major water environmental assessment report for …
TRANSCRIPT
MAJOR WATER
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
AN UNDERWATER MEMORIAL PARK
ST. THOMAS - ST. JOHN U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
SUBMITTED TO
THE OFFICE OF COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
SUBMITTED BY
UNDERWATER MEMORIAL, LLC
PREPARED BY
BIOIMPACT, INC.
P.O. BOX 132 KINGSHILL
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00851
AND
UNDERWATER MEMORIAL, LLC
APRIL 2021
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
1.00 Name and Address of Applicant ................................................................................ 1
2.00 Location of Project ..................................................................................................... 1
3.00 Abstract ...................................................................................................................... 3
4.00 Statement of Objectives Sought by the Proposed Project .......................................... 3
5.00 Description of the Project ........................................................................................... 4
5.01 Summary of Proposed Activity .............................................................................. 4
5.01a Purpose of Project ............................................................................................ 4
5.01b Presence and Location of Any Critical Areas and Possible Trouble Spots ..... 4
5.01c Proposed Methods of Construction ................................................................. 5
5.01d Provisions to Limit Site Disturbance ............................................................... 5
5.01e Sediment Control Methods to be Implemented ............................................... 5
5.01f Schedule for Construction Activities and Implementation of Sediment Control
Measures ................................................................................................................................ 5
5.01g Maintenance of Sediment and Siltation Control Measures ............................. 5
5.02 Exhibits and Drawings .......................................................................................... 5
5.03 Project Workplan .................................................................................................. 10
6.0 Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impacts ................................................ 10
6.01 Climate and Weather ............................................................................................ 10
6.02 Landforms, Geology, Soils, and Historic Use ................................................... 20
6.03 Drainage, Flooding, and Erosion Control ............................................................ 22
6.03a Impacts on Terrestrial and Shoreline Erosion ............................................... 22
6.03b Relationship of the Project to the Coastal Flood Plain .................................. 22
6.04 Freshwater Resources ........................................................................................... 22
6.05 Oceanography....................................................................................................... 23
6.05a Seabed Alteration........................................................................................... 23
6.05b Tides and Currents ......................................................................................... 23
6.05c Waves ............................................................................................................ 24
6.05d Marine Water Quality .................................................................................... 25
6.06 Marine Resources and Habitat Assessment......................................................... 28
6.07 Terrestrial Resources ............................................................................................ 32
6.08 Wetlands ............................................................................................................... 32
6.09 Rare and Endangered Species .............................................................................. 32
3
6.10 Air Quality............................................................................................................ 36
7.00 Impacts on the Human Environment ........................................................................ 37
7.01 Land and Water Use Plans ................................................................................... 37
7.02 Visual Impact ....................................................................................................... 37
7.03 Impact on Public Services .................................................................................... 37
7.03a Water............................................................................................................... 37
7.03b Sewage Treatment and Disposal .................................................................... 37
7.03c Solid Waste Disposal ...................................................................................... 37
7.03d Roads, Traffic and Parking ............................................................................. 37
7.03e Electricity ........................................................................................................ 37
7.03f Schools ............................................................................................................ 37
7.03g Fire and Police Protection .............................................................................. 38
7.03h Health ............................................................................................................. 38
7.04 Social Impacts ...................................................................................................... 38
7.05 Economic Impact.................................................................................................. 38
7.06 Impacts on Historical and Archeological Resources............................................ 38
7.07 Recreational Use .................................................................................................. 38
7.08 Waste Disposal ..................................................................................................... 38
7.09 Accidental Spills .................................................................................................. 38
7.10 Potential Adverse Effects Which Cannot Be Avoided......................................... 39
8.00 Mitigation Plans ....................................................................................................... 39
9.00 Alternatives to Proposed Action .............................................................................. 39
10.00 Relationship Between Short Term and Long Term Uses of Man’s Environment . 39
11.00 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 39
Appendix I
Qualification Statement
Bioimpact, Inc.
Appendix II
Inspection Plan
1
1.00 Name and Address of Applicant
Underwater Memorial, LLC
4600 Estate Charlotte Amalie, Suite 201
Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
P.O. Box 8058
Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands 00801
2.00 Location of Project
The Underwater Memorial Park is proposed to encompass a 40-acre area to the north
of Lovango Cay and to the east of Congo Cay encompassing areas of reef and open
sand. The parks boundaries would be:
Latitude Longitude
18.3668764°N -64.809037°W
18.363296°N -64.808984°W
18.363256°N -64.813114°W
18.366840°N -64.813018°W
Marker buoys will be place at the locations shown above. The mooring buoys would be
placed at:
Latitude Longitude
18.366178°N -64.809838°W
18.364582°N -64.809578°W
The following location maps depict the mooring site in reference to adjacent cays, and
vicinity in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
2
Figure 2.00.1 Location of Proposed Memorial Park
Figure 2.00.1 Location of Boundary Markers and Moorings
Congo
Lovango
3
Figure 2.00.3 Location of Project in the U.S. Virgin Islands
3.00 Abstract
Underwater Memorial, LLC is proposing to create a Virgin Islands Underwater Memorial Park.
The idea is to create a beautiful underwater memorial park where people can have their ashes
incorporated into small structures which will serve as hard substrate for coral colonization and as
attachment points for coral propagation. The area requested is 40 acres, however the actual
“interment” will be less than 20 acres. The reason for the size of the requested is so that the park
can be eligible for inclusion in several organization which specialize in low impact natural
burials. This provides Underwater Memorial, LLC to project coral reef resources within the 40-
acre park.
Ashes would be incorporated into coral shaped markers which would be installed by divers.
The structures would be place in an area of open sand and no closer than 20ft from any
hardbottom or coral. There are no seagrass resources within the area of open sand. The park
boundary would be approximately 250’ off Congo Cay and 250’ off Lovango. The actual
interment area is located amid the surrounding coral reefs. The area would prohibit anchoring
and would provide two moorings for families wishing to visit their loved ones.
4.00 Statement of Objectives Sought by the Proposed Project
The objective of the application is to provide Virgin Islanders and others with an
affordable alternative to burial which help enhance the marine environment by
providing substates for coral propagation.
4
5.00 Description of the Project
5.01 Summary of Proposed Activity
Ashes will be incorporated into a variety of structural shapes which will be attached to a
screw anchor and have a hole through it which will allow for easy installation. The
structure will be made so the eye of the screw anchor is within the turning access.
Structures would only be deployed every several months based on demand to minimize
cost and seafloor disturbance so it is probable that several structures will be installed at
the same time. Prior to any deployment the two mooring buoys and boundary markers
would be installed using helix anchors and floating lines. Both the boundary markers and
the mooring buoys will state that the area is a memorial park, and no anchoring is
allowed.
Divers will carry the prepared internment structures to the site and install them within the
park. If the individual or the family would like coral to be planted on the structure,
Underwater Memorial, LLC is developing an MOU with the University of the Virgin
Islands to plant corals being raised by the University of the Virgin Islands on to the
structures. The structures have been designed so that they will extend up from the sand
to provide suitable substrate, and a study conducted over the last 6 months has shown
there is adequate sand depth and sand movement in the open sand area is minimal during
normal sea conditions. An Inspection Plan is proposed that will provide periodic
inspection to ensure that markers remain stable and to make any repairs and adjustments
which may be required, and to collect any debris which may have been deposited in the
area.
5.01a Purpose of Project
The objective of the application is to provide Virgin Islanders and others who wish to be
interned in beautiful clear offshore water with an affordable alternative to burial.
5.01b Presence and Location of Any Critical Areas and Possible Trouble Spots
There are coral reefs within the proposed Memorial Park which contain ESA listed coral
species, when boundary markers are proposed, since these will be in reef areas, they will
be placed so they avoid all corals, including ESA species and so that their floated lines
will not impact soft or hard corals.
The actual interment area is an area of uncolonized open sand. A concern has been raised
related to the movement of sand within the area. A six month survey has found that
minimal sand movement occurs under normal sea conditions, including through the
heavy winter swells.
It is possible more significant sand movement may occur during major storm events. An
Inspection plan is proposed to conduct any necessary maintenance which may be required
and to pick up any debris which may end up in the area.
5
5.01c Proposed Methods of Construction
The structures will be constructed on land and then installed every several months
depending on need. Moorings, marker buoys and structures will be installed by divers.
5.01d Provisions to Limit Site Disturbance
The internment structures will be placed no closer than 20ft to adjacent reefs or corals.
A marker buoys, and moorings will use helix type anchors with floated lines to prevent
bottom disturbance.
Installation will occur every few months based on demand to minimize bottom
disturbance.
5.01e Sediment Control Methods to be Implemented
The proposed moorings, markers and interment structures will have negligible short-term
turbidity impacts during diver installation therefore no sediment controls are necessary.
5.01f Schedule for Construction Activities and Implementation of Sediment Control
Measures
The proposed activity will have negligible turbidity impacts therefore no sediment
controls are necessary.
5.01g Maintenance of Sediment and Siltation Control Measures
The proposed activity will have negligible short-term turbidity impacts therefore no
sediment controls are necessary.
