Environmental Impact Assessment Addendum NORTH BIMINI FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT

190 Pages·2013·22.9 MB·English

Environmental Impact Assessment Addendum

NORTH BIMINI FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT,
BIMINI, BAHAMAS

4 October 2013

Prepared for:

RAV Bahamas, Limited
Resort World Bimini Bay
4th Floor
1 Herald Plaza
Miami, FL 33172
Miami, Florida 33132

Prepared by:

BLUE ENGINEERING LTD.

Blue Engineering
P. O. Box SS-6328
Nassau, Bahamas

With input from:
Environmental Impact Assessment Addendum
NORTH BIMINI FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT,
BIMINI, BAHAMAS.

4 October 2013

Prepared for:

Resort World Bimini Bay RAV Bahamas, Limited

1 Herald Plaza 4th Floor

Miami, Florida 33132 Miami, FL 33172

Prepared by:

Blue Engineering
P. O. Box SS-6328
Nassau, Bahamas

With input from:

Coastal Systems International, Inc and Ocean Consulting, LLC

Blue Engineering Ltd. © 2013 – This document or any part may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording without the express written
consent of Blue Engineering Ltd. All rights reserved.
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas
TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction and Objectives 8
1.2 North Bimini Ferry Terminal works and Environmental Impact Assessment Addendum (EIA) 8
1.2 Project Rationale 11
1.4 Terms of Reference 12
1.5 Methodology 12
1.5.1 Hydrographic Survey 12
1.5.2 Geotechnical Investigations 13
1.5.3 Marine Resource Survey 15
1.5.4 Terrestrial 17
1.5.5 Water quality 17
1.5.6 Tides, Currents, Waves and Shorelines 20
1.5.6.1 Currents
1.5.6.2 Waves and shorelines
1.5.7 Socio-economic 21
1.5.8 Archaeology 22
1.5.9 Land Based traffic 22
1.5.10 Marine traffic 22

2. PROPOSED NORTH BIMINI FERRY TERMINAL WORKS PROJECT

2.1 Ownership and Usage of the Ferry 24
2.2 The Ferry 25
2.3 Dredging 26
2.3.1 Volumes and types of sediments to be stored/used 26
2.3.2 Dredged material storage/use plan 27
2.3.3 Dredging equipment and methodology 27
2.3.4 Disposal of water from dredged material 28
2.3.5 Use of dredged materials 30
2.5.6 Duration of dredging works 30
2.4 North Bimini Ferry Terminal 30
2.5 Pier 31
2.6 Road 32
2.7 Dolphin Clusters and Channel Markers 32
2.8 Utilities 32
2.9 Schedule 32

3. PROJECT SETTING

3.1 Physical Environment 34
3.1.1 Geomorphology and Bathymetry 34
3.1.2 Subsurface conditions 35
3.1.3 Climate and Temperature 37
3.1.4 Precipitation 37
3.1.5 Air Quality 37
3.1.6 Wind 38
3.1.7 Storms 39
1
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas
3.1.8 Waves 39
3.1.8.1 Offshore Deep-water Waves
3.1.8.2 Inshore Coastal Waves
3.1.9 Storm Surge 40
3.1.10 Tides 40
3.1.11 Currents 41
3.1.12 Surface drainage 45
3.1.13 Marine water quality 45
3.2 Biological Environment 49
3.2.1 Terrestrial ecology
3.2.2 Aquatic/Marine Habitats
3.2.3 Protected areas
3.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment 62
3.3.1 Demography 62
3.3.2 Land use 62
3.3.3 Education 68
3.3.4 Employment 68
3.3.5 Economic Activities 68
3.3.5.1 Tourism
3.3.5.2 Commerce
3.3.5.3 Shipping
3.3.5.4 Fishing
3.3.5.5 Diving/Snorkeling
3.3.6 Existing Infrastructure 75
3.3.6.1 Roads
3.3.6.2 Airstrip
3.3.6.3 Seaport
3.3.6.4 Electricity
3.3.6.5 Potable Water
3.3.6.6 Waste Water
3.3.6.7 Telecommunications
3.3.6.8 Cable and Television
3.3.6.9 Solid Waste
3.3.6.10 Community
3.3.6.11 Future Services
3.3.7 Transportation 81
3.3.8 Historical and Archaeological Significance 84
3.3.9 Natural and technological hazard vulnerability 85

4. ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, POLICY, LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY
FRAMEWORK 86

5. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 89

5.1 Potential Geographic and Physical Impacts 95
5.1.1 Land Use and Topography 95
5.1.1.1 Displacement of Current Land Uses
5.1.1.2 Compatibility with Existing and Future Land Demands
5.1.1.3 Alteration of Natural Landforms and Topography
5.1.2 Meteorological and Climatic Conditions 97
5.1.3 Geology 97
5.1.3.1 Beach and Shoreline Stability
5.1.3.2 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation
5.1.3.3 Preservation of Unique Geologic Features
5.1.4 Stormwater Runoff 104
2
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas
5.1.5 Groundwater Resources 104
5.1.5.1 Alteration of Groundwater Recharge and Flow
5.1.5.2 Deterioration of Groundwater Quality Associated with Nutrient Loading and Potential
Contamination
5.1.5.3 Effect on Existing and Future Water Supplies
5.1.6 Marine Water Resources 106
5.1.6.1 Oceanographic Conditions
5.1.6.2 Bathymetry
5.1.6.3 Tides and Currents
5.1.6.4 Marine Water Quality
5.1.7 Air Quality and Noise 114
5.1.7.1 Impacts from Fuel Loading and Unloading Operations
5.1.7.2 Emissions from Stationary and Uncontrolled Sources
5.1.7.3 Emissions from Mobile Sources
5.1.7.4 Effects of Construction Noise and Dust
5.2 Potential Biological Resource Impacts 120
5.2.1 Terrestrial Biological Resources 120
5.2.1.1 Clearing of Vegetation
5.2.1.2 Impacts Associated with Hazardous Materials Releases on Terrestrial Fauna
5.2.1.3 Risk of Introduction of Non-native Species, Foreign Diseases, and Escape of Pets
5.2.1.4 Impacts to Wetlands Functions and Values
5.2.1.5 Impacts to Wildlife Habitat
5.2.1.6 Impacts to Threatened and Protected Species and Migratory Birds
5.2.2 Aquatic/Marine Biological Resources 123
5.2.2.1 Impacts to Aquatic/Marine Habitat
5.2.2.2 Impacts to Aquatic/Marine Biota Associated with Deterioration of Water Quality
5.2.2.3 Effects of Using Fertilizers, Biocides, and Pesticides on Aquatic/Marine Biota
5.2.2.4 Impacts to Biota Associated with Boating, Fishing and Other Recreational Activities
5.2.2.5 Impacts to Aquatic/Marine Biota Associated with Oil Spills
5.2.2.6 Impacts to Commercially Important Species and Habitats
5.3 Potential Socioeconomic and Cultural Impacts 129
5.3.1 Demographics 129
5.3.1.1 Effect of Direct and Indirect Population Growth
5.3.1.2 Use of Local Labour
5.3.1.3 Displacement and Resettlement of Existing Housing
5.3.2 Economic Activities 131
5.3.2.1 Effect on Direct and Indirect Employment
5.3.2.2 Impacts on Local Residential Housing Availability
5.3.2.3 Impact on Existing and Future Fishing and Fisheries Exploitation
5.3.2.4 Impacts on Public Health and Worker Health and Safety
5.3.3 Tourism 135
5.3.3.1 Effect on Existing and Future Land Use Values
5.3.3.2 Impacts to Shipping and Boating
5.3.3.3 Impacts on Public Access and Use of Coastal Resources
5.3.3.4 Effects on Availability or Demand for Local Infrastructure
5.3.4 Infrastructure and Community Services 138
5.3.4.1 Impacts on Public Access and Use of Coastal Resources
5.3.4.2 Effects on Availability or Demand for Local Infrastructure
5.3.4.3 Effects on Availability or Demand for Local Community Services
5.3.5 Cultural Resources 142
5.3.4.1 Disturbance to Cultural Resources
5.3.5 Visual/Seascape Impacts 142
5.6.5.1 Visual Character
5.3.5.2 Highway Sightlines and Views
5.3.5.3 Off Shore Views
5.3.5.4 Adjacent Properties
3
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas
5.3.7 Other Social Impacts 143
5.4 Potential Impacts Associated with Emergencies and Disaster Management 149
5.5 Potential Impacts Associated with the Possible Failure of Process and Environmental Control
Systems 150
5.6 Disturbance to Cultural Resources 150
5.7 Summary of Potential Environmental Impacts 150

6. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

6.1 No Action Alternative 151
6.2 Alternative Design A – Interior Option 151
6.3 Alternative Design B – Paradise Point Option 152
6.4 Alternative Design C – Southern Area Option 153
6.5 Alternative Design D – Preferred Option 153
6.6 Conclusion of Alternatives Analysis 153

