Sunset Beach Final EIA Report

SUNSET BEACH RESORT HOTEL EXPANSION
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT
Submitted to:
BOYKEN CARIBBEAN LLC

Third Floor, ICWI Building
2 St. Lucia Ave
Kingston 5
Jamaica
Prepared by:
ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LTD.

20 West Kings House Road
Kingston 10
Jamaica
In association with
SMITH WARNER INTERNATIONAL LTD.

Unit 2, 2 Seymour Avenue
Kingston 6
Jamaica
SEPTEMBER 2003
Environmental Solutions Ltd.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS....................................................................................................... i
1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................1
1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND ...........................................................................1
1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................3
1.3 STUDY TEAM ..........................................................................................................5
1.4 METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................6
1.4.1 Terrestrial Survey...............................................................................................6
1.4.2 Marine Survey....................................................................................................6
1.4.3 Water Quality Survey.........................................................................................6
2. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY

FRAMEWORK ..............................................................................................................9
2.1 LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS...................................................................9
2.2 POLICIES AND REGULATIONS .........................................................................11
3. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA ........................................................................13

3.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY...................................................................................................13
3.2 GEOLOGY AND LITHOLOGY.............................................................................13
3.3 METEOROLOGY ...................................................................................................14
3.4 HYDROLOGY ........................................................................................................14
3.5 ECOLOGY...............................................................................................................14
3.5.1 Terrestrial Vegetation.......................................................................................14
3.5.2 Terrestrial Fauna ..............................................................................................15
3.5.3 Marine Ecology................................................................................................15
3.5.4 Protected Areas – The Montego Bay Marine Park and Bogue Lagoon Fish
Sanctuary..........................................................................................................20
3.6 MARINE WATER QUALITY ................................................................................22
3.7 NATURAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY............................................................23
3.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.................................................................22
3.8.1 Demographics and Livelihoods........................................................................22
3.8.2 Transportation ..................................................................................................22
3.8.3 Land Use ..........................................................................................................23
3.8.4 Shipping ...........................................................................................................24
3.8.5 Recreation and Marina .....................................................................................24
4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..........................................................................................25

4.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................25
4.2 PROJECT BRIEF ....................................................................................................25
5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION...............................................28

5.1 SITING AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS ...........................................28
5.1.1 Loss of Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat .........................................................28
5.1.2 Modification of Drainage Pattern.....................................................................29
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Sunset Beach Hotel Expansion; EIA
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5.1.3 Erosion of Cleared Areas .................................................................................29

5.1.4 Earth Material Sourcing ...................................................................................30
5.1.5 Materials transportation ...................................................................................30
5.1.6 Materials Storage .............................................................................................31
5.1.7 Air contamination ............................................................................................32
5.1.8 Noise 33
5.1.9 Site sewage and litter management ..................................................................33
5.1.10 Construction Waste Disposal ...........................................................................34
5.1.11 Replanting and landscaping ............................................................................35
5.1.12 Employment/Income Generation .....................................................................35
5.1.13 Worker Housing ...............................................................................................35
5.1.14 Seagrass Removal and Beach Enhancement....................................................36
5.2 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS ...................................................................................37
5.2.1 Sewage Disposal ..............................................................................................37
5.2.2 Water Supply....................................................................................................37
5.2.3 Solid waste disposal .........................................................................................38
5.2.4 Energy Usage ...................................................................................................38
5.3 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS.....................................................................................39
6. OUTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...........................................44
7. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS...........................................................................45
9. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................46
9. PLATES........................................................................................................................50
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Hotel Ltd. intend to expand their hotel at Freeport, Montego Bay, by
adding a new 176-room block on 4.8 ha (12 acres) of land immediately north of the present hotel
(Figure 1.1). This document sets out the findings and recommendations of an environmental impact
assessment (EIA) of the project that has been prepared to meet the requirements of the funding
agency as well as those of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). In the case of
the latter, projects involving the construction of hotel/resort complexes of more than 12 rooms may
be required to submit an EIA as part of the permitting and licencing process.
The proposed development site is located next to the existing Sunset Beach Hotel. This and the
adjacent residential complexes are built on Seawind Island, which is part of land reclaimed in the
1960s (using sea-bottom material) during the dredging and the construction of Montego Harbour.
Final design details and drawings for the hotel’s layout, drainage and sewering systems are
expected to incorporate recommendations made by ESL in an initial site assessment report
prepared in June 2003. The latter document presented an environmental characterization of the
proposed site, identified key environmental matters relevant to the proposed development, and
provided environmental guidelines for final project design. It outlined the key environmental
considerations relevant to the construction phase of the proposed development and provided
environmental guidelines for planners, architects, engineers and contractors involved with the
physical development of the site.
Detailed layout, drainage and sewering plans for the proposed expansion works are still being
adjusted and finalised by the project engineers and were unavailable for detailed review during the
preparation of this EIA report. However, this should not compromise the relevance of the EIA
report.
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Figure 1.1 Sunset Beach Hotel expansion EIA – Study area and site location map.
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1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE
The following TORs for the Sunset Beach Hotel expansion project were adapted from World Bank and
NEPA guidelines.
1. Introduction – Identify the development project to be assessed and explain the executing
arrangements for the environmental assessment.
2. Background Information – Briefly describe the major components of the proposed project, the
implementing agents, along with a brief history of the project and its current status.
3. Study Area – Specify the boundaries of the study area for the assessment as well as any
adjacent or remote areas within the area of influence of the project.
4. Scope of Work – The following tasks will be undertaken:
Task 1. Description of the Proposed Project – Provide a full description of the project and its
existing setting, using plans, maps and graphic aids at appropriate scales. This is to include:
location, general layout (size, capacity, etc.); areas slated for reclamation, pre-construction and
construction activities, operation and maintenance activities, project life span, plans for providing
utilities, waste disposal and other necessary services, and the physical, ecological, demographic,
socio-cultural and institutional settings of the project. Reference will be made to the current
development plans for Montego Bay.
Task 2. Description of the Environment – Assemble, evaluate and present baseline data on the
relevant environmental characteristics of the study area, including the following:
a) Physical environment: coastal features, geology, topography, soils, climate, hydrology,

drainage and storm water runoff, and marine water quality. Existing sources of pollution,
and the extent of contamination relevant to the project area, will be identified.
b) Biological environment: flora, fauna, rare or endangered species, sensitive habitats,
species of commercial importance, and species with potential to become vectors or
nuisances.
c) Socio-cultural environment: present and projected populations, community structures,
land use, current development plans, recreation and public health, public and community
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perceptions and attitudes on the proposed project, and any historical importance of the
area.
Task 3. Legislative and Regulatory Considerations – Describe the pertinent regulations and
standards governing siting and land use control, environmental quality, health and safety,
protection of sensitive areas, protection of endangered species, and tourism.
Task 4. Determination of Potential Impacts – Identify the major issues of environmental concern
and indicate their relative importance to the design of the project. Distinguish construction and
post-construction phase impacts, significant positive and negative impacts, and direct and indirect
impacts. Identify impacts that are cumulative, unavoidable or irreversible. Special attention
should be paid to:
• Vegetation clearance and habitat destruction related to construction activities.

• Existing flora, fauna and coastal resources, tree protection, replanting and landscaping.
• Modification of existing drainage patterns and surface runoff during construction and post-
construction phases.
• Water supply and demand.
• Waste water treatment, use and management.
• Solid waste management during construction and post-construction phases.
• Construction impacts including materials sourcing, transport and storage, building
construction methods, site management, noise, fugitive dust, traffic obstruction, and
employment.
• Resort operations and maintenance; use of energy saving and resource conservation
technology, vehicular traffic generation, and employment.
• Socioeconomic conditions, effects on existing users of the coastal areas, infringement on
rights of stakeholders, community involvement and public perceptions of the project.
• Potential impacts of the development on adjacent property owners.
• Impacts on the Montego Bay Marine Park.
Reference should be made to the extent and quality of the available data and any information
deficiencies and uncertainties associated with the prediction of impacts should be clearly
identified.
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Task 5. Mitigation and Management of Negative Impacts – Recommend feasible and cost
effective measures to prevent or reduce the significant negative impacts to acceptable levels and
present an environmental management plan for the construction phase.
Task 6. Development of a Monitoring Plan – Prepare a plan for monitoring the implementation of
mitigating measures and the impacts of the project during construction.
Task 7. Assist in Inter-Agency Coordination and Public/NGO Participation – Assist in co-

ordinating the environmental assessment with the government agencies and in obtaining the
views of local NGO’s and affected groups. Manage and coordinate the public hearing on the EIA
findings as required by the NEPA permit approval process.
5. Report – The environmental assessment report will be concise and limited to significant
environmental issues. The main text will focus on findings, conclusions and recommended
actions supported by summaries of the data collected and citations for any references used in
interpreting those data. The environmental assessment report will be organized according to the
outline below.
• Executive Summary
• Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
• Description of Proposed Project
• Description of the Environment
• Significant Environmental Impacts
• Impact Mitigation and Environmental Management Plan
• Environmental Monitoring Plan
• Inter-Agency and Public/NGO Involvement
• List of References
1.3 STUDY TEAM
Environmental Solutions Ltd. carried out this EIA, in association with Smith Warner International Ltd.
The multidisciplinary team included local expertise in environmental impact assessment, marine and
coastal ecology, coastal engineering, environmental chemistry, socio-economics and tourism planning.
The team members were:
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Environmental Solutions Limited

• Mr. Peter Reeson, M.Sc. - EIA Specialist
• Mr. David Narinesingh, M.Sc. – Ecologist
• Mrs. Eleanor Jones, M.Sc. – Social Ecologist and Planner
• Mrs. Sharonmae Shirley – Environmental Chemist
Smith Warner International Limited
• Mr. Philip Warner, M.Sc., P. Eng. – Coastal Engineer
1.4 METHODOLOGY
1.4.1 Terrestrial Survey

A simple ‘walk through’ survey of the terrestrial flora and fauna was conducted on 13 May 2003. Tree
species were identified, the presence of rare and endemic plants was determined, and an indication of
biodiversity at the site was obtained.
1.4.2 Marine Survey

Information on the marine environments of a) Montego Bay Harbour, b) River Bay, c) Montego Bay, and
d) offshore of the proposed hotel expansion site were obtained from detailed seagrass bed and coral reef
surveys recently conducted by ESL for the Montego Bay Freeport dredging project (ESL, 2002a).
Seagrass meadows and the coral reefs were assessed by a combination of boat patrolling and exploratory
grab sampling. The Seawind Island fringing reef (Figure 1.1), part of which is found immediately
offshore of the proposed Sunset Beach Hotel expansion site, was assessed by SCUBA diving on 8 May
2002. The information and descriptions obtained from these surveys are summarized and presented in
Section 3.5.3 of this EIA report.
1.4.3 Water Quality Survey