5.02 Exhibits and Drawings
Drawing Page
Location Plan 6
Bathymetric Map 7
Structure Examples 8
Mooring and Marker Details 9
6
7
8
Potential Structures and Anchoring Configuration
9
10
5.03 Project Workplan
• Divers Install boundary buoys and moorings
• Interment Structures are installed every few months based on demand
• Corals are transplanted on to structures if desired
6.0 Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impacts
6.01 Climate and Weather
Prevailing Winds
The Virgin Islands lie in the "Easterlies" or "Trade Winds" which traverse the southern
part of the "Bermuda High" pressure area, thus the predominant winds are usually from
the east-northeast and east (IRF, 1977). These trade winds vary seasonally and are
broadly divided into 4 seasonal modes: 1) December to February; 2) March to May; 3)
June to August; and 4) September to November. Below are the characteristics of these
modes as taken from Marine Environments of the Virgin Islands Technical Supplement
No. 1 (IRF, 1977).
December - February
During the winter the trade winds reach a maximum and blow with great regularity from
the east-northeast. Wind speeds range from eleven to twenty-one knots about sixty
percent of the time in January. This is a period when the Bermuda High is intensified
with only nominal compensation pressure changes in the Equatorial Trough. The trade
winds during this period are interrupted by "Northerners" or "Christmas Winds" which
blow more than twenty knots from a northerly direction in gusts from one to three days.
Such outbreaks average about thirty each year. They are created by strengthening of
high-pressure cells over the North American continent, which, in turn, allow weak cold
fronts to move southeastward over the entire Caribbean region. These storms are
accompanied by intermittent rains, clouds and low visibility.
March - May
During the spring, the trade winds are reduced in speed and blow mainly from the east.
Winds exceed twenty knots only thirteen percent of the time in April. The change in
speed and direction is the result of a decrease of the Equatorial Trough.
June - August
Trade winds reach a secondary maximum during this period and blow predominantly
from the east to east-southeast. Speeds exceed twenty knots twenty-three percent of the
time during July. The trend for increasing winds results from the strengthening of the
Bermuda High and a concurrent lowering of the pressure in the Equatorial Trough. Trade
winds during this period are interrupted by occasional hurricanes.
11
September - November
During the fall, winds blow mainly from the east or southeast and speeds reach an annual
minimum. Only seven percent of the winds exceed twenty knots in October. The low
wind speeds result from a decrease in the Equatorial Trough. During this period,
especially during late August through mid-October, the normal trade wind regime is often
broken down by easterly waves, tropical storms and hurricanes.
Storm and Hurricanes
There are numerous disturbances during the year, especially squalls and thunderstorms.
These occur most frequently during the summer, lasting only a few hours and causing no
pronounced change in the trade winds.
A tropical cyclone whose winds exceed 74 miles per hour is termed a hurricane in the
northern hemisphere, and significantly affects the area. These hurricanes occur most
frequently between August and mid-October with their peak activity occurring in
September. The annual probability of a cyclone used to be one in sixteen years (Bowden,
1974). However, the Virgin Islands were hit with two Category V hurricanes within a
two-week period in 2017 and a category 1 hurricane in 2019.
Hurricane wind data for the barge site was obtained from the HURDAT2, which contains
tropical storm and hurricane information from 1851 to 2019, and the NOAA hurricanes
website (https://coast.noaa.gov/hurricanes/26.03). According to the NOAA Historical
Hurricane Tracks Tool, a total of 258 storms (hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical
depressions) have passed within 200 nautical miles of the barge location dating back to
1867 as shown in the figure below. Of the 258 storms, 38 were considered Major
Hurricanes (Cat 3 or greater) and are presented in the figure below.
12
Figure 6.01.1. Tidal Datums and extreme water levels Station relative to VIVD09 -
Station 9751639
Figure 6.01.2. Tidal Datums and extreme water levels Station relative to VIVD09 -
Station 9751639
13
Table 6.01.3 Return frequency of storms
Climate
The average annual rainfall on St. Thomas and St. John is approximately 45 inches,
ranging from 35 inches toward the eastern end of the islands to more than 55 inches at the
higher elevation to the west. Rainfall usually occurs in brief, intense showers of less
than a few tenths of an inch and major rainfall events are associated with weather systems
(USGS 1998). The Virgin Islands have no sharply defined wet season. The wettest
period generally is from September to November, and the driest period is from January to
June (USGS 1998).
Return Period, years
Wind Speed, kt Hurricane Category
Best-fit 95% non-exc. 5% non-exc. Saffir-
Simpson
5 95.68 101.27 90.09 3
10 117.20 124.22 110.19 4
25 135.41 144.88 125.94 5
50 146.30 157.49 135.12 5
100 155.81 168.57 143.05 5
14
Figure 6.01.4 Total Precipitation East End St. Thomas 1981-2010, 3.22 miles from
proposed Memorial Park site. (https://www.weather.gov)
The difference between the mean temperatures of the coolest and warmest month is only
5 to 7 degrees F. The highest temperatures August or September and the lowest are in
January or February. The highest average daytime temperature in the warmest months is
about 88 degrees F, and in the coolest months is in the low 80’s. Nighttime lows are
usually in the mid 70’s during the warmer months and in the high 60’s during the cooler
months (USGS 1998). In general, air temperature in the Virgin Islands ranges between
77 degrees and 85 degrees.
15
Figure 6.01.5 Wind Roses from the USACE showing the predominant easterly trade
winds from the two closest buoys.
16
Figure 6.01.6Wind averages (https://weatherspark.com/y/28234/Average-Weather-
inCharlotte-Amalie-U.S.-Virgin-Islands)
Figure 6.01.7 Tropical Cyclone Frequencies in the Atlantic (National Weather Service)
17
Figure 6.01.8 Tropical Storm and Hurricane Occurrences in the Atlantic (National
Weather Service)
18
19
Figure 6.01.9 Climate averages (https://weatherspark.com/y/28234/Average-Weather-
inCharlotte-Amalie-U.S.-Virgin-Islands)
Impact on Project
The project is at a depth of 40ft and therefore there should be negligible impact from
storms except for the most severe sea conditions. An Inspection Plan is proposed to
check on the site after storm events to make any repairs or cleanup necessary.
20
6.02 Landforms, Geology, Soils, and Historic Use
GEOLOGY OF ST. THOMAS
The Virgin Islands are near the northeastern corner of the present Caribbean Plate, a
relatively small trapezoidal-shaped plate that is moving eastward relative to the North and
South American continents carried on the American plate. The arc of the Lesser Antilles
is an active volcanic arc above a subduction zone in which the Atlantic oceanic crust of
the American Plate is carried downward under the Caribbean Plate. The closest volcano
to the Virgin Islands that is still active is Saba, about 160 km. to the east.
St. Thomas is composed of stratified volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks with minor
limestone of the Early Cretaceous (Albain) to possibly the late Cretaceous Age (Donnelly
1966). These rocks are granitic composition, some of which may be as young as Tertiary
(Kesler and Sutter, 1979). The oldest rocks of St. John are submarine lavas (keratophyre
and spilite), beds of volcanic debris and chert. Associated intrusive rocks of the Water
Island Formation is overlain by andesitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of the
Louisenhoj Formation which underlies the island of St. Thomas to the east and much of
the northwestern portion of St. John. Donnelly (1966) suggested that the Louisenhoj
Formation was deposited unconformably on the Water Island Formation after a period of
emergence, tilting and erosion, on the slopes and environs of a subaerial volcanic island
located roughly between St. Thomas and St. John, an area now occupied by Pillsbury
Sound. The youngest layered deposits on St. Thomas are volcaniclastic rocks of the Tutu
Formation. Fossils contained in the Tutu Formation suggest that those deposits are of the
Early Cretaceous (Albain) Age (Donnelly et. al. 1971). It appears that all of the
volcaniclastic rocks of St. Thomas were deposited in a relatively short period of time
spanning 10 to 15 million years approximately 100 million years ago (D. Rankin 1988).
GEOLOGY OF PROPOSED PARK SITE
The project site is located offshore in what is considered the Altantic Ocean since it is
north of Lovango Cay. The site lies to the north of Lovango and to the southeast and
east of Congo. The adjacent cays are both steep and rocky and water depths at the
proposed project site are approximately 40ft, The seafloor is sandy in the proposed
internment location and coral reefs surround the area to the north, south, east and west.
An assessment was made in the proposed footprint of the interment area to look at sand
depth and change over time.
Tag
Lat
Lon
Dep
th (
ft.)
