Applicant's Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning in Barbados

The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
Applicant’s
Handbook and
Guide to Coastal
Planning in
Barbados
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT UNIT
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER RESOURCES AND DRAINAGE
March, 2010

The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
Applicant’s Handbook and
Guide to Coastal Planning in
Barbados
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT UNIT
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER RESOURCES AND DRAINAGE
MARCH, 2010

The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
FOREWORD
It is well recognized and accepted that the coastline of Barbados is central to the
lives of all Barbadians. The island’s coastal fringe supports several sectors –
tourism, commercial and industrial - and has a high recreational use value. More
importantly, there is considerable pressure placed on the natural assets and
resources therein. The integrated physical development of the coastline is therefore
complex, and requires the unique capabilities of several government organizations.
This document presents the process followed by the Coastal Zone Management
Unit (CZMU) in the assessment of Town and Country Development Planning
applications which are found on, or can have direct or indirect impact on the
coastline. The CZMU performs this function as one of the key developmental
advisors to the Town and Country Development Planning Office (TCDPO). The
information is presented in an easy to understand format which should assist all
developers in the complete submission of coastal development application to the
TCDPO. Readers are reminded that the sole authority for the granting of
permission for all development on the island is the TCDPO.
This is a dynamic document, and will be periodically updated as new initiatives of
developmental planning are implemented by the CZMU. I hope that it reaches the
widest possible audience and encourages new and determined action to ensure
Barbados’ coastline is developed in a sustainable way, which results in Barbados
continuing to have a coast to be proud of.
Leo F. S. Brewster Ph.D. (Cardiff)
Director
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
CONTENTS
Forward.……………………………………………………………………………………………i
Contents ..................................................................................................................................... ii
1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................1
2 What constitutes coastal development ................................................................................2
3 The Application Process for Coastal Development ..............................................................4
3.1 Requirements for Application Assessment ....................................................................5
3.2 Application Review.......................................................................................................7
4 Coastal Development Policies .............................................................................................7
4.1 Agency Responsibility ................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Guidance for defence structures/modeling ................................................................... 12
4.2.1 Structures ............................................................................................................. 12
4.2.2 Modeling ............................................................................................................. 13
4.2.3 Monitoring ........................................................................................................... 14
5 Reasons for setbacks & other restrictions ........................................................................... 16
5.1 Protection from coastal hazards ................................................................................... 16
5.2 Beach stability ............................................................................................................ 18
5.3 Protection of critical coastal ecosystems ...................................................................... 18
5.4 Preservation of public accesses ................................................................................... 20
6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 20
Appendix 1: Criteria for Sea Turtle Lighting Plan approval (Barbados SeaTurtle Project) ......... 21
Glossary .................................................................................................................................... 23
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this handbook is to inform the public about the process of coastal
development control and also to highlight the basis of recommendations and advice
to the Chief Town Planner made by the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU).
The legal guidance comes in the form of the Coastal Zone Management Act,
1998 which mandated the creation of a Coastal Zone Management Policy that
comprises policies, strategies and standards for coastal structures, environmental
impact assessments (EIA), beach use and beach access among others. This is
encompassed in an over-arching goal of the CZMU and in turn the Government of
Barbados to practice ongoing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
which is defined by the European Commission as follows:
“ICZM is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process to promote
sustainable management of coastal zones. It covers the full cycle of
information collection, planning (in its broadest sense), decision making,
management and monitoring of implementation. ICZM uses the informed
participation and cooperation of all stakeholders to assess the societal goals in
a given coastal area, and to take actions towards meeting these objectives.
ICZM seeks, over the long-term, to balance environmental, economic, social,
cultural and recreational objectives, all within the limits set by natural
dynamics. 'Integrated' in ICZM refers to the integration of objectives and
also to the integration of the many instruments needed to meet these
objectives. It means integration of all relevant policy areas, sectors, and levels
of administration. It means integration of the terrestrial and marine
components of the target territory, in both time and space.”
