environmental and social analysis

Environmental and Social Analysis

Of the Construction and Operation

of a Wastewater Collection, Treatment,

and Disposal System for

the Placencia Peninsula

DRAFT Prepared by:

J. C. Meerman & T. Boomsma

26 September 2010

1 Meerman & Boomsma, Environmental and Social Analysis ‐ Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal System –Placencia Peninsula – DRAFT – 26 September 2010

Table of Contents 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Project description ................................................................................................................................ 3

2.1. Description of the planned activities ............................................................................................ 3

2.2. Collection of the waste water ....................................................................................................... 3

2.3. Treatment of the waste water ...................................................................................................... 4

2.4. Site selection criteria ..................................................................................................................... 5

3. Baseline data ......................................................................................................................................... 6

3.1. Physical environment including neighboring mainland ................................................................ 6

3.1.1. The peninsula ........................................................................................................................ 6

3.1.2. The mainland ........................................................................................................................ 6

3.1.3. The lagoon ............................................................................................................................. 7

3.1.4. Lagoon Bathymetry ............................................................................................................... 8

3.1.5. Biological environment ......................................................................................................... 9

3.2. Socio‐cultural environment ........................................................................................................ 10

3.2.1. Schools ................................................................................................................................ 11

3.2.2. Health clinic ......................................................................................................................... 11

3.2.3. Roads ................................................................................................................................... 11

3.2.4. Public transportation .......................................................................................................... 11

3.2.5. Telephone ........................................................................................................................... 11

3.2.6. Airstrip ................................................................................................................................. 11

3.2.7. Electricity ............................................................................................................................. 12

3.2.8. Water supply ....................................................................................................................... 12

3.2.9. Future water demands ........................................................................................................ 12

3.2.10. Sanitation ............................................................................................................................ 13

3.2.11. Fire service .......................................................................................................................... 13

3.2.12. Police stations ..................................................................................................................... 13

3.2.13. Economics ........................................................................................................................... 14

3.3. Policy, legal and administrative framework ................................................................................ 17

4. Impact of improved sanitation facilities on the environment ............................................................ 20

4.1.1. Potential impacts of activities during construction and operation phases ........................ 22

4.2. Description of mitigation measures ............................................................................................ 26

4.3. Description of a monitoring program ......................................................................................... 34

4.3.1. Agencies that could be incorporated in Monitoring ........................................................... 48

4.3.2. Monitoring agencies ........................................................................................................... 62


5. Legal requirements for bidding and contract documents .................................................................. 64

6. Literature ............................................................................................................................................ 65

Map 1: Placencia Lagoon with locations mentioned in the text................................................................... 5

Map 2: Placencia Lagoon Ecosystems and Land Use .................................................................................... 6

Map 3: Placencia Lagoon Water Catchments (From Ariola, 2003) ............................................................... 7

Map 4: Map (2007) of developments on the Placencia Peninsula (aplaceinbelize.com) ........................... 16


1. Introduction The Inter‐American Development Bank (IDB) (in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)) is seeking to use GEF resources to help mobilize greater investments in wastewater management (including collection and treatment infrastructure) in the Caribbean region. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish innovative, feasible financial instruments through pilots for cost effective and sustainable financing of wastewater management in the Caribbean region. One of the selected initiatives is an inter‐municipal wastewater system for the Peninsula of Placencia in Belize (Inter‐municipal water services) The IDB’s Environmental Safeguards Policy requires that such facility be subject to an Environmental and Social Analysis (ESA) and the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management plan to ensure its safe construction and operation. The Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) is the proposed executing agency for the operation. IDB Environmental Safeguards Policy places the responsibility for the preparation of an environmental impact assessment on the Borrower.

Note that the current ESA is a baseline study setting the stage for a more in‐depth follow up ESA and/or possibly an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which will be based on a final engineering study and design as well as on a feasibility study. Particularly the project description in chapter 2 and the mitigation and monitoring sections in chapter 4, are currently “generic” and will require modifications and added detail once engineering and feasibility studies have been completed.

2. Project description

2.1. Description of the planned activities

Some years ago, the communities of Placencia Peninsula requested assistance form Engineers Without Borders in the United States (EWB‐US) to help them solve their waste water problem. EWB reviewed and approved their project proposal and the local Sacramento Valley Professional Chapter was assigned the project. The first phase of the process was for a EWB team of engineers to travel to Belize in 2006 and evaluate the problem and gather data to prepare a report. The report evaluated the socio‐economic background of the project, determined the current volume of waste water, and proposed a number of sewerage collection and treatment methods to handle the projected wastewater in the future.

2.2. Collection of the waste water

The first step in any waste water treatment system is the actual collection of the waste water. A number of alternatives exist to collect this waste water and transport it to the treatment facilities. These options include:

Gravity collection system

Vacuum collection system

Pressure sewer system

What ultimately will be the preferred option depends on existing physical conditions of the terrain, management capacity of the proposed executing agency for the operation, the management capacity of the individual households and will need to be determined in further studies.


Irrespective of the collection details, a village collecting system will consist of a network of sewer pipes connecting each building with the main sewer line. The size of the sewer pipes depends on the collecting system which will be used at the peninsula, and will range between 3” and 6”. The main sewer line will collect the sewer from the residential connecting pipes and transport the sewer to the treatment facility.

2.3. Treatment of the waste water

Regardless the collection system, the collected waste must undergo treatment before it can be released into the environment. Several alternative treatment systems exist, and the choice of system depends on the level of treatment required to fulfill the requirements by law for the discharge of effluents from a sewerage system, the availability of suitable terrain for the treatment system, and the management capacity of the proposed executing agency. As treatment alternatives were proposed:

Stabilization/facultative ponds: primary and secondary treatment

Aerated lagoons as secondary treatment in combination with a sedimentation pond for primary treatment

Package mechanical wastewater treatment plant, in combination with a sedimentation pond for primary treatment

Constructed wetlands as secondary treatment, in combination with a sedimentation pond for primary treatment

Any ponds will need to be lined either using natural clays or a synthetic membrane.

For the final disposal of the effluent, a number of alternatives were proposed:

Disposal by irrigation at the banana plantation along the South Stann Creek (see map 1)

Disposal by golf course irrigation at the Ara Macao development at the northern end of the peninsula

Disposal by overland flow


2.4. Site selection criteria

The Placencia Peninsula does not offer a suitable site where the sewerage treatment facilities can be located. There is insufficient space and the development density is too high. Consequently, this site has to be located on the mainland. There are a number of issues that have to be considered, namely:

The acreage of land needed for the treatment facilities is dependent on the projected amounts of wastewater produced between 2015 (when facility becomes operational) and 2030 (expected live span on the facility).

Final destination for the effluent discharge: Suggested solutions such as irrigation of the banana plantation and the Ara Macao gardens (See map 1) are probably not realistic as these developments are not controlled by the executive agent of the sewerage facility.

The preferred option for sewerage treatment facilities, taking into consideration financial and technical sustainability: It is assumed that with a growing economy of the peninsula, expansion of the original sewerage treatment facility may happen by more innovative systems that do not require extensive land area.

Land needed for the sewerage treatment facility has to be secured by the Government of Belize for this specific purpose, including any land needed for future expansion and proper overland flow discharge.

Map 1: Placencia Lagoon with locations mentioned in the text


3. Baseline data

3.1. Physical environment including neighboring mainland

3.1.1. The peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is located in the Stann Creek district, Belize, between 16°30’ and 16°40’ N latitude and 88°15’ and 88°25’ W longitude. The peninsula is a 24 km (16 mile) long strip of land in between the Caribbean Sea on the east and the Placencia Lagoon on the west. The widest point of the peninsula is 4.5 km (3 mile), the narrowest point is only 50 m wide. The peninsula is the largest sand spit along the Belizean coast.

The soils of the peninsula are recent deposits consisting of coarse sands along the Caribbean Sea and silt and mangrove peat deposits on the lagoon (west) side. The whole peninsula is very low lying with the highest levels following the Caribbean coast but barely 3 meters above sea. This is also the area where most developments started. Development of the lagoon side requires great amounts of fill material. .

3.1.2. The mainland

The soils of the mainland are recent sediments, consisting of alluvial deposits originating from the Maya Mountains. The soils are a complex system of sandy soils and heavy clays, cross cut by numerous small streams. The ill drained clay soils on the coastal plain are ideal for aquaculture development and several farms are to be found near the lagoon, see map 2.

Map 2: Placencia Lagoon Ecosystems and Land Use


The alluvial plains along the major rivers turned out to be perfect place for the development of large scale banana plantations. Just west of the Riversdale settlement at the northern part of the peninsula is a major banana plantation is located on the alluvial plains of the South Stann Creek, see map 2.

3.1.3. The lagoon

Placencia Lagoon lies to the west of the Placencia Peninsula. It is a narrow, 3.4 km (2.2 mile) at its widest and about 24‐km long estuary that is mainly shallow, (1‐2 meters), with a few deeper holes and channels. The lagoon actually consists of four wider lagoon sections separated by three rather shallow and narrow channels. The deepest point of the lagoon is in its most southern lob and reaches a depth of 5.8 meters below MSL (Mean Sea Level).

Map 3: Placencia Lagoon Water Catchments (From Ariola, 2003)


3.1.4. Lagoon Bathymetry

Three catchment areas drain into the lagoon, from the north to the south these are the Santa Maria Creek, August Creek and Big Creek. In the south, the lagoon widens up and is in open contact with the Caribbean Sea.

The Santa Maria Creek watershed has an area of 347 km2. The terrain is relatively low‐lying with a maximum elevation of 500 meters on its westernmost boundary. Part of the Santa Maria watershed is also the Hemsley Creek, the Silver Creek and a number of several small, unnamed creeks. Some creeks flow directly in the lagoon while others flow into wetlands that display connectivity to the Placencia Lagoon.