Dat
e
Mea
sure
(in)
Dat
e
Mea
sure
(in)
Chan
ge (i
n)
Chan
ge (c
m)
Dat
e
Mea
sure
(in)
Chan
ge (
in)
Chan
ge fr
om la
st m
onito
ring
(cm
)
Chan
ge fr
om M
onth
1 (i
n)
Chan
ge fr
om M
onth
1 (c
m)
Dat
e
Mea
sure
(in)
Chan
ge fr
om la
st m
onito
ring
(in)
Chan
ge fr
om la
st m
onito
ring
(cm
)
Chan
ge fr
om M
onth
1 (i
n)
Chan
ge fr
om M
onth
1 (c
m)
6 18.36578 64.8089 2.1 11/20/2020 55.375 12/9/2020 54.2 1.175 2.9845 1/20/2020 53 1.2 3.048 2.375 6.0325 4/12/2021 53.5 -0.5 -1.27 1.875 4.7625
10 18.36561 64.80879 3.9 11/20/2020 56.75 12/9/2020 57.7 -0.95 -2.413 1/20/2020 57.1 0.6 1.524 -0.35 -0.889 4/12/2021 56.2 0.9 2.286 0.55 1.397
no tag 18.36536 64.80886 2.5 11/20/2020 55.25 12/9/2020 57 -1.75 -4.445 1/20/2020 58 -1 -2.54 -2.75 -6.985 4/12/2021 57.4 0.6 1.524 -2.15 -5.461
11 18.36546 64.80866 2.8 11/20/2020 57.5 12/9/2020 61.2 -3.7 -9.398 1/20/2020 60 1.2 3.048 -2.5 -6.35 4/12/2021 59.6 0.4 1.016 -2.1 -5.334
12 18.36578 64.80928 3.8 11/20/2020 52.5 12/9/2020 54.3 -1.8 -4.572 1/20/2020 55 -0.7 -1.778 -2.5 -6.35 4/12/2021 54.5 0.5 1.27 -2 -5.08
13 18.36547 64.80913 4.5 11/20/2020 54.375 12/9/2020 55 -0.625 -1.5875 1/20/2020 55.9 -0.9 -2.286 -1.525 -3.8735 4/12/2021 56.2 -0.3 -0.762 -1.825 -4.6355
14 18.36562 64.80921 4.6 11/20/2020 57 12/9/2020 56.4 0.6 1.524 1/20/2020 55.2 1.2 3.048 1.8 4.572 4/12/2021 56 -0.8 -2.032 1 2.54
15 18.3657 64.80906 5 11/20/2020 56 12/9/2020 55.3 0.7 1.778 1/20/2020 54.7 0.6 1.524 1.3 3.302 4/12/2021 55.4 -0.7 -1.778 0.6 1.524
no tag 18.36593 64.80916 4.1 11/20/2020 54.25 12/9/2020 54 0.25 0.635 1/20/2020 54.5 -0.5 -1.27 -0.25 -0.635 4/12/2021 53.7 0.8 2.032 0.55 1.397
21
HISTORIC USE
The area is within a passage which is used by boaters.
ADVERSE SITE CONDITIONS
The project site has a direct northern exposure and is protected from seas from the south.
The project site is within flood zone VE10 where it has been determined that the 100-
year flood elevation with velocity will be 10ft as shown on FIRM map 16 of 94.
Figure 6.02.1. FEMA FIRM Map Panels 16 of 94.
Coastal flooding will have no impact on impact the project.
The U.S. Virgin Islands lie in one of the most earthquake prone areas of the world, and
are susceptible to ground shaking, earthquake-induced ground failures, surface fault
ruptures and tsunamis (tidal waves) (Hays, 1984). The activity is mostly associated with
large-scale tectonic activity or faulting, originating in the Anegada Trough to the
northeast of the islands. The trough and its related scarp apparently were thrown up by
block faulting during the late Pliocene or early Pleistocene. It is oriented generally
northeast to southwest, separating St. Croix from Puerto Rico and the other Virgin
Islands. Based on shallow focus earthquakes, the Anegada Fault Trough is estimated to
22
be more than 400 miles in length. There are indications that strike slip movement is
occurring, with St. Croix shifting northeast relative to Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Water
Authority 1970). The year 2021 marks the 154th anniversary of the last major
earthquake in the islands. This quake, which occurred on November 18, 1867 had an
identified intensity of VIII on the Modified Mercalli Scale. Earthquakes of this
magnitude have generally been associated with epicentral ground accelerations of
between 0.05 and 0.35 gravities. Since the 1868 quake, there has been continuous low
intensity activity, all below 6.5 Richter. Thousands of tiny earthquakes are encountered
every year on the island.
IMPACT OF PROJECT
The project will utilize sand screws and helix type screws to install buoy markers,
moorings and the internment structures. Measurements were made of the sand within the
proposed interment site and depths were between 25” nearest the reef, and between 30”-
60” in the interment area and mooring buoy locations. The boundary marker buoys will
be placed in small sand patches within the area of reef and may require rock pins due to
the shallowness of the sand veneer over rock.
Measurement were taken over 6 months at 9 locations to look at sand movement in the
interment area. The greatest gain was 1.875” and the greatest loss was 2.15”. This study
encompassed the winter months which typically has large northern swell.
6.03 Drainage, Flooding, and Erosion Control
6.03a Impacts on Terrestrial and Shoreline Erosion
The proposed Memorial Park is offshore and does not involve the installation of any
significant structures which would have any impact on coastal processes.
6.03b Relationship of the Project to the Coastal Flood Plain
The memorial park site is within flood zone VE10 where it has been determined that the
100-year flood elevation with velocity will be 10ft as shown on FIRM map 16 of 94
(Figure 6.02.1). This should have no impact on the proposed project.
6.04 Freshwater Resources
The proposed memorial park will have no impact on freshwater resources due to its
location in the marine environment.
23
6.05 Oceanography
6.05a Seabed Alteration
The project involves the installation of 6 helix type anchors for the placement of two
moorings and 4 boundary markers. The interment structures which will be installed by
divers will utilize screw anchors.
6.05b Tides and Currents
The Virgin Islands coastal areas are not subject to significant tidal ranges or tidal currents.
Due to the small size of the cays, the sea flows around the cays causing an average tidal
height of only a few inches and maximum change of only a little over a foot. Only very
narrow intertidal zones are found because of this lack of tidal amplitude and the steepness
of the cays rising out of the sea. The tides at the proposed Memorial Park site are primarily
semi-diurnal in nature, with two cycles of high and two of low water every 24 hours. The
second cycle is often indistinguishable. The mean tides range from 0.8f. to 1.0 ft and the
spring tidal ranges reach up to 1.3ft (IRF 1977). NOAA operated a tide gauge at Lovango
Cay (VI 9751467) which is the cay just south of the proposed park. The tide gauge was
installed on April 20, 2011 and maintained the station until August 30, 2011. The mean
tidal range was 0.61 ft. and the diurnal range 1.06ft.
The Charlotte Amalie Station has been recording water levels since 1975. The high tide
recorded on September 18, 1989 (Hurricane Hugo) was +3.35ft, and in 1995 during
Hurricane Marilyn the Charlotte Amalie tide station recorded the highest tide height 3.98ft
above Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). The lowest tide recorded was on February 6,
1985 and was -1.44ft. The tidal ranges of the Charlotte Amalie station are as follows:
Mean Higher High Water 1.09ft
Mean High Water 0.94ft
Mean Tide Level 0.54ft
Mean Sea Level 0.52ft
Mean Low Water 0.13ft
Mean Lower Low Water 0.0ft
The nearest active Tide Station is Leinster Point, Leinster Bay, St. John (Station ID:
9751309) the station is located at latitude 18° 22.1N and longitude 64° 43.2’ W and has a
mean tidal range of 0.78 ft and a diurnal range of 1.12 ft.
24
Figure 6.05.1. Tidal data from the Leinster Point, Leinster Bay Tidal Station (NOAA
Buoys)
The surface currents throughout the Caribbean are driven by the North Equatorial Current
that runs through the islands west-northwest and then joins the Gulf. These currents
change very little from season to season with the currents coming more from the south
during the summer months. Because of the shallowness of the Caribbean basin of less
than 1000m, mainly surface water from the Atlantic flows through the islands. The
westerly drift of the Caribbean Current sweeps into Pillsbury Sound from the Southeast,
seeking a way North through the barrier set up by the Cays to discharge along the North
Shore of St. Thomas and out into the Atlantic. The current flows past the north side of
Lovango in a westerly direction year-round.
There are often strong currents between Congo and Lovango Cay. This will not affect
the proposed project.
6.05c Waves
The deep-water waves at the memorial park site are primarily driven by the northeast
trade winds that blow most of the year (Figure 6.05.1). Waves average from 1 to 3ft from
the east, 42% of the time throughout the year (IRF, 1977). For 0.6% of the time easterly
waves reach 12ft in height. The southeasterly swell with waves one to twelve feet high
become significant in late summer and fall when the trade winds blow from the east or
when tropical storms and hurricanes pass the islands at a distance to the south. During
the winter months, long length, long period northern swells develop to a height of 1 to 5
feet. The USACE Hindcast Studies for buoy 61020, the buoy whose waves patterns
should be most similar to the memorial park site, show that a majority of the waves
which occurred approach from easterly directions. Congo Cay provides protection from
this direction.
25
6.05d Marine Water Quality
Water quality at the proposed park site is pristine. The area enjoys excellent water
quality and receives good circulation from currents running through the scattered islands
and cays.
Turbidity in the area is affected by wave approach and during periods of rough sea there
can be areas of turbidity extending off shore due to the re-suspension of sand in the
shallows.
Turbidity measurements were taken at the site during the monitoring of the sand stakes.
The readings were all low, ranging from a low of 0.19NTU to a high of 0.36NTU. The
bottom at 40ft was visible on all visits to the site.
The offshore waters are classified as Class B and the best usage of the water is listed as
the propagation of desirable species of marine life and for primary contact recreation
(swimming, water skiing, etc.). The quality criteria include, dissolved oxygen not less
than 5.5mg/l from other than natural conditions. The pH must not vary by more than 0.1
pH unit from ambient; at no time, shall the pH be less than 7.0 or greater than 8.3.
Bacteria (fecal coliform) cannot exceed 70 per ml, and turbidity should not exceed a
maximum nephelometric turbidity unit of three (3) NTU.
IMPACT OF PROPOSED PROJECT
Installation of the boundary markers and moorings will have a negligible short-term
impact due to divers disturbing the seafloor. Sand will be suspended and will quickly
settle.
The interment structures will be installed every several months based on demand, and
during the diver installation sand will be suspended and will quickly settle. The project
will have no impact on water quality.
