Project Environment - Department of Environment

2.1 Project Site and Zone of Influence
CHAPTER 2
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Caye Caulker is located in the lower northern portion of Belize, which is one of the fastest
growing regions of the country. This increase is being fuelled by the rapid growth in the tourism
industry and its attendant need for a host of hospitality workers and services and the many
workers who are employed working on the various infrastructural projects.
Such an example is Caye Caulker and San Pedro which are naturally regarded as the cockpit and
engine of the Belizean tourism industry. In addition, the entire region including near shore and
island areas around the Corozal Bay continues to attract capital and new investments as
manifested in the free zone trade at the northern border and the many new tourism projects
planned or ongoing in Caye Caulker and San Pedro to name a few. These ventures provide
opportunities for new settlers, migrant laborers and service providers further fuelling the growth
of the northern portion of Belize.
For our purposes the zone of influence of this project can be defined in strictly economic and
physical terms as all those areas that are directly impacted by this project, or are likely to impact
this project in the future. To that end it includes all coastal settlements between Belize City and
the northern border and such offshore tourism hotspots as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. It
is anticipated that as the northern coastal communities continue to grow, the water traffic
between San Pedro and those coastal communities will increase dramatically and create high
water movements around the project site.
2.2 Physical Description
The proposed development consists of various physical components that make up its natural
environment. These include geology, soil, and topography to name a few. These components are
an essential part in considering the overall development and its impacts. The following is a brief
summary of those components:
2.2.1 Geology of the Area
Belize is a tropical country with an extensive coastal area in the inland part with over 1,000
cayes and 125 miles of Barrier Reef. The cayes are islands and/or mangrove islands, that are
found between the mainland and the barrier reef, on the barrier reef, and on or within the barrier
reef perimeters of the off shore atolls. The cayes ranges in size from a few hundred feet to 25
miles long and 4 miles wide.
The Pelican Point Marina and Yacht Club project site is located on one of these cayes namely
Caye Caulker in the Belize District. The caye is basically a sand bar over a limestone shelf.
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Fig. 2.1 Geological Map of the Area
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Underwater caves are found in the limestone. In front of the village, a shallow lagoon between 6
inches and 14 feet deep meets the Belize Barrier Reef to the east. In front of the village, the reef
is known as a dry reef with the reef exposed at the surface, while further north the reef is a deep
reef and lies under 8 feet of water. Towards the south, at the project site, the water level
gradually descends as one veers westwards.
A narrow waterway known as The Split divides the island in two. Some people state that The
Split was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 which devastated Belize City; however others
maintain that it is a man-made feature created by dredging. Though the feature could have been
created by any combination of natural and human causes, the lack of use of The Split by any
except small boats belies any motivation for dredging.
The natives claim that the hurricane first split the island but it was only a foot deep and as people
started getting bigger boats on the island, they decided to dredge it out to roughly 20 feet deep so
the larger boats could pass.
Geologic Age (New Geology Type) Soil Types (Soil Suite)
Unknown (offshore) Acidic Soils (Tintal)
Recent Soils (Turneffe)
Published information on the general ground conditions around the cayes by C.G. Dixon (1956)
indicate that the cayes themselves are sand cayes and there are indications that these are at
present being actively eroded. Dixon describes the cayes in general to have been formed of sand.
These sand formations however, overlay flat-top limestone bedrock.
The Geological Map of Belize revised edition 2005 establishes the landform in Caye Caulker as
being Quaternary period sand bars, modern reef, calcareous sand and mud from the Holocene
(last 10,000 years) to present (See Fig. 2.1). Deposits of this age are a common occurrence close
to ground level, often forming soils that cover, unconformably, harder and older rock at depth.
The Quaternary (Pleistocene) rocks and modern sediments along the coast, and under water, are
the youngest cycle of deposition in Belize, and are represented largely by shallow-water, limey
sediments. Ambergris Caye and adjacent Cayes did not exist then as we know them today. Their
foundation of Cretaceous and Tertiary limestone is formed from the accumulation of shells and
reef debris like those being deposited today.
