exhibit "a" proposed masterplan revision

8/7/2019 Exhibit "A" Proposed Masterplan Revision

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PROPOSED MASTERPLAN REVISION

LONG CAYE, LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL

DRAFT

Prepared by:

The Long Caye Management

Submitted to:

Department of the Environment

September, 2009


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Contents

Background .......................... ........................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......... 3

Executive Summary ............................ .......................... .......................... ........................... ...................... 3

Summary: .............................. ........................... .......................... .......................... .......................... ..... 5

List of Proposed Masterplan Changes: ........................... ........................... .......................... ................. 5

Plate 1: Overall view of Long Caye revised plan ............................ ........................... ......................... 6

Proposed Masterplan Revisions:............ .......................... .......................... .............................. ................ 7

Remove 343 Phase I parcels (and Phase II and III parcels) around and north of Lagoon / Locate and

expand Preserve area to central mass of Caye ............................. .......................... .......................... .... 7

Map: Remove Phase II & III parcels; relocate/expand Preserve .......................... ........................... ... 9

Old Masterplan Preserve showing old Preserve location ............................. ........................... ..... 10

Photo Plates Aerials of Long Caye Preserve ........................... .......................... .......................... .. 11

Establish Que Brada Parcel Block on central western beachfront of Long Caye ................... ............... 12

Map: Que Brada Parcels block on central western beachfront of Long Caye.................... ............... 13

Photo Plates of Que Brada Area ............................. .......................... .......................... .................... 14

Establish Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip.................................. .............................. 15

Map: Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip ............................................. .................... 16

Photo Plates of Southern Hook .............................. .......................... ........................... ................... 17

Establish Central Interior Parcel block........ ........................... ............................. ........................... ..... 18

Map: Establish Central Interior Parcel Block ............................. .......................... .......................... .. 19

Photo Plates Central interior Block............................... .......................... ........................... .......... 20

Annex A: Map Proposed Masterplan Revisions Summary View:............................................ ........... 21

Annex B: Liquid Waste Plan .............................. .......................... .......................... .......................... ....... 22

Annex C Parcel Revisions Detail Table .............................. .......................... ........................... .......... 32


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BackgroundLong Caye at Lighthouse Reef has been owned and managed by the same family for over 40 years. The

development and conservation plan has been designed for long-term ecological sustainability and long-term responsibility to help preserve and manage the pristine tropical environment of the Caye and the

surrounding Lighthouse Reef. Importantly, buildings, transportation and activities on the Caye are seen

through the lens of preservation and sustainability. Sound, lasting, environmentally sustainable

principals are the core philosophy of Long Caye. Broad Eco-Guidelines have been put in place providing

policies and procedures to ensure minimal impact on its diverse natural habitats, while allowing for the

responsible enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings. The Eco-Guidelines allow for responsible and

sustainable human activity on the Caye, yet do not impede the natural growth of the diverse flora and

fauna. They are designed to ensure continued community respect for the local and surrounding

environment.

As part of its environmental commitments, and after the request by the Department of the Environment

(DOE), Long Caye commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was prepared in the

year 2001. One important recommendation that was made was that a reserve be established for the

wetland area. At that time, the EIA team recommended 75 acres in the southernmost portion of the

Caye be set aside as the preserve. Since Long Caye experienced delays for development of the Island,

this now presents a new opportunity to re-design the project; with major changes including a decrease

in the number of lots, and the increase of the land comprising the Preserve from 75 acres to more than

200 acres. The details of these changes are provided here later.

Our Masterplan, with its proposed revisions will improve the balance of community development and

Preserve on Long Caye. Our plan bridges the gap between the enjoyment of habitation/visitation and

conscientious preservation of the natural environment. The community that emerges on Long Caye will

literally provide for the preservation of the surroundings, with a share of the development profits (andthose of other ancillary businesses related to Long Caye) going directly to support the Long Caye

Preserve. We believe it is critical and necessary to build conservation planning into our development

planning.

The purpose of this submittal is to request approval for a Revised Masterplan that will serve to improve

the ecological and financial sustainability of Long Caye. We propose to dramatically reduce the number

of buildable parcels in our current plan AND to greatly expand the Long Caye Preserve acreage, locating

the Preserve acreage in the areas that are most ecologically sensitive and valuable. Both of these

objectives must be achieved in unison for the greatest long term benefit; because they are

complimentary we propose them as a single request. We have attached a Proposed Masterplan

Revisions Map here as Annex A.