26
Figure 6.05.1. Prevailing currents in the Caribbean, IRF 1975.
Figure 6.05.2 Prevailing currents off St. John, IRF 1975.
27
Figure 6.05.3. Wave Roses from the USACE Wave Information Studies for buoy 61020.
28
6.06 Marine Resources and Habitat Assessment
The proposed Memorial Park encompasses 40 acres to the north of Lovango Cay and
southeast of Congo Cay. It encompasses approximately 20 acres of reef and 20 acres of
open sand. The interments will occur in areas of open sand a minimum of 10ft from the
adjacent reef areas. The reefs have a large variety of corals including ESA listed
species.
Benthic Community Survey Methods
Benthic surveys were undertaken starting in July of 2020 with periodic surveys occur
through April 2021. Belt transects were swam and species identified within both the
reef and open sand areas. The sandy area was measured for sand depth to ensure
enough depth to install the memorial markers. Divers in combination with a vessel
mounted GPS were used to confirm reef/hardbottom edges.
Figure 6.06.1 provides the Benthic Habitat Map provided by NOS, NOAA. The NOS
Benthic Habitat Map shows the mooring as open sand and reef colonized pavement.
Figure 6.06.1 NOS Benthic Habitat Map
29
Figure 6.06.2 Transects and benthic habitats found within the vicinity of the
barge mooring.
The Benthic Community
Sand
There is a large area of open sand which have scattered diatom coats. The sand is 99%
uncolonized. Because of changes in the topography of the rock beneath the sand there
are an occasional hard coral near the edges as well as soft corals species. Seen were
Diploria labyrinthiformis, Porites astreoides, Psuedodiploria strigosa,
Pseudopterogorgia americana, Pseudopterogorgia rigida, Pterogorgia anceps,
Pterogorgia citrina, Pterogorgia guadalupensis, Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata and
Eunicea mammosa.
The sand is uncolonized with scattered diatoms on the surface.
Reefs
The surrounding reefs are coral colonized emergent pavement, more so the reefs rise
approximately1 ft above the seafloor and their relief is added to by the colonizing corals.
Soft corals are very abundant and are more abundant than hard coral species. There are
30
scattered sand channels within the pavement, but most are relatively narrow. The table
below list the corals which were noted on the hardbottom habitat.
Some of the soft corals extend into surrounding sand. The soft corals form a forest in
many areas of the reef.
Nurse sharks were seen frequently during surveys. Scattered hard corals are found amid
the soft corals.
The soft corals cover most of the emergent rock.
31
Xestospongia muta (basket sponges) were found amid the soft corals.
There is a small emergent hardbottom in the largest sand area.
Species noted Species noted
Stony Corals Soft Corals (cont.)
Acropora cervicornis Eucinea spp.
Orbicella annularis Pterogorgia guadalupensis
Orbicella franksi Pseudopterogorgia americana
Orbicella faveolata Pseudopterogorgia rigida
Dendrogyra cylindrus Pterogorgia anceps
Siderastrea siderea Eunicea mammosa
Agaricia fragilis Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata
Porites astreoides Pterogorgia citrina
Meandrina meandrites Pterogorgia guadalupensis
Pseudodiploria strigosa Gorgonia ventalina
Diploria labyrinthiformis Gorgonia flabellum
Agarica agaricites Palythoa caribbaeorum
Porites porites Erythropodium caribaeorum
Sephanocenia intersepta Sponges
Siderastrea radians Xestospongia muta
Montastrea cavernosa Ircinia strobilina
Dichocoenia stokesii Callispongia vaginalis
Eusmilia fastigiata Agelas confera
Madracis decactis Aplysina fulva
Soft Corals Aplysina cauliformis
Pseudoplexaura flagellosa Verongula gigantea
Plexaurella nutans Callyspongia plicifera
Plexaura flexuosa Neofibularia nolitangere
32
Impact of Interment Structures, Boundary Markers, and Moorings
The selected location for the internment structures and the boat moorings are uncolonized
There should be no negative impacts. The structures will be introducing hard substrate
which will in time become colonized and there will be the opportunity to have corals
transplanted on to the structures by UVI from their coral nursery. The project will also
be encompassing large areas of reef in an area where anchoring will be restricted and this
should help minimize coral impacts in the future.
6.07 Terrestrial Resources
All project components are located offshore and therefore the project will have no direct
impact on the terrestrial environment. The project will also be lessening the need for
burial sites and therefore has a positive impact on the terrestrial environment
6.08 Wetlands
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers defines wetlands as "those areas that are periodically
inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient
to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include
swamps, bogs, marshes and similar areas." (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1986).
The project is located offshore and will have no impact on any terrestrial wetlands.
6.09 Rare and Endangered Species
Three rare or endangered sea turtle species; hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and leatherback turtles (Ermochelys coriacea) occur in
the area. NOAA’s Vessel Strike Avoidance Measures and Reporting for Mariners will be
implemented by all vessels associated with the project.
The surrounding reefs and the marine habitats in the wider area have abundant coral
resources. There are numerous ESA listed corals species offshore of both Lovango and
Congo Cay.
Acropora palmata, A. cervicornis, Orbicella annularis, O. franksi and O. faveolata as
well as Dendrogyra cylindrus are present in the wider area.
The Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) was seen during the surveys and a Humpback
whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have also been seen off Lovango.
33
Table 6.09.1. ESA Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Occurring in the
Greater Project Area
Scientific Name Common Name Status
Acropora palmata Elkhorn coral T
Acropora cervicornis Staghorn coral T
Orbicella annularis Lobbed Star coral T
Orbicella faveolata Mountainous star coral T
Orbicella franksi Boulder star coral,
Dendrogyra cylindrus Pillar coral T
Mycetophyllia ferox Rough Cactus Corals T
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill sea turtle E
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback sea turtle E
Chelonia mydas Green sea turtle T
Caretta caretta Loggerhead sea turtle T
Trichechus manatus manatus West Indian manatee E
Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback whale E/D2
Balaenoptera physalus Finback whale E
Epinephelus striatus Nassua grouper T
Manta birostris Giant Manta Ray T
Sphyma lewini Scalloped
Hammerhead T
Carcharhinus longimanus Oceanic Whitetip
Shark T
Coastal waters and waters within the Virgin Islands are frequented by whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae, Balaenoptera physalus) during winter for mating and birthing and dolphins
(Tursiops truncates) are year-round residents.
Four species of sea turtles occur in the Virgin Islands and all four have been seen during
surveys for other projects in the greater project area. These include two threatened species,
the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and two
endangered species, the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the leatherback
turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
The endangered Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) has recently been seen
in the U.S. Virgin Islands after not being seen for many years so it is included in this
assessment.
The greater project contains areas considered Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and species
managed by the Caribbean Fisheries Management Council (CFMC) occur within the
greater Project Area (see Table 6.09.2).
34
Table 6.09.2 Species managed by CFMC occurring in the nearshore area in the Virgin Islands.
Scientific Name Common Name
Cnidarians All corals
Strombus gigas Queen conch
Panulirus argus Spiny lobster
Epinephelus struiatus Nassau grouper
E. guttatus Red hind
E. fulvus Coney
Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail snapper
Lutjanus analis Mutton snapper
L. apodus Schoolmaster
L. gruiseus Grey snapper
L. vivanus Silk snapper
Chaetodon striatus Butterflyfish
Holocentrus ascensionis Squirrel fish
Haemulon plumieri White grunt
Balistes vetula Queen triggerfish
Malacanthus plumieri Sandtilefish
Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail parrotfish
Lactophrys quadricornis Trunkfish
- Sharks and Tunas
- Swordfish and Billfishes
POTENTIAL PROJECT IMPACTS
The selected location for the internment structures and boat moorings are uncolonized
sand and the boundary moorings will be placed so that they avoid hard bottom and any
corals.
The project should not directly impact any endangered species. Anchoring will be
prohibited in the park and this should help protect resources.
Sea Turtles - Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea)
and Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Loggerheads (Caretta caretta)
Potential Impacts
Turtles are present in the project area, but no nesting beaches will be impacted.
35
Mitigation Measures
Project vessels will also observe turtle avoidance protocols (NOAA guidance). Impacts to
turtles are not expected to occur with the application of avoidance and mitigation
measures.
Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
These fish occur in the project impact area but will not be directly or indirectly impacted.
Sharks and Rays: Giant Manta Ray (Manta birostris), Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyma
lewini), Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus)
These species are unlikely to occur in the project area, and if any of these animals are
seen during the mooring or internment structure installation, it is probable that they will
move away from the activities. There should be no impacts to these animals.
Marine Mammals: Whales, Dolphins, and West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
These species may occur in the impact area, and if any of these animals are seen during
the mooring or internment structure installation it is probable that they will move away
from the activities. Therefore, impacts to marine mammals will be avoided.
CONCLUSIONS – EFFECTS DETERMINATIONS
Corals
Elkhorn (Acropora palmata) Staghorn (Acropora cervicornis): The project avoids all
Acropora colonies and their critical habitat. The project will have no effect acropoid
corals. Lobbed Star coral (Orbicella annularis) Mountainous star coral (Orbicella
faveolata), Pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus), Boulder star coral (Orbicella franksi),
Rough cactus coral (Mycetophyllia ferox): The project avoids all Lobbed Star coral,
Mountainous star coral, Boulder star coral, Rough cactus coral and Pillar coral. The
project will have no effect these corals.
Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
The project will have no effect on Nassau groupers.
Sea Turtles - Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea)
and Green turtles (Chelonia mydas)
The project should not have a direct impact on these species. During mooring and
internment structure installation there is the potential for vessel strikes, NOAA guidelines
will be implemented to minimize this potential. The project has been designed no impact
to their foraging habitat.
36
Spotters will be used on the vessels during mooring installation operations to minimize
potential strikes.
The project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect sea turtle species.
Sharks and Rays: Giant Manta Ray (Manta birostris), Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyma
lewini), Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus)
The project should not have a direct impact on these species. These are large open water
species which should move away from the areas of any activity. Spotters will be used on
the vessels during mooring installation to minimize potential strikes.
The project will have no effect on shark or ray species.
Marine Mammals-Whales and Dolphins
The project should not have a direct impact on these species. During mooring
installation and operations there is a potential for vessel strikes. NOAA guidelines will be
implemented to minimize this potential.
The project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect whales or dolphins.
West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)
The project is not expected to impact this species. During mooring installation there is a
potential for vessel strikes. NOAA guidelines will be implemented to minimize this
potential. The project has been designed to avoid impacts to their foraging habitat.
The project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the West Indian manatee.
Essential Fish Habitat
Essential Fish Habitat is present around both cays, and the project is in a sandy bottom
area. The project involves the placement of helix anchors and screw anchors.
The project should have no effect on Essential Fish Habitat.
6.10 Air Quality
All of St. John and St. Thomas is designated Class II by the Environmental Protection
Agency in compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. In Class II air
quality regions the following air pollutants are regulated; open burning, visible air
37
contaminants, particulate matter emissions, volatile petroleum products, sulfur
compounds, and internal combustion engine exhaust (Virgin Islands Code Rules and
Regulations).
The project will utilize small vessels for the installation of the moorings and internment
structures, the project will have a negligible impact on air quality.
7.00 Impacts on the Human Environment
7.01 Land and Water Use Plans
In the U.S. Virgin Islands offshore water are not zoned. Lovango Cay is zoned R-1.
Congo Cay is not zoned since it is a wildlife sanctuary.
7.02 Visual Impact
The above landscape is currently an open viewshed of the cays with a couple of mooring
buoys. The project will be introducing 6 buoys (2 mooring, 4 boundary markers) and
therefore will have a negligible impact on the above water viewshed. Underwater the
area of open sand will slowly become an area with small scattered structures and corals.
7.03 Impact on Public Services
7.03a Water
The project has no impact on water resources or use.
7.03b Sewage Treatment and Disposal
The project has no impact on sewage treatment and disposal.
7.03c Solid Waste Disposal
The project will have no impact on solid waste disposal.
7.03d Roads, Traffic and Parking
The project will have no impact on roads, traffic and parking.
7.03e Electricity
The project will have no impact on electricity use.
7.03f Schools
The project will have no impact on schools.
38
7.03g Fire and Police Protection
The barge should have no impact on fire or police protection.
7.03h Health
The project will have no impact on local health care.
7.04 Social Impacts
The project will have a positive social impact by offering an alternative internment
option. People will have the opportunity to choose to have their ashes placed into
structures which will become colonized by marine organisms overtime. This alternative
will also help alleviate pressure on Graveyards as they become more crowded overtime.
This allows family members to have a place to come visit by vessel to visit a lost loved
one if they wish.
7.05 Economic Impact
The Underwater Memorial Park offers an affordable alternative to burial which has
become more and more costly.
7.06 Impacts on Historical and Archeological Resources
The project involves the installation of 6 helix anchors and an unknown number of screw
anchors into the sand bottom where no debris or wreckage was noted. The installation of
the anchors will have no impact on archeological resources.
7.07 Recreational Use
The project is offshore in an area used for boating. This activity will continue
unimpeded.
7.08 Waste Disposal
The project will have no impact on waste disposal.
7.09 Accidental Spills
The project will only use small gasoline power vessels for the buoy installations and
periodic structure placements. Chances for spills will be negligible. All vessels will
follow standard USCG spill procedures.
39
7.10 Potential Adverse Effects Which Cannot Be Avoided
The project has been designed to avoid impact to resources by is location. The most
significant change will be a change of use from an area of unoccupied sand to a Memorial
park.
8.00 Mitigation Plans
The moorings and buoys will be utilize type helix anchors and floating lines to minimize
bottom impacts.
The installations will all be done by divers and will have minimal impact.
9.00 Alternatives to Proposed Action
The project could not be done and there would be no change in use of the area and there
would continue to be limited options for internment.
Another location could be chosen which would have more impacts by impact seagrass or
corals. The chosen location has no impact on coral or seagrass resources.
10.00 Relationship Between Short Term and Long Term Uses of Man’s Environment
The project proposes an alternative option from burial or scattering ashes at sea. It
creates an area where people can visit lost loved ones and relieves pressure on the limited
burial space on the island on St. Thomas. It is a beneficial use of the environment with
minimal impact.
11.00 REFERENCES
Literature Cited
Bowden, M.J. et. al., 1969. Climate, water balance and climatic change in the north-west
Virgin Islands. Caribbean Research Institute, CVI,, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Bucher, K. E., D.S. Littler, M. M. Littler, J. N. Norris. 1989. Marine Plants of the
Caribbean A Field Guide From Florida to Brazil. Smithsonian Institution Press,
Washington, D.C.
Donnelly,T. 1966. Geology of St. Thomas and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. In: Hess, H.
(ed.) Caribbean geological investigations. Geol Soc. Amer. Mem. 98:85-176.
Donnelly, T., et al. 1971. Chemical evolution of the igneous rocks of the Eastern West
Indies. In: Donnely, t. (ed.) Caribbean geophysical, tectonic and petrologic studies. Geol.
Soc. Amer. Mem. 130:181-224.
40
Humann, Paul. 1992. Reef Creature Identification. New World Publications, Inc.,
Jacksonville, FL.
Humann, Paul. 1993. Reef Coral Identification. New World Publications, Inc.,
Jacksonville, FL.
Humann, Paul. 1989. Reef Fish Identification. New World Publications, Inc.,
Jacksonville, FL.
Island Resources Foundation. 1977. Marine environments of the Virgin Islands.
Technical Supplement No.1 1976. Prepared for the Virgin Islands Planning Office.
STEER (2011) St. Thomas East End Reserve Management Plan. St. Thomas, USVI.
USACE Wave Information Studies
On line Resources Referenced:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov
http://www.surf-forecast.com/weather_maps/US-Virgin-Islands
http://coralpedia.bio.warwick.ac.uk/
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch
http://www.sercc.com/climateinfo/historical/historical_pr.html
http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/data.html
http://www.spongeguide.org/
http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
http://wis.usace.army.mil/hindcasts.html?dmn=atlantic
41
APPENDIX I
42
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 1
BBIIOOIIMMPPAACCTT,, IINNCC
P.O. BOX 132
KINGSHILL, ST. CROIX
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00851
PHONE NUMBER 340 690-8445 FAX NUMBER 340 718-3800
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 2
BIOIMPACT, INC. QUALIFICATION STATEMENT
Bioimpact, Inc. is a Virgin Islands Corporation licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands
Since 1986.
Bioimpact, Inc. is qualified to conduct and prepare both terrestrial and marine Environmental
Assessment Report required by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of
Coastal Zone Management, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Amy Claire Dempsey, principal of Bioimpact, Inc. is certified in wetland delineation by the
National Wetland Science Training Cooperative to establish wetland jurisdictional limits for the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experienced in the creation and implementation of wetland mitigation
programs.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experienced in developing and implementing marine water quality monitoring
programs and long-term photographic monitoring of the benthic environment. Amy Claire
Dempsey, principal of Bioimpact, Inc. is an EPA certified water sampler and analyst.
Bioimpact, Inc. has successfully designed and implemented large scale coral and seagrass
transplant programs.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experienced in cable landfall studies and the establishment of routes for
undersea cables and monitoring of cable installations to minimize impact.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experienced in endangered species surveys included the endangered coral, as
well as terrestrial flora and fauna species and is experienced in preparing Biological Assessments
for National Marine Fisheries and Fish and Wildlife Service.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experienced in the transplant and monitoring of Environmental Protection Act
(ESA) listed coral species as authorized under “take permits” from National Marine Fisheries
Service.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experienced in preparing Environmental Assessments for federal permitting
and the issuance of Findings of No Significant Impact.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experienced in the preparations of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments as
set forth in the ASTM Standard Practice Designation E 1527-13 and All Appropriate Inquires
and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments as set for in ASTM E1903 – 11.
Bioimpact, Inc. is experience in the development and implementation of sampling plans to
detect and delineation hazardous materials and petroleum products.
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 3
Bioimpact, Inc. is experience in conducting deep water ROV surveys up to 1000ft and has all
the necessary equipment to undertake these studies.
Bioimpact, Inc. has conducted environmental studies in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico,
British Virgin Islands, throughout the Caribbean and in the Florida Keys.
PARTIAL JOB LIST
UP-DATED March 2018
MONITORING PROGRAMS
2019- Development and Implementation of the Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring
Plan for the installation of a Single Point Mooring at Limetree Marine Terminals, St.
Croix.
2018- Development and Implementation of the Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring
Plan for the Construction of the Veterans Drive Project on St. Thomas for Virgin Islands
Department of Public Works.
