequent sampling to detect changes in the baseline parameters especially in terms
of groundwater and surface water quality to be better able to determine the impact of the
development activities on the area’s environment,
 Collaborate with any ongoing conservation efforts in the project area to ensure that
endangered wildlife are not unduly disturbed,
 Support any local conservation initiatives in the area seeking to protect similar habitats, which
are likely to be used by fauna that may be displaced by the development either in this phase
or subsequent phases,
 Ensure that equipment operators and site supervisors are properly sensitized to the need of
protecting the flora and fauna from undue disturbances,
 Consider the use of Biodiversity offsets to compensate for environmental harm to sensitive
habitats,
 Consult with relevant conservation entities in the area about their management prerogatives
including their management planning frameworks.
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Table 17.1: Summary of mitigation responses.

Impact Category Principal Impacts per Category Recommended Mitigation Measures per Category
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Flora and Loss of vegetation Clearing of vegetation to make way Undertake enrichment planting or mangroves and orchard type
Fauna cover for residential lots and the hotel plants and ornamentals in other parts of the island
depriving wildlife of food and cover
Implement biodiversity offset measures with conservation
organizations or private entities to protect similar habitat at other
sites in the country.
Dredging for land Damage to benthic environment Restrict dredging to as small an area as possible.
filling and land from dredging
reclamation
Install silt curtains to restrict migration of sediments and reduce
water turbidity.
Only undertake dredging when suitable weather conditions exist.
Use appropriate size dredge and attachments
Water Accumulation of Accumulation of ion exchange Judicious collection, bagging, labeling of RO Cartridges in Utility
Resources solid waste cartridges constituting solid wastes Zone, for onward transmission to Belize City for recycling and/or
which are unsightly and needs to be subsequent disposal at mile 24 Sanitary Landfill
appropriately disposed
Salinization of soil Salinization and loss of fertility of Disposal of hypersaline brine off leeward side of caye which avoids
soils as a function of a change in soil soils contamination
chemistry, as well as physiological
stress and demise of vegetation
Hyper-salinity of nearshore waters Collection of hypersaline brine in plastic lined reservoir to be
from brine effluent constituting gravity fed by 15 cm PVC pipe for offshore disposal 300 M off
physiological stress to slow-moving leeward side of caye at 20 ft. depth
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and sessile invertebrates and marine

habitat.
Threat to human Threat of water-borne pathogenic Physical screening of rainwater stream harvested from roof destined
health diseases from microbes associated for large cisterns under newly constructed buildings, including
with rainwater harvested from roof residential homes, hotels, utility area and recreational buildings
and stored in underground cisterns Judicious water quality sampling to ensure fitness of water usage
for domestic usage: Tests to include microbial determinations, as
well as toxic and heavy metal content and BOD levels
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Water scarcity High volume of potable water Seasonal shifts in primary sources of water including exclusive or
during dry season requirement leading to increase in heavy usage of harvested rainwater during rainy season and
reverse osmosis source and desalinized water from RO source during dry season
consequently excessive production Adoption of water recycling measures especially for Golf Course
of brine during the dry season: This will entail the recycling of Tertiary level
treated waste water which will be used to irrigate the golf course.
Plumbing will be employed to keep the gray water and black water
stream separate…Once treated the gray water stream will be
chlorinated or otherwise passed through a UV filter to denature any
surviving microbes…
Planting of drought resistant grass on the Golf Course…Contouring
the Golf Course to runoffs are directed to the ponds and in general
internal portion of the island
Employment of multiple-source strategy during the dry
season…This will entail the concurrent use of RO derived potable
water, harvested rainwater and bottled water…The latter will be
used exclusively for drinking purposes and will be imported from
Belize City or alternatively Caye Caulker
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Deployment of water conservation technology including low flush

