The MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT GRAEME HALL NATURE SANCTUARY report was prepared by the Environmental Engineering Consultants, Inc for Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary in 2010. The findings in the report demand an immediate statement from the authorities regarding how the Graeme Hall wetland is being managed -importantly, the release of raw sewage into the wetland.
The MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT GRAEME HALL NATURE SANCTUARY report was prepared by the Environmental Engineering Consultants, Inc for Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary in 2010. The findings in the report demand an immediate statement from the authorities regarding how the Graeme Hall wetland is being managed -importantly, the release of raw sewage into the wetland.
Now do you understand why I avoid the sea?
Check page 75 of the report.
Not only housing but Rockley Golf Course and Graeme Hall Agricultural Station adds to the cocktail of sewage that ends up in the wetlands, regardless of the sewage plant and its operation
So, here’s my thinking at the moment.
There is a standard 3 foot increase in underground water level due solely to tidal fluctuations.
The rain falls … 6 inches plus.
The sluice gate is nailed shut for whatever reason.
It’s operation is the responsibility of the owners of Graeme Hall Plantation … GOB.
The 3 foot fluctuation now occurs on top of 5 feet due to the inability of the water to drain through the sluice gate.
So underground water levels can vary from 5 feet above a zero datum to 8 feet above that datum.
Before, the most it would increase to was 3 feet above the zero datum and that was due to due to an act of God.
Water now “springs” from unlikely places due to an act of man.
Manholes, backyards wherever it is forced by the sea it comes up.
The sewage issues, both from the plant and the development in the watershed make a bad situation worse.
Is Government liable for its handling of the sluice gate?
There is the 1945 conveyance which specifies how the owner of Graeme Hall Plantation is to operate the sluice gate.
Here is what has happened with Mrs. Burke.
She knows instinctively at 84 that the operation sluice gate has been mishandled and is one of the causes of her problems.
Her residence looks like it is closest to the zero datum
…. and then there are businesses
http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/91384/guests-bolt
It is possible that like Mrs. Burke, this business is also a victim of the handling of the sluice gate?
If it is where I think it is I believe it is a victim too.
Clearly it is suffering loss and it is easily quantifiable.
Does the decision regarding liability of the GOB to the GHNS only apply in the case of the BIT or does it have implications for locals seeking redress for loss through the courts here?
Would the GOB be strictly liable to those suffering loss under the laws of Barbados?
Probably phrased it all wrong as I am not a lawyer but just applying logic which might not be legal!!
… maybe that’s why spring tides are so called!!
http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/91411/businesses-worried
the government cannot lie this one away.
it is not only the sluice gate that is the problem minister Boyce stated the sluice gate performs accordingly at required periods and times . however mans incompetence and disregard for nature has exaggerated the problem and will remain a boiling point of contention
The burden to fix will be an astronomical cost to taxpayers when pitted against natures fury and its laws,
there must be a level of accountability place against the govt who choose to ignore and in effect has placed communities and business smack in the middle of what has presently could become a serious health concern .
This is one of the prices society will pay when govt use hubris to underscore and go ahead with projects without a deep thought of understanding the long term consequences
I know you are fully aware that, as highlighted by his reports, evidence of financial irregularities/mismanagement were discovered when the Auditor General conducted special audits of the financial transactions relative to BWA’s new headquarters and the Grotto housing project.
Since you are asking for accountability in this sewage issue, I’m sure you will agree that, as we seek to embrace good governance, THE CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY SHOULD BE CONSISTENT.
Therefore, by your comments, you are essentially “ENDORSING” suggestions that DENIS KELLMAN should be HELD ACCOUNTABLE for the financial mismanagement of the Grotto housing project and DAVID ESTWICK for the BWA new headquarters.
[…] John commented on Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary Assessment Report and the South Coast Sewage Plant Connection […]
it is not only the sluice gate that is the problem minister Boyce stated the sluice gate performs accordingly at required periods and times . however mans incompetence and disregard for nature has exaggerated the problem and will remain a boiling point of contention
Nonsense!
For some criticising the sewer plants have touched a raw nerve ..where evidence suggest that a tinkering of natures plan could have diminished the intent and slowed down some of the progress and the benefits which can be derived from the sewer plant technical job of filtering and removing sewage from inland out to sea.
Not saying that the need for the sewer plant was not a great idea but the undetlying currents have been profoundly problematic long before the present govt have been in office some of which were detected and presumably corrected by past govt but still continues to linger despite of the various techincal approaches to resolve and monies being spenti in seeking resolution.
All along the problem has been pointed towards an inoperable sluice gate but even with the operation of the sluice gate as Minister Boyce stated the problem of over running sewage in the streets is persistent
Yes politically speaking there is damage done but in the overall scheme one cannot excuse the project idea and its execution and present problems form the originators
So all need to sit down take a deep breath and let present govt find the reason and causes of recurring problems hoping that efficiency would contain and resolve
In the meanwhile the political noises coming from the Mottley crew would continue with a distinct clearity to undermine the best efforts of govt while seeking a resolution
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