2014-2018 Development and Implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Plans for the
Conversion of VIWAPA to LPG for Vitol, St. Croix and St. Thomas.
2014-2018 Development and Implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Plans for the
Development of a Dolphin Exhibit for Coral World (VI), Inc., St. Thomas.
2013-2018 Development and Implementation of the Water Quality and Environmental
Monitoring related to the dredging of the Crown Bay Marine Terminal and Turning
Basin, St. Thomas.
2016 Development and Implementation of the Water Quality Monitoring Plan for the WICO
Emergency Bulkhead replacement, St. Thomas.
2013 –2015 Environmental Monitoring of the wetland created as mitigation for the
development of VIWMA’s St.Croix Transfer Station
2013-2018 Development and Implementation of the Monitoring Plans for VIDPW’s
Improvements to Veterans Drive St. Thomas
2013-2018 Development and Implementation of the Monitoring Plans for VIPA’s Maintenance
Dredging of Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas
2013-2018 Development and Implementation of the Monitoring Plans for Westin Resorts
Permitting of the dock and Improvements of Drainage, St. John
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 4
2012 –2018 Development and Implementation of the Monitoring Plans for viNGN’s Cable
System in the USVI.
2011-20198 Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring Program for the increase in
discharge from the Frenchman’s Reef Hotel, St. Thomas
2010-2012 Development of the Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring Program for the
development of Thatch Cay, with special emphasize on the ESA listed coral species
2009 Establishment of the baseline for the dredging of Charlotte Amalie Harbor and entrance
channel and the filling of the dredged hole in Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas for
West Indies Company
2009 – 2010 Water Quality Monitoring Plan for the Construction of the dock at Frenchman’s
Cove, St. Thomas for Marriott Vacation Club, Inc.
2009-2015 Environmental Monitoring for the development of Oil Nut Bay, and YCCS Yacht
Club, Virgin Gorda, BVI, for Victor International
2008-2009 Environmental Monitoring of the development of Scrub Island, BVI, for MainSail
Development, LLC
2007 – 2010 Water Quality Monitoring for the development of the Calabash Boom Affordable
Housing Complex in Calabash Boom, St. John for Reliance Housing
2007 - 2009 Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring for the Subdivision of 77 acres in
Hansen Bay, St. John, for Flamboyant
2006- 2008 Water Quality Monitoring for the dredging of the Sand Channel for the V.I. Water
and Power Authority
2006-2007 Water Quality Monitoring for the renovations to the Ritz Carlton Hotel, St. Thomas
for Ritz Carlton
2006 - 2010 Environmental monitoring for the placement of undersea cables at the Global
Crossing Cable Station in St. Croix for Global Crossing Network, ALCATEL and TYCO
2005-2007 Water Quality Monitoring for the dredging of Crown Bay, St. Thomas for the V.I.
Port Authority
2005- 2006 Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring for Improvements to the Redhook
Marine Terminal for the V.I. Port Authority
2004 - 2011 Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring for the construction of the Pond
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 5
Bay Resort, St. John for First American Development Group
2003 - 2006 Water Quality Monitoring for the construction of the Enighed Pond Marine
Terminal, St. John, for the V.I. Port Authority
2002 - 2008 Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring for the development of Marine
Amenities on the island of Lovango, St. John, for the Joseph Markus Trust
2003 - 2004 Water Quality Monitoring for the development of the Crown Bay Marine Terminal,
St. Thomas for the V.I. Port Authority
2002-2005 Water Quality Monitoring for the improvements to the Gallows Bay Marine
Terminal, St. Croix, for the V.I. Port Authority
1999-2006 Water Quality Monitoring for repairs to the Frederiksted Pier, St. Croix, for the
V.I. Port Authority
2001-2008 Coral Transplant Monitoring for the Enighed Pond Marine Terminal, St. John, for the
V.I. Port Authority
2001- 2007 Coral Transplant Monitoring for the Mangrove Lagoon Sewage Treatment Plant
Outfall, St. Thomas for the V.I. Department of Public Works
2000 - 2003 Water Quality Monitoring for the dredging of Charlotte Amalie Harbor, St. Thomas,
for the V.I. Port Authority
2001 - 2002 Water Quality Monitoring for Improvements to the Tropical Shipping Dock in
Crown Bay, St. Thomas for Misener Marine
2000 - 2006 Seagrass Transplant Monitoring for the Seagrass Transplant for the Dredging of
Charlotte Amalie Harbor for the V.I. Port Authority
1999- 2002 Water quality monitoring for Construction of Cable Stations at Estate Northside for
Global Crossings
1997-2002 Wetland monitoring of the Airport Mitigation Site at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport
for the V.I. Port Authority
1997 - 2002 Wetland monitoring for the Fairplains Mitigation Site at the Henry E. Rohlsen
Airport for the V.I. Port Authority
1997- 2005 Water quality monitoring program for Construction of the Christiansted Boardwalk
in St. Croix prepared for the Government of the Virgin Islands
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 6
1997-2005 Wetland monitoring of Tren Urbano, PR 5 and PR 22 Mitigation *Sites in Puerto
Rico under subcontract to Nutter and Associates for the Puerto Rico Highway Authority
1996 Water quality monitoring program for Expansion and Improvements to the Redhook
Marine Terminal in St. Thomas prepared for the V.I. Port Authority
1996 Water quality monitoring program for the creation of The Enighed Pond Marine Terminal
in St. John prepared for Maguire Group, Inc. for the V.I. Port Authority
1996-1998 Water quality monitoring for the Expansion of the Molasses Pier at the Third Port St.
Croix conducted for the V.I. Port Authority
1995 Water quality for the Construction of the AT&T Cable Landing Facility, Estate Northside
St. Croix, conducted for AT&T Submarine Systems
1992-1994 Water quality monitoring program for the Reconstruction of the Frederiksted Pier,
conducted for the V.I. Port Authority, St. Croix
1992-1993 Establishment of a baseline and long term monitoring of the benthic community
potentially impacted by the Water and Power Authority Outfall from the Richmond
Power Plant, conducted for the V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. Croix
1992-1993 Preparation of a biological monitoring study for the Cooling Pond Discharge, and
monitoring of the algal bloom within the cooling ponds; development of management
strategies to alleviate algal and runoff problems, the V.I. Alumina Corporation, St. Croix
1990-1992 Water quality monitoring for The Dredging Project and Related Activities in
Christiansted Harbor, conducted for the V.I. Port Authority, St. Croix
1989 Turtle Monitoring Program for Manchineel Beach, St. Croix
LARGE SCALE MITIGATION PROGRAMS
UPDATED AUGUST 2019
Development and Implementation of the Compensatory Mitigation Plan for the transplant of
approximately 1700 corals, repair of 500 corals of opportunity and outplanting of 3000
ESA listed corals for Limetree Bay Terminal’s Single Point Mooring on St. Croix.
Development and Implementation of a Compensatory Mitigation Plan for the relocation of 1.25
acres of seagrass and transplant of 631 corals from the impact footprint of the Veterans
Drive Project in St. Thomas.
Development and Implementation of the Mitigation Plan for the relocation of 10,000 corals off
the WICO bulkhead in Havensight for West Indies Company in St. Thomas.
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 7
Development and Implementation of a coral transplant for the Stabilization of the Seawater
Intake line for Marriott Frenchman’s Reef, St. Thomas.
Development and Implementation of a coral transplant to minimize construction impacts for
LPG Improvements at the VIWAPA facilities on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Development and Implementation of a coral transplant for Coral World (VI), Inc. in
Association with the development of the dolphin exhibit in St. Thomas.
Development and Implementation of the Mitigation Plans for VIDPW’s Improvements to
Veterans Drive St. Thomas
Development and Implementation of the Mitigation Plans for VIPA’s Dredging of Crown Bay
Marine Terminal and Turning Basin, St. Thomas
Development and Implementation of the Mitigation Plans for VIPA’s Maintenance Dredging of
Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas
Development and Implementation of the Mitigation Plans for Westin Resorts Permitting of the
dock and Improvements of Drainage, St. John
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority creation of an Herbaceous Wetland as mitigation
for the construction of the Transfer Station at the Anguilla Landfill, St. Croix
Mainsail Coral Transplant/Seagrass Transplant for impacts associated with the development of
the Scrub Island Resort BVI, Bioimpact, Inc. came in and completed the transplant and
monitoring began by others (Approximately 3000 Corals)
Victor International Coral Transplant for impacts associated by the development of an access
ramp and dock at Oil Nut Bay, BVI (Approximately 300 corals)
V.I. Port Authority Mangrove Mitigation for the construction of the Enighed Pond Terminal in
St. John (2.8 Acres of Mangrove Wetland)
Joseph Markus Trust Creation of Acropora Thickets and Artificial Reefs as mitigation for the
construction of a barge landing facility on the island of Lovango
V.I. Port Authority Transplanting of coral out of the area of impact for the development of the
Crown Bay Marine Terminal, St. Thomas (Approximately 3000 Corals)
Department of Public Works Mangrove Mitigation Project for the construction of the Mangrove
Lagoon Sewage Treatment Plant, St. Thomas (Approximately 1 Acre of Mangrove
Wetland)
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 8
V.I. Port Authority Transplanting of Coral out of the area of impact for the Enighed Pond Marine
Terminal Project, St. John (Approximately 50,000 Corals)
Department of Public Works Transplanting of Coral out of the area of impact for the placement
of the Mangrove Lagoon Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall, St. Thomas (7,000 Corals)
V.I. Port Authority Transplanting of Coral out of the area of impact for the mooring
improvements to the Frederiksted Pier, St. Croix (Approximately 300 corals)
V.I. Port Authority Transplanting of Seagrass from the Dredging footprint for the dredging of
Charlotte Amalie Harbor, St. Thomas (Approximately 2 acres)
V.I. Port Authority/Department of Public Works, Mangrove Mitigation Project for the
construction of the Molasses Dock Road, St. Croix (Approximately ½ acre)
V.I. Port Authority creation of Herbaceous Wetlands for mitigation at the Henry E. Rohlsen
Airport, St. Croix (Approximately 1 acres)
V.I. Port Authority mitigation plan for impact incurred in Fairplains Gut by the VIPA plan for
creation of 16,000 Square Feet of Wetland at the Manning Bay Site, St. Croix
V.I. Water and Power Authority plan for creation of 4.1 Acres of Wetland as mitigation of the
construction of the South Shore Power Plant, Third Port, St. Croix
Green Cay Plan for mitigation for the impacting of 12 Acres of Wetland for the construction of
the Green Cay Resort, St. Croix
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS 2014-2018
Installation of a Single Point Mooring at the Limetree Bay Terminal, St. Croix, Limetree Bay
Terminals, LLC.