Executive SummaryAs a follow up to the recent visit to Long Caye by Belize D.O.E. with Rob Trujillo, PILs Belize Operations

Manager, we submit this request for a major expansion of the Long Caye Preserve and certain changes

and significant reductions to our current development Masterplan. These changes will improve the

overall viability of Long Caye, both financially and ecologically. The Lighthouse Reef Atoll will become


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even more popular for tourism in Belize as our plans are completed. Thus, a committed environmental

partner will be at the core of the commercial services that are closest to the attractions in the

Lighthouse Reef namely, Half Moon Caye and the Great Blue Hole. Our financial and ecological

sustainability will therefore be linked with that of the entire atoll. If we dont do our part to preserve

the cayes and reefs, their health and presence would be threatened as the atolls primary attraction,

and this would be detrimental to our development project.

We submit this request to expand the preservation land and reduce the development acreage/parcels

on Long Caye to ensure that the locations of both development and preservation are in their best

possible strategic locales to support the continued synergistic enjoyment and preservation of Long Caye.

Making the development plan more sustainably sized and strategically placed will better ensure the long

term financial health of the developer, who will in turn ensure the long term health/stewardship of the

Preserve. Likewise, a healthy preserve (and preservation ethos throughout the atoll) serves as the

attraction to the area and will ensure that a responsible development plan will be utilized successfully.

We see all the following requested revisions as synergistically supportive of our business and the long

term health of the atoll.

The creation of National Parks and Nature Reserves have traditionally, largely been limited to landowned by government which was further reinforced by legislations which empowered only the

government to legally undertake these conservation initiatives. Recently, though, this scenario has been

undergoing a gradual transformation. Many ecologically and environmentally rich properties are in

private hands. Currently, there exist la rge tracts of land in private ownership which require total or

partial protection. Some may contain forests of high ecological value, which are the habitats of flora and

fauna of conservation importance and which can benefit from the continued management as protected

areas. These lands form part of important biological corridors, wildlife habitats, land with high aesthetic

value that can contribute to the recreation and similar uses for Belizeans and visitors, and that can

support Belizes rapidly expanding tourism industry. The overall management of these lands will ensure

that the advance of Belizes economic development can be vastly supported and enhanced via the system

of private protected areas, with net social benefits including employment generation, poverty reduction,foreign exchange earnings, etc. (Avella, Evaristo: The Importance of Private Protected Areas, 2008).

With the changes proposed in this request, the development on Long Caye will remain a community that

will scale up to designed capacity over several years. Due to its sensitive location; we recognize the

need to be careful and scientific in planning the ecological treatment of liquid waste. The

implementation of liquid waste treatment needs to be financially and mechanically scalable, in order to

match the pace of building and development in approved areas of Long Caye. Technology is improving

in this field quickly, so our plans will also be flexible. In the last 5-8 years, since our EIA and ECP have

been filed, many new and improved technologies have come to market. We keep up with these changes

and we expect to benefit from continued improvements. Evaristo Avella has prepared a draft report on

the current and future plan for liquid waste treatment on Long Caye; it is attached here as Annex B.

In March 2009, the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conducted a

visit to Belize and found several deficiencies at the national level in terms of the management of

protected areas comprising Belizes World Heritage Sites. One concern identified was the rapid rate of

development on islands, with activities including mangrove cutting, and dredging for land filling. While

the Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef does not fall within a world heritage site, and neither within a national

protected area, its proposed conservation and sound planning initiatives can serve both as an example

of environmentally sustainable planning, and can also serve to support the ecosystem functions that are


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threatened elsewhere. With two important World Heritage sites nearby (Half Moon Caye Natural

Monument and Blue Hole national Park), and with the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument just a few

miles away, the new master plan for the island should serve to reduce the overall impacts to the entire

area, and also serve to ease the pressure on some of the nearby protected areas, through the

management of the ecological functions to serve as buffer areas for these larger reserves. Furthermore,

we believe that as good corporate citizen, it is our responsibility to contribute to the long-term

sustainability of Belizes development, through good business initiatives that are willing to live within a

sensitive ecological environment as partners in development and conservation. In the end, Long Caye as

an island and as a preserve will help Belize as a nation to fulfill, albeit in small ways, part of its

environmental commitments at the local, regional and international level.