Likewise the Coastal Zone Management Plan’s main purpose is to provide detailed
guidance for the management of coastal uses, development and regulation along
the coast of Barbados.
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
2 WHAT CONSTITUTES COASTAL DEVELOPMENT
In order to understand what is coastal development the term coastal zone needs to
be defined. This is defined as the transition area between the land and sea. This
interface is dynamic by nature and in constant change and evolution. It has always
been an important resource area, hence historically why most of human civilization
established settlements in the coastal zone. It must be managed sustainably.
The Coastal Zone Management Area (Figure 1) will be legally defined by the CZM
Act. The landward boundary of the Caribbean coast follows the main coastal road
or the limit of the predicted 100m storm surge flooding, whichever is further
inland. A similar approach is taken for the Atlantic coast.
The seaward boundary lies along the 100m depth contour. On the Caribbean coast,
which is protected by bank reefs, the offshore boundary is 200m seaward of the
outer edge of these reefs if this is further offshore than the 100m depth contour.
Based on the variations in the coastline and hence different management priorities,
the CZM Area has been divided into sub-areas (Figure 1) determined by physical
boundaries, land use patterns and terrestrial and marine ecology.
The Town and Country Planning Act, Cap. 240, defines development as “The
carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over
or under any land, the making of any material change in the use of any
buildings, or other land or the sub-division of land”. This includes the limits of
the country (200 nautical miles). Therefore any development application that lies
within the physical boundaries of the proposed Coastal Zone Management Area is
forwarded to the CZMU and assessed. Recommendations are returned to the Chief
Town Planner. Developments that CZMU assesses include, but are not limited to:
Residences (new/renovations/additions);
Subdivisions of land;
Tourism structures (hotel/condominiums/villas);
Marinas and ports;
Coastal engineering structures (jetties/groynes/breakwaters/revetments/sea
walls)
Sea structures (underwater pipelines, sub-sea cables, oil rig platforms);
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
Figure 1.
Boundaries of the Coastal Zone Management Area and associated
sub-areas.
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
Moorings, buoyed swimming areas, & recreational structures (e.g. icebergs,
trampolines etc);
Commercial buildings;
Industrial buildings.
Beach creation and nourishment projects.
3 THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR COASTAL DEVELOPMENT
The planning legislation makes provision for a process of consultation with
agencies/bodies or persons with specialized knowledge. Some consultations are
mandatory – the Ministry of Transport and Works, the Ministry of Health and the
Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage. Other agencies
consulted include the Ministry of Agriculture (Soil Conservation Unit – regarding
the stability of land within the Scotland District area; Fisheries Division -
regarding fisheries and aquaculture/mariculture projects) the Barbados Water
Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and the Coastal Zone Management Unit
(regarding all coastal properties).
These consultations are critical in providing much of the technical information
used in arriving at “an informed final decision,” on the application. Decisions are
issued either by the Chief Town Planner or the Minister responsible for planning
under Section 18 of the Town and Country Planning Act Cap 240. At the moment
ministerial permission is given for all beach-front developments, while the Chief
Town Planner issues permissions for cliff-top development. Most applications are
approved with conditions attached and developers must ensure that these
conditions are discharged satisfactorily as part of their development effort. In
cases where an application is recommended for refusal by the Chief Town Planner
the applicant has the right to a review of that decision by the Minister responsible
for planning through an approved panel hearing process.
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3.1 Requirements for Application Assessment
The Coastal Zone Management Unit receives copies of all coastal related
applications directly from the Town Planning Department. The application
package usually consists of the following:
Location Plan – illustrates exact location of site with clear landmarks and the
nearest road junction to the site.
Elevation Plans – illustrates a 2-Dimentional view of the building. Two views
need to be shown. These are namely the front and side views.
Floor Plans – illustrates size and shape of the overall building, the layout of all
rooms (including door and window openings) in the building and their
dimensions.
Site Plan – illustrates the shape and dimensions of the land on which the
building will be built together with road reserves, building line distances, other
buildings on the site, construction setback, position relative to the high water
mark (HWM), access to the site drainage and parking if appropriate.