Six marine stations were also occupied on the morning of 8 May 2002 during the above study to measure
background levels of water quality parameters (ESL, 2002a). The parameters measured were: salinity,
pH, temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity (Secchi disc), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological
oxygen demand (BOD5), nitrates, phosphates, total and faecal coliform bacteria. The locations of these
stations are shown on Figure 1.2.
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Samples were collected at a depth of 0.5 m using a small boat. All samples were collected in pre-cleaned
2 litre polyethylene sample bottles and placed on ice. Bacterial samples are collected at the water surface
in sterilized 100 ml glass bottles.
Salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ at all sampling stations using a YSI
Model 57 Salinity/Conductivity/Temperature (SCT) meter and a YSI Model 33 Oxygen meter,
respectively. Measurements were taken at the surface (0.5 m depth) of the water column.
Environmental Solutions Limited Laboratory performed or supervised the analysis of all parameters.
Laboratory analyses used certified methodology, primarily from the text ‘Standard Methods for
Examining Water and Wastewater’. The results of the water quality survey are summarized and presented
in Section 3.6 below.
Supplemental information on water turbidity, offshore of the proposed Sunset Beach Hotel expansion site,
was obtained for a station which was surveyed three times per day between 6 – 10 August, 2002 during
the environmental monitoring of PAJ’s dredging operations (ESL, 2002b). The location of this station -
T7 - is also shown on Figure 1.2.
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Figure 1.2 PAJ Montego Freeport Dredging project - Locations of water quality sampling stations.
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2. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY

FRAMEWORK
The environmental laws and regulations of Jamaica that are relevant to the proposed Sunset Beach Hotel
expansion project are listed and commented upon below.
2.1 LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (1991)

This is the main environmental legislation that relates to the proposed project. This Act establishes the
Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) with primary responsibility for ensuring sustainable
development through the protection and management of the country’s natural resources and the control of
pollution. This is done mainly through an environmental permit and licence system.
The Act gives the Authority power to:

• issue permits to the person responsible for undertaking any enterprise, construction or development of
a prescribed category in a prescribed area [Section 9]. This section, the Prescribed Area Order,
designates all of Jamaica as being within the prescribed area;
• issue licences for discharge of trade or sewage effluent or for construction or modification of any
works for such discharge [Section 12 (1) (a) and (b)];
• request information or documents as the Authority thinks fit [Section 10 (1) (a)];
• request an environmental impact assessment containing such information as may be prescribed
[Section 10 (1) (b)];
• request information on pollution control facilities [Section 17];
• revoke or suspend permits.
The Act also incorporates the earlier Beach Control Act, Wildlife Protection Act and Watersheds Act.
◊ Beach Control Law (1955) and Beach Control Act (1978) (subsequently re-authorized under the
NRCA Act and currently under review)
The regulations of 1978 relate to hotels, commercial and public recreational beaches, regulated beach
activities, care of beaches and rights of license. The Beach Control Act extends only to the foreshore;
while it provides for the designation of protected areas, it does not address the basis for such
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designation, nor does it deal with the management of coastal resources landward or seaward of the
foreshore. The Beach Control Law requires that an application be made for the modification of any
beach/coastline and sets out requirements for the posting of public notices.
◊ Wild Life Protection Act (1945)

Prohibits removal, sale or possession of protected animals, use of dynamite, poisons or other noxious
material to kill or injure fish, prohibits discharge of trade effluent or industrial waste into harbours,
lagoons, estuaries and streams. It authorizes the establishment of Game Sanctuaries and Reserves.
Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act are six species of sea turtles.
Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas) (Prohibition of Categories of Enterprise, Construction and

Development) Order (1996)
The island of Jamaica and the Territorial Sea of Jamaica has been declared as a Prescribed Area. No
person can undertake any enterprise, construction or development of a prescribed description of category
except under and in accordance with a permit.
Natural Resources Conservation (Permits and Licenses) Regulations (1996)

These regulations give effect to the provisions of the Prescribed Areas Order. Hotel/resort complexes of
more than 12 rooms, as well as sewage treatment facilities, are included on the prescribed list.
Natural Resources Conservation (Sewage Effluent) Regulations (Draft)

These regulations, when brought into effect, will cover the discharge of sewage effluent, the operations,
monitoring and reporting mechanism of sewage treatment facilities.
Natural Resources Conservation (Montego Bay Marine Park) (Declaration) Order (1992)
The Montego Bay Marine Park was established in 1992. The Order describes the area and includes a map
with boundaries. This order bans dredging, excavating, discharge of pollutants, littering, use of explosives
and poisons and fishing except under permit, and also allows research and collection for educational and
research purposes under permit.
Fishing Industry (Fish Sanctuaries) Order (1979)

The Fishing Industry Act of 1975 is related to the regulation of the fishing industry and serves to conserve
and manage the fisheries resources by addressing such issues as licensing. Under the 1979 Order fish
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sanctuaries may be declared by the Minister in which no fishing is allowed. The Bogue Islands Lagoon
has been declared as a Fish Sanctuary and this is now incorporated within the boundaries of the Montego
Bay Marine Park.
Water Quality NRCA Act (1990)

The NRCA has primary responsibility for control of pollution in Jamaica’s environment, including
pollution of water. National standards exist for industrial and sewage effluent discharges to rivers and
streams.
Town and Country Planning Act (1958)

Established the Town and Country Planning Authority with responsibility for Development Orders to
control both rural and urban land development, ensure proper sanitary conveniences, co-ordinate building
of roads and other public services. Planning approvals for the project will have to be obtained from the
Town Planning Authority at NEPA.
Quarries Control Act (1983)

This Act repeals the Quarries Act of 1958 and makes provisions for quarry zones and licenses, quarry tax,
enforcement and safety. The proposed project should ensure that any earth materials used for the
proposed expansion of the Sunset Beach Hotel are obtained only from licenced quarries.
2.2 POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
National Policy for the Conservation of Seagrasses (1996)

This policy guides the issuing of licenses, or permits for activities such as dredging, disposal of dredged
material, beach development and effluent disposal, which directly or indirectly affect seagrass
communities. Seagrass meadows occur in the bay beyond the Montego Freeport harbour and along the
shoreline offshore of the Sunset Beach Hotel site. Note is taken of the proposal to remove seagrasses from
in front of the beach at the development site.
Policy for Jamaica’s System of Protected Areas (1997)

The System of Protected Areas is an expression Jamaica’s commitment to protect the environment and its
resources through the protection of parks and protected areas. The policy lists six goals, which include,
economic development, environmental conservation, sustainable use of resources, recreation and public
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education, public participation and financial sustainability. The proposed project is located within the
boundaries of the Montego Bay Marine Park.
Mangrove and Coastal Wetlands Protection - Draft Policy and Regulations (April 1996)
A review of the issues affecting wetlands in Jamaica as well as Government’s role and responsibility.
Five main goals are outlined which include guidelines for wetlands development, cessation of destructive
activities, maintenance of natural diversity, maintenance of wetland function and values and integration of
wetland functions in planning and development. There are no mangrove or coastal wetlands onsite or
within the immediate vicinity of the Sunset Beach Hotel site. Extensive mangrove ecosystems are,
however, associated with the Bogue Lagoon, approximately 2 km southeast of the project site.
Coral Reef Protection and Preservation Policy and Regulation (Draft - 1996)
This document reviews the ecological and socio-economic functions of coral reefs, issues affecting coral
reefs and Government’s role and responsibility. Five main goals are outlined which include reduction of
pollutants, reduction of over-harvesting of reef fish, reduction of physical damage from recreational
activities, improving the response capability to oil spills, and control of coastal zone developments. The
proposed hotel expansion project must endeavour to ensure that its onsite and shoreline reclamation
activities do not threaten or harm the coral reefs around Montego Bay and Seawind Island.
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3. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA
3.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY
The proposed development site is located next to the existing Sunset Beach Hotel. This and the
neighbouring residential complexes are built on Seawind Island, part of the land reclaimed in the 1960s
using sea-bottom material dredged during the construction of Montego Harbour. During this process,
several of the original mangrove-covered Bogue Islands were linked and connected to the mainland. The
whole area is now referred to as Montego Freeport. Land filling and the destruction of mangrove forests
caused considerable ecological perturbation to the marine environment at Bogue and radically changed
the pattern of water flow around the islands. Further ecological damage was done during dredging of the
channel to Montego Harbour in the early 1990s when coral reefs at the NE end of Seawind Island were
removed. Maintenance dredging of the harbour was carried out later in 2002, apparently without any
significant impact to the environment.
The proposed site for expansion of Sunset Beach Hotel is flat with mean elevations of approximately 1.5
m (not exceeding 2 m) above sea level (Plates 1 & 2). The site is fronted by a white sand beach (Plates 3
& 4) with a length of approximately 244 m (800 ft). Groynes at either end anchor the sand and the beach
is currently reserved for nudists. Shallow waters, less than 3 m (10 ft) deep, extend seaward for about 20
m and the sea floor is covered with dense meadows of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) with bare sand
patches found close to the shoreline. A fringing reef runs parallel to the shore.
Generally, the site is fairly well protected from the prevailing NE Trades but is very exposed to storm
events and annual “cold fronts” coming from the N or NW during the winter season. The hotel operators
report a continuing problem of sand erosion from the beach.
3.2 GEOLOGY AND LITHOLOGY
The coastal area of Montego Bay (inclusive of Montego Bay City) is situated on a coastal limestone
platform which forms part of the Pleistocene raised reefal limestone formations generally found exposed
along large sections of the north coast of Jamaica. Thin layers of marine calcareous sand and silty sand
deposits, less than 35 cm (14 in.) in depth, tend to overlie this coastal limestone platform.
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As noted before, the site itself is made up of dredged marine sediments, which are carbonate-rich. The
soil is sandy/coralline in texture with little clay/loam content. It is therefore very pervious and has a low
erosion potential.
3.3 METEOROLOGY
Montego Bay has a subtropical to tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 20oC to 27oC, in the
winter, and 30oC to 32oC, in the summer. Mean annual rainfall is in the order of 1371.6 mm with two
distinct rainy seasons between May - June and September – November. Mean monthly rainfall varies
from 45 mm in March to 184.4 mm in October. Relative humidity values range between 66% and 87%.
Winds impacting Montego Bay are predominantly from the E and ENE throughout the greater part of the
year. Some seasonal changes occur within this pattern as a result of the relative position of the sun and the
earth’s surface. In general, these seasonal changes in the annual wind regime may be described as
follows:
• December to February: winds are primarily from the NE to ENE.
• March to May: winds are mainly from the East.
• June to August: winds are primarily from the E to ESE.
• September to November: winds are mainly from the E to SE.
Mean wind speed at Donald Sangster International Airport is typically 9 m/s (17 knots) and maximum
sustained winds speeds are generally between 5 m/s (10 knots) and 12 m/s (25 knots) (ESL, 2002a).
3.4 HYDROLOGY
There is no standing water and no defined surface water drainage features on the site. Most of the rainfall
that falls on the site percolates through the pervious soils.
3.5 ECOLOGY
3.5.1 Terrestrial Vegetation