toilets and timer regulated showers and use of showers as opposed
to bath tubs
Filtering and recycling swimming pool water
Liquid Nutrient Sewage and gray water effluents Installation of Tertiary Level Sewage Treatment Technology which
Waste enrichment entering wider environment reduces the concentration or organic load of nitrate (NO3-1) and
impacts Phosphate (PO4-3)
Rigorous monitoring, inspection, repair and maintenance of sewer
system and plumbing fixtures especially at overwater cabanas
Eutrophic runoff from golf course Engineering design of golf course whereby majority of runoff is
entering surrounding seas conveyed to golf course traps or ponds on the property
Design capacity of ponds to accommodate volume of runoff from
golf course, with attendant oxidation and fixation of organic load
into atmospheric gasses in the case of nitrogen and integration into
tissues of both plants and animals by way of primary production and
food chain biomass and energy transfer.
Solid Waste CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Land clearing Felled trees and pruned branches a Collect and shred vegetation into chips at strategic locations on the
source of litter and aesthetic leeward side of the island to negate need for burning. Replant
pollution existing burned areas with native vegetation, especially those
important to birds and other wildlife species.
Use chips as plant additive to reduce need to purchase organic
fertilizer.
Hotel and Discarded items of food by Instituting programme for judicious and routine collection of
residences construction workers that are a discarded food wrappers and food containers…These will need to
source of food for vagrant birds and be bagged and labeled with color coded tags indicating the type of
feral stocks such as raccoons, crocs wastes, stored and deployed to Belize City or Caye Caulker for
and opossums onward transportation to the Mile 24 Sanitary Landfill Site.
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Discarded paper bag, Styrofoam Collection and separation of wastes into various categories
trays and cups and other containers including plastics, glass, metals and toxic substance by bagging and
used that would be a habitat for color coding with labels…These are to be subsequently transported
mosquitoes that is a biting insect offsite to Belize City or Caye Caulker and subsequently the Sanitary
and a vector for various diseases Landfill Site on the Western Highway.
including malaria and dengue fever
Construction Plywood and cardboard boxes, These materials should be segregated by types and taken out to
waste Styrofoam packaging materials, reputable recyclers for recycling.
sawn wood and plexi-glass, broken
glass, plastic buckets, drums and
wrappings, metal drums and metal
shards, spent batteries, ropes and
strings, etc.
Blocks, concrete debris, roofing The mass of concrete and roofing materials from the existing
materials, expired golf carts and buildings that are being torn down can be used as landfill in the
other vehicles reclaimed air strip runway, or alternately as Artificial Reef off the
leeward side of the caye.
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Bushing, pruning and Accumulated debris a source of Compost plant organic matter on site in back of house area. For
landscaping litter and aesthetic pollution as large plant matter use a shredder type machine to reduce to chips for
well as habitat for pests and mulching and fertilizer. Contract sale of coconuts to local
vermin entrepreneur for production of coconut oil and milk.
Human settlement Un-eaten and discarded food All uneaten and discarded food are to be collected bagged and
from restaurants, bars, stored in sealed containers in a fenced location for subsequent
refreshment kiosks as well as composting using ‘Earth Tub Technology’ Compost from Earth Tub
domestic situations creates Installation is innocuous mulch that will be used as natural fertilizer
substantial store of fodder for around the property.
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scavengers and vagrant birds and

animals
Increased volumes of disposable These will be treated as Industrial Waste, where they will be
containers and packaging separated, bagged and labeled for subsequent transportation to
materials, including those of Belize City…Mush of these fixtures and discard are recyclable such
paper, styrofoam and plastic as the batteries, RO Cartridges and lubricating oil and oil
construction, derived from containers.
restaurant, bars and domestic
situation that are a major source
of aesthetic pollution and habitat
for insects pests and vectors
Maintenance, repair RO Cartridges, boxes, buckets These will be treated as Industrial Waste, where they will be
and replacement and drums of plastic, Styrofoam separated, bagged and labeled for subsequent transportation to
and metal construction that are a Belize City where recyclers will be found as a first resort. If
major source of aesthetic recycling is not possible they will be taken to approved landfill.
pollution and habitat for insects
pests and vectors
Un-serviceable golf carts, spent
batteries, expended cans of
insecticides, lubricating oil
bottles and drums and other toxic
and industrial wastes.
Energy CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Generation Trenching of seafloor Sedimentation and Turbidity Restrict dredging events to calmer sea states.
and laying submarine influences impeding Deploy ‘Silt Curtains’ around dredge and spoils discharge pipes.
cable between Caye photosynthesis of seagrass,
macro-algae and phytoplankton
___________________________________________________________________________
Caulker and Caye and consequently primary and

