Seeking to underscore its commitment to environmental sustainability, Resorts World Bimini (RWB) has established an environmental task force (ETF) as work progresses on the construction of the North Bimini Ferry Terminal, the company stated in a press release.
The ETF comprises environmental consultants, technical advisors and Bimini community leaders whose responsibilities will include the oversight of an ongoing environmental management plan.
The ETF signals Resort World Bimini's commitment to bringing about the most beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.
On the top of on its action list is the oversight of the dredging necessary to create the 4.5 acre cruise terminal island, to ensure mitigation of any potential damage to the surrounding 25 acres of seabed, said RWB in the release.
ETF member Kirk Lofgren of Ocean Consulting assures that protective measures will be implemented during dredging operations.
"These protective measures include the installation of anchored turbidity curtains to knock down sediment suspended in the water column during dredge operations," he said. "The suspended sediment, known as turbidity, will also be monitored every 4 hours during dredge operations, and if it is found that levels exceed the government-approved maximum limit as identified in the environmental impact assessment and environmental management plan, operations will be shut down until levels return to acceptable standards below the limit."
The ETF is also paying close attention to the relocation of patches of coral reef that were found in the footprint of the three stages of construction - the pier, the artificial island and the dredging area.
Lofgren stated in the release that the 75 corals that have been relocated thus far are faring well.
"The corals have been reattached to the first limestone boulders placed in the water at the proposed artificial reef location," he said. "They will be monitored for a period of 5 years to ensure their health and success, and during that time we will monitor the natural recruitment of new coral colonies. We are also establishing a photograph and video log to keep track of the coral relocation work completed to date."
RWB President Dana Leibovitz says the establishment of the ETF shows that RWB is serious about its commitment to have minimal impact on the environment.
"Resorts World Bimini recognizes that environmental stewardship is a means to a more sustainable future, and this is why we are doing everything within our power to ensure that the very thing that attracted us to this incredibly beautiful island is preserved," he said.
"Our goal is to develop a truly holistic and comprehensive strategy and towards this end, we are taking all the necessary steps to safeguard the environment. We pledge to continue to do so throughout this process of development."
The people of Bimini are being invited to partner with RWB as the ETF establishes its Environmental Stewardship Program to encourage practices that benefit the island's environment and community. Through the program, RWB will annually review its practices to safeguard the environment, track achievements and continually seek new methods and practices which are designed to be environmentally sound, productive, economically viable and socially acceptable.
RWB has come under fire from environmentalists and others over plans to construct a 1,000-foot pier and a 4.5-acre island off North Bimini, given fears that the project, which is intended to allow a cruise ship to dock, will damage the surrounding marine environment.

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