conference magazine - Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

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tions. Our standard geophysical test utilizes Multi-Electrode Electrical
Resistivity (MER). This technology allows for a rapid and
accurate characterization of aquifer systems, including but not
limited to mapping the depth of the water table, the geologic configuration
of the aquifer materials, and the presence of fresh/salt
water interfaces. The results of the mapping have been incorporated
into computer groundwater models and are also used to
properly design aquifer performance tests and aid in well construction
specifications.
This paper will present several short case studies throughout the
Caribbean and Central America where OET has successfully designed
and implemented more efficient water supply systems. The
case studies will include geologic mapping techniques, site characterization
approaches, aquifer performance test specifications, well
construction specifications, and well field design and management
protocols. The case studies will address specific issues that are of
concern in the Caribbean, such as salt water intrusion, maximizing
the efficiency of wells in low yield environments, and extending the
life of a given water supply well. Our goal is to provide innovative
alternatives to both water supply investigations and well design/
construction that will prove beneficial to the dynamic and challenging
groundwater systems in the Caribbean and Central America.
Integrated Eco-Health Assessment in the Americas: A Hemispheric
Research Partnership to Evaluate and Strengthen
Health and Environmental Impact Assessment Laws and Policies
by Shermaine Clauzel
Most countries and institutions in the Americas do not yet have
access to appropriate methods, or laws to assess and address the
health and environment impacts of trade or economic development
policies in an integrated way. Existing capacity to carry out such
assessments, or even to understand and customise the relevant
methodologies, is still extremely weak and progress has been uneven.
The Eco-health Assessment hemispheric research initiative seeks
to build on, monitor and analyse existing experiences with integrated
health and ecological impact assessment in the Americas
laws and policies and develop a new tool – integrated health and
ecological impact assessment law. The research will be used to
ultimately improve the protection of eco-health objectives and priorities
in the Americas integration process. The project has established
a collaborative relationship between project partners from
different disciplines and regions of the Americas, to build expertise,
awareness and capacity in the design and enforcement of health
and environment impact assessment research methods, laws and
policies.
The Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) was engaged
to undertake the assessment of three Caribbean case studies
in order to typify the approaches used in the Caribbean region
for the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
CEHI investigated the EIA process applied to a bauxite mining
operation in Guyana, an electricity-generating plant in Barbados
and a tourism (hotel/marina/golf course) development in St. Lucia.
The results of the study indicated that although health issues were
implied in the social impact aspects of the various processes employed,
health was not explicitly identified; and that whereas representatives
from the Ministry of Health were involved in most EIAs,
they were not necessarily core members of a body charged with
evaluating development proposals or preparing the terms of reference
for the EIA.
It was found that there were sometimes gaps in the legislation and
policies that could account for the possible eclipse of health issues in
the EIA process. Even where these were clearly outlined, institutional
resources and enforcement were weak and lacking. Some of the
preliminary recommendations from the review of the case studies so
far points to a need for awareness, education and advocacy; formalising
the mechanisms for engaging the competent health authority to
have inputs in the preparation of the TOR for the EIA, evaluation of
the EIA and monitoring of development projects. There was also a
need identified for the review of existing legislation and policies and
some attempt to harmonise them among the countries, going forward.
Mainstreaming Saint Lucia’s National Plan of Action through a
North West Coast Water Quality Demonstration Project by
LaVerne Walker and Alexandra du Boulay
Saint Lucia’s coastal waters, like those of most of the countries within
the Wider Caribbean Region are under increasing threat from a number
of land-based pollutants. Specifically, improper sewage treatment
and disposal, as well as sedimentation, have been identified as
the biggest threats to the integrity of the island’s coastal waters and
habitats.
The existence of Draft Recreational Water Quality Standards is a
step by the Government of Saint Lucia towards the full implementation
of the Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBS) Protocol
and the island’s National Plan of Action for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-Based Pollutants. However, it is recognized
that in order to adequately address the pollution of the island’s
coastal and marine environment, it is necessary that an Integrated
Watershed and Coastal Area Management (IWCAM) approach is
adopted.
In light of the foregoing, the Government of Saint Lucia in collaboration
with the private sector is implementing a project that seeks to
improve recreational water quality along the island’s North-West
Coast, a densely populated area and an important recreational area
for both locals and tourist alike, through the implementation and demonstration
of best practices for pollutant discharge reduction.
The presentation outlines the approach and methodology that is to be
adopted under the project to move towards achieving the limits outlined
in the Draft Recreational Water Quality Standards and by extension,
Class I Waters as defined in the LBS Protocol.
FIFTH BIENNIAL CARIBBEAN ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM AND EXHIBITION