Chapel secondary productivity
Blanketing of seafloor and Selecting the straightest permissible path for the trench, relative to
mechanical clogging of other users of the area such as fishers deploying lobster traps
respiratory surfaces of sessile Complete trenching activities in as short a timeframe as possible
and slow-moving invertebrates. Engage lobster trappers so that path of trench avoid most productive
fishing grounds
Displacement and damage to Mark dredge and spoils discharge pipes with buoys and beacons
lobster traps with loss in lobster
production
Anchorage of Dredge Collision at sea incident with Embark on public awareness campaign to notify public of trenching
threat to human health and safety event.
Noise and vibration Disturbance to wildlife Route Generator Mufflers underground to dampen sound and
from combustion of especially resident bird vibrations.
diesel generators populations Enclose Generator Housing with acoustic tiles.
Nuisance to human health Replace old generators with brand new machinery and maintain
causing stress and deafness strict maintenance schedule, and commitment to using fuel of
requisite purity.
Air Pollution from Smoke and particulates posing Relocate bulk fuel tanks away from other utility services in separate
combustion of diesel health risks to asthmatics and fence compound and enclosing tanks in rectangular bund wall with
generators others stricken by respiratory 110% capacity of fuel stores.
ailments
Petroleum pollution Toxic effect to aquatic organisms Paving Utility Zone housing fuel stores as well as general fuel
from spillages from accidental spillage of diesel dispensing area adjacent to marina basin to avoid
fuel Transportation of fuel and lubricating oil from mainland to Caye
Chapel in sealed containers in seaworthy vessels only
___________________________________________________________________________
Accidental spillage of Ensure that fuel pumps are equipped with anti-spill technology
lubricating oils and its including equipping nozzles with automatic shutoff valves and
consequent impacts especially equipping area with spill collection sump to avoid contamination of
on seabirds, in relation to the loss soil and runoff into wider environment
of waterproofing
Ensure that fuel tanks for both land-based vehicles as well as boats
utilizing the marina are equipped with fuel gauges, and that
lubricating oil containers are designed such that the levels of liquid
in them can be monitored such as to avoid overfilling and spillage
Ensure accurate record keeping of fuel stores and volumes
dispensed by fuel stations, as well as bulk fuel storage utility zone
Equip fuel dispensing station with Oil/Water Separator that meets
standard of 15 mg/l of oil
Develop Oil Spill Contingency Plan, ensuring adequate training,
rehearsal and evaluation of performance of staff
Develop and establish protocol with DOE to report all oil spills
Installation of Transmission infrastructure not Design landscaping efforts to block location of transformers and
transmission lines, visually in concert with idyllic other related infrastructure
poles, transformers tropical island setting Ensure that lamp posts and other standing electrical infrastructure
comprising aesthetic pollution are properly embedded and braced to withstand storm force winds
and in general storm conditions
Run distribution lines underground using PVC or concrete conduits
and install transformers and low relief lamp posts in strategic
locations to blend in in with decor
___________________________________________________________________________
Threat from falling Threat of light poles and Install lamp posts, transformers and other standing electrical
transmission transmission lines falling on infrastructure sufficiently out of range of falling trees or buildings,
infrastructure houses and patrons during severe or flying missiles in a storm: Normally a distance of 1.5 length of
storm events causing injury, and the tallest tree or standing structure in the area is sufficient.
loss of life, as well as damage to
houses
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Noise and vibration Disturbance to wildlife especially Implement rigorous monitoring and maintenance regime to
from combustion of resident bird populations ensure underground muffler system is functional over time
diesel generators Nuisance to human health causing Ensure replacement generators are effectively serviced and
hearing stress maintained.
Air Pollution from Smoke and particulates posing health Ensure instalment and proper functioning and maintenance of
combustion of diesel risks to asthmatics and others renewable energy source over time especially solar and wind
generators stricken by respiratory ailments generation
Ensure exhaust pipe is routed high enough to distribute
particulates high into the air
Petroleum pollution Direct toxic effect of diesel fuel to Ensure strict adherence to protocol associated with transportation
from spillages aquatic organisms from accidental of fuel and lubricating oil by seas from mainland to Caye Chapel
spillage of diesel fuel in sealed containers, and that vessels are adequately maintained
and seaworthy
Accidental spillage of lubricating Defining and implementing monitoring and reporting protocol to
oils and its consequent impacts ensure that fuel pump stations in both the Marina and Utility
especially on seabirds, in relation to Zone are dispensed in concert with requisite integrity of process
the loss of waterproofing Defining and implementing monitoring and reporting protocol
to ensure that fuel pump stations in both the Marina and Utility
Zone are dispensed in concert with requisite integrity of process
___________________________________________________________________________
Ensure observation of protocol and practices associated with

relocation of bulk fuel stores within confines of bund wall
enclosure with 110% capacity of fuel tanks.
Transportati
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
on
Sea-based Transportation
Low fuel economy Low fuel economy of 2-Stroke A permanent boat mechanic is to be on staff to ensure that all
Outboard Engines used on boats engine are well maintained and in good working order,
servicing the development has Use 4 cycle engines on all internal combustion machinery
negative implications for the marine where possible
environment Bulk supplies of food, furniture, heavy equipment, furniture
etc., will be barged in to take advantage of economies of scale
High volume fuel Ferrying of voluminous goods and All equipment and supplies are to be properly secured on cargo
consumption supplies requires large volumes of vessels before embarking on any voyage. This will be
fuel which has negative implications contracted to entities which use certified Captains.
for marine organisms and the
environment Workers to take the regular Taxi Service between Belize City
Ferrying of workers to and from the and Caye Caulker or San Pedro.
resort on a per capita basis is much
more costly in fuel consumption that
land based transportation
Operation of the Accidental spillage of petrol and The facilities will purchase Oil Containment Booms and
marina diesel from fueling operations is associated equipment for deployment, containment, recovery
highly toxic to invertebrates and clean-up of spill…The maintenance crew will be trained in
oil spill contingency procedures
Bilging within the marina will be strictly prohibited. This will
be a condition of lease for berths within the marina. The area
___________________________________________________________________________
will be monitored for violations and in breach in the protocol