7. IMPACT MITIGATION

7.1 Proposed Mitigation Measures 155
7.2 Assessment of Residual Impacts and Mitigation 173

8. ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT

8.1 Contractor Environmental Management Requirements 175
8.1.1 Site Safety and Health
8.1.2. Construction Traffic
8.1.3 Noise and Dust Nuisance
8.1.4 Piling, disposal of return water and dredging
8.1.5 Construction Material Sources
8.1.6 Natural Resources Management
8.1.7 Water Abstraction
8.1.8 Erosion and Pollution of Wetlands and Watercourses
8.1.9 Disposal of Waste Materials
8.1.10 Works Site Restoration
8.2. Checklist of Environmental Stipulations 179
8.3. Contractor Facilities, Plant and Operations 179
8.4 Site Considerations 180
8.5 Environmental Awareness and Contractor Supervision 180
8.6 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 180

9. EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN 182

10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

10.1 Overview 183
10.2 Main Findings 183
10.3 Project Abandonment 184
10.4 Recommendations 184

11. REFERENCES 186

12. APPENDICES 188

Appendix A. Geotechnical Report
Appendix B. Marine Resource Report
Appendix C. Water Quality Report
4
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas
Appendix D. Coastal Engineering and Sediment Reports
Appendix E. Project Drawings
Appendix F Project Legislation
Appendix G Bimini Enhancement Master Plan
Appendix H Social Impact Questionnaire
Appendix I Alternatives Analysis Options Drawings
Appendix J Environmental Monitoring Forms
Appendix K Turbidity Monitoring Forms
Appendix L. Economic and Fiscal Impacts Analysis Report for the Casino and Infrastructure
Improvements

List of Figures

Figure 1.1: Ferry Terminal Master Plan
Figure 1.2: Boring Location Plan
Figure 1.3: Sampling Sites (April 2013)
Figure 1.4: Current and Tide Data Locations
Figure 2.1: Aerial View indicating Project Area
Figure 3.1: Map indicating location of Bimini Islands in relation to surrounding islands, Cuba and the U.S.
Figure 3.2: Charts indicating location of Project Site
Figure 3.3: Wind Rose off West Coast of Bimini
Figure 3.4: Water Surface Elevations (April 23-24, 2013)
Figure 3.5: Previous Water Quality Sampling Sites (July 2002)
Figure 3.6: North Bimini Ferry Terminal Marine Resource Map
Figure 3.7: North Bimini Ferry Terminal Marine Resource Detail
Figures 3.8: Map indicating Little Bimini Bank
Figures 3.9: Bimini Coat of Arms depicts fishing
Figure 5.1: Impact Evaluation Matrix
Figure 5.2: Beach Locations on Bimini
Figure 5.3: Beach Locations on North Bimini
Figure 5.4: Beach Locations near the Proposed Project
Figure 5.5: Total Annual Sediment Transport Rate Distribution - Existing (Radio Beach)
Figure 5.6: Total Annual Sediment Transport Rate Distribution – With Project (Radio Beach)
Figure 5.7: Difference of Wave Heights between with and without Proposed Project When the Incident Waves
are from North
Figure 5.8: Receptor Plan indicating Noise Contours for pile driving activities South of the Project Site
Figure 5.9: Receptor Plan indicating Noise Contours for pile driving activities North of the Project Site
Figure 5.10: Turbidity standards of 5, 50, and 500 NTU
Figure 8.1: The Environmental Management Structure

List of Tables

Table 1.1: Water sampling analysis, methodology of analysis and parameters.
Table 2.1: Expected Cruise Ferry Arrival (as indicated by Bimini Bay Developers)
Table 2.2: M/F Superfast VI Properties
Table 3.1: Design Extreme Wind Speeds
Table 3.2: Design Offshore Normal Wave Conditions
Table 3.3: Design Offshore Extreme Wave Conditions
Table 3.4: Water Elevations, [feet]
Table 3.5: Current Measurements, Location A
Table 3.6: Current Measurements, Location B
Table 3.7: Historic Water Sampling from July 2002.
5
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas
Table 3.8: Island Footprint at Mid-Depth Range - High Tide and Low Tide with Duplicates, and
Averages.
Table 3.10: Dredge Footprint and Island Footprint at a Depth of 1 Foot above Bottom - High Tide and
Low Tide without Duplicate, and the Averages.
Table 3.11: Summary of Biological Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen, Salinity, and Turbidity.
Table 3.9: Dredge Footprint at Mid-Depth Range - High Tide and Low Tide with Duplicates, and
Averages.
Table 3.12: Stop Over Visitors by Island and Region 2011.
Table 3.13: Stop Over Visitors by Island and Region 2011.
Table 5.1: Summary of Potential Environmental Impacts by Project Phase, North Ferry Terminal.
Table 5.2: Alternative development options reported
Table 5.3: Specific Social Impact Analysis
Table 6.1: Summary and Evaluation of Alternative Options
Table 7.1 Mitigation of Potential Environmental Impacts

