Ok, in other forums people are debating the economic wisdom of Mondo Novo, the proposed artificial island to be built off of the Malecon in Santo Domingo. Here in this forum I'd like to focus on the environmental wisdom (or lack thereof) of the proposal, and what considerations the Environment Ministry should (as opposed is likely to) take into account when considering the required (by law) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project.
Let's try our best to raise both possible/probable pluses and minuses. The idea is to help the Ministry decide if, taking only into account possible/probable environmental impacts, the environmental benefits of this project outweigh the environmental costs.
To get the ball rolling, I'll reiterate a question I raised when this proposal first surfaced and which no one, not even project afficionado Nals, has responded to yet: what will this project mean for the large sewage runoff pipes discharging off the Malecon smack dab in the middle of where this project is proposed to be placed? Will they simply extend the pipes underwater further out to sea? Even then, doesn't there remain a significant risk of raw sewage from these pipes blowing back on Mondo Novo's artificial beach and marina, making them unpalpable to investors and visitors alike? What about the impact on surrounding sea life, including reefs?
What about the (additonal) contamination the enclosed harbor would probably bring to the Malecon's beaches?
How in the world do the proponents plan to deal with the concentrated sewage load and drainage runoff that the artificial island would bring?
The artificial island supposedly will have its own power source. But where would that plant be located? What kind of fuel will it use? What will be done to ensure that its emissions (air, water, sound) will be minimized?
I also wonder what impact this project might have on SD harbor, and how its proponents expect Mondo Novo to escape the trash and contaminants flowing out of the Rio Ozama...
Musing aloud,
The Environment Forum Moderator :glasses:
Let's try our best to raise both possible/probable pluses and minuses. The idea is to help the Ministry decide if, taking only into account possible/probable environmental impacts, the environmental benefits of this project outweigh the environmental costs.
To get the ball rolling, I'll reiterate a question I raised when this proposal first surfaced and which no one, not even project afficionado Nals, has responded to yet: what will this project mean for the large sewage runoff pipes discharging off the Malecon smack dab in the middle of where this project is proposed to be placed? Will they simply extend the pipes underwater further out to sea? Even then, doesn't there remain a significant risk of raw sewage from these pipes blowing back on Mondo Novo's artificial beach and marina, making them unpalpable to investors and visitors alike? What about the impact on surrounding sea life, including reefs?
What about the (additonal) contamination the enclosed harbor would probably bring to the Malecon's beaches?
How in the world do the proponents plan to deal with the concentrated sewage load and drainage runoff that the artificial island would bring?
The artificial island supposedly will have its own power source. But where would that plant be located? What kind of fuel will it use? What will be done to ensure that its emissions (air, water, sound) will be minimized?
I also wonder what impact this project might have on SD harbor, and how its proponents expect Mondo Novo to escape the trash and contaminants flowing out of the Rio Ozama...
Musing aloud,
The Environment Forum Moderator :glasses: