North
Andros, Bahamas
Coastal Systems prepared an
environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the proposed
Morgans Bluff development on Andros Island in the Bahamas.
The proposed project consisted of the establishment
of a resource mining industry on North Andros and commerce
activity associated with a resort and residential development
that would include a marina and waterfront village adjacent
to the mining area. The marine works portion of the
project included the extension of a 4,200-foot channel
across Colby Bay and a new port with aggregate loading
facilities at Joanne Point. In addition, the existing
marina basin and entrance channel would be expanded
for the development of the waterfront village. The proposed
aggregate industry will produce an estimated four to
seven million tons of limestone material for construction
aggregate export.
Terrestrial
and marine resources were surveyed utilizing high resolution
photogrammetric mapping and towed underwater video techniques.
Biologists field-verified the remote sensing data to
confirm existing ecosystems. Upland ecosystems mapped
included pine forests, mangrove wetlands, coastal coppice,
maritime forest, rock shore and sandy beach. Marine
ecosystems included sandy bottom, scattered hard-bottom,
corals and patchy seagrass. Environmental impacts were
assessed based on the proposed development and resource
mining plans. The development plans were adjusted to
minimize environmental impacts. In addition, meteorological
and oceanographic conditions were evaluated. Recommendations
to protect marine resources such as adjacent reefs during
dredging operations were also provided. A comprehensive
EIA was prepared and submitted for processing through
the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST)
Commission.
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