Appropriate community and preserve master planning also allows for local employment to scale up and

be sustainable and long term. We already have a base of staff and contractors who have worked for us

for over 3-5 years and we continue to hire as we grow. While our full-time staff ranges from 5-8, we

have housing facilities ready on the Caye for up to 40 employees. We have contractor and service

relationships on the mainland that currently create additional employment. These relationships and

contracts will grow as we do. Because we are building a financially and economically sustainable

community we will continue and expand as a long term employer. It is understood that the lots to beused for commercial operations will require individual environmental approvals, including the required

approvals from other permitting agencies.

We respectfully request that the development and preserve changes requested in this report be

approved for the benefit of Long Caye, the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the stakeholders of Long Caye and for

the people of Belize. (A detailed table of the parcel changes is attached as Annex C.)

Summary:

Extensive Reduction in overall number of buildable parcels / from 1247 to 614, a 52% reduction

Expansion of the Long Caye Preserve to be enlarged by 130 acres, a 265% increase in size

Preserve to be relocated to area that is most ecologically sensitive and biologically diverse

Establishment of additional niche neighborhood entities, bringing higher visibility and

participation in the Lighthouse Reef for diving, fishing, a nd attendance at GOB National Parks

Improve financial viability of development, providing more, better a nd longer term jobs for

Belizeans in a shorter time frame

New parcels to be located in areas that promote intelligent use of land and conservation of

sensitive areas and protection of the reefs

More economic diversity ensure financial health and, in turn, ecological health

More appropriate for current investment market

List of Pr oposed Ma ste r pla n Cha nges :

I. Remove Phase II and III parcels from Masterplan / locate and expand Preserve to central

mass of Caye

II. Establish Que Brada Parcel Block on central western beachfront of Long Caye

III. Establish Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip of Long Caye

IV. Establish Central Interior Parcel Block, west of Que Brada Block


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Pla te 1 : Over a ll view of Long Ca ye r evised pla n


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Proposed Masterplan Revisions:

Remove 343 Pha se I pa r cels (a nd Pha se II a nd III par cels) ar ound a ndnort h of La goon / Loca te a nd expa nd Pr eserve a r ea t o cent ra l ma ss of

Ca ye

Our plan relocates the Long Caye Preserve from the southern tip of the Caye to a much larger area

surrounding the central lagoon and its opening at the southwest end of Long Caye. While the land for

the preserve has been set aside, we will formally establish the Long Caye Preserve as a legal entity, via

the National Lands Act, 1992. From a development and master planning perspective, we know that the

existing, partially built-up concentration of smaller parcels in the Northern section of the Caye makes

good sense as a unit, but believe that repeating this density over the majority of the south and fully

surround the wet acreage surrounding the lagoon makes neither financial nor ecological sense for the

future of Long Caye. The potential impact of an additional 760 homes and the related traffic, buildingand general impact on the sensitive lagoon area would not be environmentally appropriate. The Caye

(and the Preserve) will be best served through a significant reduction of overall buildable parcels and a

strategic repositioning of far fewer parcels.

Specifically, the current approved plan allows for the dredging of the large central lagoon (the Lagoon)

to create a commercial marina and seaplane landing area. While this may be a very attractive amenity

to a traditional resort development, it does not fit with the environmental philosophy reflected in the

rest of our development planning. After consulting with contractors and environmental experts about

the Lagoon plan, we believe that dredging on the scale proposed in our current approvals is not viable

for logistic, structural and environmental reasons. The material to be dredged is very soft and could

simply refill the dredged areas, thus requiring a perpetual dredging operation. Research has shown that

increased nutrient input may stimulate algae overgrowth, which in turn causes changes in the waters

color (azure to green) and stimulates coral bleaching. This could be very dangerous to the surrounding

reefs, particularly those on the western shore of Long Caye, which are frequented not only by the

stakeholders of Long Caye, but by a significant number of general visitors to Belize. Many popular dive

sites are located just to the west of the Lagoon opening, including Silver Caves, Cathedral, Que Brada,

and Long Caye Wall.

The location of the Preserve around this large central lagoon is driven by many ecological and strategic

factors. Most importantly, the lagoon acts almost as the lungs of the caye, breathing life in and out of

the interior protected waters. It provides the vast majority of protected edge habitat of Long Caye.

Shallow lagoon habitats are major nursery sites for ecologically and economically important species that

are a large component of reef and lagoon fisheries, such as commercially exported Nassau grouper andmutton snapper. Mangrove creeks, such as the lagoon entrance, house the highest abundance of these

fish populations as there is a reduced number of predators in shallow lagoon waters.

