Wavebreaker docks depend on EWA route chosen: Cayman News Service

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The right image shows the Cargo Terminal option and the left image shows the EWA expansion option

(CNS): Planning Minister Jay Ebanks claims that Option B3 was chosen for the East-West Trunk Road extension because it balances development and environmental responsibility. Questionableclaiming that it “fits with our strategic objectives” seems more pertinent, as UPM seems determined to build a new freight terminal, the most likely location being the Breakers, a plan that relies on the existence of a new road.

At a recent public meeting on the marina options, consultants tasked with preparing the outline business case for this very expensive capital project explained how the various sites were scored. Four sites were shortlisted: West Bay (option 3), Bodden Bay (option 8), Breakers Quarries (option 9) and Frank Sound (option 10).

Although the West Bay site was on the candidate list, when evaluating its environmental impact (See here) It has a high negative score because it would require extensive dredging in the North Bay. Options 8 and 10 are both very expensive because they would require building breakwaters offshore to protect the piers when the seas are rough.

The consultants did not provide any idea of the cost range for the new pier, but they did claim that using the existing quarry at the Breakers would be the cheapest option. The consultants estimated that West Bay would be 18% higher than the lowest cost option, Frank Bay would be 34% higher and Bodden Bay would be 52% higher.See here）

The report at the public meeting did not detail how environmental impacts or costs were assessed, but the ratings at this stage found the Breakers option would have the lowest impact and cost, other than doing nothing or expanding the existing wharf at Georgetown Harbour.

However, even if these ratings are accurate, they do not take into account the environmental impacts of building the pier, especially when combined with the EWA expansion, which would trigger development of currently inaccessible pristine wetland habitats, in addition to the impacts of the road itself.

Once the outline business plan is completed, it will go to Cabinet for a final decision, although at the moment it seems clear that the direction the OBC is working towards is the Breakers. But the consultants appear to have assumed that the EWA will be built and that the only option for its route, if the terminal is located there, is the B3.

Keynote speaker Harold Westerman of Stantec also pointed out that the construction of freight terminals often attracts businesses that want to locate nearby, which means more development.

In its Submit to OBCThe Cayman Islands National Trust said, “Development around the new port will severely impact the natural terrestrial environment of the area. Apart from the quarrying, there is no industrial development in the area. Industry around the port will grow and develop with severe impacts on the central mangrove wetlands, Miguele Bay Ponds and rare dry forest.”