The August Creek Catchment has an area of 250 km2. The low relief of the catchment makes it very vulnerable to annual flooding events. The major waterways in this watershed are Mango Creek and August Creek that converge at the lower section of the catchment before they flow into the Placencia Lagoon. Flour Camp Creek, Jenkins Creek and several minor waterways also contribute to the net discharge of Mango Creek.

The Big Creek Watershed is the smallest of the three catchments adjacent to the Placencia Lagoon and has an area of 59 km2. Most of the lands in this basin are less than 20 meters in elevation. This basin exhibits low relief and a moderate flood risk potential. The principal waterway, Big Creek, is fed by numerous small streams and debouches at the southernmost end of the Placencia Lagoon.

It is worth pointing out that none of the watercourses that flow into the Placencia Lagoon are gauged; hence there are no time series on the discharge and water levels (Hydrology Service, 2003). However, Ariola (2003) purports that the combined low flow for August and Mango Creeks is 0.7 cubic meter per second (CMS) which is about 200 gallon per second. Furthermore the low flow for Jenkins and Flour Camp Creeks was estimated at 0.8 CMS. Silver Creek was estimated to have a low flow of 1.3 CMS.

The ground water resources map of Belize divides the country into ten regions based on water availability and quality (Buckalew et al., 1998). The terrestrial zone of influence on the Placencia Lagoon falls into two of these regions:

(1) The Placencia Peninsula and the western margin of the lagoon are classified as areas where small to large quantities of brackish to saline water are available. Also, meager to very small quantities of fresh water are available from quaternary alluvium and coastal deposits along the coast. Depth to water is 2 to 50 meters.

(2) The wider extent of the terrestrial zone of influence is that part of the Central Coastal Plain composed of sandy shales, shales, claystones, mudstones, and alluvium. These deposits bear meager to moderated quantities of freshwater. Depth to water is generally less than 60 meters.

Although there is limited information about the ground water distribution in the terrestrial zone influencing the lagoon, it is envisaged that ground water might have some effects on the water budget of the Placencia Lagoon. (Ariola, 2003)

The pH levels of the lagoon water generally average from 7.0 to 7.5 in the northern sections to 8.0 and 8.6 in the more saline areas in the south. Most marine organisms prefer conditions with pH values ranging from 6.5‐8.5 (U.S. EPA, 1993). The observed pH values are well within the acceptable range for most marine organisms and provides for a healthy estuarine environment.

Ariola (2003) studied the salinity of the water of the lagoon. Shifts in salinity can be attributed to evaporation, freshwater influx from the many streams draining into the lagoon, and the net water


exchange between the lagoon and the sea. The average salinity of the lagoon water ranged from 22.59 – 31.78 ppt for the surface water and 24.94‐ 32.4 ppt for the bottom water. The Caribbean Sea has a constant salinity (33‐35 parts per thousand), so the changes in salinity in the lagoon can be explained by the very low flushing rate of the upper part of the lagoon that strongly depends on wind and tidal forces.

The Watershed Reef Interconnectivity Scientific Study (2001) purports that water within the barrier reef lagoon flows predominantly from north to south at a rate of 0.05 to 0.15 m/s and rarely exceeds 0.3 m/s. (Ariola, 2003).

Tides of the Caribbean and along the Belize Barrier Reef are microtidal and of mixed semidiurnal type with a mean range of 15 cm (Kjerfve, 1981). PASCO (2002) mentions that the tidal fluctuations on the eastside of the peninsula ranges from 0.40 to 1.5 feet. The tidal fluctuations within the lagoon are almost non‐existent.

This combination of low flow and limited tidal movements within the lagoon makes the lagoon, and then specifically its northern part, very vulnerable to human impacts through settlement, agriculture and mariculture. As a result of the discharge of large volumes of untreated waste water in the upper lagoon, the water quality could rapidly decline and affect the natural ecological balance.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels for the lagoon ranged between 5.79 and 8.02 mg/l, indicating a healthy environment for aquatic life (most organism perform best when DO exceeds 5 mg/l) (Ariola, 2003). However, the discharge of waste water with a high Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) can quickly turn this situation around, resulting in oxygen depleted environment that has no carrying capacity for aquatic life.

3.1.5. Biological environment

The natural vegetation of the Placencia Peninsula, which broadly consisted of littoral forest along the coast, and mangroves bordering the lagoon, has all but disappeared or at least become fragmented. The last patches of natural vegetation will disappear in the nearby future when development of the peninsula keeps following the current pace. Due to the loss of natural vegetation on the peninsula, natural wildlife has also diminished. Specifically, migratory birds have been hit by the loss of littoral forest which provided them with natural habitat to recuperate during their migration.

Natural vegetation on the mainland largely consists of gallery forests, (pine) savannah, herbaceous swamps and mangrove swamps. The mangrove marshlands surrounding the Placencia Lagoon provide important environmental services such as sediment removal, absorption of nutrients and pollutants from storm water and wastewater.

The alluvial plains of the mainland are considered the most suitable lands for shrimp mariculture in Belize. Although several shrimp farms are located on the coastal plain, large stretches of natural vegetation still remain on the coastal plain. Coastal plain vegetation has many plant species restricted to Belize (Belizean endemics). Yellow‐headed parrots and Aplomado falcon depend largely on coastal plain savannas for their existence. The savanna ecosystem on the west coast of the lagoon leads into gallery forests that provide a biological corridor to the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve and the Maya Mountain Massif beyond.

Placencia Lagoon provides a sheltered environment where adult marine mammals like the Bottlenose Dolphin and West Indian Manatee can care for their young. Over 70 species of fish have been identified


in Placencia Lagoon including Goliath grouper (Epinepheus itajara), Tarpon, snook, goliath grouper, bonefish, a variety of snapper and other species. However, individual fishes tend to be very small and it has been suggested that Placencia Lagoon serves as an important nursery for juvenile fish. Studies have shown that seagrass supports the food web of fisheries in Placencia Lagoon as both a carbon source and habitat. Unique seagrass species, including Halophilla baillonii have been found in the lagoon and have been shown to be a major diet item of West Indian Manatee (Short et al. 2006).

The lagoon houses a remarkable biodiversity and includes several endangered and flagship species like the Jabiru Stork, Morelet's crocodile, American crocodile and West Indian manatee.

Much of the coast is lined with mangroves whose roots are encrusted with a rich variety of sessile life ‐ shellfish, sponges, anemones and algae ‐ and provide shelter for juveniles of many commercial species of fish.

3.2. Socio‐cultural environment

For long two small villages were the only centers of human occupation of the peninsula. These were Placencia at the southern tip and Seine Bight about halfway the peninsula. The 2000 census noted for Placencia a mere 458 inhabitants and for Seine Bight 831 persons. In the north, the small settlement of Riversdale is located right at the point where the peninsula is connected with the mainland. Although a total population of 685 persons was tabulated during the Census 2000, Riversdale itself is rather small. Most likely residents of more southern located clusters of houses or resident staff of the nearby banana plantation were included in the count for Riversdale.

The last ten years, the peninsula has experienced an explosive growth in development, mainly in the tourism sector which led to an increase of hotels, resorts and condominiums but also in permanent and semi‐permanent residential development for expatriates of pre‐dominantly North American origin. The original settlement pattern of small villages has changed and at present almost no land is un‐developed on the east coast of the peninsula. Now the availability of land along the Sea is severely limited, and the inland facing side of the lagoon is being developed piece by piece.

The first hotels and lodges were set up rather spaciously but now that land is becoming scarce and therefore expensive, intensification of occupation takes place. For example, the lodge Luba Hati that offered accommodation for a maximum of 40 guests on a 40 acre property is planned to be replaced by a high density development focusing on the condominium market with 46 hotel suites and 106 residences on the same land, potentially 10 fold the current maximum occupancy of the property.

The development in the tourism industry not only resulted in an increase of temporary population but also attracted hundreds of Belizeans who sought employment in the construction or the service industries. Many of these employees live in staff quarters at the lodges and hotels or reside elsewhere on the peninsula or on the mainland in Independence and Santa Cruz (Map 1).

The last couple of years, plans have been developed to develop a 190 lot subdivision on the lagoon side of Placencia Village, to accommodate the local residents for whom it is difficult to find houselots for their own growing population. The Environmental Compliance Plan for this sub‐division Crimson Park requires the provision of a self‐contained sewage system to protect the environmentally sensitive Placencia Lagoon from contamination.


The resident population on the Placencia is estimated to be about 3,000, based on the EWB report1. The report estimates the total population during the tourism high season up to 10,000 persons. The tourist peak season runs from end December through April, which coincides with the North American winter and the time of year with the least rainfall at the peninsula.

With the current trend of developments, and the lack of a development master plan for the entire peninsula to determine a maximum carrying capacity or proper regulations, the estimated peak population of the peninsula of 10,000 in 2006 could easily be doubled or even tripled before 2020.

3.2.1. Schools

Primary schools are in Seine Bight and Placencia, but there are no high schools or junior colleges on the peninsula. The nearest secondary education facilities are in Independence and Dangriga

3.2.2. Health clinic

Seine Bight and Placencia have health clinics; Placencia has a resident doctor and a nurse, Seine Bight has a resident nurse and a nurse aid. The nearest hospital is the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, about a 1.5 hour drive from Placencia. Other health facilities are in Belize City, a one hour flight from the Placencia airstrip.

3.2.3. Roads

Apart from some side roads, there is basically one road on the peninsula, stretching from Placencia village to the southern highway. This road has recently been improved and is now fully paved.

3.2.4. Public transportation

Several buses make a daily run to Dangriga.