We propose to almost triple the size of the Preserve and locate it on much more environmentally

sensitive land in order to permanently protect that fragile and ecologically valuable land from

development. The lagoon and the surrounding habitat is highly environmentally sensitive and will be

better served through preservation than dense development as is currently approved in our EIA


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Masterplan. The opening of the Lagoon La Boca de la Laguna is an extraordinary environmental asset

and the interior environs of the lagoon are valuable breeding habitat for many species that populate the

Lighthouse Reef. A more detailed description of our establishment, vision and goals for the Long Caye

Preserve has been submitted to the DOE under separate cover.

In summary, we are going to eliminate virtually all the parcels our current plan around the Lagoon

(Phase I B) a total of 343 residential parcels consisting of 67.41 acres. Additionally, we will no longer

seek to implement Phase II & III approximately 412 additional parcels originally located to the north of

the Lagoon and internally. The total number of parcels and acreage to be removed from our existing

plan is 755 parcels and 196.41 acres. Effectively, the planning decision rendered in the EIA relating to

cost benefit analysis is being taken to its next logical step. We are lowering overall density, while

keeping sustainable community and increasing the Preserve area simultaneously. There is scientific and

civic thought behind this fundamental change in our plans. We are convinced that it is the right thing to

do for the Caye and the Lighthouse Reef Atoll and the people of Belize.

The Long Caye preserve will be 210 acres, an increase of 265% over the existing proposed Preserve.

Boardwalks will connect the Preserve to all phases of development on the Caye so any visitor will have

constant sense of the Presence and importance of the Preserve.

In summary, this phase will consist of

210 acres of Preserve, expanded area to be located around the Lagoon, going from east to west

shores

649 residential parcels of 143 acres to be removed from the Long Caye development plan

106 Commercial parcels of 53 acres to be removed from the Long Caye development plan


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Map: Remove Phase II & III parcels; relocate/expand Preserve


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Old Masterplan Preserve showing old Preserve location


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Photo Plates Aerials of Long Caye Preserve


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Establish Que Brada Parcel Block on central western beachfront of Long

Ca ye

PIL will create16 parcels averaging around .75 acres each along the beachfront on the central western

shore of Long Caye, known as the Que Brada area. This group of parcels is placed on high ground

south of the southernmost oceanfront parcels in the existing northern neighborhood and north of

opening of the Lagoon and the area the Long Caye Preserve is to be located.

Mostly residential, this area is designed for owners who would like to benefit from a larger western-

facing beachfront property. Small commercially zoned areas are located at the northern and southern

tips of this linear beachfront section. A pier will be located at each end of the oceanfront row of

properties. The northern pier will serve multiple purposes including the western section of the existing

development, this new Que Brada section, some of the nature trails planned for the Long Caye

Preserve and finally it will eventually serve the planned Central Interior Parcel Block located directly

inland east of these parcels in the fern forest. The pier at the southern tip of the Que Brada parcels willserve the commercial activity at the southern end of the section and, importantly, the Long Caye

Preserve.

The Que Brada section will consist of 16 parcels (11 Residential and 5 Commercial) of which the owners

may choose to construct residences at any time after purchase, or may be required to build within a set

time frame after purchase. It is not envisioned that all homeowners will construct homes at the same

time. As with all other areas of Long Caye, construction will be conducted in a controlled manner, and

PIL will retain the rights of overseeing the construction of each residence. The main walkways will

connect the Que Brada area to the existing northern neighborhood as well as the Long Caye Preserve.


11 residential parcels / 8.35 acres

5 Commercial parcels / 3.15 acres

2 Piers one south, one north

Boardwalk access interconnected to the north and to the Long Caye Preserve


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Map: Que Brada Parcels block on central western beachfront of Long Caye


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Photo Plates of Que Brada Area


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Establish Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip

PIL will create 48 parcels averaging around 1 acre each which (29 Residential and 18 Commercial and 1

Green Space)will be located south of the Long Caye Preserve and the opening of the Lagoon, and run

along the beachfront down and around the hook of land that makes up the southern tip and up theeast coast. (See attached map) This group of parcels is placed on higher ground and has the benefit of

relatively deep water surrounding its ocean front. It will have only oceanfront parcels which will have

boardwalk access from the interior of the island.

