1.3 Terms of Reference
The terms of reference as approved by the National Conservation Authority are as follows;
- Provide a complete description of the existing site proposed for development
- Provide an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development
- Provide a layout of the proposed development
- Identify the major environmental issues of concern and provide guidelines for the utilization of existing environmental attributes for optimum development
- Prepare guidelines for avoiding adverse impacts due to proposed usage and/or recommendations for monitoring unavoidable negative impacts
- Prepare guidelines for a follow-up monitoring program.
2.0 Description of Area
2.1 Basic land/ geological conditions- The site is located on the main campus of Knox Community College which is in Spalding Clarendon. The project site is located west of the student center, border to the farm road and south of the ancillaries’ area.
This is a disturbed area that is mostly dominated by pasture. The project area is slightly slope and is dominated by lime stone that occurs as bleach out crops fairly hard, has some amount of crystallization and not fossil bearing. The soil is dominated mainly by clay therefore it is safe that the soil is clay loam.
2.2 Basic Climatic Conditions- The rainy season begins in June to November but there is mostly sunshine all year round, therefore the climatic condition in this area does not differ significantly. Due to the fact that this area experience convection showers which occurs mainly in the afternoon, temperature ranges between 13-25ºC. Water quality will not be affected since there are no major water bodies in this area.
2.3 Ecology- The area is dominated mainly by Bracharia (Bracharia extensa) no endemic or endangered species were found on the site. The most dominant fauna was Jamaican Mestra butterfly. A detailed list of the flora and fauna found on the project site will be listed in the appendix.
2.4 Social Conditions- This is a Community College with students and staff offering a variety of programs. The community college operates Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm that is if you are day students there are also night programs offered from 5pm-8am.
3.0 Sampling Methodologies
Biological Environment- a quadrant size (50cm*50cm) was used in sampling the flora and fauna at the proposed site location. After (6) six successive throw’s the percentage of each species was tabled and recorded. A detailed list of both Flora and Fauna identified can be found in the appendix.
Physical Environment- using an auger to collect (3) three samples of soil from the project site. Samples were tested.
Social Environment- students and staff were sampled with the use of questionnaires, 20 persons in total was sampled. The duration of distributing and collecting was no more than 1 week. A sample/copy of questionnaire can be found in appendix.
4.0 Impact Assessment:
4.1 Methodology
This section examines the activities proposed in the development of the Gym no thorium and identifies the impact of those on various aspects of the environment. This is done by the construction of an inter-action (impact) matrix to summarize the environmental effects that are considered of most concern. In this case the effects of construction (short-term) and occupancy of the development (long-term) are examined.
The impacts of these activities on environmental parameters are related by a scoring system structured as follows:
- +3 major beneficial
- +2 moderate beneficial
- + minor beneficial
- 0 relationship exists but no impact is expected
- - 1 minor adverse
- -2 moderate adverse
- -3 major adverse
4.2 Constructional Impacts
4.2.1 Land clearing: This activity involves the removal of vegetation to facilitate the construction of the Gym no Thorium. The site is to be leveled however; it’s anticipated that this activity will be short term. There would be a minor negative impact on the air quality from dust generated during this activity as well as a minor negative impact on the flora and fauna due to direct removal of habitat. These affected fauna will have to migrate to other area for which the can adapt. The adjacent flora will also be affected as leaves will be covered with dust hence affecting photosynthesis. It must also be noted that land usage is of major benefit to the social environment.
4.2.2 Building Construction: The construction of the Gym no Thorium will involve the permanent erection of a concrete structure which involves the incorporation of all the resources necessary to construct the building. There is an expected minor adverse effect on public health and the adjacent flora and fauna.
Due to the continuous use of cement and aggregates dust will be generated thus affecting neighbouring personnel’s with respiratory illness. The social environment will gain employment thus making this process moderately beneficial.
4.2.3 Material Storage: Entails the appropriate storage of aggregates and other resources. Sand, marl etc. particles are fine thus when the wind blows particulates will travel via the wind. This will moderately affect persons with respiratory illness thus also moderately affect public health. Marl is soluble in water hence when the rain falls it will filter through soil affect its structure and drainage. Flora and fauna will have a minority adverse effect.
4.2.4 Drainage Construction: this will result in the irreversible commitment of land resources hence a loss in alternate option for land use since drainage will be permanent along with the structure. There would be a minor adverse effect on air quality, flora and fauna since the construction will entail aggregate use and some amount of digging will also contribute to the dust. At risk person such as those with respiratory illness will be affected also but only with minor adversity. This venture will provide a minor beneficial asset to the social environment as it provide jobs for individuals.
4.3 Operational Impact
4.3.1 Solid Waste Disposal: this includes lunch boxes, juice bottles and boxes, debris from preparation/constructional phase. This waste would moderate adverse the land usage as it would occupy land during the construction phase. Flora, fauna soil drainage and air quality will be affected with minor adverse. The dust generated from the waste will affect public health but with minor adverse. Due to the continuous waste build up specie would be affected i.e. flora and fauna.