3.2.5. Telephone

The peninsula has telephone services by both national telephone companies. These services also include mobile phone, and internet services. Internet café’s are found in the villages. Most hotels and lodges have internet services available to their guests.

3.2.6. Airstrip

In the centre of the peninsula is an airstrip which is used by local air companies for flights to and from Belize City and the south. A larger airport is being developed along the access road to the peninsula; this airport has a landing strip of more than 8000 feet, which potentially can accommodate larger airplanes from international destinations. 1 Engineers without borders, 2006. Wastewater System Feasibility Study for Placencia Peninsula, Belize. 31 pp + annexes.


3.2.7. Electricity

Electricity services are provided by the Belize Electricity Limited. The peninsula’s grid is connected with the national grid.

3.2.8. Water supply

The peninsula is supplied with water by a Rudimentary Water System (RWS) managed by local water boards. The water is derived from a well near Mango Creek on the mainland, and then piped under water to the peninsula. The system was damaged by hurricane Iris in 2001, when the underwater pipe was broken and it took several months before the system was repaired.

At more or less the same location near Mango Creek are two more wells which produce water for Independence/Mango Creek and Big Creek. Apparently all three wells tap into the same sources, and the water source for these existing three wells is believed to be an aquifer, but it has not been determined what the actual size and capacity of the aquifer is.

A financial analysis of the income and expenses of RWS over the period mid 2007‐mid 2008, done in July 2008 by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), gave the following information:

Village No. of connections

Water rates Average monthly income (over a 12 month period)

Average monthly expenses (over a 12 month period)

Average monthly use of water, based on average monthly income

Placencia 520 1 cent/gallon $ 57,292.00 $ 41,021.00 5,729,200 gallon

Seine Bight 323 1 cent/gallon $ 24,052.00 $ 8288.00 2,490,520 gallon

The total average monthly use over a 12 month period in 2007‐2008 of the two RWS was approx. 8,000,000 gallon.

The organization Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development (PCSD) estimated the use of water in 2009 to 209,477,520 which is twice the amount the MRD calculated over the period mid 2007‐mid 20082.

3.2.9. Future water demands

The organization PCSD stated in their newsletter3:

2 http://www.saveourpeninsula.org/tourism/water.html

3 http://saveourpeninsula.org/newsletter/RnR%20April%202010%20%281%29.pdf


In addition, no government agency has ever addressed the capacity of the Peninsula’s water supply to support any specific level of tourism. For example, no one knows where the water comes from, how much of it there is, whether once it’s used up, it’s gone or whether the supply gets replenished from seasonal rains – or how susceptible the water supply is to being inundated by sea water as sea levels rises.

The increase in demand for water will be caused by a growing residential population, but mostly by an increased capacity of hotel accommodation as is sketched by PCSD:

In 2006, the peninsula had 114 hotels, with 749 units, 1005 bedrooms and 1,450 beds. Three years later, we have 13 more approved hotels adding 1,696 units, 3,388 bedrooms and 5,088 beds, for a total of 127 built and approved hotels, with 2,445 units, 4,393 bedrooms and 6,538 beds ‐ a four‐fold increase in bedrooms in just three years!

For example, the proposed Placencia Marina estimated the daily use for water for its 520 guests and staff during the peak season, on 31,600 gallon which is 10 % of the present average daily consumption of the peninsula (BET, Placencia Marina EIA, 2009)

3.2.10. Sanitation

There is no centralized piped sewerage system that services the two villages on the peninsula. Each household and business is responsible for its wastewater. Systems’ most used are septic systems with a form of soak‐away (soak away field, leach pit), a vaulted pit latrine, a vaulted septic system whereby the vault does not have a sealed bottom. Incidentally, sanitary waste is collected and dumped on the beach or in the sea/lagoon.

Smaller resorts and hotels have septic systems, but the larger developments are required by the Department of Environment (DoE) to install so‐called package plants. A certain effort is made by DoE to monitor the effluent discharge by these package plants.

Of the average monthly use of 8,000,000 gallon in 2007/2008, 80 % of this volume (6,400,000 gallon/month) will de disposed of through sanitation systems, and ultimately be returned to the environment.

The 2006 EWB study calculated an average monthly wastewater flow of 240,000 gallon per day which is 7.200,000 gallon wastewater per month.

3.2.11. Fire service

The peninsula does not have a fire station; Placencia has some basic fire control system.

3.2.12. Police stations

Police stations are in Seine Bight and Placencia


3.2.13. Economics

Tourism

Tourism is the major economic activity on the peninsula. Placencia as a tourism destination has been slowly discovered since the early nineties, but development at the moment happens with an unprecedented speed. Map 3 (A Place In Belize.com, 2007)4 shows the developments, planned or under construction. The economic recession of the past years may have slowed down the speed of realization of these plans, but no doubt the industry will bounce back and continue its course if and when the world economy picks up again. As was stated under the Water Chapter, the peninsula had more than 6,500 registered hotel beds in 2009 (PCSD, 2010). With the present trend of scaling up existing establishments and planning larger and higher buildings, the number of beds will no doubt increase many fold.

With the growth in tourism accommodation, comes an increase in construction and maintenance business. Also, there is an increase in staff needed in the hotels, lodges and restaurants. Some upscale lodges in the Cayo district have a staff guest ration of one to one. On the average, a staff guest ration of 1 to 4 will implicate a future need for more employees in the tourism sector. It is uncertain in how far these employees will reside on the peninsula taking into account the shortage in affordable houses/lodging facilities. Most likely the employees will resort to staying at the mainland and commuting to the job on a daily basis.

Caged Fish Farming5

The Placencia area currently has no caged fish farming. An EIA was submitted for a caged fish farm at the Lark Caye Range, but the developer withdrew the proposal after it was met with exceptionally strong community opposition.

Shrimp farms

Ariola 2003, gave the following description of the shrimpfarm operations near the Placencia Lagoon: Considerable attention was given to the impacts of shrimp mariculture operations in the margin of the Placencia Lagoon. At the time of this study, the upper portion of the lagoon was not affected by aquaculture effluent. Nova Toledo has been non functional for several years (Tunich Nah, 2001). On the other hand, Belize Aquaculture Ltd. is a fully functional super intensive, closed system operation with a zero effluent discharge (Boyd et al., 2002). Royal Mayan, Tex Mar and Crustaceans Ltd. are three operations that are in close proximity to each other. Each of these operations meets the settling pond requirements (10% of the production area) stipulated by the Department of the Environment. Effluents discharged from these operations are subjected to mangrove wetlands for nutrient and sediment reduction prior to entry into the lower portions of the Placencia Lagoon. The fact that the lower portion of the lagoon has a much higher water exchange rate with the sea (as opposed to the upper portion) is the reason why there is no significant impact on the ecological and environmental conditions of the lagoon. Aqua Mar is located at the southern boundary of the lagoon and its effluents are released into wetlands in the northeastern tip of the Sennis River Catchment. Taking into account the predominant southerly coastal currents, the impacts of this operation on the Placencia Lagoon are questionable.

4 http://aplaceinbelize.com/map_dev.html

5 http://saveourpeninsula.org/agriculture_aquaculture/aquaculture.html


According to the PCSD, shrimp farms in the past had impacted the flora and fauna of the lagoon by discharging untreated waste water that resulted in the decline of the sea grass beds which are particular important to dolphins and manatees. (Loss of sea grass beds in Placencia Lagoon linked to effluent from Belize shrimp farms.)

During the last years, most of the shrimp farms on the Placencia Lagoon have significantly reduced their run‐off and effluent load through voluntary efforts. To maintain a healthy lagoon, the existence of the marsh lands and the mangroves are needed.


Map 4: Map (2007) of developments on the Placencia Peninsula (aplaceinbelize.com)


3.3. Policy, legal and administrative framework

The Environmental Protection Act Chapter 328, Revised Edition 2000

The Environmental Protection Act entrusted the Department of the Environment with a broad range of functions relating to the protection of the environment, including the assessment of water pollution, the coordination of activities relating to the discharge of wastes, the licensing of activities that may cause water pollution, the registration of sources of pollution and the carrying out of research and investigations as to the causes, nature and extent of water pollution, and the necessary prevention and control measures.

Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2007. S.I. No. 24 of 2007

Under Schedule II projects are listed that may require an environmental impact assessment or limited level environmental study depending on the location and the size of the project. Under pt. 20, d is listed: ‘a waste water treatment plant’.

Under Schedule III are guidelines listed to be used by permitting and/or licensing agencies to determine when a project is to be sent to DoE for an Environmental Clearance. Guidelines applicable to the proposed Placencia waste water treatment facility are:

All applications for development in coastal areas, All applications for development near or in ecologically sensitive areas like swamps, marshes, mangrove, lagoon, All applications for development within or in close proximity to critical habitats for protected, threatened or endangered species of flora and fauna

Pollution Regulations, 1996. S.I. No. 56 of 1996

Under Part XI, noise abatement is regulated. Under the second schedule maximum noise level and duration of the noise is defined.

Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations)(Amendment) Regulations, 2009. S.I. 102 of 2009

Under the third schedule, the effluent limits of the discharge from domestic wastewater treatment systems into Class I waters is determined.

Table1 EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS DOMESTIC WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

Parameter Effluent limits into Class I waters

Total Suspended solids 30 mg/L (does not include algae from treatment ponds)

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 30 mg/L

pH 5‐10 pH units

Fats, oil and grease 15 mg/L

Faecal coliform 200 mpn/100 ml

E. coli (fresh water) 126 organism/100 ml

Enterococci (saline water) 35 mg/ 100 ml

Floatables Not visible


Water and Sewerage Act, Chapter 222, Revised Edition 2000‐ under this Act, the Minister (not mentioned is of which ministry) can declare any area of the country an area of water supply and also any area of the country a sewerage disposal areas. Both areas fall under the provisions of this Act. In sewerage disposal areas the use of the sewerage system (if any) is mandatory.