This area is designed for owners who would like to benefit from a larger oceanfront property that is

associated with a separate small commercial area. 18 commercially zoned parcels will be located in the

southernmost tip of the Caye to hold a small commercial center with a pier on the inside and outside of

the hook of land. The boardwalk that goes through the Long Caye Preserve along the east coast of the

Caye will connect this area with the northern section of the Caye. This will also offer simple access to

some of the nature trails planned for the Long Caye Preserve. A large Green Space will be located at the

northwestern section of this parcel block to offer a park, and a picnic and barbecue, sunset overlookarea for the residents and visitors. The Green Space is strategically located near the opening of the

central lagoon and will be connected to nature paths in the Long Caye Preserve.

The Southern Hook section will consist of 48 parcels of which, 18 will be commercially zoned and 29

surrounding residential parcels, with one green space. Owners may choose to construct residences at

any time after purchase, or may be required to build within a set time frame after purchase. As

elsewhere, it is not envisioned that all homeowners will construct homes at the same time. As with all

other areas of Long Caye, construction will be conducted in a controlled manner, and PIL will retain the

rights of overseeing the construction of each structure.


29 residential parcels / 38.20 acreage

18 Commercial parcels / 17.86 acreage

2 Piers one inside hook, one on the southern tip of the Caye



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Map: Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip


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Photo Plates of Southern Hook


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Establish Central Interior Parcel block

In order to reduce density and better balance the commercial parcel availability with the quantity of

residential parcels in the northern section of the Caye, where the most residential acreage exists, we willplace a new commercial-focused block of parcels on high ground just to the southeast of the

southwestern most existing oceanfront parcels in the existing neighborhood in the north.

Besides providing a more beneficial mix of commercial and residential and likely increasing the value

of the surrounding residential parcels we believe locating a small block of commercial parcels here is

developmentally beneficial. We feel this little addition will benefit and support the general philosophy

of Long Caye by drawing attention to the extraordinary internal beauty of Long Caye. It is surrounded

by a great diversity of flora, including mangroves, buttonwood and zeracote forest, palm trees and

magnificent large fern growth. It will serve as an excellent and attractive alternative to the more typical

oceanfront resort and residences on Long Caye and other ocean-based developments.

This area will benefit from immediate access to western-facing beachfront. It will have easy usage of

the pier to be built at the of the Que Brada parcels. It will be practically within the preserve and will

have simple access to the nature trails planned for the Long Caye Preserve.

The Central Interior section will consist of 24 parcels consisting of 8 commercially zoned parcels and 16

surrounding residentially zoned parcels. Owners may choose to construct residences at any time after

purchase, or may be required to build within a set time frame after purchase. As elsewhere, it is not

envisioned that all homeowners will construct homes at the same time. Again, as with all other areas of

Long Caye, construction will be conducted in a controlled manner, and PIL will retain the rights of

overseeing the construction of each structure. The main walkways/boardwalks will connect to the Que

Brada area, to the existing northern neighborhood and the Long Caye Preserve.


16 residential parcels 5.57 residentially zoned acres

8 Commercial parcels 3.47 commercially zoned acres



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Map: Establish Central Interior Parcel Block


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Photo Plates Central interior Block


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Annex A: Map Proposed Masterplan Revisions Summary View:

A large format (24 x 36) is attached to this submission and offered electronically.


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Annex B: Liquid Waste Plan

LIQUID WASTE TREATMENT ON LONG CAYE

Introduction

The Phillips Long Caye proposal includes a residential and commercial area, but with the

commercial being limited to resorts, dive shops, restaurants and bars, shops and similar light

commercial and trading sites. Due to the sensitivity of the marine environment, and in order to

preserve as much as possible the ecological integrity of the island and the surrounding

environment, it is necessary to install a system or systems that will treat the effluent to high

standards prior to discharge.

Presently, the Island only has two families residing on site, and two employees of the owners.

Upon signing of the Environmental Compliance Plan in October 2001, approval was granted forthe use of compost toilets on the island. This is the system that has been used since the first

employees and the two families have resided on the island. The Department of the

Environment (DOE). The DOE has now requested a change in the sewage treatment system.

Pleasure Island Limited recognizes the need to protect the sensitive ecological environment of

the area, and proposes that a phased approach to the installation of an alternate sewage

treatment system be carried out.

Table 1: Shows the loadings for BOD, TSS, Total Nitrates Total phosphates and oil

and grease in selected countries in the Caribbean, including Belize.

Table 1: Waste Loads from Domestic Sources in the Wider Caribbean Region(t/y). Source: CEP, 1998.