Installation of a Submarine Cable System for the V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. Thomas
Veterans Drive Expansion with Parsons Brinckerhoff, for the Department of Public Works
St. Thomas
Maintenance Dredging of Krause Lagoon Channel for V.I. Port Authority, St. Thomas
Installation of New Reverse Osmosis Discharge and Intake Line, Westin Resorts, St. John
Shoreline Stabilization Project for Buccaneer Hotel, St. Croix
VIWAPA’s conversion to LPG in both St. Croix and St. Thomas.
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 9
viNGN Submarine Cable Network with Acatel-Lucent for Virgin Islands Next Generation
Network, Virgin Islands
Improvements to the Frederiksted Pier, V.I. Port Authority, St. Croix
Improvements to the Red Hook Marine Terminal, V.I. Port Authority, St. Thomas
Offshore Windmills for Ocean Energy, Inc.
St. John Marina for Summers End Group, St. John
Maintenance Dredging of the Schooner Channel, V.I. Port Authority, St. Croix
Remediation of Hydrocarbon Contamination at the V.I. Seaplane Ramp, V.I. Port Authority, St.
Croix.
Maintenance of the Existing Bulkhead and Maintenance Dredging of Charlotte Amalie Harbor,
with CH2M Hill for West Indies Company, St. Thomas
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORS 2009-2013
Dredging of Crown Bay Marine Terminal and Turning Basin, V.I. Port Authority, St. Thomas.
Maintenance Dredging of Crown Bay Marina, V.I. Port Authority, St. Thomas
Improvements to Bordeaux Road, with Parsons Brinkerhoff, for V.I. Department of Public
Works, St. Thomas.
Improvement to Spring Gut Road, with Stanley Engineer, for V.I. Department of Public Works,
St. Croix.
Coral World’s Dolphin Exhibit for Coral World (VI), Inc., St. Thomas.
Expansion of the Spratt Bay Homeowners Dock on Water Island.
Veterans Drive Expansion with Parsons Brinckerhoff, for the Department of Public Works
St. Thomas
Chiller Cooling System, BaHaMar, HDR, Grande Bahama
Reverse Osmosis Facility at V.I. Water and Power Authority’s St. Thomas Power Plant
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 10
Submarine Cable for V.I. Water and Power Authority between the Islands of St. Thomas and St.
John
Chiller System and Dock repairs at Frenchman’s Reef, St. Thomas
Expansion of Heavy Materials Krum Bay Facility, St. Thomas
33 Mega-Watt Waste to Energy Plant Alpine Energy Group, Inc. St. Thomas
18 Mega-Watt Waste to Energy Plant Alpine Energy Group, Inc. St. Croix
Reverse Osmosis Facility V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. John
Seven Hills Development, Robin Bay Partners, St. Croix
Improvements to the Molasses Dock, V.I. Port Authority, St. Croix
Dredging of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the Channel and the Filling of Lindbergh Bay,
West Indies Corporation, St. Thomas
Fueling Station, V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. Croix
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS 2005 -2008
Port of Mandahl, MSJ Realty, St. Thomas
North Sound Yacht Club, Victor International, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Reconstruction of the Frenchman’s Cove Dock, Marriott Ownership Vacation Club, Inc. St.
Thomas
Thatch Cay Development, Thatch Cay, LLC, St. Thomas
Smith Bay Development Smith Bay Developers, Inc. Smith Bay, St. Thomas
Subdivision of Great St. James Christian Kejer, Great St. James Island, St. Thomas
Subdivision of Inner Brass Green Island Developers, Inner Brass Island, St. Thomas
Subdivision of Inner Brass Byran family, Inner Brass Island, St. Thomas
Cabrita Point Major Land Permit Cabrita Point Partners, Lionstone LLC, Cabrita Point, St.
Thomas
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 11
Cabrita Point Major Water Permit Cabrita Point Partners, Lionstone, LLC, Cabrita Point, St.
Thomas
Subdivision of 77 Acres in Hansen Bay on the East End of St. John Flamboyant Realty, St.
John
Subdivision of 14 Acres in Hansen Bay on the East End of St. John Hansen Bay Development
Group, St. John
Expansions and Improvements to the Ritz Carlton Hotel William Karr and Associates, St.
Thomas
Modification to Carden Beach Condominiums TK Properties, Inc. St. Croix
Development of Betty’s Hope V.I. Port Authority, St. Croix
Expansion of the Compass Point Marine Margate Management, Benner Bay, St. Thomas
Construction of Maintenance Buildings HOVENSA, St. Croix
Replacement of Existing Stacks HOVENSA, St. Croix
Installation of a Permanent Barge Landing Facility on Lovango Cay Joseph Markus Trust,
Lovango Cay
Relocation of the Existing Barge Landing and Construction of a Swim Dock and Beach
Enhancing Devices on Little St. James LSJ, LLC, Little St. James
Development of Affordable Housing in Calabash Boom, Reliance Housing, St. John
Demineralized Water System and Storage Tank Upgrades, V.I. Water and Power Authority, St.
Croix
Development of a Pizza Bar and Miniature Golf Course, Divi Carina Bay Resort, St. Croix
Placement of Fuel Pipelines on the Ann E. Abramson Pier, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, St.
Croix
Development of a Marine and Related Infrastructure, Coral Bay Marina LLC, St. John
Development of a Marine Mammal Encountered Facility, Coral World VI, St. Thomas
Improvements to The “Doc” James Race Track, TRAXCO, St. Croix
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 12
Maintenance Dredging and the Permitting of Permanent Moorings, Westin Resort, St. John
Construction of the LSF Facility, HOVENSA, St. Croix
Construction of the LSF Project on Uplands, HOVENSA, St. Croix
Construction of the LSF Project on Submerged Lands, HOVENSA, St. Croix
Construction of Modular Buildings, HOVENSA, St. Croix
Construction of Housing in Estate Blessing, HOVENSA, St. Croix
Permitting of an Existing Borrow Pit, HOVENSA, St. Croix
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS 2000-2004
Compass Point Marina Expansion of the existing marina with Springline Architects, St. Thomas
Emergency Electrical Cable to St. John V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. Thomas/St. John
Richmond Sand Channel Dredging V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. Croix
Hassel Island Electrical Cable Replacement V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. Thomas
Golden Resort Hotel Casino Resort Environmental Assessment Report, St. Croix
Crown Bay Marine Terminal Improvements Environmental Assessment Report with Adams,
Inc., St. Thomas
Global Crossings Environmental Assessment Report for the Placement of a Point of Presence in
Frederiksted, St. Croix
Innovative Telephone Environmental Assessment Report for the Burial of Fiber Optic Cable on
the North Shore of St. Croix
Innovative Telephone Environmental Assessment Report for the Burial of Fiber Optic Cable on
the West End of St. Croix
Callaloo Club Blowing Point Environmental Assessment for the Crasion of a marina on
Anguilla, BWI
V.I. Water and Power Authority Waterline Environmental Assessment for a waterline between
St. Thomas and St. John
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 13
V.I. Water and Power Authority Powerline Environmental Assessment for a utility line between
St. Thomas and Little St. James
Global Crossings Environmental Assessment Report for the South American Crossing Cable
Station at Estate Northside
Water Island Ferry Dock Environmental Assessment Report for the construction of a ferry dock
on Water Island
Cuisanart Environmental Impact Assessment for Beach Renourishment, Anguilla, BWI
Cinnamon Bay Environmental Impact Assessment for Development of a Marine Facility,
Anguilla, BWI
Crown Bay Benthic Habitat Survey of Crown Bay and Gregerie Channel as a supplement to the
USACOE Feasibility Report
Frederiksted Pier Environmental Assessment Report for the Improvements to the Existing
Frederiksted Pier, St. Croix
Little St. James Environmental Assessment Report for a Private Dock on Little St. James Island
Government of the Virgin Islands Environmental Assessment Report for Phase II of the
Christiansted Boardwalk, St. Croix
Beal Aerospace Environmental Assessment Report for Construction of the World Headquarters
Estate Great Pond, St. Croix
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS 1988-2000
Divi Hotel Environmental Assessment Report for the reconstruction of a dock, St. Croix
Global Crossing Environmental Assessment Report for the construction of a Cable Terminal
Building and a corridor for 8 submarine fiber optic cables
HOVENSA Environmental Assessment Report for the Construction of a Coker and Coker Dock
at the Existing HOVIC Refinery
V.I. Port Authority Environmental Assessment Report for the construction of a Mooring Dolphin
at the Frederiksted Pier
Seaborne Environmental Assessment Report for the Development of a Seaplane Terminal at the
old Seaplane Ramp, St. Croix
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 14
Forest Bay Environmental Assessment Report for the Development of a Marina and related
facilities in Forest Bay Anguilla, BWI
META Resorts Environmental Assessment Report for the development of a Dolphin Lagoon at
Meads Bay Anguilla, BWI
Government of the Virgin Islands Environmental Assessment Report for the Construction of a
boardwalk in Christiansted, St. Croix
V.I. Port Authority Environmental Assessment Report for the runway extension at the Henry E.