The Public Utilities Commission Act, Chapter 223, Revised Edition 2000—This Act established the PUC, giving it authority over the electricity, water, and telecommunications sectors. The Act sets out the PUC’s composition, governing rules, and general functions. It enables the PUC to issue regulations on rates and procedures for reviews, appeals, accounts, and reports. In the water and sanitation sector, BWS is the only utility with a license from the PUC, and is the only utility regulated by the PUC

The Water Industry Act, Chapter 222s, Revised Edition 2003—This Act (under the Minister responsible for water and sewerage), which has March 23, 2001 as its ‘appointed day’ fir the purpose of said Act, replaced the Water and Sewerage Act, Chapter 222 of the Laws of Belize. The Water Industry Act 2003 ceased the functions of the Water and Sewerage Authority (established under Section 3 of the repealed Act). The Water Industry Act gives the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment responsibility for promoting a national policy for water, and the PUC the right to grant licenses for providing water and sewerage services. The Water Industry Act also sets out the function and duties of the PUC, the responsibilities of the licensees, and regulations for water pollution control (including specification of controlled areas and award of permits for discharge).

The act gives detailed information in regards to the proper design of private sanitation systems like septic systems. This Act contains the following orders:

The Belize Water Services Ltd. License (2001)—The PUC issued this 25 year license to BWS on 20 March 2001. The license authorizes BWS to serve all areas previously serviced by the WASA, and sets out performance and safety standards, reporting requirements, and license fees to be paid to the PUC. Under the terms of the license, BWS is to follow by‐laws issued by the PUC for setting tariffs, and to request approval for its proposed tariffs from the PUC. From the license’s expiry in 2026, BWS has the first right of refusal to continue to operate in the same service area under 15 year contract extensions

International standards for effluent quality of sewerage systems.

The national effluent limitations domestic waste water, does not discriminate in the various ways the effluent will be discharged. International standards often do have a different set of limitations in relation to the final discharge method. Table 2 compares the effluent limits as formulated in the Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations)(Amendment) Regulations, 2009. S.I. 102 of 2009 with standards set for the Washington State, U.S.A.. The effluents limits for Belize are comparable with the limitations set for Washington State, and justifiable to be used for the proposed Placencia sewerage treatment system.


TABLE 2 EFFLUENT LIMITS BELIZE COMPARED WITH EFFLUENT LIMITS FOR WASHINGTON STATE, U.S.A.

Parameter Effluent limits into Class I waters (Belize)

Discharge to surface waters http://cclme.org/collection/2‐WAC_173‐221.txt (Washington State)

Discharge to waste stabilization ponds, less than 2 million gallon per day design http://cclme.org/collection/2‐WAC_173‐221.txt (Washington State)

3o day average

Seven day average

30 day average

Seven day average

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

30 mg/L (does not include algae from treatment ponds)

30 mg/L 45 mg/L 30 mg/L 45 mg/L

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

30 mg/L 30 mg/L 45 mg/L 30 mg/L 45 mg/L

pH 5‐10 pH units 6.0‐9.0 6.0‐9.0 6.0‐9.0 6.0‐9.0

Fats, oil and grease 15 mg/L N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

Faecal coliform 200 mpn/100 ml 200 organism/100 ml6

400 organism/100 ml7



E. coli (fresh water) 126 organism/100 ml

N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

Enterococci (saline water)

35 mg/ 100 ml N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

Floatables Not visible N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

6 Monthly geometric mean (The geometric mean, in mathematics, is a type of mean or average, which indicates the central tendency or typical value of a set of numbers. It is similar to the arithmetic mean, which is what most people think of with the word "average", except that the numbers are multiplied and then the nth root (where n is the count of numbers in the set) of the resulting product is taken).

7 Weekly geometric mean

8 Monthly geometric mean

9 Weekly geometric mean


4. Impact of improved sanitation facilities on the environment

Over the past two decades, the tourism development on the Placencia Peninsula resulted in an increase of the population to an estimated permanent population of around 3,000 persons, to a seasonal high of about 10,000 persons. The provision of a Rudimentary Water System (RWS), allowed the residents to improve their sanitation and hygiene standards, resulting in an increase of the average use of water per person per day. This however, has translated into a waste water problem. Basically one can assume that what comes in will go out, and regardless the sanitation facilities of the particular households, all waste water will be returned to the environment.

The carrying capacity of the peninsula’s environment is very limited to handle waste and wastewater in an environmentally acceptable way. This is a result of the physical characteristics of the peninsula which is nothing more than a long and narrow sand spit. Sand does not have a large absorption complex like clay, and excess amounts of nutrients will pass through and end up in the shallow fresh water layer under the peninsula and ultimately flushed out towards the sea and the lagoon on either side of the peninsula. Filtration time is short and pathogens are not sufficiently killed off, which is confirmed in a recent study that showed the presence of streptococci in the lagoon water (J. Franco, 2010, unpublished data).

The original sanitation method on the peninsula was nothing more than collecting the waste and dispose of it on the beach or in the sea or lagoon. This method is prosaically called the ‘honey pot’ method and it was still practiced at least until 2003 (Areola, 2003). Other sanitation facilities comprised of pit latrines (improved and non‐improved) for households who had not or could not invested in the construction of a flush toilet and septic system. As long as the water table is low or the pit latrine is elevated, this is a sanitation method that could function, as long as no wells for the collecting of water are developed nearby. But ground water table is often high, resulting in ‘flushing out’ of the contents of the latrine pit.

Households with flush toilets built septic tanks (with or without sealed bottom), leach pits, and other constructions that for the eye function well but in real are slowly polluting the environment. Often, grey water from shower units and kitchen sinks are freely drained in the yard, resulting in un‐hygienic conditions.

The first hotels had small to medium capacities and the most common sanitation facility was a septic tank with a soak‐away field. The last decade, the Department of Environment does not allow septic tank system to be built for tourism accommodations; they order the use of so‐called package‐plants. Package plants are adequate solutions for the handling of waste water to a certain extent, but the discharged effluents still contain a high level of nutrients , and if these effluents does not receive a form of tertiary treatments, the nutrients can still be detrimental to the environment of the lagoon and the sea where the nutrients ultimately will end up.

Taking the above into consideration, the need for an improved sanitation system is clear. A piped sewerage system that will collect all grey and black wastewater from the peninsula, and properly treat it so it will not negatively impact the quality of the lagoon or the sea will benefit the environment, local and visiting population and ultimately, the peninsula’s economy.

First of all, proper sanitation facilities will improve the quality of life of the population, offer them a dignified way of using the bathroom and improve the hygienic conditions in their households by resolving the problem of grey waste water that until now is usually just spilled in the yard.


Secondly, an improved way of handling human waste will offer the people healthier living condition whereby the amount of water borne diseases will be reduced, resulting in considerable savings for the people.

Tourism will be positively affected, because the peninsula can boast a healthy clean environment without persons running the risk of ending up in contaminated waters.

The water quality of the lagoon and the sea will be safeguarded from excess nutrient levels and potential pathogens originating from human waste. The lagoon and the sea are the ultimate natural resources that are the cornerstone of local economic activities like the artisanal fishing industry and the tourism industry.

Providing proper sanitation is also a very cost effective way of providing assistance to the local and national economy. Evaluation of the costs and benefits of water and sanitation improvements estimated that the economic return from improved sanitation is about US$ 10 for every US$ 1 invested.10

10 World Business Council for Sustainable Development, http://www.wbcsd.org/

22 Meerman & Boomsma, Environmental and Social Analysis ‐ Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal System – Placencia Peninsula – DRAFT – 26 September 2010

4.1.1. Potential impacts of activities during construction and operation phases

Description of impacts

Project activity

Potential Environmental Impacts Positive/ Negative

Direct/ indirect

Short term/ long term

Avoidable/un‐avoidable

Reversible/ irreversible

Magnitude Environ‐mental costs /benefits

Digging trenches

Removal vegetation Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Disturbing landscaped gardens Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Removal fences Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Disturbance soil Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Need access to private yards Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Dust production Negative Direct Short Avoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Noise production Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Open trenches dangerous for traffic Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Medium Low cost

Blocking of traffic Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Medium Low cost

Breaking of water and other utility lines

Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Medium/High Medium cost

Unsightly sight after completion Negative Direct Short Avoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Placing sub‐marine cable/ pipe depending on location

Removal marine/coastal vegetation Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Irreversible Small Low cost

Increase siltation Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Obstruction boating traffic Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost


Project activity


Direct/ indirect





Construction access road to the sewerage treatment site (dependent on final design and location)

Private land acquisition Negative Direct Long Unavoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Removal natural vegetation Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Medium Low cost

Trucking movements to haul in road fill

Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Disturbance natural drainage Negative Indirect Long Avoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Excavation of road fill material Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Prepare sewerage treatment site

Private land acquisition Negative Direct Long Unavoidable Irreversible High High cost

Removal natural vegetation Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Dumping of waste soil Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Increase siltation resulting from earth works

Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Quarrying for lining material (when applicable)

Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Dust production Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Noise production Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Installing individual pumps

Cost price pump units Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Irreversible High High cost

Connecting costs Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Operation costs pump Negative Direct Long Unavoidable Irreversible Small/medium

Medium cost

Maintenance schedule Negative Direct Long Unavoidable Irreversible Small Medium cost


11 Easily mitigated following standard design and management procedures

Project activity


Direct/ indirect





Building centralized pumpstations

Land requirements Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Irreversible Small Low cost

Traffic obstructions Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Noise Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Unsightly sight after completion Negative Direct Short Avoidable Reversible Small Low cost

Operational phase sewerage system

Costs of improving individual sanitation facilities to flush toilets

Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable Irreversible Medium Medium cost