The undeveloped sections of Montego Freeport/Seawind Island are covered by opportunistic plants in the
form of various types of trees and shrubs that are tolerant of the marine air environment and poor soils.
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The vegetation community at the site is best described as ruinate grassland. Approximately 85% - 90% of
the site was covered by grasses or bare ground (see Plates 1 & 2). The remaining 10% - 15% of the site
was covered by Willow (Casuarina equisetifolia) and Almond (Terminalia cattapa) trees. The canopy
was open and the grassy undergrowth was dominated by Sporobolus indicus.
3.5.2 Terrestrial Fauna

Given the very disturbed and open nature of the existing vegetation and terrestrial habitat on the site, there
is very little fauna of any ecological significance to be seen. No birds were noted during the brief site
visit.
3.5.3 Marine Ecology

Turtle grass (T. testudinum) meadows are found along the northwestern and western (windward) sides of
Seawind Island, i.e. along the shoreline of the proposed Sunset Beach Hotel expansion site (Sullivan and
Chiappone, 1994) and Donovan Rose & Associates, 1991). The presence of these seagrass beds was
confirmed during the present site visit although it was noted that the area of turtle grass does not
appreciably extend in a SW direction beyond this area.
A shallow protective fringing reef is located along the northern, northwestern and western shorelines of
Seawind Island, along the shoreline of the Sunset Beach Hotel (refer to Figure 1.1). This fringing reef is
the closest coral reef to the project site and the reef ecosystem most at risk to poor water quality caused by
poorly mitigated activities associated with the proposed hotel expansion works, particularly activities
which could generate turbidity in the water column.
Substrate composition on the reef is summarised at Table 3.5.1, and the algal species, observed during the
earlier SCUBA survey, are listed in Table 3.5.2. Coral, fish and invertebrate species, observed on the
Seawind Island fringing reef are listed respectively in Tables 3.5.3, 3.5.4, & 3.5.5.
Massive Starlet Coral (Siderastrea siderea), Lettuce Coral (Agaricia agaricites), Yellow Pencil Coral
(Madracis mirabilis) and Symmetrical Brain Coral (Diplora strigosa) were the dominant stony coral
species in the fore reef environment; while colonies of Blade Fire Coral (Millepora complanata) and
Corky Sea Finger (Briareum asbestinum) were the frequent and dominant soft coral species on the reef.
Turf and macrophytic algae accounted for 60% of substrate cover. Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata)
were conspicuously absent, although one or two individuals of Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis)
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were observed during the dive. Overall, the fringing reef is presently dominated by algal growth, under
stress and is in poor to moderate condition. It is, however, showing some signs of recovery and every
effort should therefore be made to promote its recovery and mitigate against worsening its condition by
means of further eutrophication, siltation and generally declined water quality (ESL, 2002a).
Table 3.5.1 Summary of substrate composition on the Seawind Island fringing reef.
COVER/SUBSTRATE TYPE* % COMPOSITION
Seagrass 0
Algae 60
Coral (living) 15
Macro fauna 3
Sponges 2
COVER/SUBSTRATE TYPE CODE*:
SEAGRASS - ‘r’ species or climax communities

ALGAE - turf or macrophytic
CORAL - branching, boulder or encrusting
MACRO FAUNA - other cnidarians,e.g.gorgonians,anemones or zoanthids
SPONGE - fleshy, boring or encrusting
BASE SUBSTRATE - bare rock, rubble, sand or mud
Table 3.5.2 Marine algal species observed on the Seawind Island fringing reef.
CLASSIFICATION/SPECIES
Green Algae (Chlorophyta) Brown Algae (Phaeophyta) Red Algae(Rhodophyta)
Ventricaria ventricosa Dictyota divaricata Amphiroa rigida

Penicillus dumetosus Amphiroa tribulus
Halimeda tuna
Table 3.5.3 List of the stony and soft coral species observed on the Seawind Island fringing reef.
FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT & BEHAVIOR DAFOR
Stony Coral
Size: Colony usually 1 ft. - 8 ft.
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Acroporidae Acropora cervicornis Staghorn Coral Depth: 1 - 160 ft. Most common R
between 10 - 60 ft.
Prefer shallow to intermediate depths in
clear, calm water. Most common on
reefs, but colonies may grow separately
on open clean sand areas. Rapidly
growing coral, under optimum
conditions can grow five to six inches
per year.
Agariciidae Agaricia agaricites Lettuce Coral Size: Colony usually 4 in. - 3 ft. A,F
Depth: Usually 3 - 240 ft
Inhabit most marine environments from
mangroves and back ref areas to outer
reefs and walls.
Faviidae Diplora strigosa Symmetrical Brain Size: Colony usually 6 in. - 6ft. O,F
Coral Depth: 3 - 130ft. Most common
between 2 - 40 ft.
Inhabit many marine environments.
Pocilloporidae Madracis mirabilis Yellow Pencil Size: Colony usually 5 in. - 4 ft. F
Coral Depth: Usually 3 - 190 ft
Generally inhabit deeper, clear water,
outer reefs. Occasionally in shallower
water with some sedimentation and
water movement.
Poritidae Porites astreoides Mustard Hill Coral Size: Colony usually 6 in. - 2 ft. O
Depth: Usually 3 - 160 ft. Most
common between 15 - 80 ft.
Inhabit all reef environments.
Siderastreidae Siderastrea radians Lesser Starlet Size: Colony usually 4 in. - 12 in. O
Coral Depth: Usually 0 - 90 ft (rarely below
30 ft)
Inhabit flat rocky/sandy substrates, most
common from low tide line to 20 ft. Can
tolerate surge sandy & silty conditions.
Siderastreidae Siderastrea sidereal Massive Starlet Size: Colony usually 1 ft. - 6 ft. F
Coral Depth: Usually 2 - 220 ft
Tend to inhabit shallow to moderate
reefs between 25-45 ft. Prefer clear
water. Usually deeper than similar
Lesser Starlet Coral.
Fire Corals –
Hydrocorals
Milleporina Millepora Blade Fire Coral Size: Colony usually 1 in. - 18 in. O
complanata Depth: Usually 0 - 45 ft
Inhabit shallow water reef tops. Usually
in areas with some water movement;
most common in areas with constant
surge.
Gorgonians –
Octocorals
Briareidae Briareum asbestinum Corky Sea Finger Size: Colony height - 24 in. O
Inhabit most reef environments,
especially shallow fringing, patch and
back reef areas. Abundant to common in
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the Caribbean.
Gorgoniidae Gorgonia flabellum Venus Sea Fan Size: Colony height 2 - 3 ft. R
Prefer clear water with some movement.
Commonly inhabit the seaward side of
shallow reef slopes and patch reefs.
Only occasionally on reefs and along
the lips of drop-offs deeper than 35 ft.
In the Caribbean often inhabit shallow
back reef areas.
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Table 3.5.4 List of the fish species observed on the Seawind Island fringing reef.
FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT & BEHAVIOR ABUND-

ANCE
Acanthuridae Acanthurus bahianus Ocean Surgeonfish Size: 6 - 12 in ., max. 15 in. F

Inhabit reefs. May swim in loose
aggregations that can include Blue
Tangs and look-alike Doctorfish.
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Foureye Size: 3 - 4 in ., max. 6 in. F
capistratus Butterflyfish Depth: Usually 10 - 60 ft
Flit about reef tops; often in pairs.
Common to occasional in the
Caribbean.
Holocentridae Holocentrus rufus Longspine Size:5 - 10 in ., max. 12 in. F
Squirrelfish Depth: Usually 4 - 100 ft
During the day, drift inconspicuously in
shaded areas near bottom.
Labridae Thalassoma Bluehead Wrasse Size: 4 - 5 in ., max. 6 in. F
bifasciatum Depth: Usually 6 - 80 ft
Usually inhabits most reefs
environments. May act as cleaners,
removing parasites and debris from
larger fish. Often swims in schools.
Pomacentridae Abudefduf saxatilis Sergeant Major Size: 4 - 6 in ., max. 7 in. F
Depth: 1 - 40 ft
Swim in all habitats, most often in
midwater. Usually in loose
aggregations.
Pomacentridae Chromis cyanea Blue Chromis Size: 3 - 4 in ., max. 5 in. F
Depth: 35 - 80 ft
Swim in midwater above reefs, feeding
on plankton
Pomacentridae Stegastes fuscus Dusky Damsel Size: 3 - 5 in ., max. 6 in. F
Depth: 5 - 40 ft
Inhabit rocky areas. Territorial;
pugnaciously chasing away intruders
Serranidae Hypoplectrus indigo Indigo Hamlet Size: 3 - 4 in., max. 5 in. F
Swim about reefs, near bottom. Rare to
occasional in the Caribbean.
Serranidae Hypoplectrus puella Barred Hamlet Size: 3 - 4 in., max. 6 in. F
Swim about reefs, near bottom.
Common in the Caribbean.
ABUNDANCE CODE:
S - Single - One (1) sighting
F - Few - Two (2) to ten (10) sightings
M - Many - Eleven (11) to one hundred (100) sightings
A - Abundant - Over one hundred (100) sightings
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Table 3.5.5 List of the invertebrate species on the Seawind Island fringing reef.
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT & BEHAVIOR ABUND-