Sworn Surveyor’s Plot – drawn by a land surveyor which accurately shows the
location, size and shape of the land on which the building is to be erected or
improved. This plan should also clearly identify and date the position of the
HWM for beach front properties and the location of cliff lines and extent of
cliff undercut for cliff top properties.
N.B.: Surveyor’s plots older than two years are not accepted by the CZMU as
recent surveyor’s plots.
Orientation of Plans – should show the northern point of the site by the use of
a “North Arrow”.
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Map Scales – should be clearly presented on the plans and acceptable to the
Town and Country Development Planning Office.
Site Plan: 1/100 &1/200 minimum
Location Plan: 1/2500 minimum
Depending on the nature of the proposed development, the CZMU may
requirements additional information in the form of the following:
Geotechnical Survey – should be conducted for cliff-top development
applications, where cliff integrity is questionable, to ensure that the cliff is
capable of supporting the expected bearing loads of the development. The
survey also provides a description of the subsurface integrity of the site.
Engineering Drawings – must be provided for all coastal structures inter alia
shoreline stabilizing structures, shoreline defense structures, jetties and marinas.
Hydrographic Surveys – these are required to determine bathymetric
characteristics of the sea floor and in the assessment/production of coastal
engineering designs.
Numerical & Physical Models – aid in the assessment of engineering
structures, as determined by the CZMU.
Benthic Surveys – must be provided for development applications in the
marine environment such as jetties, groins, offshore breakwaters and marinas
etc.
Water Quality Analyses – must be presented for all marine applications.
Environmental Impact Assessments – are required by TCPO for certain
development and at the Chief Town Planner’s discretion
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
3.2 Application Review
Upon receipt of the application file from the TCDPO, the CZMU conducts an
assessment of the application according to the following procedures:
a) Review submitted application to determine whether the plans meet the
requirements for coastal development.
b) Review planning history and determine if accretion/erosion occurred to gain
a sense of the previous activities on the site as well as the previous
development conditions and recommendations.
c) Visit site to determine existing site conditions such as presence of existing
structures, building setbacks and vegetation types. Setbacks are measured
relative to the location of the high water mark (HWM). A similar evaluation
of development adjacent to the site of proposed development is also
conducted.
d) Determine the location of the mean HWM at the time of the site visit.
e) Ensure that the submitted HWM has been surveyed within the last 2 years.
f) Submit written recommendations to the Chief Town Planner.
4 COASTAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
Policies and guidelines are summarised from the ICZM Plan and presented below.
These guidelines are site specific based on the sub-areas illustrated earlier but are
presented here according to the entire coastal stretch.
1. On a lowland sandy coast, where the land in the back beach consists of a low
sand terrace, and where the beach is either stable, accreting, or eroding, a
minimum landward setback of 30m is recommended, unless otherwise
specified by the CZMU (taking into consideration the building line, existing
building footprint, and availability of land), for:
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All new structures including pools, gazebos and all additional floors to
existing buildings etc)
All additions to structures that take up additional land space.
2. On a limestone cliff coastline, all new structures, including all additions to
existing structures should be at least 10m from the toe of cliff undercut,
unless otherwise specified by the CZMU (taking into consideration the
building line, existing building footprint, cliff stability and availability of
land).
3. On clay and sandy cliffs/bluffs such as those on the east coast, all new
structures, including all additions to existing structures, should be at least
20m from the toe of the cliff undercut, unless otherwise specified by the
ICMP.
4. When the land adjacent to the sea consists of a low rock platform, less than
3m above datum, all structures and additions should be a minimum of 15m
from the HWM. Where the rock platform approaches sea level, the setback
applied to beaches (30m) must be applied.
5. Where the land adjacent to the sea consists of rock, which rises, in an inland
direction, such as occurs along the west coast at Prospect, these conditions
are treated in the same way as cliffs. Consequently the same conditions as in
criterion No. 4 above are utilized.