Extra costs for users system Negative Direct Long Unavoidable Irreversible Small Medium cost

Diffuse and uncontrolled discharge of effluents changed into a controllable point release

Positive Direct Long N.A. Reversible High High benefit

Health benefits Positive Direct Long N.A. N.A. High High benefit

Improvement of living conditions Positive Direct Long N.A. N.A. High High benefit

Economic benefits through improved tourism opportunities

Positive Direct Long N.A. N.A. High High benefit

Improved water quality of lagoon and sea

Positive Direct Long N.A. Depending on project success

High High benefit

Miasmatic system Negative Indirect Long Avoidable11 Reversible Low Medium cost

System creates mosquito breeding opportunities

Negative Indirect Long Avoidable11 Reversible Medium Medium cost


Project activity


Direct/ indirect





Failure of system: power failure

System not working Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Medium Low cost

Failure of system: broken pipes

System not working Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable Reversible Medium Low cost

Spillage/leakage of sewerage Negative Indirect Short Avoidable Reversible Medium Low cost

Removal old sanitation systems

Contaminated septic contents/soil Negative Indirect Short Unavoidable NA Small Low cost

Construction rubble Negative Direct Short Unavoidable Reversible Small Low cost


4.2. Description of mitigation measures

Note: “Developer” is that entity that ultimately takes on the responsibility for the project, will also be “manager”

Project activity

Potential Environmental Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Institutional responsibilities

Cost estimates Comments

Digging trenches

Removal vegetation After closing trenches, re‐distribute topsoil and replant with appropriate plants

Contractor Part of contract

Disturbing landscaped gardens After closing trenches, re‐distribute topsoil and replace with ornamental plants


Cooperation with land owner

Removal fences After closing trenches, restore fences Contractor Part of contract


Disturbance soil After closing trenches, re‐distribute topsoil Contractor Part of contract


Need access to private yards Ask permission from landowner and land user to enter private yards

All authorized employees carry identification cards

Develop grievance mechanism

Open hotline (telephone)



Dust production If needed, use sprinkler system (vehicle) to wet the soil



Noise production Use properly maintained machinery, adhere to noise pollution regulations.

No use of heavy machinery before 7 am and after 6 pm


Open trenches dangerous for traffic

Demarcate open trenches, if needed with lights in the night



Project activity



Digging trenches

Blocking of parcel access Guarantee access to premises by covering open trenches with steel covers for the night

Businesses remain accessible, day and night



Liaise with water board about location of the water pipes

Liaise with BEL about standby crew for repair on power lines

Liaise with land owners about other underground utility lines

Have repair kit (tools and materials) available to make immediate repairs if needed

Contractor, BWSL, BEL

Part of contract

Unsightly situation after completion

After completion of trenches, remove all construction materials, refill trenches

One month after filling trenches, verify the level of fill, if soil has caved in, make needed fill to level ground


Placing sub‐marine pipe

Removal marine/coastal vegetation

Minimize amount of plants that have to be removed by good planning of activities and proper instruction of work crew about the need to minimize destruction natural habitat


Increase siltation Use siltation screens were appropriate Contractor Part of contract

Obstruction boating traffic Place signs to regulate boat traffic

Sewer pipes should be dug in not to obstruct larger boats with deep draft



12 Assumed to be BWSL

Project activity



Construction access road to the sewerage treatment site

Private land acquisition Long term lease of private land to guarantee access to treatment site or acquisition of private land

Government land: establish road reserve

Developer12 Land acquisition price

Removal natural vegetation Determine preferred trajectory of road, taking into consideration removal of natural vegetation, presence of plant species with high conservation value, need for land fill, potential obstruction of natural drainage pattern, costs of the various trajectory options

Developer, Contractor,

Consultant

Environmental Impact Assessment

Engineering cost

Cost estimate needs to be added to final version of this document


The amount of fill needed to construct the access road, is one of the parameters that has to be taken into consideration when the access road trajectory is to be determined


Consultant


Engineering cost


Disturbance natural drainage Hydrology study is required to understand the local drainage pattern and proper action has to be taken not to obstruct the drainage of the ‘upstream’ land


Design consultant


Engineering cost


Excavation of road fill material road fill material has to be produced by existing quarries; in case new quarry sites have to be developed, licenses are needed from the Department of Geology


Consultant


Engineering cost



Project activity




Private land acquisition The process of land acquisition has to be finalized before development of sewage ponds can start

Developer Land acquisition price

Removal natural vegetation A system has to be developed whereby plants of conservation value like orchids, Zamia’s can be rescued by appropriate entities and used in botanical gardens or similar for research or display


Consultant


Engineering cost


Dumping of waste soil Excavated soil has to be characterized and a plan for re‐use of these soils has to be drafted.


Consultant


Engineering cost



Use siltation screens to prevent the run‐off of sediment into the water bodies


Quarrying for lining material(when applicable)

If local clays have to be excavated, the proper licenses have to be acquired from the Department of Geology

Developer, Contractor

Part of contract

Dust production Wet the road surface and other surface to minimize dust production


Noise production Use properly maintained machinery, adhere to noise pollution regulations




Project activity




Cost price pump units The cost of household pump units has to be included in the total price of the proposed project

Developer Part of development costs

There is a strong social component here. Can all users afford this? This needs to be addressed in a cost‐benefit analysis

Connecting costs Costs will be subject to PUC agreed rates.

The connecting costs should be included in the total price of the proposed project

For new housing developments: these costs should be included in the lot price, land developer is responsible for the connection of the houses to the sewerage system

Developer, Land/Lot owner

Part of development costs


Operation costs individual pump(in this and/or later stages of the project)

The operation costs of the individual pump are often compared to the costs of a 40 Watt light bulb. With continuous use, the costs per day will thus amount to BZE$ 1.‐‐, with intermittent use the costs per day may be BZE $ 0.10 (uncertain). The user of the system is responsible to pay for each costs

User Part of individual running costs



Project activity




Maintenance schedule User of the system is responsible for daily maintenance, proper use, monitoring reporting of failures of the system.

User, Developer.

The ownership of individual pumps has to be agreed upon.

Part of individual running costs. There will be an add‐on operation cost for individual maintenance


Periodic maintenance will be the responsibility of the entity managing the system, costs should be reflected in the users fee

Building centralized pump stations

Land requirements First option is to locate these pump stations on national land. If national land is not available at the proper locations, land acquisition will have to take place.


Consultant


Engineering cost


Location of the pump houses must not conflict with other (future) developments on the peninsula

Traffic obstructions Construction of the central pump station is not to interfere with traffic


Consultant


Engineering cost


Noise Use properly maintained machinery, adhere to noise pollution regulations




Inspect finished pump houses to ensure proper clean up of the construction materials etc.


Landscape surrounding areas after completion of the pump house


Project activity





Outfit low income families with a pre‐fabricated flush toilet unit, to replace pit latrines

User, Developer Part of individual running costs


Advocate the use of water saving devices and water saving manners

Develop technical assistance package to educate population about proper sanitation facilities

Extra costs for users system Develop a prop‐poor rate users fee structure

Develop a fee structure that allows small users affordable fees

User, Developer Part of individual running costs



Connection to the sewerage system should

be mandatory, monitor this.

Government will need to enact legislation for mandatory connection.

User, Developer, Government

Part of individual running costs


Miasmatic system Proper design, implementation and management of the ponds

Developer Part of operational costs


Use of certain fish species that prey on mosquito larvae



Project activity




System not working Back‐up generator(s) to power pump houses



System not working Stand by crew (24/7) to make needed repairs

Hotline for failure reports


Spillage/leakage of sewerage Stand by crew (24/7) to make needed repairs




Contaminated septic contents/soil Develop a plan for cleanup campaign, decide site by site the preferred option for the de‐commissioning of the existing sanitation facilities


Construction rubble Use construction waste to fill in redundant latrine and leach pits



4.3. Description of a monitoring program

Project activity

Potential Environmental Impacts

Proposed mitigation measures

Parameters to be monitored

Location Methods and equipment

Frequency Responsibilities Cost (B$)

Digging trenches


Leveling soil, replanted with appropriate plants. Baseline will be digital pictures of yards before start of works

Villages, peninsula

Personal visit at the site,

Digital camera

Baseline before start of activities. Once: after completion of the trenching

Baseline + final report including photographs

Initial costs camera $ 500; $ 100 per 100 yard length of pipe

Disturbing landscaped gardens

After closing trenches, re‐distribute topsoil and replace with ornamental plants

Leveling soil, replanted with appropriate ornamental plants. Baseline will be digital pictures of yards before start of works

Individual houselots


Digital camera



Initial costs camera $ 500; $ 20 per houselot

Removal fences After closing trenches, restore fences

Restoration of the fences. Baseline will be digital pictures of yards before start of works

Where fences where removed


Digital camera

Once: after completion of the trenches


Digital camera


Need access to private yards

Ask permission from landowner and land user to enter private yards



Open hotline (telephone)

Documentation of communication filed per connection

Signed forms allowing crew access to property

One file containing grievance documentation and follow‐up actions

Logbook of any calls made to hotline and follow‐up actions

Head quarters contractor

Computer files and hard copy files

Permission: for all privately owned land

Contractor Database development: $5,000 Data base management


Project activity







Excessive dust production Dust plume higher than 5 yards

Where excavation activities are taking place at that time

Visual When needed Reporting: activity schedule of the watering truck: when and where active

Develop activity logbook $ 500.‐‐



Adhere to the noise levels as stipulated in Pollution regulations, 1996. S.I. 56 of 1996

At construction sites

Noise level measurements with dB meter

At random Report, including construction site activities and noise levels at certain distances

Equipment $ 150. Monitoring $ 25/day



Open trenches are sign posted?