ANCE
Anemones
Condylactis gigantean Giant Anemone Size: 6 -12 in. across tentacles & body S
Depth: 15 - 100 ft
Inhabit reef and lagoonal areas
Crustaceans
Panulirus argus Spiny Lobster Size: 6 - 10 in. Max. 2 ft. S
Depth: 15 - 60 ft
Inhabit reefs.
Feather Duster Worms
Bispira brunnea Social Feather Duster Size: Crown - 1 in. F
Depth: 15 - 60 ft
Inhabit reefs. Prefer areas with some water
movement.
Porifera- Demospongiae
Cinachyra sp. Orange Ball Sponge Size: 4 - 6 in. F
Inhabit protected areas of coral reef.
Common in the Caribbean.
Zoanthids
Zoanthus pulchellus Mat Zoanthid Size: Disc - in. F
Depth: 20 - 60 ft
Inhabit reef tops.
ABUNDANCE CODE:
S - Single - One (1) sighting

F - Few - Two (2) to ten (10) sightings
M - Many - Eleven (11) to one hundred (100) sightings
A - Abundant - Over one hundred (100) sightings
3.5.4 Protected Areas – The Montego Bay Marine Park and Bogue Lagoon Fish Sanctuary
The new and expanded MBMP (formerly the Cornwall Beach Marine Park of the early 1970s) was
established in 1989 under the Protected Areas Resource Conservation (PARC) Project, and was officially
opened on 23 July 1992. It covers an approximate area of 15.3 km2, which extends from the shoreline
mean high tide mark to the 100 m depth contour, and encompasses 9 km of coastline extending from the
Donald Sangster International Airport to just east of Great River. Montego Bay, Montego Bay Harbour
and Seawind Island all lie within the boundaries of the MBMP (see Figure 3.1).
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Figure 3.1 Map showing MBMP boundaries and sub-zones.
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The Bogue Lagoon, situated adjacent to and south of Montego Freeport, is also a declared protection
area. It is currently zoned as a fish sanctuary (under the MBMP legislation), because of its extensive
mangrove ecosystem, which functions as a fish nursery and feeding ground.
3.6 MARINE WATER QUALITY
The results of the ESL (2002a) water quality sampling exercise are presented in Table 3.6.1. The water
quality at all the stations sampled, with the exception of Station 5, appeared to be quite good and typical
of Jamaican coastal waters.
Table 3.6.1 Marine surface water quality measurements taken at Montego Bay on 8 May 2002.
Stations NEPA
Parameters 1 2 3 4 5 6 Standard
PH 8.0 8.1 8.1 8.1 8.0 8.1 7.0-8.4
Temperature (oC) 28.3 28.0 28.0 28.2 28.8 28.1 <32
Transparency* (m) 2.70 1.85 4.84 3.10 1.29 8.51 N/A
(Bottom)
Salinity (ppt) 35.3 35.4 35.3 35.1 30.9 35.3 N/A
DO (mg/l) 6.31 6.24 6.36 6.48 6.63 6.46 4.5-6.8
BOD (mg/l) 1 1 0 1 4 0 0,57-1.16
TSS (mg/l) 1.83 1.81 1.16 1.97 2.14 1.02 10
Nitrate (mg/l) 0.105 0.062 0.031 0.143 0.464 0.186 0.001-0.081
Phosphate (mg/l) 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.16 0.00 0.001-0.055
Total coliform (MPN/100ml) 3 <3 <3 <3 1100 <3 48-256
Faecal coliform (MPN/100ml) <3 <3 <3 <3 240 <3 <2-13
* Secchi disk diameter = 33cm
The water was well oxygenated with acceptable BOD levels. Nitrate levels slightly exceeded NEPA
standards at Stations 1 & 6 but phosphates were within standard. The levels of total and faecal coliform
bacteria were also acceptable (ESL, 2002a). Water samples were not collected outside Montego Harbour,
Montego Bay or River Bay during the ESL (2002a) water quality survey. Water quality offshore of
Seawind Island and the proposed Sunset Beach Hotel expansion site, however, is likely to be similar to
Station 6 of the ESL (2002a); if not better.
The lowered salinity value at Station 5 suggests that this area is affected by freshwater outflow from the
Montego River. Bacterial, BOD, phosphate and nitrate levels were also elevated, suggesting that (a) this
station is being negatively impacted by contaminated river waters, and (b) outflows from the Montego
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River could be having a very deleterious effect on water quality in the bay during periods of heavy
rainfall (ESL, 2002a).
During environmental monitoring of the 2002 dredging works, turbidity values at Station T7 (i.e. offshore
of the proposed hotel expansion site) ranged between 0.46 NTU and 3.36 NTU. A post-dredge survey
conducted one week after the cessation of dredging indicated that water turbidity at T7 was typically 0.40
NTU (ESL, 2002b).
In summary, the findings of recent (ESL 2002a, ESL 2002b) water quality surveys suggest that the
marine water quality offshore of the proposed Sunset Beach Hotel expansion site is good in regards to
total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD5),
nitrates, phosphates, total and faecal coliform bacteria.
3.7 NATURAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY
Montego Bay is prone to hurricane force winds, storm surges, earthquakes and flooding from storm
events of varying intensity. A hindcast analysis of storm waves was carried out, using the program
HURWave, in order to explore design criteria and storm surge conditions at Montego Bay. Design criteria
are presented in Appendix 1.
For hurricane and storm surge analyses a deep-water location was selected (>200m water depth) with
coordinates 18o30’ latitude and 77o57’ longitude. For this point, the storm tracks that passed within a 400
km radius were extracted from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) historical
database of tropical cyclones. The full database of tropical cyclones extending back to 1900 was utilized
for this investigation.
For the 103-year period investigated, 126 storms have come within 400 km of Montego Bay. Of this
number, 52 were classified as hurricanes. The categories are divided according to the Saffir-Simpson
Scale, given in Table 3.7.1 following. Almost half of these storms were Category 1 hurricanes and six
were Category 4’s. One storm, Allen in 1980, was a Category 5, the highest category.
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Table 3.7.1 Categorization of Tropical storms and hurricanes passing within 400 km of
Montego Bay. (Using the Saffir-Simpson Intensity Scale. 1 minute maximum
sustained near surface wind speed)
Storm Category
Units Tropical Hurricane Categories
Storm 1 2 3 4 5
Knots <64 64-83 84-95 96-113 114-135 >135
Km/hr <119 119-154 155-178 179-210 211-250 >250
m/s <33 33-43 44-49 50-58 59-70 >70
Number within
400 km of 74 24 10 11 6 1
Montego Bay
Figure 3.2 below shows the distribution of storm intensities over the past 103 years for tropical storms
and hurricanes passing within 400 km of Montego Bay.
Figure 3.2 Distribution of Tropical Storms (Category 0) and Hurricanes (Category 1-5)
passing within 400km of Montego Bay over the period 1900-2002.
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Figure 3.3 following, shows the tracks of those storms classified as Category 3 or greater that passed
within this 400 km radius between 1900 and 2002.
Figure 3.3 Tracks of Intense Hurricanes (Categories 3-5) to have Passed within 400km of
Montego Bay.
These storm tracks show the typical west to northwesterly tracks of Atlantic storms, although many of the
storms have slow looping tracks in the vicinity of Jamaica.
Storm surge consists of the anticipated sea level rise due to the passage of tropical storms and hurricanes,
but must also consider the effects of normal tidal variations and any long-term sea level changes. Tides in
Montego Bay were not measured as part of this assignment. However, as part of an on-going R&D
project tide, current and wave measurements are being made at Montego Bay. The tide measurements
made earlier in 2003 are shown in the following figure and indicate a maximum range of 0.50 metres,
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with an average range of 0.30 metres. The range above MSL would therefore be half of this, or 0.15
metres.
16.0
15.8
15.6
15.4
15.2
15.0
Feb 4, 2003 Feb 11, 2003 Feb 18, 2003 Feb 25, 2003 Mar 4, 2003 Mar 11, 2003 Mar 18, 2003
Figure 3.4 Tidal Measurements in Montego Bay.
Long-term sea level rise should also be considered in the assessment of storm surge risk. In the absence
of local, site-specific data, a recommended value of 5mm per year has been proposed by UNEP. For
infrastructure works such as a hotel development, a 50-year design horizon should be considered,
resulting in an increase in the water level of 0.25 metres.
When defining storm surge, it is usual to select a datum from which to present the results. Existing
topographic data for this site is referenced to Mean Sea Level (MSL) datum as is the bathymetric data.
The storm surge elevations that have been computed are referenced to the mean sea level. There can be
discrepancies between the MSL datum and the actual mean sea level due to a variety of factors, including
the effects of global warming.
Storm surge resulting from the passage of a tropical storm consists of several components that are detailed
in Table 3.7.2 following.
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Table 3.7.2 Storm Surge components.
Component Definition Time scale

Inverse barometric rise The low pressure in the “eye” of the hurricane 1 – 4 hours
compared with surrounding pressure elevates the
water level within the hurricane.
Wind set-up As the wind pushes water onshore, the water 1 – 4 hours
surface becomes tilted to balance the wind stress.
Wave set-up As waves break nearshore, the forward motion of Duration of high
wave energy halts and is balanced by an increase in seas
the mean sea level.
Wave Run-up (not As waves reach the shoreline the remaining wave 10-15 seconds
part of the quasi-static energy runs up the shore.
storm surge)
Inverse barometric rise and the hurricane wave conditions for different wave periods have been computed
by the program HURWave.
An analysis of the occurrence of inverse barometric rise was also conducted using HurWAVE. Following
a similar procedure to wave heights, the storm surge component caused by the lower atmospheric pressure
within the eye of a tropical storm was evaluated on a historical - statistical basis. The following plot
(Figure 3.5) shows the statistical fit, and Table 3.7.3 shows the resulting IBR values for different return
periods.
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Figure 3.5 Statistical Fit of Maximum IBR for Tropical Storms

passing with 400 km of Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Table 3.7.3 Inverse Barometric Rise
Return Period IBR (m) Standard IBR (95th %) Encounter

(years) Deviation (m) Probability (%)
in 50 years
2 0.00 0.04 0.04 100.0
5 0.09 0.07 0.15 100.0
10 0.19 0.11 0.24 99.5
20 0.29 0.14 0.34 92.3
25 0.32 0.16 0.37 87.0
50 0.43 0.20 0.49 63.6
100 0.55 0.24 0.60 39.5
Correlation = 0.989 for Weibull Distribution; K=0.75
The above wave conditions were then combined with the existing seabed information to determine the
variation of wave heights from deep water to the shoreline. The complex process of wave shoaling,
refraction and breaking requires a computer model. In this case, the most appropriate computer model
was found to be sBEACH. The following plot (Figure 3.6) is a typical output from sBEACH and shows
the seabed profile and the reduction in wave height as well as the increase in mean water level.
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Seabed
Water Level
Wave Height
Figure 3.6 Typical output from sBEACH.
Table 3.7.4 below outlines the results from this wave transformation procedure and provides the design
storm surge levels.
Table 3.7.4 Storm Surge Levels (relative to MSL), Excluding Wave Run-up.
Storm Surge Component Return Period (Years)

