🚧 NRA's hydro reports delay environmental impact assessment for EWA highway

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the controversial East-West Arterial (EWA) extension is being delayed by a pending hydrology report from the National Roads Authority (NRA). The Department of Environment (DoE) director, Gina Ebanks-Petrie, refuted claims from Cabinet members that the EIA process was causing the delay. She revealed that the holdup was due to the incomplete hydrology study, which is crucial for the road's design. The report, expected since February, will feed into the assessments for the preferred road option. 📝

Despite claims from several ministers that the report was finished and the EIA unnecessary, it seems the report is still not complete. The report's significance is underscored by the flooding concerns associated with the proposed NRA route, which crosses the Central Mangrove Wetlands. Sustainable Cayman, an activist group, recently proposed an alternative route that avoids the critical wetlands. The group hopes the completed EIA will consider their proposal and convince the government to choose a more sustainable path. Meanwhile, the EIA for the Integrated Solid Waste Management System (ReGen) is also progressing, with the environmental statement nearing completion. 🌳

Other ongoing EIA projects include proposed airport projects on all three islands and the proposed marine project in Cayman Brac, known as Port Zeus. The Krock quarry has received its scoping opinion and is currently reviewing it. Ebanks-Petrie expects the final documentation for the various projects to be completed soon. 🛫