Where appropriate


Digital camera

When needed Report including photographs

Initial costs camera $ 500; $ 20 per open trench

Blocking of traffic Guarantee access to premises by covering open trenches with steel covers for the night


Access to house lots remain open during evening hours

Access to businesses remain open during the day and night

Where appropriate


Digital camera




Project activity











Contractor has a set of blueprints outlining the water mains and other underground utility lines

Contractor has telephone numbers of involved utility companies (BEL, water board, cable companies)

Contractor has repair kits for water mains

Other utility companies have repair equipment available at the peninsula

Where needed

Visual When needed One time, at the start of the project

Liaison costs (telephone etc)




Remove all construction materials, rubbish. Leveling soil

Villages, peninsula


Digital camera

Twice: first time after closing trenches, second time after closing trenches

Report including photographs



Project activity






Placing sub‐marine cable



Monitor the width of the trench to be dig in the lagoon bottom

Lagoon Measuring tape, depth sounder

Daily during excavation activities

reporting $ 1000/week

Increase siltation Use siltation screens were appropriate

Turbidity level 100 yards downstream of activities

Lagoon Secchi disk Daily Reporting Turbidity test, boat trip $ 1000/day

Obstruction boating traffic

Place signs to regulate boat traffic


Sign posting upcoming activities

Measure depth of channel before and after placing of the pipe(s)

Lagoon Measuring depth with ‘stick', Measuring tape, depth sounder

3 times: first before activities start during low tide, second during construction during low tide, third after placing pipe during low tide

Report of findings Measuring stick, depth sounder. Three boat trips $ 200/day


Project activity







Private land acquisition

Long term lease of private land to guarantee access to treatment site or acquisition of private land


Present private land: Lease or title to land needed for the access road has to be obtained before any construction activity starts

Present GOB land: establish road reserve

NA NA Start project Copy of title/lease has to be submitted to the funding agency Documentation (map) of road reserve has to be submitted to funding agency

NA

Removal natural vegetation

Determine preferred trajectory of road, taking into consideration removal of natural vegetation, presence of plant species with high conservation value, need for land fill, potential obstruction of natural drainage pattern, costs of the various trajectory options

Scouting of proposed access road reserve to identify sensitive micro habitats and/or plants of high biological value

Proposed access road to sewerage treatment ponds

Identification of sensitive micro habitats and plants of high conservation value

One time, before construction of access roads starts

List of names and location (GPS)of habitats and plants of high biological value

$ 400 per mile road length excl travelling costs biologist


Project activity








Evaluation of the different options for access roads

NA Assessment matrix with evaluation of the different options taking into account costs, traffic movements, disturbance of local vegetation, drainage pattern etc

Once, before access road trajectory is surveyed

Assessment matrix (part of the EIA)

Part of the EIA

Disturbance natural drainage

Hydrology study is required to understand the local drainage pattern and proper action has to be taken not to obstruct the drainage of the ‘upstream’ land


NA Assessment matrix with evaluation of the different options taking into account costs, traffic movements, disturbance of local vegetation, drainage pattern etc



Part of the EIA

Excavation of road fill material

Road fill material has to be produced by existing quarries; in case new quarry sites have to be developed, licenses are needed from the Department of Geology

Verify source of road fill material and quarry operator is in the possession of an adequate quarry license

NA Copy of quarry license and contract with project contractor

Once, at the start of the project unless project is commissioned in stages

Copy of quarry license and contract has to be submitted to funding agency

NA


Project activity








The process of land acquisition has to be finalized before development of sewage ponds can start

Present private land: Lease or title to land needed for the treatment ponds has to be obtained before any construction activity starts

NA NA Start project Copy of title/lease has to be submitted to the funding agency

NA


A system has to be developed whereby plants of conservation value such as orchids, Zamia’s can be rescued by appropriate entities

Scouting of proposed treatment ponds to identify plants of high biological value

Liaise with established conservation organizations (Belize Botanical Gardens, Belize Zoo, Belize Tropical Forest Studies) about the potential to salvage plants with a high biological/conservation value for educational purposes

Proposed sewerage treatment ponds

Identification of plants of high conservation value

Consult with conservation NGO’s

One time, before construction of sewerage ponds starts

List of names and location (GPS)of plants of high biological value

$ 1000 per acre excl travelling costs biologist

Dumping of waste soil

Excavated soil has to be characterized and a plan for re‐use of these soils has to be drafted.

Properly disposal of excavated soil: or re‐used at the spot or piled up at an appropriate location and in an appropriate way

Sewerage treatment ponds and elsewhere

Visual check Once a month Reporting, including volume of waste soil and location of deposit, including pictures

$ 300/month



Assess amount of siltation in run‐off streams

Water bodies near sewerage ponds

Visual, secchi disk

After heavy rain

Reporting including GPS readings and pictures

$ 300/time


Project activity









Provider of clays has proper quarrying license

NA NA One time: before excavation of clay starts

Copy of the permit NA


Road visibility remains at a minimum of 100 yards

Access road Visibility check after a truck passes

During dry weather

Reporting: activity schedule of the watering truck: when and where active

$ 200/visit




Access road dB meter Spot checks Reporting recorded sound levels with number plate of vehicles

$ 200/visit


Project activity







Cost price pump units

The cost of household pump units has to be discussed (inclusion in the total price of the proposed project?)

Provision, installation of individual pump does not come at a cost of individual households

NA Sample survey After delivery of the project

reporting $ 1000/ developing and carrying out of sample survey

Connecting costs The connecting costs included in the total price of the proposed project (?)



NA Sample survey After delivery of the project


Operation costs individual pump

The operation costs of the individual pump are often compared to the costs of a 40 Watt light bulb.

With continuous use, the costs per day will thus amount to BZE$ 1.‐‐, with intermittent use the costs per day may be BZE $ 0.10 (uncertain). The user of the system is responsible to pay for each costs

NA NA NA NA NA NA


Project activity







Maintenance schedule

User of the system is responsible for daily maintenance, proper use, monitoring reporting of failures of the system.

Head of the household has to fill out a daily/weekly/monthly maintenance schedule

Each individual pumping unit

Copying of the maintenance schedule

Once a month Collecting maintenance schedule and take appropriate action by failing proper maintenance

$ 3,000/ month


Periodic maintenance reports are filled out

NA Maintenance reports

Appropriate time intervals

Monitoring reports NA


Land requirements First option is to locate these pump stations on national land. If national land is not available at the proper locations, land acquisition will have to take place.

Secure national land

Or

Negotiate long term lease or through land acquisition

NA NA Once: before the planning phase of the project

Copy of the title, or declaration of national land, or land acquisition procedure has been finalized

$ 2,000

Location of the pump houses must not conflict with other (future) developments on the peninsula and vise versa

Consult with local authorities about landownership of lots, consult with about future development plans

Village council, neighbours

Development plans

Once, before the planning phase of the project

Report writing including copies of development plans

$ 2,000


Project activity








Use of proper traffic signs, roads and streets remain accesible

Pump house Visual check Once a week Report, including pictures

$ 100/week




Construction sites

dB meter Spot checks Report Meter $100, monitoring $ 25/day



Removal of all construction waste

Pump house Visual check One time after completion pump house

Report, including pictures

$ 200/pump house


Landscaping of the immediate surroundings of the pump house

Pump house Visual check Two times: first after completion of the landscaping, second two months to monitor the survival of the plants


$ 400/ month


Project activity








Research potential for assistance to low income families in order to replace pit latrines

No more pit latrines

Villages Qualified low‐income households

One time Report ?

Advocate the use of water saving devices and water saving etiquette

Maintain a list with households to ensure that all households have been approached

Villages Contact all listed households

Several times during the construction and the first months of operational phases

Report $10,000



Villages Contact all listed households


Report $10,000

Extra costs for users system

Develop a pro‐poor rate users fee structure


Fee structure is staged, with an affordable fee for reasonable minimum use for low income households

Service area Development of the fee structure for the Placencia service area

One time NA NA


Connection to the sewerage system should be mandatory, monitor this

Monitor the presence of household sewerage connections and the disconnection of individual systems

Each connection

Visual check One check for existing structures; buildings under construction when needed

Report writing $ 20,000 one time effort


Project activity







Miasmatic system Respond to reports of odorous situations by applying the correct procedures of management of the system

Occurrence of odors Sewerage ponds

Visual, olfactory checks

Depends on reporting

Grievance mechanism

NA


Use of local fish species that prey on mosquito larvae

Presence of mosquito larvae

Sewerage ponds, drain field

Adequate sample nets

Rainy season, once a month

Report writing $ 100/month

Discharge of effluents in class I water body (Lagoon)

Water quality testing

Periodically testing water quality of the lagoon near sewerage treatment ponds

Lagoon Testing of water samples on appropriate parameters

Quarterly Reporting $ 1000/3 months



Monthly testing of the back‐up generator

Check on amount of fuel, sufficient for 48 hours of operation

Generator house(s)

NA Once a month Report writing NA


System not working Stand by crew to make needed repairs


Time lapse between report of failure and repair

NA Data base When needed Proper reporting by the managing agency

NA

Spillage/leakage of sewerage

Stand by crew to make needed repairs



NA Data base When needed Proper reporting by the managing agency

NA


Project activity







Contaminated septic contents/soil

Develop a plan for cleanup campaign (separate project), decide site by site the preferred option for the de‐commissioning of the existing sanitation facilities

Contents septic/latrine pits not be moved but holding pits to be filled in with soil/construction waste

Or

Licensed sewerage waste collector collects the contents of septic and discharged at approved locations (acc to license issued by DoE)

Villages Visual inspection

Per connection, when needed

Reporting, including pictures Or Copy of hired waste collector

$ 100/week


Destination of construction waste

Villages Visual inspection

Weekly, for a 6 month period

Reporting including pictures

$ 100/week


4.3.1. Agencies that could be incorporated in Monitoring

13 Assumed to be BWSL

Project activity




Entity responsible for monitoring

Methods and equipment


Digging trenches


Leveling soil, replanted with appropriate plants. Baseline will be digital pictures of yards before start of works

Developer13

potentially working with a local NGO


Digital camera




Disturbing landscaped gardens

After closing trenches, re‐distribute topsoil and replace with ornamental plants

Leveling soil, replanted with appropriate ornamental plants. Baseline will be digital pictures of yards before start of works

Developerpotentially working with a local NGO


Digital camera




Removal fences After closing trenches, restore fences

Restoration of the fences. Baseline will be digital pictures of yards before start of works



Digital camera

Once: after completion of the trenches


Digital camera


Need access to private yards

Ask permission from landowner and land user to enter private yards



Open hotline

Documentation of communication filed per connection

Signed forms allowing crew access to property

File containing grievance documentation and follow‐up actions

Logbook of calls/ follow‐up actions

Contractor Computer files and hard copy files

Permission: for all privately owned land

Contractor Database development: $5,000 Data base management


Project activity







Digging trenches


Excessive dust production Dust plume higher than 5 yards


Visual When needed Reporting: activity schedule of the watering truck: when and where active

Develop activity logbook $ 500.‐‐





Noise level measurements with dB meter

At random Report, including construction site activities and noise levels at certain distances

Equipment $ 150. Monitoring $ 25/day



Open trenches are sign posted?