6. Where the developer either has or proposes to reduce the height of the cliff
to that which approaches sea level, the proposed development must have a
setback of 30m from the HWM. Therefore, if during construction, cliff
lands have to be excavated due to unsuitable substrate, then setbacks must be
revised accordingly.
7. All new fences or any other means of enclosure should be at least 10m from
the HWM.
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Reclaimed Lands Associated with the Holetown and Rockley to Coconut
Court Waterfront Improvement Project
8. Any land determined by the Director to be reclaimed land under the Coastal
Infrastructure Programme (CIP) is vested in the Crown.
9. All private lands fronted by reclaimed lands are not required to submit a
HWM in accordance with section 3.2e. The pre-construction HWM, as
determined by the Chief Surveyor, Lands and Surveys Department, defines
the seaward property boundary.
10. All new structures must have a minimum landward setback of 15m from the
seaward property boundary, associated with reclaimed lands.
11. Where existing structures have a setback, which is less than 15m from the
seaward property boundary, there must be no further seaward encroachment
of any new structures.
12. Where existing fence lines or other means of enclosure are found, there is to
be no seaward encroachment of these structures onto any new reclaimed
lands.
13. All new fences or any other means of enclosure should be a minimum of 5m
from the seaward property boundary.
Some of the reasons for these conditions are as follows:
To ensure a buffer zone between public domain and private property.
To ensure an adequate setback in the event that the reclaimed lands are
lost/eroded. It is expected that storm events would erode reclaimed lands
(e.g. beaches). However, erosion is expected to stop at the hardline provided
by structures such as the footing of the Coastal Infrastructure Programme
(CIP) Boardwalk or walkway, thereby ensuring a minimum 15m zone of
lands not expected to retreat landward fronting properties.
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To ensure an adequate setback in the event of storm surge events.
To prevent developers from reducing the increased protection conferred onto
them, from coastal hazards (i.e. storm waves), by the reclaimed lands.
To facilitate maintenance of the infrastructure associated with the reclaimed
lands.
14. Existing access must be maintained and even enhanced to facilitate public
beach access to the reclaimed lands and to facilitate maintenance of any
structures that sustain/stabilise reclaimed lands.
15. New vehicular accesses may need to be identified to facilitate maintenance
of coastal structures
4.1 Agency Responsibilities
Issues & likely implementation
difficulties
Action
Responsible agencies
Setback
Access to and along coastal
road
Beach management
Coastal Engineering
Conservation of coastal
ecosystems & wildlife
Minimum distance 30m from
mean high water mark adjacent
to beaches or a minimum of 10m
landward of the undercut at the
base of cliff
Use setback provisions to
maintain good access along the
coast
Beach profile monitoring
Re-vegetation of beach areas
Installation of beach facilities
and amenities or their upgrade
Review and reassess existing
shoreline engineering structures
as well as reviewing designs for
future structures
Implement turtle conservation
measures (Appendix 1)
Protect remaining mangroves and
native vegetation
Enforce the Tree Preservation
Act
CZMU
TCPO
CZMU
TCPO
CZMU
NCC
CZMU
TCPO
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Conservation of marine
ecosystems & wildlife
Coastal development (including
marinas, harbours & ports)
Establish coral reef monitoring
sites
Ensure protection of marine
ecosystems form coastal
development
Enforce the overall CZM Plan
along with the Physical
Development Plan with its
specific community plans
Resource extraction Monitor dust emissions of
quarries and cement factory
affecting the Caribbean coast
Water quality
Global and regional coastal
change
Monitor sand mining from
Walkers sand quarry and
establish extraction limits
Monitor marine and terrestrial
organism extraction for bioprospecting
Monitor water quality along the
Caribbean coast
Implement measures of
improving water quality and
reduce foul odours, particularly
in areas of high mixed used
development and water courses
fed by ground water
Establish meteorological an
oceanographic stations along the
Caribbean and Atlantic coasts to
record accurate micro-climatic
conditions in said area.