2.2.2 Topography
Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea
measuring about 5 miles (north to south) by less than 1 mile (east to west). Caye Caulker is
located approximately 20 miles north of Belize City. The proposed project site is located on the
south western-portion of the caye adjacent to the Caye Caulker Airstrip. Presently, the project
site has been cleared and leveled for construction.
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The general contour of the area shows that the topography commences from a depth of 0 feet
near the shoreline to a maximum height of 2.5 feet throughout the property. This leveled contour
of the project site is as a result of previous land clearing activities. Forecasted activities include
elevating the land some 1-4 feet.
Past topographical data concluded that this area was somewhat similar to its present state when
compared to the neighboring topography and land properties. The area was also conducive of
lush mangrove forest with perennial swamp lands. This particular contour remains flat
throughout the area.
The eastern portion of the island is more indicative of continuous wave action and sand
transportation dynamics. At this point, general topography is constant with a sand dune
formation that has evolved over the years. These dunes generally have a sharp crest that
gradually slope downwards as one goes inland.
2.2.3 Soil
The subsoil investigation was carried out on the site of the proposed development of the Pelican
Point Marina and Yacht Club. Probing were conducted on land at various strategic locations and
also carried out in the sea where the proposed marina is to be constructed.
This report describes the site investigation carried out at the site and presents technical
recommendations for the design of the structural facilities based on the findings, and also of the
associated hazards such as hurricanes and seismic activity that can possibly be encountered at
this site.
The soils investigation for Pelican Point Marina and Yacht Club was carried out and supervised
by Mr. Alberto A. Rosado, a Civil and Structural Engineer assisted by two technicians in
February 2007.
The programme of probing was as follows:
BH # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 February 2007
SB # 1, 2, 3, 4 February 2007
Probes Numbers BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4 and BH5 were conducted on the property upon which
the resort development is being proposed. A development proposal was used to locate the probes
where the main building structures are being considered.
Probes Numbers SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4 were conducted in the sea immediately in front of the
property where the marina for the resort development is being proposed.
The equipment used for this investigation was a Mackintosh Probe manufactured by Engineering
Laboratory Equipment. The probe locations are indicated on the Probe Location Plan (See Fig.
2.2). A more detailed site investigation is presented in Chapter 9 of this document.
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Fig 2.2 Probe Locations of Project Site
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2.2.4 Seismology
The project is not located along any major fault line or zone. The site is located northwest of an
unnamed Fault line that runs parallel to the eastern coast of the caye and Barrier Reef. This fault
line extends southwards from north Ambergris Caye all the way to Hicks Cayes and also parallel
to the reef. There have been no known epicenters around the project site (See Fig. 2.3).
For Belize, earthquake hazard increases steadily from the north of the country to the south as can
be observed in the Maximum Seismic Intensity in Belize (Fig. 2.4). Earthquakes that affect the
country of Belize occur in the Gulf of Honduras which is the plate boundary zone between North
America and the Caribbean. Belize, on occasion, would experience mild tremors as a result. The
US Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) is responsible for the
tracking of all these epicenters and according to the NEIC, Belize would experience a 6.0
magnitude on the Richter scale subterranean earthquake in the ocean approximately every 8
years in the aforementioned fault between Hunting Caye and Puerto Cortez.
The geological faults near the Project Site along with the nearby epicenters of recent earthquakes
are presented in the Geological Fault Location Map (See Fig. 2.3). With this said, the project is
prone to seismic activity.
It is necessary therefore that the building be designed and constructed in accordance with the
Caribbean Uniform Building Code (CUBIC) or in accordance with any other Code or Standard
approved by the Government of Belize.