25 50 100
High tide 0.15 0.15 0.15
Global Sea level rise 0.25 0.25 0.25
Inverse Barometric 0.32 0.43 0.55
Wind and wave set-up 1.67 2.00 2.33
Total 2.39 2.83 3.28
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The values quoted in the above table do not consider wave run-up. This is normally dependant on the
characteristics of the surface that is exposed to wave run-up. For example, a gentle sloping beach would
have a different run-up height than a sloped revetment. In addition, it may not be practical to site
infrastructure away from the highest run-up, but it may be feasible to design facilities to withstand the
run-up forces. For this reason, the following Table 3.7.5 outlines the maximum wave run-up height and
the wave forces that would be expected if no run-up were allowed.
Table 3.7.5 Wave run-up heights (m) and forces (kg/m).
Storm Surge Component Return Period (Years)

25 50 100
Nearshore Wave (m) 0.76 1.05 1.30
Run-up height (m) above storm surge height
Wave Forces (kg/m) with no run-up.
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3.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
3.8.1 Demographics and Livelihoods

The Greater Montego Bay Area (GMBA) continues to be a rapidly growing urban center which has
a current population conservatively estimated at 140,000. It is estimated that the 2% annual growth
rate experienced during the 1981-1991 inter-censal period has continued, if not accelerated. The
fast growing informal communities, which characterize the city, perhaps accommodate more
persons than was reflected in the census. It is noteworthy that population increased by more than
100% during the inter-censal period in settlements such as inter alia Bogue, Montego River, Rose
Mount, Tucker, and Fairfield. Some inner city communities and peripheral areas experienced
decline, but significant population movement took place within the GMBA, especially into the
informal communities.
The age structure of the GMBA indicates large 0-19 and 19-30 cohorts which means a relatively
large and growing labour force, but also a high demand for social support systems – educational
institutions, recreational facilities, day care centers and housing. The labour force is estimated to
be 65,000, based on an estimated 47% labour force to population ratio (GMRC, 1997). The
male/female ratio for the Montego Bay area is 0.92. This compares with 0.959 for the entire parish
of St. James and 0.958 for Jamaica.
An interesting analysis of weekday population in the Central Business District (CBD) of Montego
Bay revealed a total of 214,000 persons with commuter inflow accounting for approximately 28%,
residents 65% and tourists 7%. It has been suggested that by the year 2014, the weekday population
of Montego Bay will be approximately 10% the population of Jamaica, up from 4.5% in 1991
(GMRC, 1997). The Freeport Area accommodates approximately 500 residents and a commuting
population of approximately 5,000. The implications for the proposed project relate to the need for
minimum disruption to transportation and traffic flow between the Freeport and GMBA. Traffic is
a major constraint to mobility within the GMBA, as the roads quickly become choked particularly
during peak hours.
3.8.2 Transportation
As a regional center and major tourist destination, the city of Montego Bay has a number of
transportation modes:
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1. The public transit system is characterized by both a formal and informal system of ‘taxis’.
These taxis range from registered minibuses and cars to unregistered cars. Buses and
minibuses commute between outlying districts within the city as well as between parishes.
The public transport system is inadequate and the problem is exacerbated by the need to
meet the significant demand of work force commuters who travel within the GMBA as
well as from the neighbouring parishes.
2. A primary and secondary road network facilitates movement of private and commercial
vehicular traffic throughout the city and from surrounding settlements.
The Freeport is well connected by road to the city of Montego Bay. Howard Cooke Boulevard and
Alice Eldemire Drive are the main roads connecting to the north and west respectively, and work to
dualize both these arteries is now underway. Construction will further hamper free movement of
traffic, but the completed project is not expected to add to the problem. A proposal for a bypass
road is also under active consideration and it is anticipated that the current traffic gridlocks will be
alleviated by the on-going and proposed road improvements. The road network within the Freeport
is well developed, but some road surfaces need to be upgraded.
3.8.3 Land Use

The Sunset Beach Hotel site is part of an area zoned for resort/residential development.
The Montego Freeport Area is the single most significant economic enclave in the city of Montego
Bay. It is unique in that it houses a commercial shipping port and a 95-acre free zone industrial
estate, along with a cruise ship port. Significant residential/resort complexes, the Montego Bay
Yacht Club, and fuel farms add to the diversity of land use.
The area was created to provide expanded port facilities for the city of Montego Bay, and to
accommodate export industry, a hotel, townhouses and apartments, as well as commercial and
service enterprise. Sunset Beach Resort, with 420 rooms, is the main tourism facility and the
clusters of apartments/condominiums include The Lagoons (105 units), Ocean Pines (40-60 units),
Seawind on the Bay (104 units), Anchorage (12 3-bedroom units) and Bay Pointe (53 units).
Tourism is the economic base of Montego Bay, which has been described as an urban resort. Urban
services and employment augment the tourism base, and light manufacturing and export industry
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now occur in the Bogue/Reading and Montego Freeport Area respectively. At Montego Freeport
there are currently five factories as well as hotel suppliers, commercial and service enterprises,
offices, warehousing, a rice mill and petroleum storage facilities. Recent closures in garment
manufacturing plants in the Freeport Area have added to the pool of unemployed and the economic
fallout being experienced in the city, but commerce and wholesale activities along with port
services have increased.
3.8.4 Shipping
Shipping and port facilities constitute the major land use within the Freeport Area. Montego Bay
receives 250 – 350 ships calls per year, including two regularly scheduled cargo vessels per week
and one hundred and fifty cruise vessels per year.
3.8.5 Recreation and Marina

The quality of coastal waters and beaches is significant to the resort based economy of Montego
Bay. Diving and recreational boating are major activities. The Montego Yacht Club operates a
small marina in the Freeport harbour and accommodates about 60 boats including four residential
units, pleasure yachts and a catamaran. The bay facilitates small boat anchoring and serves as an
important hurricane refuge (safe haven) for boats from along the north coast.
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4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Final design details and drawings for the hotel’s layout, drainage and sewering systems are not yet
completed but are expected to incorporate recommendations made in the initial site assessment
report (ESL, 2003). The latter document presented an environmental characterization of the
proposed site, identified key environmental matters relevant to the proposed development, and
provided environmental guidelines for final project design. It outlined the key environmental
considerations relevant to the construction phase of the proposed development and provided
environmental guidelines for use by planners, architects, engineers and contractors involved with
the physical development of the site.
This section therefore describes in outline the main infrastructural features of the development, and
assumes that the final plans will eventually be submitted to the relevant government agencies, for
review and approval, as they become available.
4.2 PROJECT BRIEF
Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Hotel Ltd. intend to expand its hotel at Freeport, Montego Bay, by
adding a new 176-room complex on 4.8 ha (12 acres) of land immediately north of the present
hotel. The proposed development site is located next to the existing Sunset Beach Hotel. A site
layout plan is provided in the pocket inside the back cover. This development is part of a larger
upgrading and refurbishment project being carried out at the property, which is not considered in
this EIA. The project is estimated to be completed by February 2005. A detailed construction
schedule is not available.
The most critical environmental issues and recommendations have been identified and conveyed to
the project management team. These were related to site drainage, construction works
management, landscaping, marine resources protection and employee housing. With the
incorporation and implementation of the recommendations and mitigative measures detailed in the
site assessment report, together with those detailed within this EIA report, the proposed project is
not expected to have any long-term adverse negative impacts on the infrastructure and the
ecological and social environments of Montego Freeport and Montego Bay.
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Construction of the hotel will result in the loss of some, if not most, of the existing trees on the site.
However, landscaping of the site (after building completion) can restore a wooded appearance to
the site and can be expected to enhance its visual and ecological qualities through the introduction
of local, non-invasive, low maintenance, coastal tree and vegetation species which attract birds.
Building height will vary between 2 to 5 stories. The irrigation system for the grounds at the hotel
is expected to use recycled water.
Sewage generated by the hotel will be discharged to the National Water Commission’s (NWC’s)
sewage mains running along the road in front of the site and will be treated at the STP at Bogue.
There will therefore be no on-site disposal of sewage and complete connectivity to the NWC
sewage collection and treatment system will be ensured. Issues related to sewage discharges to
coastal waters at the site therefore do not arise.
It is estimated that the incremental demand for water induced by the development will be
approximately 300 m3/day (80,000 gpd). Water will be supplied from existing NWC mains along
Southern Cross Boulevard and the additional demand should be well within the capacity of the
current NWC system. This will be confirmed in writing by NWC.
The proposed onsite drainage system for the expanded hotel will ensure that surface freshwater
runoff does not cross over the beach or enter the marine environment offshore of the hotel site. The
project engineers are investigating the option of maximising rainfall storage on land and reusing it
for grounds irrigation. If and where sea discharge of runoff is necessary, it would be done away
from coral reef areas to minimize any adverse effects on the marine biota.
The hotel is expected to continue with its present contracted waste collection arrangements and
final disposal of solid waste will therefore be at the Retirement dump. It is expected that garbage
management and good housekeeping will be practiced on the site.
Electricity for the hotel will be supplied by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo.) Ltd.
from the existing electrical mains along Southern Cross Boulevard and the additional demand
should be well within the capacity of the current system. This will be confirmed in writing by
JPSCo. A standby generator is being considered for use during power cuts.
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The present hotel operators report a continuing problem of sand erosion from the beach to the south
of the expansion site, which is not entirely surprising given the fact that the beach is artificial and
was created after the filling of the original mangrove island (see Section 3.1). Mitigative measures
for controlling this erosion would be the subject of a separate study. There are currently no plans to
attempt any enhancement of the bathing beach fronting the expansion site.
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5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
Potential positive and adverse environmental impacts, associated with the hotel expansion project,
could arise during the construction and the operation phases. These impacts are discussed below
under those two major categories of project activities. For ease of discussion and presentation, the
corresponding impact mitigation measures are presented after the discussion of each impact. A
summary of the impacts is given in Table 5.3.1.
5.1 SITING AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS
5.1.1 Loss of Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat

Construction of the hotel will essentially entail the removal and loss of some, if not most, of the
existing trees and underlying grassland at the project site, and the permanent erection of block and
steel concrete structures associated with the hotel’s new infrastructure. This would constitute a loss
of alternative land use, an irreversible commitment of land resources, and thus a direct long-term
impact.
The site was not extensively or heavily vegetated prior to construction and did not support any
significant ecological habitats or fauna. Therefore, the impacts from erecting the new buildings are
considered to be not significant in terms of habitat loss. Impact mitigation is not required during the
construction phase.
Landscaping of the site, after building completion (see Section 5.1.8), will see the introduction of
plants and trees that should offset any negative impacts associated with the removal and loss of
existing trees at the project site. The numbers and types of vegetation to be introduced during the
landscaping exercise are expected to be greater and more diverse than presently obtains and these
are expected to play a greater role in terms adding ecological value and attracting birds and other
terrestrial fauna during the operational phase of the project, apart from being more pleasing
aesthetically.
Mitigation:
N/A
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5.1.2 Modification of Drainage Pattern

The overall flat topography of the project site will be dramatically changed by the erection of 2 to 5
storey buildings and this will significantly change the existing pattern of surface drainage. Mainly,
the impact will arise from the creation of impermeable surfaces (roofs, pavements, etc.) and the
corresponding reduction in the amount percolation in the soil and capacity of the site to absorb
rainfall.
As a normal part of the EIA review process, plans of the proposed onsite drainage system must be
submitted to NEPA for review and approval. These were unavailable for review at the time of
preparation of the EIA report. They should demonstrate the adequacy of the proposed drainage
system to effectively contain surface runoff, prevent local flooding, and facilitate discharge to the
ground. The drainage design should also seek to avoid discharge of surface runoff directly across
the face of the beach. For the time being it is assumed that there will be no adverse impacts related
to modification of site surface drainage.
Mitigation:
N/A
Recommended that:
• Rainfall storage be maximized and the water used for grounds irrigation.
• If and where sea discharge of runoff is necessary, it should be done away from coral reef areas
where reduced salinities may have adverse negative effects on the biota.
5.1.3 Erosion of Cleared Areas

Vegetation clearance and excavation works related to construction of the hotel will expose soils in
the affected areas which could leave them vulnerable to erosion by surface run-off and create the
threat of water turbidity and sediment deposition in drains, coastal waters and nearshore coral reefs.
The flat topography of the site and the pervious nature of the soils would help to reduce erosive
surface flows and the potential situation should exist only for the duration of the construction
works (approx. 15 months) before landscaping and drainage works reduce the susceptibility to soil
erosion. There are no other significant surface features such as gullies, streams or rivers in close
proximity to the site that could be affected by soil erosion.
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Mitigation:
• Where possible, phase the site clearance exercise so as to reduce the amount of exposed soil at
any given time.
• Deliberately re-cover exposed soils with grass and other appropriate species as soon as
possible.
• Temporarily bund exposed soil and redirect flows from heavy runoff areas that threaten to
erode or result in substantial surface runoff to adjacent marine waters.
• Monitor areas of exposed soil during periods of heavy rainfall throughout the construction
phase of the project
5.1.4 Earth Material Sourcing

Earth materials needed for construction (e.g. marl, sand) are normally obtained from quarry and
mining operations. Conscious or unwitting purchases of these materials from illegal operations
indirectly supports, encourages and promotes environmental degradation at the illegal quarry sites
across the island causing medium- to long-term negative impacts at source.
Mitigation:
• Earth materials must be obtained from officially licenced and approved quarries and copies of
the relevant licences made available for inspection at the site.
5.1.5 Materials transportation

The various materials required for construction and building (e.g. steel, blocks, lumber, marl,
asphalt, etc.) will be obtained from sources elsewhere and transported to the site. Transportation of
these materials, typically in over-laden and sometimes uncovered trucks, usually results in undue
road wear-and-tear. In the case of fine earth materials, dusting and spillages occur on the roadways
between source and site. Dusting degrades local air quality and material spillages worsen road
driving conditions and increase the risk of road accidents. These occurrences represent indirect,
short-term, reversible, negative impacts on public health and safety related to the project.
Of some concern are the existing levels of traffic on the Howard Cooke Boulevard and the Alice
Eldemire Drive. Heavily-laden and slow-moving construction vehicles, in transit to and from the
project site, may cause traffic hold-ups, resulting in commuter frustration and, possibly, in traffic
accidents.
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Mitigation:
• Earth materials must be obtained from officially licenced and approved quarries and copies of
the relevant licences made available for inspection at the site.
• All fine earth materials must be covered during transportation to the site to prevent spillage
and dusting. Trucks used for that purpose on the project should be fitted with tailgates that
close properly and with tarpaulins to cover the materials. The cleanup of spilled earth and
construction material on the main roads should be the responsibility of the contractor and
should be done in a timely manner (say within 4 hours) so as not to inconvenience or endanger
other road users. These requirements should be included as clauses within contracts made with
relevant sub-contractors.
• The transportation of lubricants and fuel to the site should only be done in the appropriate
vehicles and containers, i.e. fuel tankers and sealed drums.
• As far as possible, transport of construction materials should be scheduled for off-peak traffic
hours.This will reduce the risk of traffic congestion and of road accidents on the access roads
to the site.
5.1.6 Materials Storage

The improper siting and storage of sand, gravel, cement, etc., at the project site could lead to fine
materials being washed away into the adjacent marine environment during heavy rainfall events.
This would not only represent a waste of materials but would also contribute to turbidity and
sedimentation with negative impacts on inshore marine water quality and the ecology of shallow
marine environments.
Hazardous and flammable materials (e.g. paints, thinner, solvents, lubricants, fuels, etc.),
improperly stored and handled onsite, are potential health hazards for construction workers.
Improper storage and handling of fuel and oil would inevitably result in spillage during equipment
refueling and maintenance exercises. Spilt petrochemicals would have the potential to contaminate
soil and inhibit plant growth on the site.
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Mitigation:
• The stockpiling of construction materials should be properly managed and controlled. Fine-
grained materials (sand, marl, etc.) should be stockpiled away from surface drainage channels
and features.
• Low berms should be placed around the piles and/or tarpaulin used to cover open piles of
stored materiasl to prevent them from being washed away during rainfall.
• Safe storage areas should be identified and retaining structures constructed prior to the arrival
of material.
• Hazardous chemicals (e.g. fuels) should be properly stored in appropriate containers and these
should be safely locked away. Conspicuous warning signs (e.g. ‘No Smoking’) should also be
posted around hazardous waste storage and handling facilities.
• Refueling and maintenance of heavy construction vehicles at the site, should be done at
specified areas or makeshift "depots" where measures are in place to deal with spillages and
temporary storage of oily wastes. Preferably these depots should be located in an area that
would ultimately be permanently paved (e.g. parking lots) thereby covering any contaminated
soil. The ground at the depot site should be covered with a thick layer of marl to absorb any
spillages. Subsequently, this marl layer should be removed for proper disposal. In the event of
a large spill, the latter must be cleaned up immediately by excavating the contaminated soil
and removing it in a secure vehicle to an approved disposal site.
• In order to reduce ground contamination, an impervious sump or container should also be
placed under the spigots of fuel drums to collect drippings.
5.1.7 Air contamination

It can be anticipated that a certain amount of air borne particulate matter (dust) will be generated by
the movement of heavy equipment and by earth moving activities, particularly if marl is imported
to the site for land filling purposes, etc. This situation will be worse during the dry season and
during the afternoons when the winds are most prevalent. Air borne particulates may pose a hazard
to persons in the vicinity of the construction site that suffer from upper respiratory tract problems.
Otherwise it may of nuisance. The impact of dusting is short-term, lasting for the duration of the
construction works, but it may be severe if it causes significant health problems, a matter of
particular concern given the nature of the hospitality industry.
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Mitigation:
• Access roads and exposed ground should be regularly wetted in a manner that effectively keeps
down the dust.
• Stockpiles of fine materials (e.g. marl) should be wetted or covered with tarp during windy
conditions.
• The dispersal of dust beyond the construction site will be reduced somewhat if a fence is
erected around the site.
• Workers on the site should be issued with dust masks during dry and windy conditions.
5.1.8 Noise
The use of heavy equipment during site preparation and construction works, particularly for the
piling of foundations, will inevitably generate noise, which may cause a nuisance to hotel guests
and nearby residents. Albeit annoying, this negative impact will be short-term (limited to the
construction phase of the project) and is not considered to be a significant threat to the health or
well being of guests at the adjacent hotel blocks.
Mitigation:
• Construction activities that will generate disturbing sounds should be restricted to normal
working hours.
• Local residents and hotel guests should be given notice of intended noisy activities so as to
reduce annoyances.
• Workers operating equipment that generates noise should be equipped with noise protection
gear. Workers operating equipment generating noise levels greater than 80 dBA continuously
for 8 hours or more should use ear muffs. Workers experiencing prolonged noise levels of 70 -
80 dBA should wear earplugs.
5.1.9 Site sewage and litter management

Inadequate provision of toilets for use by workers can lead to ad hoc defaecation in secluded areas
on the site, thus creating of unsanitary conditions and sources of fly infestation. Improper disposal
of food cartons and other domestic forms of construction camp garbage could lead to littering of
the site and pollution of adjacent coastal waters.
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Mitigation:
• Proper solid waste receptacles and storage containers should be provided, particularly for the
disposal of lunch and drink boxes so as to prevent littering of the site.
• Arrangements should be made for the regular collection of litter and for its disposal only at the
Retirement dump site.
5.1.10 Construction Waste Disposal

Solid waste generated during site preparation and construction work would include cut vegetation
and typical construction waste (e.g. wasted concrete, steel, wooden scaffolding and forms, bags,
waste earth materials, etc.). This waste would negatively impact the site and surrounding
environment if not properly managed and ultimately disposed of at an approved dumpsite. Cleared
vegetation, if burnt onsite, would generate smoke, negatively impacting ambient air quality (with
reciprocal negative impacts upon human health). Vegetation and solid waste, if allowed to
accumulate in sensitive areas, may cause localised ponding and flooding. Furthermore, the ponding
of water would create conditions conducive to the breeding of nuisance and health-threatening
pests such as mosquitos.
Mitigation:
• A site waste management plan should be prepared prior to project commencement. This should
include designation of appropriate waste storage areas, collection and removal schedule,
identification of approved disposal site, and system for supervision and monitoring.
Preparation and implementation of the plan must be made the responsibility of the building
contractor with the system being monitored independently.
• Special attention should be given to minimizing and reducing the quantities of solid waste
produced during site preparation and construction. To reduce organic waste, softer vegetation
may be composted onsite and used for soil amendment during landscaping.
• Vegetation and combustible waste must not be burned on the site.
• Reusable inorganic waste (e.g. excavated sand) should be stockpiled away from drainage
features and used for in-filling where necessary.
• Unusable construction waste, such as damaged pipes, formwork and other construction
material, must be disposed of at an approved dumpsite.
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5.1.11 Replanting and landscaping