COUNTRY BOD TSS TN TP Oil and Grease

Belize 1,905 2,100 650 320 240

Costa Rica 530 1,079 210 25 20

Honduras 9,626 8,235 625 823 450

Mexico (Car. Coast) 3,756 3,232 607 261 1,256

Panama 969 1,781 327 38 35

Subtotal 16,786 16,427 2,419 1,467 2,001


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The principal objective of wastewater treatment is generally to allow human and industrial

effluents to be disposed of without danger to human health or unacceptable damage to the

natural environment.

It is estimated 70% of domestic water consumption is converted to effluent waste. This means

that a sewage treatment system will also require the installation of water supply to the buildings.

However, this can be from rainwater and from the purification of sea water by the use of a

reverse osmosis plant. The implications for the source of energy are also important to be

considered. While the company proposes to use solar panels and other environmentally

friendly technology, the use of a stand by generator is a must. Certain utilities and equipment

cannot be powered using strictly solar. Heavy equipment to pump sewage and for running of

the aerators will require a source of energy with greater capacity than can be provided using

solar panels.

Evaluation of Alternatives for Collection and Treatment of Domestic Waste Water and

Sewage

The subdivision will experience phased expansion growth, and therefore, the need to consider

the most applicable technology based on cost, siting criteria and efficiency using a phased

approach is borne in mind. As a result of these considerations, several options were analyzed

and the preferred option selected based on the most important criteria, which included

economic, and the technical and environmental feasibility of the options. The CEP Guide uses

a recommended Decision Tree, which facilitates the decision of identifying a practical and

feasible sewage treatment system. The following is a summary of this analysis:

Recommended criteria influencing the decision:

Water availability. If no piped water is available, then the volume of liquid waste will be

minimal; therefore, individual household systems become the recommended option.

Surface Topography. If topography allows for sewers to be laid at downward slope from

homes, then gravity systems can be used, reducing cost.

Subsurface Conditions. Unstable soils, rocky soils etc. make conventional gravity sewers

more expensive to build and maintain.

Social Considerations. Acceptance of the system is important, as systems requiring regular

maintenance such as compost toilets often break down due to lack of or inadequate

maintenance.

Housing or Population Density. For dispersed rural homes, central sewage collection

facilities are not economical due to the high cost of piping wastewater to the central treatment

facility (CEP, 1998). This is further determined by topography, soil type, land acquisition cost,

evaporation rate, cost of construction and hydrology.

These considerations were compared with the pre-existing conditions of topography, and

sensitivity of the site. Table 4 summarizes the decision on the preferred option identified. At no


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point should septic systems be considered on the island; since the ecosystem would be

threatened by the nutrient levels.

Four alternatives were analyzed in detail. These are:

(1) Alternative A, the use of an Individual Aerobic Treatment Plant

(2) Alternative B, Compost toilets

(4) Alternative C, Centralise waste water Systems

Alternative A Individual Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This system assumed that several units or complexes would install individual units with the

same or secondary and tertiary treatment capacities. This method meets the ANSI/NSF

standard 40 of 1990 for individual aerobic wastewater treatment plants. Basically this system

consists of two treatment chambers in a single tank. One chamber is the aeration section and

the other the clarifier section. This method has been used successfully in Belize, and meets

current national standards. This system is adequate for small volumes not greater than 1500

gals/day of treatment. However, the units are often modular, meaning that additional units can

be installed as the project grows, or as the demand increases. This effluent of this system must

be post chlorinated before disposal, to ensure the reduction of pathogens. However, the primary

disadvantage with this system would be the need for installation room, which means that

commercial parcels may need to be sacrificed.

Table 4 is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives for sewage

treatment. This option was considered and recommended due to the pre-existing environmental

conditions: (i) low lying topography, (ii) fairly soft soil subsurface, (iii) the marine environment,

and (iv) relatively average costing.

Presently, centralized package systems are becoming useful and are frequently used in coastal

environments of Belize, especially for commercial establishments located in sensitive areas.

However, the most important problem associated with these systems is the initial high cost for

acquisition, which is the reason why we are recommending a phased approach. Individual

systems are not found to be attractive to property owners because of the high cost of

investment, which is in addition to the cost of land purchase and home construction. However,

each commercial site should have either its own, or shared with another commercial site

nearby, with the arrangements to be worked out between the owners of the individual

establishments. The most popular such system being used in Belize is the Nayadic System,

distributed by Bennys but we do not advocate for an individual system, we only use it tocompare.

The Nayadic systems are relatively costly, with the M-6 model costing almost $19,000 (Belize

dollars, duty paid), and the M-2000 costing just over $50,000 (Belize dollars, duty paid). These

prices do not include installation costs, but installation costs are approximately 10% of the cost

of the unit. It is believed three systems such as the M-6 Model is enough to treat the sewage


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and effluents. However, the investor is advised to investigate similar systems with secondary

treatment efficiency that may be less costly.