Rohlsen Airport under subcontract to LPA Group
V.I. Port Authority Environmental Assessment Report for the expansion of the Redhook Marine
Terminal, St. Thomas
V.I. Port Authority Environmental Assessment Report for the creation of the Enighed Pond
Marine Facility, St. John
Coral World (VI), Inc. Environmental Assessment Report for the renewal of the submerged land
lease for the Coral World Facility, St. Thomas
Cowpet Bay Environmental Assessment Report for the modification of the existing permit for
construction of a seawall, St. Thomas
Watergate East Villas Environmental Assessment Report for the Construction of a Rip-Rap
Revetment, St. Thomas
Christiansted Boardwalk Environmental Assessment Report for the construction of a boardwalk
on the Christiansted Waterfront, St. Croix
V.I. Water and Power Authority Environmental Assessment Report for Improvements to the fuel
dock at the Power Generating Facility, St. Thomas
La Domaine Environmental Assessment Report for the subdivision of 40 Acres of Land in Estate
Misngunt, St. Thomas
V.I. Port Authority Environmental Assessment Report for the expansion of the Alexander
Hamilton Airport Terminal and Highway 64 Relocation, St. Croix
AT&T Environmental Assessment Report for the Cable Landing Facility at Estate Northside, St.
Croix
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 15
DEVCON Environmental Assessment Report for the Dredging of the Christiansted Sand
Channel, St. Croix
VIALCO Environmental Assessment Report for the Expansion of the Red Mud Storage Ponds,
VIALCO Alumina Facility, St. Croix
VIALCO Environmental Assessment Report for the creation of a stormwater drainage system,
VIALCO Alumina Facility, St. Croix
VIALCO Environmental Assessment Report for the Mining of Caliche, VIALCO Alumina
Facility, St. Croix
Molasses Dock/VI Port Authority Consulting on the Environmental Assessment Report for the
Molasses Dock Terminal at the Third Port Facility, subcontracted by Frank Torrez, and
the V.I. Port Authority, St. Croix
SELECTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS 1988 -1993
St. Croix by the Sea Environmental Assessment Report for beach renourishment and the
construction of jetties, St. Croix
Vieques Environmental Assessment Report for the creation of a shrimp farm in Puerto Ferro,
Vieques, Puerto Rico
MSRC Dock Environmental Assessment Report for the construction of a pier in the HOVIC
West Turning Basin, St. Croix
Eden Beach Proposed hotel and condominium project Environmental Assessment Report, St.
Croix
Tamarind Reef proposed reconstruction and expansion of the Tamarind Reef Hotel, Hotel, St.
Croix
V.I. Water and Power Authority Environmental Assessment Report and U.S. Corps of Engineers
Application for the construction of two gas turbines at the Third Port Site, St. Croix
Lovango Cay Environmental Assessment Report for the creation of a subdivision on Lovango
Cay Placement of a private dock, St. Thomas
VIALCO Environmental Assessment Report for the construction of a well water gathering
system for wells at the Virgin Islands Alumina Corporation’s Plant, St. Croix
Crawl Cay Environmental Assessment Report, Wetlands Delineation and Hammock Studies of
Crawl Cay, Florida, for Monroe County
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 16
Jack’s Bay Environmental Assessment Report for the subdivision of Approximately 300 Acres
into 64 lots at Estate Jack’s and Isaac’s Bays, St. Croix
VIALCO Environmental Assessment Report for the Expansion of the Bauxite Building at the
Virgin Islands Alumina Corporation’s Alumina Facility, St. Croix
Carambola Beach Club Environmental Assessment Report for the repair and improvement of the
Carambola Beach Club facility prepared for Danested, St. Croix
Salt River Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed National Park at Salt River, St.
Croix, prepared for the National Park Service
V.I. Water and Power Authority Environmental Assessment Report for the Construction of a
desalination unit on St. John, prepared for the V.I. Water and Power Authority, St. John
Carmel by the Sea Environmental Assessment Report for the Construction of a 95 unit
condominium at Estate Turner’s Hole, St. Croix
VLBA Environmental Assessment Report and Landscaping Plan for the Very Long Baseline
Array, St. Croix
Buccaneer Environmental Assessment Report for 20 room addition to the Buccaneer Hotel, St.
Croix
Ritz Carlton Zoning Application and Environmental Assessment Report for a 350 report for a
350 room Hotel, Estate Davis Bay, St. Croix
Frederiksted Pier Environmental Assessment Report for the construction of a second pier in
Frederiksted, St. Croix
Kingston Environmental Assessment Report for Hotel and Condominium Construction,
Kingston, Tortola
Airport Warehouse Environmental Assessment Report for construction of a Warehouse Facility
at the Alexander Hamilton Airport, St. Croix
Great Pond Environmental Assessment Report, Zoning Application, and COE Permit
Application
for a Hotel and Condominium Project at Estate Great Pond, St. Croix
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 17
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS 1986-1988
Southeast Peninsula, St. Kitts
Columbus Landing, St. Croix
Grapetree Beach, St. Croix
Blue Beards Beach, St. Thomas
St. Croix by the Sea, St. Croix
Divi Dive Canal, Nassau, Bahamas
Ensenada, St. Croix
Virgin Grand, St. Croix
Sugar Bay, St. Croix
Turtle Run, St. Croix
Palm Shores, St. Croix
Baobab, St. Croix
Reflection Bay, St. Croix
Coakley Bay, St. Croix
Green Cay, St. Croix
Turquoise Bay St. Croix
Eagle Bay, St. Croix
Granard, St. Croix
Concordia, St. John
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
Sampling of USTs for Domino Oil on St. Thomas 2016-2017
Sampling of the LUSTs at the VIPA’s Seaplane Ramp, St. Croix 1994, 2011, 2012-2016
Sampling for REC Estate Anna’s Hope, St. Croix 2012-2016
Sampling for petroleum products at gasoline stations and industrial sites in St. Croix 2006-2016
Sampling for chemical contamination in cisterns in St. Croix 2000- 2011
Sampling for mold Renaissance Hotel, St. Thomas
Sampling for REC residential and commercial properties St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and
Puerto 1990 - 2018
BIOIMPACT, INC. Page 17
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS 1986-1988
Southeast Peninsula, St. Kitts
Columbus Landing, St. Croix
Grapetree Beach, St. Croix
Blue Beards Beach, St. Thomas
St. Croix by the Sea, St. Croix
Divi Dive Canal, Nassau, Bahamas
Ensenada, St. Croix
Virgin Grand, St. Croix
Sugar Bay, St. Croix
Turtle Run, St. Croix
Palm Shores, St. Croix
Baobab, St. Croix
Reflection Bay, St. Croix
Coakley Bay, St. Croix
Green Cay, St. Croix
Turquoise Bay St. Croix
Eagle Bay, St. Croix
Granard, St. Croix
Concordia, St. John
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
Sampling of USTs for Domino Oil on St. Thomas 2016-2017
Sampling of the LUSTs at the VIPA’s Seaplane Ramp, St. Croix 1994, 2011, 2012-2016
Sampling for REC Estate Anna’s Hope, St. Croix 2012-2016
Sampling for petroleum products at gasoline stations and industrial sites in St. Croix 2006-2016
Sampling for chemical contamination in cisterns in St. Croix 2000- 2011
Sampling for mold Renaissance Hotel, St. Thomas
Sampling for REC residential and commercial properties St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and
Puerto 1990 - 2018
VIRGIN ISLANDS UNDERWATER MEMORIAL PARK STRUCTURE, MOORING AND SEA FLOOR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN
Underwater Memorial, LLC is proposing to create a Virgin Islands Underwater Memorial Park. The idea is
to create a beautiful underwater memorial park where people can have their ashes incorporated into
small structures which will serve as hard substrate for coral colonization and as attachment points for
coral propagation. The area requested is 40 acres, however the actual “interment” will be less than 20
acres. The reason for the size of the requested is so that the park can be eligible for inclusion in several
organization which specialize in low impact natural burials. This provides Underwater Memorial, LLC to
project coral reef resources within the 40-acre park.
In order to ensure the internment structures, moorings and boundary markers are in good condition and to avoid inadvertent impacts which could occur if debris or trash ends up in the area.
Monitoring and Maintenance
On a quarterly basis each mooring, and marker buoy will be inspected to ensure that they are in good working condition and that there is no damage that needs to be repaired. If shackles or other tackle appears to be worn it will be replaced immediately. Divers will survey the internment structures and ensure that all are in good condition and do not need adjustment. All trash found within the area will be collected and removed and properly disposed of on shore.