will be met by penalties including fines.
Bilging activities of vessels in port Definition and enforcement of ‘Non Discharge’ Covenant
entails significant pollution from which will be a condition of lease of marina slip…The
lubricating oils and grease enforcement detail of the marina will be charged with
monitoring and reporting on this situation…Compliance will
also be bolstered by a public awareness programme focused on
posters, pamphlets and brochures
Effluent stream from on-board toilets The marina will not allow boaters and other mariners to
and domestic waste flushed in marina discharge effluent from human waste at marine facilities.
constitute nutrient enrichment Where such services are required they must be obtained
pollution as well as contamination elsewhere.
from pathogenic microbes
Transportation of Threat of spillage of bulk fuel stores All cargo transported to the site by boat or barge must be
Petroleum products and lubricants during heavy sea secured before leaving port, as well as throughout the journey
states and from collision at sea to the caye…Crafts must be fitted with all navigation lights and
safety equipment…Crafts will only be piloted by Certified
Captains and must be fitted with radar, compass, depth finder
and allied navigational equipment and supplies including
charts.
Threat of heavy cargo falling All fuel and lubricants barged to the island must be secured
overboard and set adrift in heavy seas before leaving port…Proper checks during the voyage will be
insisted upon…All crafts must be inspected and licensed by the
Port Authority and only those firms with Licensed Captains will
be hired to undertake this work.
Groundings Threat of barges and boats running The Sea Lanes for marine traffic on the leeward side of the
aground on various shallows around island will be clearly delineated by buoys and beacon.
Treacherous and dangerous shallows on the windward side of
___________________________________________________________________________
the caye leading to environmental the island will also be marked with buoys and beacons. This
damage and threat to life and limbs particularly includes the small Patch Reef off the southeastern
shores of the island
Collision at sea Risks of collision at sea between All crafts associated with the caye Chapel Development will be
water crafts servicing the resort and required to observe at all times pertinent navigation rules and
general marine traffic plying the area regulations…These would pertain to both domestic legislation
with threat to life and limb as well as international norms…Crafts includes marina patrons,
boats owned and operated by the Caye Chapel Developers , as
well as crafts, mainly barges and tugs that would be leased for
ferrying bulk equipment and supplies…Measures will include
keeping all running lights functional and in good working
conditions, as well as the flying of flags and keeping current
radio calls
Turbidity and General suspension of sediments All crafts operating for and on behalf of the Caye Chapel
sedimentation associated with navigation of skiffs Development will be required to observe decreased speeds and
and barges that has negative ‘No Wake’ zones on near approaches to the marina and other
consequences for the environment landing areas such as the arrival pier to be built and at the
northern and of the island
Land-based Transportation
Scarification of Localized deforestation, The installation of roadways and driving paths are to avoid sensitive
landscape form the grassland disturbance leading to habitats such as mangrove lowlands and littoral forests…Secondary
building, upgrading increased run-off, erosion and motor paths are to be equipped with turning basins to avoid
and maintenance of negative impact on the encroachment on the greenery
roads and paths on the environment Speed limit and safety signs are to be strategically posted on the
property main roadway as well as the secondary path. This is to be bolstered
by public awareness campaigns mainly in the form of pamphlets
and brochures that are to be disbursed during registration for
___________________________________________________________________________
guests…The compound security personnel will enforce speeding

regulations
The caye comprises various ecosystems that are very productive.
These include mangroves, littoral forest, open savannahs and
extensive coconut groves. These support a range of birds and
invertebrate life. Motorized traffic will not be permitted in lowland
mangroves areas, the intertidal portion of the beach and in general
the more productive coconut forests.
Land-based traffic Heavy fuel consumption with During the operational phase the only full sized vehicles to be
negative implications to the permitted on the island are utility vehicles that will be charged with
environment garbage collection, building repair and maintenance. All other
vehicles are to be energy efficient golf carts.
Damage and disturbance to wild- Speed limits will be strictly enforced on both the primary roadway
life as well as on the secondary drive paths…This will be assisted by
signage and a public education campaign
Threat of collision, injury and The primary use of Golf Carts mitigates against mass road kills
loss of life given their construction and limited speed potential. The
enforcement of speed limits will also be a useful mitigation…
Likelihood of road kills by Most of the Golf Carts are to be powered by battery which greatly
vehicles plying the area reduces the amount of fuel that would otherwise be used
Fueling operations Accidental spillages from The dispensing of fuel for terrestrial transportation will be
fueling operations leading to accompanied by the strict protocol as at the marina…This will be
governed by guidelines set by the DOE
___________________________________________________________________________
wilting of vegetation and loss of The bulk fuel store on land is to be located away from the other
soil fertility utilities to decrease personnel contact and the possibility of
accidental spill.
The isolation of the fuel stores also mitigates against accidental fires
given its geographic removal from potential sources of ignition such
as electrical outlets, motors and engines and in general electrical
wires
Lubricating oil leaks Spillage and seepage of The Caye Chapel Maintenance Staff entails a full section of auto-
lubricating oils from mechanics whose main charge will be the regular and routine
transmissions, engines and servicing and repair of all vehicles…This should greatly reduce the
suspension systems, as well as likelihood of broken seals and the dripping of motor oil, lubricating
from oil changing operations oil, transmission oil , brake fluid, etc.…
Operation internal Noise from engines and road The primary use of golf cart reduces greatly the potential for noise
combustion engine traffic generally a nuisance to associated with the moving part of the internal combustion
human health and well-being engine…Even though a number of these are to be maintained as a
part of the vehicle fleet, the limited horse power output and small
size of the engine erodes greatly their noise making
potential…Retaining much of the fleet as battery powered greatly
reduces the noise associated with this mode of transportation
Emissions in terms of Smoke and particulates from The adoption of a significant portion of the golf carts as being
smoke and engine emission pose a threat to powered by batteries, greatly reduces the smoke and particulates
particulates human health, particularly to associated with the internal combustion engine…Although the
asthmatics and others stricken by motorized golf carts powered by an internal combustion engine
respiratory ailments remains the preference of the staff – the guests and in general
patrons of the resort will be encouraged to use the battery powered
version
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
___________________________________________________________________________
Overwater Cacophonic Pile driving activities associated Concluding construction activities in as short a timeframe as
Structures construction activities with foundation of buildings and possible to minimize duration of nuisance
boardwalk from sea-based platform
or barge posing a nuisance to human
health and impacting wildlife
Hammering, sawing and drilling Muffling cement mixers, compressors, generators etc., as well
activities from power tools posing a as confining construction activities to daylight hours, and
nuisance to human health and ensuring that workers who are exposed to sustained noise wears
impacting wildlife protective gear such as ear muffs
Impact of sediments Impact of suspended sediments Encasing area of construction with floating silt curtains during
and turbid influences arising from sea-based piling pile-driving phase to contain and reduce sedimentation and
on marine ecosystem activities, on habitat and sessile and turbidity impacts
slow-moving invertebrates
All pile driving activities that would result in sedimentation and
turbidity impacts are to be limited to calmer sea-states, these
activities are to be avoided during stormy or high wind
conditions
Facilities to be constructed off leeward side of caye to minimize
downstream drift and settlement of sediments
The nearest Over Water Cabanas are to be constructed a
minimum distance of 100 ft. from the shoreline to ensure that
long-shore sediment transport and other issues related to beach
dynamics are not interrupted
Piling will be limited to PVC encased concrete which shall be
distributed in such a way as to avoid any impedance or erosion
of sediment transport
___________________________________________________________________________
Potential for collision Risk of collision at sea with pile- Demarcating area with buoys and beacons…Buoys and flashing
at sea incidents driving and working platform beacons will be deployed in a radius 100 YDS beyond the distal
erecting overwater cabanas and its limit of the work site
consequence of maim, injury and
All boats servicing the area will be piloted by Boat Captains
loss of life
licensed by the Port Authority…These boats must also be
licensed by the Port Authority and equipped with running lights
Location of facilities is to be well away from sea-lanes and
traditional marine traffic in the area
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Effect of artificial Effect of light on behavior of All light on the OWC or associated Board Walk shall be
light on wildlife wildlife, especially waterfowls and shielded from the beach area
sea turtles
Leakages of plumbing Leakage of raw sewage and gray The plumbing associated with the black-water and gray-water
fixtures over water water over sea leading to eutrophic generate within the OWCs shall vacuum suctioned: The
pollution from phosphates and summary and frequent removal of effluents from the system
nitrogenous wastes with consequent erodes greatly and possibly eliminate the threat of leakage of
plankton blooms, including ‘red the plumbing fixtures.
tides’ with die-offs of fish-life Detergents and cleaners utilized by the OWC guests shall be
limited to phosphate-free, biodegradable formulations
Workers will be accommodated on the island during the
construction phase of the operation so that there is no threat of
them using OWC Toilet and domestic fixtures.
Macro-algae will outcompete seagrass in area with high organic
pollution and decreased light intensity, hence the OWCs and
associated boardwalks are to be built a minimum of 8 feet
above high tide level to assure adequate light penetration to
___________________________________________________________________________
sustain photosynthesis of seagrass and other primary producers

in the water-column
Shift in dominance of Shift in dominance from seagrass to All over water boardwalks are to be of ‘grated’ or ‘slotted’
macro-algae macro-algae with loss in secondary construction with a minimum slot spacing that would allow a
productivity including abundance minimum of 60% of light to reach the sea surface
and diversity of finfishes and macro- The width of all boardwalks integrated into the Over Water
inverts Cabanas will be limited to a maximum width of 6 ft. to allow
for effective sediment transport and adequate light penetration
to the seafloor
Visual impact of over Visual incongruence of over-water All electrical fixtures, telecom cables, plumbing and domestic
water structures structures with low profile and gas fixtures are to be encased and run below the deck level of
nature based setting of caye buildings and walkways to erode and eliminate any negative
visual impacts
Design architecture to be consistent with natural setting of caye,
including restriction on the height of construction: All structures
are to be limited to one storey or flat
The maximum size of Over Water Cabanas shall be kept to a
maximum of 750 sq. ft. and the overwater structures will not
extend to restaurants or bars to avoid crowding of the seafront
Potential for collision Risk of collision at sea with pile- Demarcating area with buoys and beacons…Buoys and flashing
at sea incidents driving and working platform beacons will be deployed in a radius 100 YDS beyond the distal
erecting overwater cabanas and its limit of the work site
consequence of maim, injury and
loss of life
Dredging Loss of mangrove Loss of roosting sites and foraging Retain sizable mangrove wetland on west-central portion of
wetland south of opportunities for wetland and caye with all three (3) mangrove species in Belize, viz: Red
airstrip migratory birds Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Black Mangrove (Avicennia
___________________________________________________________________________
germinans) and White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), as