.
6
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study assesses the likely environmental impacts of the construction, operation and maintenance of a
new ferry terminal on the west shoreline of North Bimini. This report is an addendum to the previous
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) produced for the Bimini Bay Resort. The project will include
dredging of 220,000 cubic yards of material which will be utilized in the construction of a new 4.5 acre island
connected to the shore by a 1,000 foot long piled pier. The island will provide berthing facilities for one 650
foot long vessels in two alternative berthing arrangements, one 300 foot long mega yacht and two 200 to
250 foot long mega-yachts as well as customs and immigration offices, a beach club and a turning area for
trams. The Project is intended to accommodate a 650 foot long ferry service between Miami and Bimini
which would introduce an additional 570,000 visitors to Bimini each year. Refer to Figure 1.1 for a Master
Plan of the North Bimini Ferry Terminal.

In support of this EIA, the following studies have been carried out;

• An EIA and further studies for the Bimini Bay Development
• A geotechnical study to determine the type and quality of the material to be dredged and the type and
quality of the material that the piles are to be driven into and the dredged material placed onto.
• A study of the marine species and habitats in the area of the dredge and the new island and
surrounding impact areas.
• A wave, surge and shoreline assessment study to evaluate the potential for the proposed project to
impact the nearby shorelines.
• An Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis for the Casino and Infrastructure Improvements
• Water quality analysis to provide baseline water quality conditions.

Based upon the completion of the studies, specific environmental design components, potential benefits,
and findings from the environmental studies are summarised as follows;

• The project may potentially introduce an additional 570,000 tourists per year to Bimini (a factor of 11
more than the number of tourists currently visiting Bimini) and thereby boost the local economy and
employment.
• The new island to serve as the ferry terminal will provide adequate storage for the dredged material
from the dredging. The preferred method for the construction of the new island utilises steel sheet
piles with anchors to contain the material and a pipeline to transport the material. This in itself will
reduce potential impacts on the environment significantly.
• The dredging and new island will create a direct loss of low-relief marine habitat including algae,
sponges and a low density of corals. Included in the loss of this areas is the loss of benthic
organisms presently inhabiting these areas. Generally the existing quality of these benthic resources
is good. Good benthic resources, in this instance, refers to the fact that there are no signs of stress
such as disease, trash, debris, or poor water quality in the surveyed footprint. For a low relief habitat,
there is still coverage by macroalgae, limited hard and soft corals; it is not 100% barren. For a low
relief habitat, there is coverage by macroalgae, limited hard and soft corals; it is not barren. It will be
necessary to install artificial reef and transplant corals as mitigation for this impact as well as other
impacts. Monitoring will also be conducted once per year for 5 years to remove invasive species,
allowing for natural communities to thrive and ensure successful mitigation.
• The new island will alter the local currents and wave directions and heights slightly. Wave heights will
be essentially unchanged at the shoreline if the new island is built as proposed, therefore it is
anticipated that there should be little if any change to the shape or profile of the shoreline. This
remains to be confirmed.
• Fourteen(14) known reef dive spots are located within 1.5 miles of the site, with the closest dive spots
being 700 feet and 1,500 feet from the construction footprint. As a result, strict water quality
monitoring will be implemented to maintain the excellent diving options in Bimini adjacent to the site.
4 October 2013 7
Environmental Impact Assessment,
North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project,
Bimini, Bahamas
• During an informal polling of local Biminites (limited sample size equal to approximately 50), residents
agree there is likely to be an economic benefit from the project.
• During this same polling effort (limited sample size) concerns for potential adverse impacts on marine
resource habitat, fisheries, disruption, inconvenience and behavior were expressed as well as
concern for the viability of the service.

Based on the significant work conducted to date, the project team has prepared a comprehensive EIA
report to construct the facility using sustainable and environmentally-sensitive Best Management Practices
that minimize impacts to the environment and local community to the maximum extent practicable while still
meeting the project purpose.

4 October 2013 8