4.3.2 Habitat Change: the habitat change will have a moderate adverse effect on the flora and fauna because they will be disturbed, this will cause migration of species to a different location. Landscaping and replanting of trees will be carried out to enhance the ecology of the area. It also will partially restore the site’s natural elements as it is geared for the environment. The efficient use of resources will establish a new habitat for species wanting to niche.
4.3.3 Social Services: this will have a major beneficial impact on the students of the Knox Community College (Spalding) as it would serve as a permanent training area and social spot. It will also increase the efficiency of the table tennis and badminton teams. Students and teachers will no longer be at a discomfort in the cafeteria with these activities.
4.3.4 Landscaping: this takes into account the processes involved in the beautification of the proposed site after construction has being completed. The beautification of the land is said to be a long term action. The land will be moderate adverse as all will be used in this process. Flora and fauna are ‘happy’ at this time as they are to benefit with moderate adverse effect , as the replanting of flowers and grass along with appropriate vegetation helps the ecology of the proposed site. It will also benefit the social environment as it serves as a means of employment for those who are qualified.
5.0 Impact Statement (Conclusions)
Critical analysis, efficient evaluation and research (questionnaire) of data was provided based on the impact assessed for the construction of the Gym-no-Thorium at the Knox Community College (Spalding Campus) the following conclusion can be drawn, their will be some minor and a few moderate adverse effect on the three (3) components of the environment namely the Physical, Biological and Social. The results of the Impact Matrix and the EIA clearly indicates that the facility of choice can be constructed at the proposed site, as the impacts on the environment aren’t significant and adverse enough to hinder the venture from being prosperous. Prior to the development the land was used as pasture for cattle by neighbouring farmers, this activity will not be greatly affected. The major concern associated with the development of the facility is that of the dust, this dust affects air quality, flora, fauna and public health this however, can be managed with efficient monitoring. Activities such as wetting of area and aggregate materials will minimize the effect as these activities are said to be of short duration.
Landscaping of the site area after construction will illuminate should occur to replace the disturbed vegetation loss this will encourage the re-establishment. This is especially important for the migratory species that are likely use the habitat. The school community should be made aware of the project and briefed on the conditions to which they are to adhere to.
Upon careful evaluation of project it is therefore safe to declare this project venture as a feasible one.
6.0 Follow-up Monitoring
- Inspection to ensure that the site clearance and preparation activities are not being conducted outside of regular working hours.
- Monitoring to ensure that the dust effect is constantly monitored.
- Assessment of sanitary facilities to ensure they meet the desired standards of the Public Health Regulations.
- Monitoring and constant inspection to make sure facilities are being used and are in operating conditions.
- Undertake assessment of the quantity of solid waste generated and make sure the are disposed of in a timely and efficient manner.
7.0 Recommendation
These are steps that can be carried out to ensure the reduction of the negative impacts on the environment social, physical and biological:
Construction Phase
- Land clearing should be done in summer if possible as student and teachers are on holidays, this will reduce the possible noise pollution.
- Areas should be dampened every 4-6 hours to reduce the dust being a nuisance.
- Local residents should be given notice of the intended noise and dust nuisance so as to the degree of annoyance.
- Aggregates and other material should be covered and or damped to reduce dust.
- Installation of site fencing.
Operational Phase
- Garbage bins should be strategically placed and covered within construction site to prevent rodent access and minimize odors.
- Provide portable sanitary conveniences for the construction workers for control of sewage waste.
8.0 Appendices
List of all the plant species found in the area.
Birds found in the area
Trees in the area
Butterflies
Questionnaire
Conducting an investigation on the matter of constructing a Gym-No-Thorium (gym and auditorium) on the grounds of the Knox Community College (Spalding Campus). Please answer the following questions as accurately as possible.
- Gender?
□male □female
- What is your age?
------------------------
- What is your current status?
□ Administrator □ Student □ Ancillary
4. How long have you bin at Knox?
□1-2yrs □2-3yrs □3yrs □4yrs
5. Do you play sporting games?
□ Sometimes □ Always □ not at all
6. What games do you play?
□ Table tennis □ Badminton □ Volley Ball
7. Is the cafeteria an ideal area for Rocket and table sports?
□ Yes □ No Why_____________________________.
8. Would you appreciate a Gym-no-thorium?
□ Yes □ No □ Maybe
9. What opening hours are convenient to you?
□ 8-10 am □ 12-2 pm □ 4-6 pm □ all day.
10. Which do you prefer Board or Concrete flooring?
□ Board □ Concrete
9.0 Bibliography
Adams C.Dennis 1976. The flowering plants of Jamaica. UWI Press. Mona
Downer, Audrey & Sutton, Robert. 1990. Birds of Jamaica. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.
Garraway, Eric& Bailey, Audette.2005.Butterflies of Jamaica. Macmillan Press. Caribbean.