well as mangrove associate buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)
Exposure of soil to weathering and Erection of sea defenses to contain soils, including outer rip-rap
erosion boulder wall and inner concreted path of runway for airstrip
Sedimentation and Dredging or extraction activities Deployment of silt curtains at burrow pits, airstrip reclamation
Turbidity Impacts within the burrow pits site and along path of spoil discharge pipes along seafloor route
Ensure that couplings of spoil discharge pipes are firmly
secured and that floatation devices of silt curtains are properly
installed and that sediments do not escape over the top of the
curtains.
Downstream sedimentation and Monitoring and where necessary replacing and repairing faulty
turbidity influences outside of couplings and leaky spoil discharge pipes.
immediate extraction site or burrow
pits
Conveyance of dredged spoils from Inspect spoil deposition site of Air Strip for breaches in
dredge site to reclamation site retaining walls to ensure that there are no significant points of
egress for turbid-laden effluents.
Deposition of dredged spoils on Implement a sea-based water quality monitoring programme
seafloor to extend Air Strip that would extend 2,000 ft. down-stream of dredging activities,
to ensure that light penetration is 25% or greater than pre-
dredging levels.
Reduce or eliminate re-suspension of sediments at the burrow
sites by suction dredging sediments that have re-settled, on a
daily basis.
Assist re-colonization of seafloor at burrow sites by ensuring
that cut angles at burrow pits are not steeper than 35 Degrees.
Avoidance of dredging activities during rough sea states
___________________________________________________________________________
Limit dredging to minimum fill requirement – ensuring sound

calculation of reclamation needs
Avoid any dredging or reclamation activities near mini patch
reef and other sensitive sites.
Complete the dredging and reclamation in as short a timeframe
as possible to limit the timeframe over which the sedimentation
and turbidity influences would impact the area
Mechanical Loss of Loss of seagrass beds and Locate burrow pits away from most productive seagrass beds
Seafloor associated biota from both
Dredging down to the vertical limit that requisite fill material is
extraction site as well as deposition
available to decrease the areal extent covered by the burrow pits
site for dredged spoils
Aligning Airstrip extension along shallow seafloor away from
most productive and ecologically sensitive locale
Confining cross-sectional extent or width of Airstrip extension
to minimum requirement for aviation and human safety
concerns
Human Health and Collision at sea with Dredge and Demarcating burrow pits, reclamation site and path of spoil
Safety associated spoil Discharge Pipes discharge pipes with marker buoys, warning flags and flashing
and Silt Curtains beacons to ward off mariners - Ensuring that flashing beacons
and navigational lights of dredge are on from 6:00 PM to 6:00
AM on a daily basis.
Establishing communication protocol between Belize Port
Authority and Security Personnel of Caye Chapel regarding
collision incidents in the area that would be related to the
dredging and reclamation event.
Public awareness campaign to notify mariners and general
public of dredging phase of project utilizing local newspapers,
TV and Radio with featured notifications.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
17.3 Measures to Minimize Unavoidable Environmental Effects

Unavoidable impacts will occur in the following areas
i. Noise and air quality
ii. Waste
Noise – Machinery used will be properly serviced and fitted with appropriately designed and
fitted silencers.
Waste –Several waste streams will be evident during the project. A substantial amount of organic
waste will be generated from site clearing and maintenance. The small amount of plant material
will be left to dry and decompose naturally on the ground; hence no air pollution will result from
this activity.
Table17.2 shows the types of waste generated and the various methods to be employed for safe
disposal.
Table 17.2: Waste Streams and Disposal Methods

Waste Type Construction Operational Data Analysis Disposal Method
Phase Phase
Forest and field cuttings √ √ NA Disposed of by natural

decomposition
Human Waste √ √ NA Treat in package plant system
Food wastes including √ √ √ Cans, bottles and plastics to be
bottles and cans recycled. Food waste to be
composted or used as animal feed
Office papers NA √ √ Recycle
Lube oil waste √ √ √ Recycle or sell as fuel
Chemicals NA √ NA Incineration in an approved site
Metals √ √ NA Recycle
Liquid waste including √ √ NA Treat then route into settling pond
storm water/effluents use as irrigation water before
discharge to environment
√ = Applicable NA = Not Applicable
17.4 Environmental Monitoring