Alternative B Compost Toilets

From the beginning Long Caye has been recognized as having a sensitive marine environment;

with ecosystems being littoral forests, mangroves and wetlands, and the coral formationssurrounding the island. When the EIA was prepared, the recommendation was made that

compost toilets be used since these use no water for flushing and thus, no waste water can

enter the environment. At that time, the environmental authorities agreed that this system was

the best for the island. When used properly, these systems function excellently and pose no

threat to the environment.

Alternative C Centralized Prefabricated System with Tertiary Level Treatment.

This system would comprise of an advanced package type treatment system using aeration as

its preferred method of secondary and tertiary treatment. A prefabricated treatment plant is

capable of treatment of grey water and sewage to high levels. The effluent can even berecycled for use in landscaping projects, and post chlorination would make the water pathogen

free and adequate for re-flushing of toilets and irrigation purposes, if the supply of water is a

problem. Due to the high cost of this system, and since the system requires large volumes of

effluent, it is recommended for installation only after at least 50 homes or buildings are

occupied. This system is also adequate for commercial sites such as hotels and resorts. The

effluent of this system far surpasses the present national standards and is recommended for

highly sensitive environmental areas. This system is the most expensive of the options.

The summary discussion on these alternatives is provided in Table 4 below.

The Preferred Option

Residential Establishments

Water consumption in Belize averages 33 gallons per person (BWSL, 2009). Considering water

conservation practices that must be followed at island environments, this rate can be increased

to 50 gpd per capita, for precautionary planning. If we assume an average of 3 persons per

household (the two families living there both have two family members each residing on the

island), this means that the smallest Nayadic type system can treat sewage and grey water for

up to fourteen (14) families for a total of forty two (42) persons at the rate of 70% of total water

consumption. This is 1,470 gpd, which is just within the limits of the smallest Nayadic unit.

Therefore, it is recommended that the installation of the first such system or a similar system bedone only after at least twelve (12) families or 36 persons reside on site so that there is enough

volume of waste for the system to treat, and so that the cost becomes feasible. Cost of these

systems has to be shared by property owners who will use the service.

In the mean time, before the population reaches 36 persons residing on site, it is recommended

that the compost toilets continue to be used.


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Commercial Establishments

There are only two small resorts operating on site, but these are being operated more like a

bed and breakfast type operations, since visitation is fairly low. Each of these small resorts has

a maximum of four rooms. It is recommended that these small commercial sites continue using

the compost toilets until at least two more such operations in proximity to each other are

established, or until they can hook up to another system which can be shared by other users. In

other words, the present visitation does not lend to the installation of a modular or central

system since the volume is low and the cost is prohibitive. However, if more business ventures

are built, and the installation of conduits becomes feasible due to the proximity to each other,

then consideration should be given to install a Nayadic type modular system.

However, large resorts that will be constructing more than twelve rooms, should install a

sewage treatment system, and the owner should aim to have a BESST type system with tertiary

treatment so that no pollution takes place. The BESST system is used for comparison, and

there is other systems with similar capabilities and may be cheaper. The BESST system is also

distributed by Bennys.


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Discussion on NAYADIC and BESST Systems

NAYADIC System

Table 2: Capabilities of the NAYADIC M-Series.

Source: From NAYADIC Manual, 2006.

Model Rated Flow (gpd) O2 Transfer (Max., lb/day)

M-6 500 3.5

M-8 600 4.0

M-1050 800 4.6

M-1200 1000 4.8

M-2000 1500 7.7

The Nayadic systems are relatively costly, but less expensive than the BESST system, with the

M-6 model costing almost $19,000 (Belize dollars, duty paid), and the M-2000 costing just over

$50,000 (Belize dollars, duty paid). These prices do not include installation costs, but

installation costs are approximately 10% of the cost of the unit.

BESST System

Table 3: Summary of BESST System Capabilities.

Source: BESST Publication BESST Biologically Engineered

Single Sludge Treatment.

PARAMETER REMOVAL LEVEL

BOD >5 mg/l

TSS >10 mg/l

NITROGEN >1.0 mg/l

TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS 0.5 to 2.0 mg/l

AMMONIA > 1mg/l


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Table 4: Summary of Analysis of Alternatives for Sewage Treatment System.