2.3 Marine Description
The proposed development consists of various underwater components that make up the natural
marine environment. These components are important in maintaining the stability of the marine
environment and are more susceptible to minor changes as opposed to land alterations. The
following is a brief summary of those components.
2.3.1 Oceanography
The area is most heavily influenced by both marine oceanographic process and land derived
influences. This was most aptly demonstrated by the high salinities of the area which ranges
from 30-36 ppt that were obtained during the surface water quality testing. Although the field
sampling events was by its nature brief in duration, the floral and faunistic components of the
area confirmed the high saline influences of the area.
Caye Caulker and in particular the project site is surrounded by the only single body of water
which is the Caribbean Sea. More aptly, the caye is located in the coral reef lagoonal system
which is located behind the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that has been designated as a
World Heritage Site. Other oceanographic components critical to the stability of the underwater
or marine environment involves the movements of currents as well as wind and waves.
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Fig. 2.3 Geological Fault Map of Belize
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Fig. 2.4 Maximum Seismic Intensity Map
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These sections are briefly summarized and offer a better understanding of the marine dynamics.
It is anticipated that the proposed marina will have no significant impacts to the underwater
environment, especially to the flora, fauna, oceanography, waves and currents.
2.3.2 Bathymetry
There has been no published or anecdotal data or information on the depth profile or bathymetry
of the proposed project area. The bathymetric charts that have been published for Belize are not
of a scale or geographic focus to be relevant to the project.
The Tunich Nah Survey Team in its February and March site survey effort has done some
limited work in this area. This survey was undertaken mainly to provide information in regard to
the placement and dimension of the large marina that is to be constructed as an integral part of
the proposed development. Figure 2.5 illustrates the bathymetry profile of the marine component
of the development.
The average depth increases as one progresses seaward. The depth profile as one proceeds in an
westward direction from the reclaimed beach, proceeds from ‘0’ depth at the low tide line to
approximately 8 to 10 feet of water at 85 to 100 feet from the beach – the depth then gets
progressively deeper up to a distance of about 1000 feet. In the mid reaches between the caye
and mainland, the bathymetry gets progressively shallower as one approaches the
aforementioned mainland.
2.3.3 Winds and Waves
The prevailing winds are the main driving force for waves and surface currents in coastal Belize
and by extension the project area. Wind data from the National Meteorological Services near the
PSW Goldson International Airport shows that winds in coastal Belize generally blow from the
northeast, east and southeast at about 5-15 knots. The prevailing wind in the Caye Caulker area
and by extension the project location, is from the east and southeast during the warmer months,
which run from February to September. During the cooler months, from October to January, a
number of cold fronts or ‘northers’ affect coastal Belize. During these ‘northers’, which may last
from several hours to 4 – 5 days, the winds blow from the north and northeast over the cayes and
the mainland coast (See Fig. 2.6)
Recent records from the Meteorological Services show that during the cooler months the wind
direction varies equally from the north, the north-northwest and the east-southeast, with
maximum sustained velocities of 12 knots. The mean average wind speed for the area varies
from 10-15 knots and on occasion has been less than 5 knots which has been described as
‘gentle’ or ‘mild’.
The project site is relatively exposed to the wind and waves off the western portion of the caye.
This is evident in the erosion process that has taken place in recent years.
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Fig. 2.5 Bathymetry and Contouring Map of the Project Site
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Fig. 2.6 Northerlies and Hurricane Force Wind Patterns
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The western portion of the project site is the only exposed area and therefore it is evident that the
erosion process has eroded some of the land. In order to prevent erosion, it is anticipated that a
sea wall will be constructed and placed along the coast.
Apart from seasonal variations in wind conditions and sea states, catastrophic storm events are
an attendant risk of residing in coastal Belize. Although no site-specific modeling has been done
for Caye Caulker, projections for a Category 5 Hurricane with wind speeds of 175 mph entails
storm surges of 10-18ft. above mean sea level (MSL).
