The Boca Chica Pro Tourism Development Association objects the construction of the Punta Caucedo megaport after studying the environmental impact report prepared by Mouchel Consulting on behalf of the port promoters.
A study of the report carried out by environmental specialists Francisco Geraldes and Omar Ramirez indicates that the construction would endanger the coral reefs due to the dredging that needs to take place for the construction of the deep water port. Geraldes and Ramirez conclude that the disappearance of corals would leave the coastal lagoon exposed to the effects of the open seas.
They also points out that water sports in the Port of Andres would be affected as the recreational craft would be endangered by the large freighters. The environmentalists stress the adverse impact the change in the pattern of underwater currents would have on the La Caleta scuba diving park adjacent to the port.
Other points that would be a negative for tourist interests in the area is the visual contamination by industrial equipment and the increase in traffic along Las Americas Highway due to an estimated movement of heavy cargo trucks.
Boca Chica hoteliers feel that the megaport threatens the US$100 million invested in tourism investments in the area. They stress that the area by law is a tourism one, not industrial zone. (17 September 2001)