In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the project site, landscaping provides the means for
partially restoring the site's natural elements and ecological habitats. It is therefore a significant
mitigation activity with a positive impact.
The landscaping plan should seek to avoid the use of non-native and potentially invasive species. It
should include low-maintenance, salt-tolerant coastal species and the types of trees and shrubs used
for feeding by local bird species. The landscape design should seek to encourage bird life,
maximize shade and windbreak effect, as well as to hide the roofline of the hotel.
It is recommended that most, if not all, of the Willow/Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia)
trees be removed from the site. Despite their nitrogen fixing properties, their heavy leaf fall inhibits
undergrowth. A few individuals may be retained along the shoreline as their leaves make a pleasant
whistling sound when the wind blows.
Mitigation:
N/A
5.1.12 Employment/Income Generation

It is estimated that 350 workers will be employed on the site during the construction phase. The
expansion project is expected to augment current employment levels by about 100 persons. These
levels of short-term and long-term employment will have a positive impact on the local economy
and on regional unemployment.
Mitigation:
N/A
5.1.13 Worker Housing

Tourism resort development in Montego Bay, as is the case elsewhere in Jamaica, has not been
matched by the corresponding development and construction of housing and the social
infrastructure to meet the demand from resort facility workers, etc. Therefore, squatting and
informal settlements despoil the city and suburbs and worsen social tensions. This is viewed as an
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indirect, cumulative, long-term, reversible negative impact. The present project may add to this
settlement problem.
Mitigation:
• Sunset Beach Resorts must seek, in some appropriate manner, to alleviate the problems of
housing shortage for the increased workforce induced by the expansion project.
5.1.14 Seagrass Removal and Beach Enhancement

Potential negative impacts associated with the project's proposed beach and bathing area enhancement works
could result from the removal of portions of the nearshore seagrass beds. Removal of seagrasses would mean
a corresponding loss in their sediment retention capacity and possible shoreline erosion over the long term.
Short term impacts would be associated with the suspension of sediments and turbidity resulting from the
dredging of mud/silt along the foreshore of the site and the dumping and spreading of coarse replacement fill
material. This could lead to the smothering of corals and seagrass bed ecosystems if adequate measures are
not put in place to contain turbidity.
As is the case with the earth materials required for the construction of the hotel, sourcing/purchase
of the sand required for beach nourishment must be done from approved sites and in a manner
approved by NEPA.
Positive impacts associated with the beach enhancement works would include the improvement to
the beach and overall appeal of the site, and the generation of temporary employment.
Mitigation:
• Determine and implement the minimum amount of seagrass removal required to maintain
beach stability and satisfy bathing needs.
• Replant seagrasses removed from shorefront to approved location/s in manner approved by
NEPA.
• Use silt screens/turbidity barriers to contain sediment plumes generated during (i) the
seagrass bed and sand excavation/dredging exercise, and (ii) the filling/beach nourishment
exercise.
• Use vacuum suction dredges for dredging and sand excavation works so as to minimise
turbidity at dredging and filling sites.
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• Conduct the dredging works during periods/seasons of low wave activity and halt works
whenever wave and current conditions make it difficult to contain the sediment plumes.
5.2 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS
5.2.1 Sewage Disposal

Sewage generated by the hotel will be discharged to the sewage mains at the main road for
treatment at the NWC plant at Bogue. Issues related to discharges to coastal waters at the site
should therefore not arise. The project engineers should, however, ensure complete connectivity to
the NWC sewage collection and treatment system and should ensure there is no on-site disposal of
sewage. Evidence of this should be shown by the sewerage design plans supplied to NEPA for
review and approval. (As mentioned under Section 4, these plans, drawings and information were
not available during the EIA report preparation process.)
Mitigation:
N/A
5.2.2 Water Supply

It is estimated that the incremental demand for water induced by the development will be
approximately 300 gal/room/day or a total of 52,800 gpd (211 m3/day). Water will be supplied
from the existing mains along Southern Cross Boulevard and the additional demand should be well
within the capacity of the current NWC system. This will be confirmed in writing by NWC and
will be made available to NEPA upon request.
Mitigation:
N/A
Recommended that:
• Aerators/flow restrictors are installed.
• Low flush toilets are installed.
• Water meters are installed at key usage points to monitor and manage water usage.
• Grey-water be separated from sewage and reused for irrigation.
• Rainwater be collected from roofs for landscape irrigation.
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• Use options other than chlorination for disinfecting pools.
5.2.3 Solid waste disposal

Poor solid waste disposal practices should not arise if the hotel continues with its contracted waste
collection arrangements and with final disposal of wastes at the Retirement dump. It is expected
that garbage management and good housekeeping will be practiced on the site.
Mitigation:
N/A
Recommended that:
• A waste compactor be installed and operated at the hotel to reduce the volume of generated
solid waste.
5.2.4 Energy Usage
Electricity for the hotel will be supplied by the JPSCo. Ltd. from the existing mains along Southern
Cross Boulevard. The additional demand should be well within the capacity of the current system.
This will be confirmed in writing by JPSCo. and the letter will be made available to NEPA.
In the event of power failure, a standby generator is being considered. Negative impacts could
include spillages of fuel oil, waste gas emissions, the production of noise and, to a certain extent,
vibration in the vicinity of the machine.
Mitigation:
• The standby electricity generator should be located downwind of guestrooms and insulated
against noise.
• Contingency plans should be formulated to deal with the containment of spills of stored fuel
oil.
• The fuel storage tank should be placed within a bund that can contain the contents of the tank
in the event of leakage or spillage.
• Sub-meters and real-time energy monitoring equipment, timers, photoelectric cells,
thermostats, etc. should be installed at the hotel.
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• Translucent shades, phosphorescent lighting and key/card switches be installed and used in
guest rooms.
• Pipe insulation, tank lagging (not asbestos!) and heat recovery systems be installed in the
hotel’s laundry and throughout the hotel, wherever it is practical to do so.
• Renewable energy should be used throughout the hotel, wherever it is possible and practical to
do so.
5.3 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
The impacts and environmental issues discussed above are summarised in Table 5.3.1.
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Table 5.3.1 Environmental Impact Matrix.
IMPACT TYPE MITIGATION

Positive Negative
Mitigation Section
Minor Mitigation
Major Mitigation
Not significant
Not significant
Mitigation Not
ENVIRONMENTAL
Reference to
Cumulative
Irreversible
IMPACT
Short Term
Long Term
Significant
Significant
Required
Required
Required
SITING AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Loss of vegetation & wildlife habitat r r r
Modification of drainage patterns r r r r r
Erosion of cleared areas r r r 5.1.3
Earth material sourcing 5.1.4
Materials transportation r r r 5.1.5
Material storage r r r 5.1.6
Air contamination 5.1.7
Noise r r r 5.1.8
Site sewage and litter management r r r 5.1.9
Construction waste disposal 5.1.10
Replanting landscaping r r r
Employment/income generation r r r
Worker housing r r r r 5.1.13
Seagrass bed removal/beach enhancement r r r r 5.1.14
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Sewage disposal r r r
Water supply r r r
Solid waste disposal r r r
Energy usage r r r 5.2.4
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6. OUTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN
Prior to site clearance activities, the site layout plan (labour camp, material storage areas, etc.), the
waste management plan, and the landscape plan should be prepared and reviewed by the
environmental monitoring entity. Any existing trees earmarked for protection should be inspected
and marked.
The major elements of the proposed environmental impact monitoring programme that should be
monitored during the construction phase of the project are set out below:
< Site clearance to ensure that trees marked for preservation are left untouched and that large
sections of soil are not left exposed and uncovered for extended periods of time.
< Site drainage and surface runoff, especially during and shortly after major rainfall events, to
ensure there is no flooding, ponding and runoff of surface water across the beach.
< Compliance of construction works with site management and landscape plans.
< Inspection of quarry licences to ensure earth materials are obtained only from licensed
operators.
< The transportation and storage of construction material. The location of hard standings should
be monitored bi-monthly to ensure that they are placed away from drainage features on the site
and do not end up in the marine environment.
< Earth materials transport to ensure that trucks are properly covered to prevent spillage and the
generation of dust.
< The contractor must immediately and completely clean up spills of materials in public areas.
< Solid waste disposal practices to ensure appropriate on-site management and final disposal at
approved dump.
< The labour camp to ensure installation of VIP toilets and the proper disposal of sewage and
labour camp solid waste.
< Marine water quality, on a monthly basis throughout construction phase, to ensure that the
construction works are not negatively impacting coastal water quality. The parameters that
should be monitored are salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, turbidity, faecal and
total coliforms.
< Seagrass bed removal, dredging and beach nourishment exercises, associated with any beach
and bathing area works proposed by the project’s coastal engineers.
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7. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The EIA of the proposed Sunset Beach Hotel expansion project has not identified any major
negative impacts that cannot be successfully mitigated. The critical environmental issues identified
by the EIA were related to site drainage, construction works management, landscaping, marine
resources protection, beach enhancement and worker housing. Residual negative impacts are
anticipated to be negligible, provided that the mitigative measures recommended are properly
implemented and monitored.
The positive impacts of implementing the proposed project would include:

< expansion of capacity to generate foreign exchange,
< generation of employment in the region;
< improvement to the general aesthetics of Seawind Island.
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9. REFERENCES
Donovan Rose & Associates (1991) Environmental Impact Assessment of the Montego Bay
Freeport Dredging Project. Kingston, Jamaica. 35pp.
Environmental Solutions Ltd. (1995) Environmental Impact Assessment: Lagoon Development,

Montego Bay, St. James. Kingston, Jamaica. 38pp.
Environmental Solutions Ltd. (1997) Environmental Impact Statement: Caribbean Cement

Company B Terminal Land Reclamation, Freeport, Montego Bay. Kingston, Jamaica. 19pp.
Environmental Solutions Ltd. (2002a) Environmental Impact Assessment; proposed dredging

works at Montego Freeport Harbour, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Kingston, Jamaica.
Environmental Solutions Ltd. (2002b) Environmental Monitoring Report; Montego Freeport