CZMU
CZMU
CZMU,TCPO
EPD
NHD
CZMU, NHD
EPD,CZMU
CZMU, EPD, Drainage Division
CZMU
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
4.2 Guidance for defence structures/modelling
4.2.1 Structures
Groynes
The application for the construction of a groyne or groyne field must be
accompanied by the following:
o Models of shoreline morphological response of the beach within the zone of
influence of the structure during both operational conditions and specific
extreme events relating to design conditions
o Engineering drawings including inter alia:
o Crest height relevant to Lamont datum
o Cross-section detail indicating stone sizes in layers
o Length of the structure and encroachment into the nearshore
o Assessment of the effects of the structure on lateral access
o Construction methodology including the need for causeway construction,
traversing of adjacent beach area and measures to protect any adjacent reefs
o Assessment of benthic community within footprint of the proposed structure
Breakwaters
The application for a breakwater must be accompanied by the following:
o Models of shoreline morphological response of the beach within the zone of
influence of the structure during both operational conditions and specific
extreme events relating to design conditions
o Models of nearshore hydrodynamics and the effects of the structure on
existing currents and waves
o Engineering drawings including inter alia:
o Crest height relevant to Lamont datum
o Cross-section detail indicating stone sizes in layers
o Construction methodology including the potential need for causeway
construction, the use of a marine barge, traversing of adjacent beach area
and measures to protect any adjacent reefs
o Analysis of armour layer stability under design conditions
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
o Assessment of benthic community within footprint of the proposed structure
Seawalls
The application for a seawall must be accompanied by the following:
Engineering drawings including inter alia:
o Scour protection
o Wall dimensions
o Crest height relevant to Lamont datum
o Existing level of sediment fronting seawall
o Construction methodology including the need for causeway construction,
traversing of adjacent beach area and measures to protect any adjacent reefs
Revetments
The application for a revetment must be accompanied by the following:
o Analysis of armour layer stability under design conditions
o Engineering drawings including inter alia:
o Crest height relevant to Lamont datum
o Cross-section detail indicating stone sizes in layers
o Existing level of sediment fronting seawall
4.2.2 Modeling
The requirement for numerical and physical modeling will be determined by the
CZMU. While the CZMU will indicate the model outputs necessary for their
assessment, the applicant must submit details of the proposed models for review
and approval.
Physical Models
Physical modeling will be required for all projects which may have a potentially
significant impact on the longshore sediment budget and current processes of the
coastline. Full analyses of model results of the shoreline morphological response of
the beaches within the zone of influence of the proposed structure(s) during both
operational conditions and specific extreme events relating to design conditions
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The Applicant’s Handbook and Guide to Coastal Planning 2010
need to be presented. All final physical model designs have to be observed in
operation by members of staff of the CZMU.
Sediment Transport Models
When analyzing the effects of structures on longshore sediment transport models
the
Applicant must submit the following:
o Limitations of the model
o Calibration Process
o Summary of model inputs
o A time-step analysis of the shoreline response to the structures until
equilibrium of the study area is achieved.
It is of paramount importance that the zone of influence of the structures be clearly
delineated based on the model outputs.
Wave Hindcasting Models
The outputs of such models should be calibrated using deepwater wave recorders.
Wave Transformation Models
When it is deemed necessary by the CZMU the developer must seek to verify
model results with in situ wave monitoring. Alternatively, nearshore wave data can
be sourced from the CZMU along specific reaches of the shoreline
4.2.3 Monitoring
The applicant must submit a proposed monitoring program which is adequate to
assess the shoreline morphological response to the works within predicted zone of
influence of the structures and the adjacent stretches of shoreline.
The following detail must be included in the monitoring programme:
o Location of survey area (hydrographic survey, beach profile locations etc.)
o Frequency of monitoring
o Proposed duration of monitoring
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In the event that equilibrium is not attained by the proposed date of completion of
the monitoring programme the CZMU will request an extension of the programme.