(i) Introduction
The development of an Environmental Monitoring Plan is important for the implementation of any
project which impacts the environment. Such a Monitoring Plan is critical to assessing the
effectiveness of any proposed mitigation measures, as well as in assessing changes in
environmental conditions that would be attributable to the implementation of the proposed project.
This is especially relevant in the flagging of any significant deterioration in any environmental
variable.
___________________________________________________________________________
The principal elements of an informed monitoring plan are:

 A clear statement of aims or objective
 A description of sampling sites
 A listing of the variable to be measured or evaluated
 A proposed frequency and timing of sampling
 An estimate of the resources required to implement the programme
 The delineation of responsibility to implement the monitoring plan
(ii) Details of Plan
The Management of the Caye Chapel Development Project will appoint an Environmental
Consultant to implement the Environmental Management Plan. The Environmental Consultant
must be qualified in Environmental Impact Assessments and in general Natural Resources
Management issues. Such a person must also be well versed with the local environmental
conditions, as well as environmental laws and policy.
The Environmental Specialist shall coordinate with the DOE,s EIA and enforcement monitoring
team. It is expected that the proposed Environmental Monitoring Plan outlined in this report will
be fully implemented. This is to assure that the full range of activities that would impact the
environment will be taken into account.
The environmental monitoring programme will be based on direct or indirect indicators of
emissions, effluents, and resource use. The monitoring frequency should be sufficient to provide
representative data for proper evaluation of the particular parameter in question.
Data gathering is to be accomplished by trained and competent individuals adopting standard
monitoring protocol and analysis. The integrity of the data collected will be dependent on the
deployment of equipment that is properly and routinely calibrated. The collected data needs to be
analyzed and reviewed at regular intervals to assure precision and accuracy throughout the process.
The monitoring programme is to be implemented per force during both the construction and
operation phases of the project. Timing and responsibility for the implementation of the proposed
mitigation measures are to be assigned to the Environmental Consultant Specialist. Much of the
baseline data collected in the pre-approval EIA are to be incorporated into the Environmental
Monitoring Plan. These are to include information on the following:
 Seagrass and Macro-algal Cover
 Coral reef health
 Fish abundance and diversity
 Wildlife associated with the terrestrial environment
 Water quality assessment
 Socio-economic issues and community participation
 Beach dynamics
 Human health and safety issues
___________________________________________________________________________
Table 17.3: Proposed Monitoring Plan for the Caye Chapel Resort and Residential Development
Parameter Frequency Critical Level Geographic Area Priority Statutory Agency
Water Quality Parameters

Nitrates Monthly 10 mg/l Sample locations in High Priority DOE
Chapter 5
Phosphate Monthly 1 mg/l Sample locations in High Priority DOE
Chapter 5
TSS Monthly 100 ml Sample locations in Moderate Priority DOE
Chapter 5
Turbidity Weekly Secchi Depth 30 Sample locations in High Priority DOE
cm. Chapter 5
BOD Monthly 200 mg/l Sample locations in Low Priority DOE
(EPA/WHO) Chapter 5
DO Monthly ≤ 4 PPM Sample locations in High Priority Fish. Dept.
(Dissolved Oxygen) Chapter 5
Salinity Monthly ≤ 25 PPT Sample locations in Moderate Priority Fish. D
Chapter 5
E. coli and fecal Monthly 50/ml Sample locations in High Priority Public Health
Coliform Chapter 5
Engineering Aspects
Navigational Safety Monthly Running lights on Anchorage site for High Priority Port Authority
dredge and along dredge and along
path of silt curtains path of silt curtains
and spoil discharge and spoil discharge
pipes operational pipes
between 6:00 PM
and 6:00 AM
Technical integrity Monthly Leakages sediment Burrow Pit and path High Priority Fish. Dept.,
dredging operation curtains, spoil of silt curtain Geology Dept.
delivery pipes
___________________________________________________________________________
Technical integrity Monthly Leakages caye- Caye Chapel spoil Moderate Priority Geology Dept.
Caye-based bunds based bunds deposition site
Parameter Frequency Critical Level Geographic Area Priority Statutory Agency
Beach erosion Quarterly Observable beach Beach off Moderate Priority Fish. Dept.
erosion on northeastern side of
northeaster side of Caye Chapel
caye
Biodiversity
Bird populations Bi-annually Abundance & Entire Island High Priority Forest Dept.
(June & Dec.) Diversity shifts
Abundance feral Bi-Annually Changes in Entire Island Moderate Priority Forest Dept.
animal (Crocs., abundance
Racoons)
Macro-algal cover Once per year Change in Sample locations in High Priority Fish. Dept.
percentage cover Fig. 1
Live Coral Cover Once per year Change in Mini Patch Reef off High Priority Fish. Dept.
percentage cover southeast of caye
and diversity
Fish Populations Once per year Change in Mini Patch Reef off High Priority Fish. Dept.
abundance and southeast of caye
diversity over time
Socio-economic
Sports fishing Bi-annually Number fishers Half mile radius of Moderate Priority Fish. Dept.
activity using area and catch caye
Pathogenic diseases Bi-annually Malaria, dengue and Workers and guests Moderate Priority Public Health
contracted on caye respiratory ailments populations on caye
and nearshore areas associated with air
pollution
Abstraction Well Bi-annually Recharge rate and Utility Zone on High Priority DOE, Public Health
for Reverse chemical Caye
Osmosis composition
___________________________________________________________________________
Effluent Stream from Bi-annually 10/L Utility Zone on Moderate Priority DOE, Public Health
MBR BIO-CEL Caye Chapel
Sewage Treatment
Plant. Tested for
parameters Required
for Class I Waters
___________________________________________________________________________
The time interval between the collection of samples depends on the nature of the activity and the
prevailing environmental conditions, however an interval of one month between the collection of
individual samples is generally acceptable for characterising water quality over a long time period
within an aquatic system.
Sample collection should be frequent enough to enable an accurate calculation of the mean
concentrations of the variables included in the monitoring programme. The frequency of sampling
required to obtain a desired level of confidence in the mean values depends on statistical
measures, i.e. standard deviation and confidence interval. Table 17.3 gives the baseline water
monitoring parameters for the Caye Chapel Development Project.
___________________________________________________________________________
LIST OF REFERENCES
Bacon, P. R., A. D. Compton, and A. D. Putney. 1988. A Workbook of Practical Exercises in Coastal
Zone Management for Tropical Islands. Commonwealth Science Council.
Baille, I. C., A. C. S. Wright, M. A. Holder, E. A. Fitzpatrick, 1993. Revised Classification of the Soils
of Belize. NRI Bulletin 59. Chatham, U. K. Natural Resources Institute.
Balick, M. J., H. N. Michael, D. E. Atha, 2000. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Belize. The New York
Botanical Garden Press.
Belize Fisheries Department. (2016). Adriel E. Castañeda. Retrieved June 23, 2017,
http://www.fisheries.gov.bz/adriel-e-castaneda/
Belize Fisheries Department. (2017). CPUE data. Belize: Ramon Carcamo.
Belize Tourism Board. (2016). Key performance indicators for tourism – 2016. Belize: Belize Tourism
Board.
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Author(s) Allan Herrera (Nextera Environmental And Engineering Consultants)