Dredging Works (6 – 10 August 2002). Kingston, Jamaica.
Environmental Solutions Ltd. (2003) Site Resource Assessment: Sunset Beach Resort Hotel
Expansion, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Gustavson, K., R.M. Huber, and J. Ruitenbeek (2000) (eds) Integrated Coastal Zone
Management of Coral Reefs: Decision Support Modeling. World Bank, Washington, DC. 292pp.
Sullivan, K. M., and M. Chiappone (1994) Montego Bay Marine Park: rapid ecological
assessment. Conservation Data Centre Jamaica, Nature Conservancy, and Natural Resources
Conservation Authority. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia. 86pp
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9. APPENDICES
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1. UPDATED DEEP WATER WAVE CLIMATE
In the evaluation of the environmental impact of any coastal or shoreline development, it is

necessary to describe the wave conditions. This is necessary for two main reasons:
1. To allow for an assessment of the impacts that any coastal works may have on the
environment, including adjacent beaches, coral reefs and other sensitive marine habitats.
2. To determine the exposure of the development to natural hazards, such as storm surge and
beach erosion.
Normally, the wave conditions are determined in two ways. The first looks at day-to-day waves,
and the second at extreme waves generated by storms and hurricanes. It is often necessary to make
separate assessments of these two different wave conditions. Techniques that are appropriate for
day-to-day waves often exclude hurricanes, and vice-versa.
1.1 Operational Wave Climate

Two different sources have been examined to determine the day-to-day wave conditions. The first
drew on a recent data collection programme that was being undertaken as internal research and
development by Smith Warner International Ltd. This project involved the deployment of a
combined wave and current meter at Montego Bay, adjacent to the airport. Unfortunately, this
project only began in 2003, and was interrupted when the wave recorder was required elsewhere.
The second source of wave data came from the UK Meteorological Office (UKMO) global wave
model.
The approach that has been used to determine extreme wave conditions is to examine a long-term
database of hurricane storm tracks and to mathematically recreate the wave conditions during each
storm. This has been done on several occasions for Montego Bay, which was once used as a case
study for the development of a Policy Framework and Guidelines for the Computation of Storm
Surge (CDMP, 1999).
The global wave model is run by the UK Met Office on a six-hour interval using a grid spacing of
approximately 3/4o. The following table outlines the results of three years of this model output for
a location along the north coast of Jamaica. It shows that the wave climate is dominated by Trade-
Wind generated waves, with an average wave height of 1.23 metres and a wave period of
approximately 4.5 seconds, mostly coming from the east to northeast.
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The shoreline orientation at Sunset Beach naturally shelters the beach from virtually all of these
waves. The UKMO model also computes swell wave conditions, which have also been examined,
and are presented in the following figure. This database shows longer wave periods, and smaller
average and maximum wave heights.
This swell wave database has been screened to examine only those waves coming from the
northwest sector (270o to 360o). The results are presented in the lower half of the figure. The
number of occurrences is much smaller from this direction (representing approximately 2.5% of the
time). These NW swell wave heights have a higher average wave height and longer periods.
Comparing the larger wave heights (circled in red), it is apparent that the largest swell waves are
coming from the NW sector, which confirms many observations regarding the occurrence of swells
along the north coast.
The shoreline orientation at Sunset Beach is fully exposed to these NW swell waves, and it is these
conditions that cause changes to the shoreline, including erosion and alongshore sediment
transport.
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Table 1.1 UKMO Deep Water Wave Data.
UKMO Deep Water Wave Data

Global Wave Model Results (Jan 2000 to June 2003)
Bivariate Table
Wave Wave Periods (s)
Height (m) < 3.0 3.0 - 4.0 4.0 - 5.0 5.0 - 6.0 6.0 - 7.0 7.0 - 8.0 8.0 - 9.0 9.0 - 10.0 10.0 - 11.0 11.0 - 12.0 TOTALS
0.0 - 0.5 8 17 25
0.5 -1.0 234 2280 118 1 2633
1.0 - 1.5 995 369 1 1365
1.5 - 2.0 30 194 20 244
2.0 - 2.5 34 10 44
2.5 - 3.0 1 5 1 7
3.0 - 3.5 1 3 4
3.5 - 4.0 1 1 2
4.0 - 4.5
4.5 - 5.0
TOTALS 242 3322 716 39 5 4324
Average Wave Height 1.23 m

Average Wave Period 4.63 s
Directional Distribution of Wave Energy

40
35
30
Percent Occurrence
25
20
15
10
0
0 - 22.5 22.5 - 45 - 67.5 - 90 - 112.5 - 135 - 157.5 - 180 - 202.5 - 225 - 247.5 - 270 - 292.5 - 315 - 337.5 -
45 67.5 90 112.5 135 157.5 180 202.5 225 247.5 270 292.5 315 337.5 360
Wave Direction
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Table 1.2 UKMO Deep Water Wave Data Swell Only.
UKMO Deep Water Wave Data Swell Only

Global Wave Model Results (Jan 2000 to June 2003)
Bivariate Table
Height (m) 4.0 - 5.0 5.0 - 6.0 6.0 - 7.0 7.0 - 8.0 8.0 - 9.0 9.0 - 10.0 10.0 - 11.0 11.0 - 12.0 12.0 - 14.0 14.0 - 16.0 TOTALS
0.0 - 0.5 59 175 192 243 104 38 18 1 830
0.5 -1.0 181 1246 1059 390 107 45 12 1 3041
1.0 - 1.5 2 45 165 90 56 22 2 382
1.5 - 2.0 8 15 4 1 2 30
2.0 - 2.5 2 1 1 2 6
2.5 - 3.0 1 1 1 3
3.0 - 3.5
3.5 - 4.0
4.0 - 4.5
4.5 - 5.0
TOTALS 242 1466 1424 740 272 108 36 3 1 4292

UKMO Deep Water Wave Data NW Swell Only

Bivariate Table
Height (m) 4.0 - 5.0 5.0 - 6.0 6.0 - 7.0 7.0 - 8.0 8.0 - 9.0 9.0 - 10.0 10.0 - 11.0 11.0 - 12.0 12.0 - 14.0 14.0 - 16.0 TOTALS
0.0 - 0.5 2 2 7 7 5 2 1 26
0.5 -1.0 5 23 15 8 9 1 61
1.0 - 1.5 4 3 2 1 10
1.5 - 2.0 1 2 3
2.0 - 2.5 1 1 1 3
2.5 - 3.0 1 1 1 3
3.0 - 3.5
3.5 - 4.0
4.0 - 4.5
4.5 - 5.0
TOTALS 5 29 21 20 18 6 5 2 106

The programme of wave measurements in Montego Bay resulted in a short time-series during the
months of February and March 2003, as shown in Figure 1.1 following. A comparison has been
made using the measured wave data and refracted UKMO data. The wave refraction process
accounts for the changes to the wave height and direction as it moves from deep water, where the
UKMO model computes to shallow water, where the wave recorder was located.
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1.4
1.2
Measured
1.0 Refracted Sea
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
6-Feb-2003 13-Feb-2003 20-Feb-2003 27-Feb-2003 6-Mar-2003 13-Mar-2003 20-Mar-2003
Figure 1.1 Comparisson of SWI Wave Measurements and UKMO data.
1.2 Design Wave Climate

Several investigations have already been undertaken for Montego Bay to determine design wave
conditions. In order to determine the accuracy of these, a separate analysis was undertaken using
an in-house model called HURWave.
Table 1.3 following outlines the results of previous investigations that have determined extreme
wave heights in the vicinity of Montego Bay. Those investigations utilized a database extending
from 1950 to 2002.
Table 1.3 Deep Water Extreme Wave Heights (m).
Source Return Period (years)
25 50 100
Sunset Beach – Preliminary Engineering (SWIL, 1999) 6.5 7.6 8.6
Howard Cooke Highway (SWIL, 2001) 6.8 7.7 8.4
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10. PLATES
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Plate 1.
Plate 2.
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Plate 3
Plate 4
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58

Sunset Beach Final EIA Report

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SUNSET BEACH RESORT HOTEL EXPANSION

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

BOYKEN CARIBBEAN LLC

ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LTD.

SMITH WARNER INTERNATIONAL LTD.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY

3. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA ........................................................................13

4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..........................................................................................25

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION...............................................28

5.1.3 Erosion of Cleared Areas .................................................................................29

6. OUTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...........................................44

7. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS...........................................................................45

1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE

4. Scope of Work – The following tasks will be undertaken:

a) Physical environment: coastal features, geology, topography, soils, climate, hydrology,

• Vegetation clearance and habitat destruction related to construction activities.

Task 7. Assist in Inter-Agency Coordination and Public/NGO Participation – Assist in co-

1.3 STUDY TEAM

Environmental Solutions Limited

1.4.1 Terrestrial Survey

1.4.2 Marine Survey

1.4.3 Water Quality Survey

2. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY

2.1 LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS

Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (1991)

The Act gives the Authority power to:

◊ Wild Life Protection Act (1945)

Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas) (Prohibition of Categories of Enterprise, Construction and

Natural Resources Conservation (Permits and Licenses) Regulations (1996)

Natural Resources Conservation (Sewage Effluent) Regulations (Draft)

Fishing Industry (Fish Sanctuaries) Order (1979)

Water Quality NRCA Act (1990)

Town and Country Planning Act (1958)

Quarries Control Act (1983)

2.2 POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

National Policy for the Conservation of Seagrasses (1996)

Policy for Jamaica’s System of Protected Areas (1997)

3. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA

3.2 GEOLOGY AND LITHOLOGY

3.5.1 Terrestrial Vegetation

3.5.2 Terrestrial Fauna

3.5.3 Marine Ecology

COVER/SUBSTRATE TYPE* % COMPOSITION

COVER/SUBSTRATE TYPE CODE*:

SEAGRASS - ‘r’ species or climax communities

Ventricaria ventricosa Dictyota divaricata Amphiroa rigida

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT & BEHAVIOR DAFOR

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT & BEHAVIOR ABUND-

Acanthuridae Acanthurus bahianus Ocean Surgeonfish Size: 6 - 12 in ., max. 15 in. F

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT & BEHAVIOR ABUND-

S - Single - One (1) sighting

Figure 3.1 Map showing MBMP boundaries and sub-zones.

3.6 MARINE WATER QUALITY

3.7 NATURAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY

Figure 3.4 Tidal Measurements in Montego Bay.

Table 3.7.2 Storm Surge components.

Component Definition Time scale

Figure 3.5 Statistical Fit of Maximum IBR for Tropical Storms

Table 3.7.3 Inverse Barometric Rise