Digital camera



Blocking of traffic Guarantee access to premises by covering open trenches with steel covers for the night


Access to house lots remain open during evening hours

Access to businesses remain open during the day and night



Digital camera




Project activity







Digging trenches






Contractor has a set of blueprints outlining the water mains and other underground utility lines

Contractor has telephone numbers of involved utility companies (BEL, water board, cable companies)

Contractor has repair kits for water mains

Other utility companies have repair equipment available at the peninsula

Contractor Visual When needed One time, at the start of the project

Liaison costs (telephone etc)




Remove all construction materials, rubbish. Leveling soil



Digital camera

Twice: first time after closing trenches, second time after closing trenches

Report including photographs



Project activity







Placing sub‐marine cable



Monitor the width of the trench to be dig in the lagoon bottom


Measuring tape, depth sounder

Daily during excavation activities

reporting $ 1000/week

Increase siltation Use siltation screens were appropriate

Turbidity level 100 yards downstream of activities


Secchi disk Daily Reporting Turbidity test, boat trip $ 1000/day

Obstruction boating traffic

Place signs to regulate boat traffic


Sign posting upcoming activities

Measure depth of channel before and after placing of the pipe(s)


Measuring depth with ‘stick', Measuring tape, depth sounder

3 times: first before activities start during low tide, second during construction during low tide, third after placing pipe during low tide

Report of findings Measuring stick, depth sounder. Three boat trips $ 200/day


Project activity









Long term lease of private land to guarantee access to treatment site or acquisition of private land


Present private land: Lease or title to land needed for the access road has to be obtained before any construction activity starts

Present GOB land: establish road reserve

Funding agency

NA Start project Copy of title/lease has to be submitted to the funding agency Documentation (map) of road reserve has to be submitted to funding agency

NA


Determine preferred trajectory of road, taking into consideration removal of natural vegetation, presence of plant species with high conservation value, need for land fill, potential obstruction of natural drainage pattern, costs of the various trajectory options

Scouting of proposed access road reserve to identify sensitive micro habitats and/or plants of high biological value

Independent consultant

Identification of sensitive micro habitats and plants of high conservation value

One time, before construction of access roads starts

List of names and location (GPS)of habitats and plants of high biological value

$ 400 per mile road length excl travelling costs biologist


Project activity












Assessment matrix with evaluation of the different options taking into account costs, traffic movements, disturbance of local veg, drainage pattern etc



Part of the EIA

Disturbance natural drainage

Hydrology study is required to understand the local drainage pattern and proper action has to be taken not to obstruct the drainage of the ‘upstream’ land



Assessment matrix with evaluation of the different options taking into account costs, traffic movements, disturbance of local veg, drainage pattern etc



Part of the EIA

Excavation of road fill material

Road fill material has to be produced by existing quarries; in case new quarry sites have to be developed, licenses are needed from the Department of Geology

Verify source of road fill material and quarry operator is in the possession of an adequate quarry license

Contractor Copy of quarry license and contract with project contractor

Once, at the start of the project unless project is commissioned in stages

Copy of quarry license and contract has to be submitted to funding agency

NA


Project activity









The process of land acquisition has to be finalized before development of sewage ponds can start

Present private land: Lease or title to land needed for the treatment ponds has to be obtained before any construction activity starts

Funding agency

NA Start project Copy of title/lease has to be submitted to the funding agency

NA


A system has to be developed whereby plants of conservation value such as orchids, Zamia’s can be rescued by appropriate entities

Scouting of proposed treatment ponds to identify plants of high biological value

Concur with established conservation organizations (Belize Botanical Gardens, Belize Zoo, Belize Tropical Forest Studies) about the potential to salvage plants with a high biological/conservation value for research/ educational purposes


Identification of plants of high conservation value

Consult with conservation NGO’s

One time, before construction of sewerage ponds starts

List of names and location (GPS)of plants of high biological value

$ 1000 per acre excl travelling costs biologist

Dumping of waste soil

Excavated soil has to be characterized and a plan for re‐use of these soils has to be drafted.

Properly disposal of excavated soil: or re‐used at the spot or piled up at an appropriate location and in an appropriate way


Visual check Once a month Reporting, including volume of waste soil and location of deposit, including pictures

$ 300/month


Project activity










Assess amount of siltation in run‐off streams


Visual, secchi disk

After heavy rain

Reporting including GPS readings and pictures

$ 300/time



Provider of clays has proper quarrying license

Contractor NA One time: before excavation of clay starts

Copy of the permit NA


Road visibility remains at a minimum of 100 yards


Visibility check after a truck passes

During dry weather

Reporting: activity schedule of the watering truck: when and where active

$ 200/visit





dB meter Spot checks Reporting recorded sound levels with number plate of vehicles

$ 200/visit


Project activity








Cost price pump units

The cost of household pump units has to be included in the total price of the proposed project


Funding agency

Sample survey After delivery of the project


Connecting costs The connecting costs should be included in the total price of the proposed project



Funding agency

Sample survey After delivery of the project


Operation costs individual pump

The operation costs of the individual pump are often compared to the costs of a 40 Watt light bulb.

With continuous use, the costs per day will thus amount to BZE$ 1.‐‐, with intermittent use the costs per day may be BZE $ 0.10 (uncertain). The user of the system is responsible to pay for each costs

NA Executing agency

NA NA NA NA


Project activity








Maintenance schedule

User of the system is responsible for daily maintenance, proper use, monitoring reporting of failures of the system.

Head of the household has to fill out a daily/weekly/monthly maintenance schedule

Executing agency

Copying of the maintenance schedule

Once a month Collecting maintenance schedule and take appropriate action by failing proper maintenance

$ 3,000/ month


Periodic maintenance reports are filled out

Executing agency

Maintenance reports

Appropriate time intervals

Monitoring reports NA


Land requirements First option is to locate these pump stations on national land.

Secure national land

Or

Negotiate long term lease or through land acquisition

Funding agency

NA Once: before the planning phase of the project

Copy of the title, or declaration of national land, or land acquisition procedure has been finalized

$ 2,000

Location of the pump houses must not conflict with other (future) developments on the peninsula

Concur with local authorities about landownership neighbouring lots, concur with neighbours about future development plans

Executing agency

Development plans

Once, before the planning phase of the project

Report writing including copies of development plans

$ 2,000


Project activity









Use of proper traffic signs, roads and streets remain accessible


Visual check Once a week Report, including pictures

$ 100/week





dB meter Spot checks Report Meter $100, monitoring $ 25/day



Removal of all construction waste


Visual check One time after completion pump house


$ 200/pump house


Landscaping of the immediate surroundings of the pump house


Visual check Two times: first after completion of the landscaping, second two months to monitor the survival of the plants


$ 400/month


Project activity









Outfit low income families with a pre‐fabricated flush toilet unit, to replace pit latrines

Low‐income households receive a pre‐fab toilet unit


Qualified low‐income households receive a unit

One time Report $ 1,500 per household

Advocate the use of water saving devices and water saving etiquette



Contact all listed households


Report $10,000




Contact all listed households


Report $10,000

Extra costs for users system

Develop a pro‐poor rate users fee structure


Fee structure is staged, with an affordable fee for reasonable minimum use for low income households

Executing agency

Development of the fee structure for the Placencia service area

One time NA NA


Connection to the sewerage system should be mandatory, monitor this

Monitor the presence of household sewerage connections and the disconnection of individual systems

Executing agency

Visual check One check for existing structures; buildings under construction when needed

Report writing $ 20,000 one time effort


Project activity








Miasmatic system Respond to reports of odorous situations by applying the correct procedures of management

Occurrence of odors Developerpotentially working with a local NGO

Visual, olfactory checks

Depends on reporting

Grievance mechanism

NA


Use of local fish species that prey on mosquito larvae

Presence of mosquito larvae


Adequate sample nets

Rainy season, once a month

Report writing $ 100/month

Discharge of effluents in class I water body (Lagoon)

Water quality testing

Periodically testing water quality of the lagoon near sewerage treatment ponds

DoE

Testing of water samples on appropriate parameters

Quarterly Reporting $ 1000/3 months



Monthly testing of the back‐up generator

Check on amount of fuel, sufficient for 48 hours of operation

Executing agency

NA Once a month Report writing NA


System not working Stand by crew (24/7) to make needed repairs



Executing agency

Data base When needed Proper reporting by the managing agency

NA

Spillage/leakage of sewerage

Stand by crew (24/7) to make needed repairs



Executing agency

Data base When needed Proper reporting by the managing agency

NA


Project activity








Contaminated septic contents/soil

Develop a plan for cleanup campaign, decide site by site the preferred option for the de‐commissioning of the existing sanitation facilities

Contents septic/latrine pits not be moved but holding pits to be filled in with soil/construction waste

Or

Licensed sewerage waste collector collects the contents of septic and discharged at approved locations (acc to license issued by DoE)

DoE Visual inspection

Per connection, when needed

Reporting, including pictures Or Copy of hired waste collector

$ 100/week


Destination of construction waste


Visual inspection

Weekly, for a 6 month period

Reporting including pictures

$ 100/week


4.3.2. Monitoring agencies

Different entities will be responsible for the monitoring of the different components of the preparation, execution and operation of the proposes wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system for the Placencia Peninsula.