In the event that the shoreline response significantly varies from the model
predictions and there are negative effects associated with the variations, the CZMU
will instruct the Chief Town Planner that modifications to the structure are
necessary.
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5 REASONS FOR SETBACKS & OTHER POLICIES
The main reasons for setbacks and related policies are presented below. It is
important to appreciate that these reasons are in the greater national interest in
terms of public rights, safety, and the preservation of our natural and cultural
heritage.
5.1 Protection from coastal hazards
The coast acts as a buffer between land and sea and should remain as such.
Natural phenomena such as regular winter swells, storm surge and tsunamis can
have serious impacts on the physical infrastructure of the coast, and thus on public
safety and the Barbadian economy.
Figure 2. The
familiarly wide
Brown’s beach in
Carlisle Bay was
severely eroded
after Hurricane
Ivan in 2004.
Many properties
all along the
coastline suffered
some degree of
damage.
Therefore, the CZMU makes recommendations to the Chief Town Planner upon
assessment, and enforces the setbacks from the high water mark in order to help
reduce the vulnerability of developments on the coastline to coastal hazards.
Typical development setbacks as required in the ICMP are illustration in Figure 3
below.
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NOTE: Increase size of figure and page to a fold out chart. E.g. 11 x 17.
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5.2 Beach stability
The beach is a dynamic area of unconsolidated materials (sand, pebbles etc).
Tides, currents and wave action move sand on and off-shore as well as along the
shoreline. Physical infrastructure such as guard walls, steps and beach decks act as
obstructions to the dynamism of beach material. Therefore one can find countless
examples of beach erosion on the West coast at the bases of seawalls and other
structures built too close to the water’s edge.
Figure 4. Development
on the west coast and
south coast has led to
unstable beaches in some
instances where sea walls
and other structures
prevent sand building up
on the beach.
5.3 Protection of critical coastal ecosystems
Ecosystems are complex interactions between organisms in an area and their
habitat. Coastal ecosystems in Barbados are in danger from human development
but their functions and their natural value are still critical. For example, mangrove
swamps have been decimated locally but are very important in flood mitigation, as
spawning grounds for important fish species and are natural filters of surface water
going into the sea. Likewise, sand dune ecosystems and coastal forests are
important for coastal protection against storm waves and play a vital role in the
stabilization of beaches.
In order to ensure these ecosystems continue to perform these functions to benefit
us as present day citizens, as well as future generations, the CZMU institutes
restrictions to protect coastal ecosystems. For example the Coastal Zone
Management Act makes it illegal to remove vegetation from the beaches of
Barbados. Also, minimum setbacks are larger where there are remaining sand
dune ecosystems and coastal forests.
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Figure 5. A typical
fringing reef along
the west coast of
Barbados.
Ecosystems such as
these are constantly
impacted by coastal
development
Nearshore habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds are also very susceptible
to physical development. Disposal of municipal waste and sewage into the marine
environment has devastating effects on coral reef ecosystems, in turn seriously
impacting tourism, fisheries, and beach stability. Likewise, storm water runoff
delivers harmful chemicals and solid waste to the marine environment. The
CZMU and the Environmental Protection Department put forward measures to
reduce the impact of pollution on nearshore habitats. For example, the use of
septic tanks on west coast developments is stipulated to manage municipal and
sewage waste.
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5.4 Preservation of public accesses
The historical and traditional uses of the coast are sought to be preserved in
legislation by mandating that no beaches on the island are to become private
beaches. In this way the CZMU always makes recommendations to introduce
measures for preserving and maintaining safe public accesses to beaches wherever
possible.
Figure 6. Coastal
rights-of-way such as
this one at Foul Bay, St.
Philip are reserved by
the regulation of MTW,
TCPO and CZMU. All
beaches on the island
must remain accessible
to the public.