2.3.4 Tides and Currents
The currents influencing the depositional and erosion processes of the proposed project site are
derived from both wind-driven and tidal sources. The wind driven currents are greater in
magnitude and are in general more influential in affecting the dynamics of the cayes and the
ecosystems of the surrounding waters. Wind driven currents in the Belize have been recorded at
1-1.5 knots at the immediate sub-surface and 0.2-0.6 knots at a depth of 1.8 meters (FAO/UNDP
unpublished report, 1983).
The tidal action within the project site is classified as semidiurnal mixed tides, with generally
four peaks in any given tidal day as follows: a high high, a high low, a low high and a low low
tide (Hanson & von Twistern , 1996; National Meteorological Service, pers. com.). Generally
tidal variation is 0.3-0.5 m, raising to 0.8 m during spring tides or associated with storm action
(See Fig. 2.7 for tidal influences).
Tides also affect currents. Narrow cuts such as the Caye Caulker Split funnel can have strong
currents sufficiently fast as to threaten all but those strong swimmers using fins. Channels in the
reef will also reflect tidal currents depending upon their dimensions. Hol Chan Channel also
shows strong current speeds during peak tides, while the larger channels off Caye Caulker
exhibit slower speeds. During the high tides, the currents at the Caye Caulker split and the
channel travel inland and during low tide regress back out to sea. There are also lateral currents
that can affect the project site and impact the reclaimed beach and the moored boats. This lateral
current is neither strong nor prevalent, nevertheless this effect must be mitigated in order to
prevent further beach erosion and to protect the boats whilst moored to the marina.
The prevailing water movement entering the Caribbean is the wind-driven Guiana Current,
flowing from southeast to northwest; this becomes the Caribbean Current, flowing through the
Lesser Antilles with the majority reaching the Yucatan Strait (Hanson & von Twistern, 1996).
The current breaks at Rocky Point, northern Belize, to form a small gyre that drives the sea off
Belize to flow from north to south (Perkins, 1983).
While the prevailing current flow moves from north to south, powerful northerly winds during
cold fronts or other storm events may generate temporary strong currents that may carry
materials such as sediments as far as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS). These
currents vary seasonally and, though charted in general, have not been studied in detail (Hanson
& von Twistern, 1996).
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Fig. 2.7 Tidal Influences affecting the Project.
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2.4 Climatology
Belize has a tropical to subtropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons, although there
are significant variations in weather patterns by region. Figure 2.8 illustrates the different rainfall
patterns of Belize (Reference Project Site).
Average rainfall varies considerably, ranging from 1,350 millimeters in the north and west to
over 4,500 millimeters in the extreme south. Seasonal differences in rainfall are greatest in the
northern and central regions of the country where, between January and April or May, fewer than
100 millimeters of rain fall per month. The dry season is shorter in the south, normally only
lasting from February to April. A shorter, less rainy period, known locally as the "little dry,"
usually occurs in late July or August, after the initial onset of the rainy season.
Groundwater Province(s) Rainfall Range(s)
Coastal Plan & Shelf 40” – 60” (1,016 – 1,524 mm)
The coast of Belize is subjected to southeasterly trade winds that average 5-15 knots. The
greatest trade winds are experienced in July. The coastal regions of the country get the majority
of the winds. Temperatures vary according to elevation, proximity to the coast, and the
moderating effects of the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean. Average temperatures in the
coastal regions range from 24° C in January to 27° C in July.
Temperatures are slightly higher inland, except for the southern highland plateaus, such as the
Mountain Pine Ridge, where it is noticeably cooler year round. Overall, the seasons are marked
more by differences in humidity and rainfall than by temperature.
2.5 Ecosystem Profile
There is no ecosystem classification for Pelican Point Marina & Yacht Club for the mere reason
that the land has been previously cleared. With that in mind, the consultants attempted to utilize
any historical data that was available, especially around the project site. In so doing, the past
vegetation classification was used. Moreover, in 1998, the Caye Caulker Forest and Marine
Reserve was established. The following sections briefly describe the ecosystem profile of the
proposed project.