Decision Criteria Criteria in relation to Project Site Alt. A - Individual Package Treatment

S yst ems ( Ae ro bi c w as te wa te r

treatment plant)

Compost Systems Alt. C - Centralized System with

Tertiary Treatment (Prefabricated)

Water Availability High water needs, Individual systems

not recommended

High water needs is conducive to using

aerobic systems.

No water for flushing Suitable, since water use will b

high.

Surface Topography Unsuitable for gravity feeding.

However, installation of pipes is

relatively easy.

These systems would generally work well

for phased development. The units are

also designed to add additional units if

needed as more homes are built.

Acceptable Gravity feeding is not possible since

the area is relat ively f lat . Th

system would require the use o

pumps.

Subsurface Conditions Soil is relatively permeable with high

infiltration rate

Acceptable, Acceptable, Not suitable for systems usin

anaerobic ponds due to the low lyin

topography and cost of land.

Population Density The increase of residents will be

gradual (only two f amilies, 4 persons

total presently live there after almost

10 years of project approval).

The cost of individual systems is fairly

high, therefore sharing of expenses and

use is recommended

Household systems are acceptable if

located in sparse areas

Project is centralized, which ma

require systems with aeration

instead of anaerobic systems.

Social Considerations New systems require regular

maintenance & training of local

personnel in technical know how

Maintenance & all the c osts to be borne by

owners

Would require technical training for regularmaintenance and operation

Requires guidelines & training and

regular maintenance & inspection of

systems. Compost supply is needed

at all times.

Maintenance costs would need to b

borne by investors, with possibility o

sharing one system by more tha

one resort or establishment.

Overall Economic

Considerations

Cost needs to be considered for both

initial investment and long-term

maintenance

Cost may be acceptable for small

commercial sites (restaurants, dive shops

etc). Locally available systems (e.g.

NAYADIC System)

Fairly inexpensive and acceptable for

individual residences.

Relatively expensive (due to hig

cost of system components

installation, maintenance, energ

needs etc). Each large resort (>1

rooms) should install one; but more

than one resort can share on

system since these can treat hig

volumes of waste


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Table 5: Belize Effluent Standards For Various Industries Major Parameters. Source: Effluent Limitations Regulations, 1995.

PARAMETER

No. INDUSTRY BOD5 TSS COD Zinc

Less

Than

Chromium

Less Than

Oil &

Grease

Fluoride

(F-) less

Than

Copper

(CU)

Arsenic Lead

(mg/l)

Iron

(mg/l)

Temp

(C)

pH NO3

(mg/l)

PO4

(Mg/l)

SO4

1 Plastics &

Synthetics

10 30 40 1 0.10 10.0 1.0 0.05

2 Food

Processing

15 15

3 Service

Industries

15 40 1 10 1

4 Garment

Industry

100 40 6-9 10 5 200

5 Citrus Industry 50 100 40 6-9 10 5 200

6 Battery

Manufacturing

30

(Conc.

Mg/l)

30

(Conc.Mg/l)

100 0.1 0.1 20 40 7.6-

10

10 5 400

7 Fish

Processing

100 (Conc.

Mg./l)

100 40 6-9 10 30 200

8 PoultryIndustry

50 50(Conc.Mg/l)

100 40 6-9 10 5 200

9 Diary Industry 50 40 6-9 30 5 200

10 Rum Refinery

Industry

50 60 (Conc.

Mg/l)

200 40 6-9 10 1 500

11 Brewery

Industry

35 50 200 40 6-9 10 5 200

12 Sugar

Processing

50 50 200 40 6-9 10 5 200


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13 Shrimp

Processing

30 40 200 40 6-9 10 1 200

14 Other Industry

& Commercial

Sectors

50 (at

20 C)

50 100 1 1 10 5 1 1 0.1 20 33 6-9 3 5 500


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Literature Cited

BESST Biologically Engineered Single Sludge Treatment. Undated Publication.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Guidance Specifying ManagementMeasures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters. US EPA, Office of Water,

Washington, DC 1990.

KCM Inc, United Nations Environment Program, Appropriate Technology for Sewage

Pollution Control in the Wider Caribbean Region. CEP Technical Report No. 40, 1998.

Ynez Cosso, Fabin. Lagunas de Estabilizacion, Teoria, Diseo, Evaluacin y

Mantenimiento. Cuenca, Ecuador, Junio 1993.

Purestream web site: www.purestreaminc.com


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Ann ex C Pa r cel Revisions Deta il Ta ble

exhibit "a" proposed masterplan revision

Documents