6 CONCLUSION
This book is intended to educate the general public and specific stakeholders in
coastal development about the process of planning and development control in
Barbados as it relates to the CZMU. Our role in aiding the Chief Town Planner
in decision making has been outlined. The requirements for thorough and timely
assessments of applications have been highlighted to help the developer play
his/her role in the planning process by providing the necessary, timely and
accurate information along with the development application. Equally as
important, the rational behind the setbacks, guidance and restrictions that the
CZMU recommends should be made known to the general public. All
recommendations are made with the sustainable development of Barbados’s
coast at the core of our reasoning.
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APPENDIX 1: CRITERIA FOR SEA TURTLE LIGHTING PLAN (STLP)
APPROVAL (SOURCE: BARBADOS SEA TURTLE PROJECT)
A STLP approval may be issued when the applicant can provide reasonable
assurance to CZMU that the following criteria will be met to ensure that there shall
be no adverse impacts on sea turtles and sea turtle habitat.
a. Any and all light fixtures shall be designed to be the minimum level
necessary for safety and security, and
b. Will be positioned such that they minimise illumination (direct or indirect)
of the beach
The standards for lighting to comply with turtle conservation measures are as
follows:
a. Any and all light fixtures shall be designed and/or positioned such that the
source of light is not directly visible from the beach, and indirect light cast
from the fixture is shielded from the beach.
b. All essential exterior lights that cannot be positioned such that they do not
cause direct illumination of the beach must be low pressure sodium vapour
lights (producing wavelengths between 589 and 590 nanometres or fitted
with amber filters and casting an amber light). Modifications using low
pressure sodium lighting shall be coordinated with CZMU and the Barbados
Sea Turtle Project. Techniques and/or materials used are recommended to be
consistent with current lighting reference manuals.
c. All lights on balconies shall be eliminated or shielded from the beach.
Straight cylinder down lights, fitted with recessed 50 watt amber bulbs are a
good example.
d. Artificial lighting solely for decorative or accent purposes and uplights shall
not be authorized within the restricted area.
e. Lighting used in parking lots within the restricted area shall be: Set on a
base which raises the source of light no higher than forty-eight (48) inches
off the ground, or positioned and/or shielded that the source of the light is
not visible from the beach.
f. Tinted glass or any window film applied to window glass that meets the
defined criteria for tinted glass, or any window treatment appropriate for
minimizing lighting of the beach shall be installed on all windows and doors
within line of sight of the beach.
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g. The turning out of all unnecessary interior lights during the nesting season
shall be strongly encouraged as a component of the visitor education
programme for all hotels.
h. The installation of ground level barriers especially dense native vegetation
or shade cloth (used by plant nurseries) shall be strongly encouraged and
may reduce the amount of indirect light striking the beach.
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GLOSSARY
This glossary is intended to provide the reader with definitions of some coastal
terminologies which may have been encountered in this website, or which may be
useful for coastal zone management research purposes.
• Accretion
The deposition of sediment, sometimes indicated by the seaward advance of
a shoreline indicator such as the water line, the berm crest, or the vegetation
line.
• Beach
An accumulation of loose sediment (usually sand or gravel) along the coast.
• Breakwater
A man-made structure protecting a shore area, harbour, anchorage, or basin
from waves.
• Building Setback
The County required seaward limit of major construction for a coastal
property. Building setbacks in Barbados are set at 30m (100 feet) from the
high water mark for beaches and 10m (30 feet) for cliffs measured from the
landward point of under cut.
• Coastal Defence
General term used to encompass both coast protection against erosion and
sea defence against flooding.
• Coastal Dunes
Dunes within the coastal upland, immediately landward of the active beach.
• Coastal Erosion
The wearing away of coastal lands, usually by wave attack, tidal or littoral
currents, or wind. Coastal erosion is synonymous with shoreline (vegetation
line) retreat.
• Coastal Zone
The transition zone where the land meets water; the region that is directly
influenced by marine hydrodynamic processes. Extends offshore to the
continental shelf break and onshore to the first major change in topography
above the reach of major storm waves.
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• Coastal Zone Management
The integrated and general development of the coastal zone. Coastal Zone
Management is not restricted to coastal defence works, but includes also
coastal development in economical, ecological and social terms.
