The Tourism Development Association of Boca Chica is objecting to the construction of the Caucedo Multimodal port, saying it represents an attack on the environment. Spokesmen for the association point out that there is no guarantee the megaport will not damage the beach. Hoteliers Julio Aybar and Luis José Cabral told Listín Diario they are surprised the project’s promoters have announced that construction will start at the end of the year since they don’t yet have a permit from the Environment and Natural Resources Department. Of particular concern is the port’s nearness to a large liquid gas tank owned by power distributor AES. Cabral said “under international regulations, this megaport cannot go ahead because the AES has a gas tank so close; there should be no maritime activities within two miles of it.” The association is also concerned about damage to the beaches and reefs in the area. “All the research that has been done shows in a clear, precise manner that building this project in this zone threatens to destroy the barrier reef that protects and forms the Boca Chica beach.” Meanwhile, the promoters of the megaport say a study they contracted indicated the opposite. They say the benefits it will bring to the area will be greater than the negative impacts.