By having different entities involved in the monitoring process, it is important to create a transparent reporting system that is all information collected is according defined protocols and the outcome of the monitoring process is public.

A total of six entities will be involved in the monitoring, namely

Funding agency

Local NGO

DoE


Contractor

Executing agency

Funding agency

The task of the funding agency is to monitor the security of land ownership of the land needed for the construction of the access road(s) to the sewerage treatment ponds, the treatment pond system including tertiary treatment by means of marsh land, and the centralized pump stations (if applicable). The acreage of land needed for the sewerage ponds must include future expansion of the ponds to a treatment capacity of waste water of 30,000 persons. The security of land ownership is needed to guarantee the un‐compromised functioning of the entire wastewater treatment system.

The funding agency also is to perform a cost‐benefit analysis which takes into account the financial situation of the various users of the system.

Local NGO

It is proposed to have a peninsula based NGO involved in monitoring a number of activities that are needed to execute the proposed works. This NGO has to answer to the responsible party, i.e. the developer (BWSL). A local NGO is familiar with the local conditions and the local population. A number of monitoring activities will not require major efforts and it is cost effective if a locally based organization can take up the organization and execution of these activities.

The proposed monitoring activities are basically activities related to the digging of the trenches and the closing of the trenches. These activities will take place in public areas but also on private properties.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to execute the digging of the trenches from a technical point of view, but the local NGO has to monitor potential disruption of local traffic, unsightly conditions after finishing of the works, accessibility of properties, sign posting of dangerous situations. They may become focal point for questions and complaints and may have to act as a mediator between the contractor and the general public.

Training must be offered in the field of reporting, filing of information, conflict resolution, coordination between the different entities involved in the process. Basic equipment needed for monitoring must be supplied, including office equipment.


DoE

The Department of Environment is usually the agency involved in monitoring the construction phase of a project and depending on the character of the project, also during the operational phase. In the proposed monitoring schedule of the ESMP, monitoring of the activities in the field can be done by third parties, and DoE can limit its activities by reviewing the monitoring reports if DoE agrees with the proposed ESMP.

DoE will be involved in monitoring the quality of the effluents discharged by the sewerage treatment ponds.


Although the design of the waste water collection and treatment system is a highly technical process, the impact of the project should be minimized as much as possible. It is unavoidable that a relatively large tract of land on the mainland will be needed for the construction of the treatment ponds. It is known (Balick et al, 2000) that the Belizean coastal savanna’s are rich in endemics, plants not occurring elsewhere in the world. To mitigate the impact of clearing a large tract of land of plants with a high biological value, a qualified botanist with extensive experience in Belize, is needed to scout the proposed sites for access road(s) and ponds for the presence of these plants.

If more than one site is available for the construction of the ponds, the presence of flora and sensitive microhabitats with a biological value must be included in the discussion which location will be the preferred option.

The consultant’s responsibility will also be to monitor the potentially salvaging of these plants and depositing of these plants with appropriate institutions.

The contractor

The contracted company that is executing the proposed project is responsible to maintain a proper data management system for the documentation of all communications between individual house owners and the company during the construction phase. Protocols have to be developed to acquire access to private properties, and execute the needed works. A grievance protocol must be developed. In other words, all contacts with the community have to be documented.

The contractor is responsible for the sub contractor(s) they hire, for instance dump trucks, boat services, excavators, welders for instance. They can only contract persons or companies that are in the possession of the proper licenses and equipment. In case fill material for the development of roads or lining material (in case of a clay liner instead of a synthetic liner) is needed for the ponds, only sources that operate under a valid quarry can be contracted.

All documentation must be accessible to the local community, the funding agency, DoE or other authorities.

Executing agency

The executing agency will monitor the proper functioning of the system, including timely maintenance and if needed repair of the pumping units (either individual household units or centralized pumps). They will also be responsible in negotiating a staged fee structure with the Public Utilities Commission, a fee structure that will include a social fee for minimal use of water and therefore minimal production of waste water.


They will also be responsible to ensure that each individual household is connected to the sewerage system. For future developments, the use of the sewerage system is mandatory.

The executing agency is responsible to have a back‐up power supply unit stationed at the peninsula and have a repair crew stand by for 24/7. All these activities will be documented and these files are open to the public to scrutinize.

5. Legal requirements for bidding and contract documents

The following is a bulleted list that summarizes legal requirements that could be included in bidding and contract documents. This list is in no particular order and by no means complete and still open for discussion. The information in this list is largely derived from the impact analysis tables.

Contractor will only employ persons who have legal status to enter the labor force in Belize.

Contractor will abide the Labour Laws

Social security contributions will be paid for all employees

Contactor will only hire sub‐contractors who employ persons who have a legal status to enter the labor force in Belize, and abide the Labour Law and who pay social security for all their employees

All equipment used by contractor and sub‐contractor will be properly serviced and will not cause any nuisance (especially in regards to noise and exhaust fumes) to the employees and the general public.

Contractor shall appoint a public relation officer who will be responsible for the relations between the company and the general public in regards to the construction activities related to the proposed waste water treatment system. This officer or his/her deputy, have to be available 24/7, for questions, filing of complaints, disruption of services and other matters.

Contractor will sign post telephone numbers where the general public can contact the public relation person within the company 24/7

Contractor shall compile information in regards to households, business, locations, names of persons in charge, telephone numbers or other ways to contact the occupants of the premises This information shall be documented in electronic files, for each premises a separate entry

Contractor shall document all communication, being in writing, electronic or verbal in the files.

Contractor shall develop a standard grievance mechanism to file all complaints made by affected persons, a copy shall be give to the persons who filed a complaint,

Contractor shall develop a standard with a minimum time frame to answer any complaint filed

Contractor will issue any employee who has to enter private properties with an identification card that will carry a photograph of the employee.

Before entering private properties, the contractor or his authorized staff member has to contact the owner/occupant of the lot and inform the person(s) about the need to enter the property, the character of the activities, the duration of the activities.

Contractor shall coordinate all the activities in such a way that disruption of private and public life will be minimized as much as possible, and no hazardous conditions will remain longer than needed, and will be avoided over the weekend and holidays

Heavy equipment will not be operated on Sundays and during the night.

Special care must be taken for the use of heavy equipment near public buildings like schools; close consultation with the teachers and possibly the Parent‐teachers association is needed


6. Literature http://aplaceinbelize.com/map_dev.html

Ariola, E. 2003. Characterization of a Tropical Estuarine System: The Placencia Lagoon. Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. 48 pp.

Balick, K.J., M.H. Nee and D. E. Atha. 2000. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Belize. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden (85). New York Botanical Garden Press. 246 pp.

BET, 2009. Placencia Marina EIA

BET, 2009. Placencia Marina EIA supplement

BET, 2010. Placnecia Marina EIA supplement

Boyd, C. E and J.W. Clay. (2002). Evaluation of Belize Aquaculture Ltd: A Super‐intensive Shrimp Aquaculture System. Report prepared under the World Bank, NACA, WWF and FAO Consortium Program on Shrimp Farming and the Environment. 17p.

Buckalew et al (1998). Water Resources Assessment for Belize. US Army Corps of Engineers District Office in Mobile, Alabama, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Engineering Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Engineers Without Borders (2006). Wastewater Feasibility Study for Placencia Peninsula, Belize.

Ecoworks 2007. Environmental Impact Assessment Of The Placencia Resort Development On Placencia Peninsula Stann Creek District, Belize Central America To Be Undertaken By: Plexar Capital, LLC. November 2007

Kjerfve, B., (1981) Tides of the Caribbean Sea. Journal of Geophysical Research 86 (C5)

PASCO (2002). An EIA Addenda for a proposed excavation of a channel at the Placencia Peninsula.

PCSD, 2010. http://sites.google.com/site/pcsdbelize/,

http://www.saveourpeninsula.org/tourism/water.html

Roots and Reef, PCSD Newsletter. http://sites.google.com/site/pcsdbelize/roots‐reef

Short, F.T; E. Fernandez, A. Vernon, J.L. Gaeckle, Occurrence of Halophila baillonii meadows in Belize, Central America, Aquatic Botany, Volume 85, Issue 3, October 2006, Pages 249‐251,

Tunich Nah Consultants (2000). Environmental Impact Assessment of Nova Toledo Aquaculture Venture Expansion Project.

Tunich Nah Consultants (2001). Environmental Impact Assessment of Nova Laguna Shrimp Mariculture Expansion Project, Stann Creek District, Belize.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1993) Volunteer Estuary Monitoring: A Methods Manual. EPA 842‐B‐93‐004, Washington, DC.

Watershed‐Reef Interconnectivity Scientific Study (WRIScS):1997‐2001. Lavender S. et al, 2002. 35 pp. http://www.research.plymouth.ac.uk/geomatics/wriscs/pubs/E1i_Introduction_Methods.pdf

environmental and social analysis

Documents