2.5.1Vegetation
Past vegetation maps would put the proposed project site and the refurbished air strip under the
Mangrove with low land littoral forest. This mangrove forest also included wetland mangrove
that frequently became inundated due to the presence of the high tides.
The mangrove forest was mostly dominated by the red mangrove and the black mangrove. These
two species were found mostly on the western side of the property. Permits were obtained from
the forestry department to alter the mangrove forest. The eastern portion of the property were
characterized by a few patches of littoral forest which were mostly palms including the Savanna
silver palmetto (Schippia concolor), Palmetto ( Acoelorrhaphe wrightii) and the Common
Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera).
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Fig. 2.8 Rainfall Map of Belize
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2.5.2 Reserves
Stretching five miles long and 1.2 miles wide, Caye Caulker has small but diverse habitats. Its
northern end is completely covered in mangrove vegetation. In 1998, 40 hectares of this lush
littoral forest on the northernmost tip of the island was acknowledged as the Caye Caulker Forest
Reserve. Over 100 species of birds inhabit this lush ecosystem, including the Black catbird and
Rujous-necked wood-rail.
The Marine Reserve forms roughly the figure of a seven some 7 miles in length, with the top
portion crossing the caye’s north point and extending into lagoon waters to the west. Area of the
marine reserve is 96,661 acres. Today both are conjunctively known as the Caye Caulker Forest
and Marine Reserve (CCFR/MR) (See Fig. 2.9).
2.5.3 Land Uses
There are no particular land uses of the area other than for the tourism industry. The caye itself is
composed primarily of sand and is characterized by mangrove forests. As a result the tourism
industry has had a major impact on the caye. On the whole, the construction of residential and
commercial buildings along with the required infrastructure has left a major footprint on the
island.
2.6 Natural Hazards
The only present natural hazard to affect the caye and in particular the proposed project site are
hurricanes and flooding. The effects of major hurricanes over the years have changed the island's
topography in certain areas. The Caribbean, in the last five years, has been severely affected by
hurricanes resulting in substantial economic losses and social dislocation which affect the
sustainability of development programs.
Hurricanes have had the most devastating effect on Belize. Belizeans have experienced damage
due to high winds and storm surges. Statistics gathered have shown that the coastal towns and in
particular the cayes of Belize are extremely exposed. Flooding can manifests itself as a result of
the storm surges caused by hurricanes and by extreme high tides that are known to occur on the
caye. Table 2.1 summarizes the potential hazards and its associated risks.
Figure 2.6 shows, the projection and path of hurricane force winds along with the northerlies
winds that dominate for some period over the project site. The hurricane winds are circular in
motion and can last for a day or two. These winds generate strong to moderate waves that impact
the coastline, especially on the western coast of the caye. The marina will be designed to sustain
a minimal Category Three hurricane. Higher categories can cause catastrophic damages to the
marina. For this reason it will be advisable for the occupants to take their vessel inland.
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Fig.2.9 Map of the Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve (Courtesy of the Belize Fisheries
Department)
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Table 2.1 Vulnerability Studies for Belize
Type Purpose Coverage Date
Produced
Primary Source Author
Hurricane To secure the National May 2001 National
Smith
provision of
Emergency Warner
regional shelters,
Management International
Flood to institutionally National May 2001 Organization Smith
strengthen the
Warner
National
International
Seismic Emergency National May 2001
Smith
Activity, Management
Warner
Landslides,
Volcanic
Ash
Organization
International
Flood To better National 2001 http://www.oas.org Dr. Ross
understand the
Wagenseil
problem of storm
surges and known
extreme
tides
high
Hurricane To access the National February National
Smith
Flooding & vulnerability of
2000 Emergency Warner
Inundation the site and caye
Management International
Fires to hazards and
Organization
risks
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