Version Date Written by Approved & signed by:

CAYE CHAPEL RESIDENTIAL AND TOURISM

PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY:

Nextera Environmental & Engineering Consultants

LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... i

2.4.2 Topography ........................................................................................................90

3.7 Permits/Licenses ................................................................................................ 141

6.4 Liquid Waste Management Plan ...................................................................... 212

14.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEVELOPMENT .................................................. 364

16.2.1 Flora, Fauna and Ecosystems ............................................................................394

Table 1.4 Approximate lot sizes 24

Table 1.5 Summary of main features in the physical development plan. 29

Table 1.6 Expected development chronology. 54

Table 2.1 Extreme offshore wave conditions. 75

Table 3.1 Relevant legal instruments 88

Table 4.4 Rover diver survey – frequency of occurrence of finfishes 137

Table 4.6 Fish sampling results – ponds on caye 141

Table 5.1 Expected hotel and estates occupancy rate. 149

Table 5.4 Common areas (estate) water usage. 151

Table 5.5 Monthly estimated water demand summary. 154

Table 5.6 Monthly estimated water supply summary. 154

Table 5.7 Expected monthly rainfall within project area. 155

Table 5.8 Water quality parameters identified for testing. 157

Table 5.10 In Situ sampling relevant atmospheric conditions. 162

Table 5.11 Summary field and laboratory test results. 163

Table 8.1 Approximate development load calculation. 223

Table 9.2 Borehole BH-2 245

Table 9.4 Borehole BH-4 246

Table 9.5 Borehole BH-5 247

Table 9.7 Borehole BH-7 249

Table 9.9 Soil layer properties borehole #2. 250

Table 9.10 Soil layer properties borehole #3. 251

Table 9.11 Soil layer properties borehole #4. 251

Table 9.12 Soil layer properties borehole #5. 252

Table 9.13 Soil layer properties borehole #6. 253

Table 10.1 Description of Gulfstream G550. 271

Table 11.1 Quantities of dredged materials required for development. 280

Table 11.2 Quantity of materials required for construction of runway. 285

Table 11.4 Summary of sediment grading results. 289

Table 12.4 Religious Distribution of Key Stakeholder Communities 306

Table 12.6 District General Poverty Line 308

Table 12.11 Summary of Community Responses 316

Table 15.3 Marine Spills Levels 344

Table 15.4 Inland Spill Level 345

Table 15.5 Medical emergency contact numbers. 351

Table 16.1 Turbidity levels for select water bodies 366

Table 17.2 Waste streams and disposal methods 428

Figure 1.1 Caye Chapel existing layout and land use 7

Figure 1.2 Project Location Map. 14

Figure 1.7 Proposed Caye Chapel subdivision plan. 27

Figure 1.8 Areas identified for beach creation and restoration 38

Figure 1.11 Caye chapel golf course grading plan. 43