• Coastline
The line that forms the boundary between the coast and the shore.
Commonly referred to as the line that forms the boundary between the land
and the water (especially the water of a sea or ocean, also called the
shoreline).
Coral Reef
A coral-algal mound or ridge of in-place coral colonies and skeletal
fragments, carbonate sand, and organically-secreted calcium carbonate. A
coral reef is built up around a wave-resistant framework, usually of older
coral colonies.
Extensive limestone structures built largely by corals. They occur primarily
in shallow tropical and provide habitat for a large variety of other marine life
forms.
• Dune
A landform characterized by an accumulation of wind-blown sand, often
vegetated.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
A process by which the consequences of planned development projects are
evaluated as an integral part of planning the project.
The analysis of biological, physical, social and economic factors to
determine the environmental and social consequences of a proposed
development action. The goal of the EIA is to provide policy makers with
the best available information in order to minimize economic costs and
maximize benefits associated with a proposed development.
• Erosion
The loss of sediment, sometimes indicated by the landward retreat of a
shoreline indicator such as the water line, the berm crest, or the vegetation
line.
• Fringing Reef
A coral reef attached directly to an insular or continental shore. There may
be a shallow channel or lagoon between the reef and the adjacent mainland.
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• Gabion
Structures composed of masses of rocks, rubble or masonry held tightly
together usually by wire mesh so as to form blocks or walls. Sometimes used
(although not recommended) on heavy erosion coastal areas to retard wave
action.
• Groyne
Narrow, roughly shore-normal structure built to reduce longshore currents,
and/or to trap and retain littoral material. Most groynes are of rock and
extend from the backshore, well onto the foreshore and rarely even further
offshore.
• Groyne Field
A series of groynes acting together to protect a section of beach. Also called
a groyne system.
• High Water Mark
A reference mark on a structure or natural object, indicating the maximum
stage of tide or flood.
• Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)
The management of sectoral components (e.g., fisheries, forestry,
agriculture, tourism, urban development) as part of a functional whole (a
holistic approach to management). In ICM the focus is on the users of
natural resources, not on the stock per se of these resources. Frequently used
synonyms for ICM are integrated coastal area management (ICAM) and
integrated coastal zone management (ICZM).
• Mean High Water (MHW)
The average height of the high water over a 19-year period. For shorter
periods of observations, corrections are applied to eliminate known
variations and reduce the results to the equivalent of a mean 19-year value.
All high water heights are included in the average where the type of tide is
either semi-diurnal or mixed.
• Nourishment
The process of replenishing a beach. It may occur naturally by longshore
transport, or be brought about artificially by the deposition of dredged
material or materials trucked in from upland sites.
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• Offshore Breakwater
A breakwater built towards the seaward limit of the littoral zone, parallel (or
nearly parallel) to the shore.
• Pier
A structure, usually of open construction, extending out into the water from
the shore, to serve as a landing place, recreational facility, etc., rather than to
afford coastal protection or affect the movement of water. A term sometimes
improperly applied to jetties.
• Scarp
An almost vertical slope along the beach caused by erosion by wave action.
It may vary in height from a few cm to a metre or so, depending on wave
action and the nature and composition of the beach.
A steep slope, usually along the foreshore and/or at the vegetation line
formed by wave attack.
• Seawall
A structure, often concrete or stone, built along a portion of a coast to
prevent erosion and other damage by wave action. Often it retains earth
against its shoreward face.
A structure separating land and water areas to alleviate the risk of flooding
by the sea. Generally shore-parallel, although some reclamation seawalls
may include lengths that are normal or oblique to the (original) shoreline.
A vertical or near-vertical type of shoreline armouring characterised by a
smooth surface.
• Undercutting
Erosion of material at the foot of a cliff or bank, e.g. a sea cliff, or river bank
on the outside of a meander. Ultimately, the overhang collapses, and the
process is repeated.
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COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT UNIT
Bay Street, St. Michael
Printed by Cole’s Printery Ltd.
March 2010