PROPOSED MASTERPLAN REVISION

LONG CAYE, LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL

DRAFT

Prepared by:
The Long Caye Management
Submitted to:
Department of the Environment
September, 2009

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Contents
Background ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3

Summary:............................................................................................................................................ 5

List of Proposed Masterplan Changes: ................................................................................................. 5

Plate 1: Overall view of Long Caye – revised plan ................................................................................ 6

Proposed Masterplan Revisions:.............................................................................................................. 7

Remove 343 Phase I parcels (and Phase II and III parcels) around and north of Lagoon / Locate and
expand Preserve area to central mass of Caye ..................................................................................... 7

Map: Remove Phase II & III parcels; relocate/expand Preserve ........................................................ 9

Old Masterplan Preserve – showing old Preserve location ............................................................. 10

Photo Plates – Aerials of Long Caye Preserve ................................................................................. 11

Establish Que Brada Parcel Block on central western beachfront of Long Caye .................................. 12

Map: Que Brada Parcels block on central western beachfront of Long Caye................................... 13

Photo Plates of Que Brada Area ..................................................................................................... 14

Establish Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip................................................................ 15

Map: Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip ................................................................. 16

Photo Plates of Southern Hook ...................................................................................................... 17

Establish Central Interior Parcel block................................................................................................ 18

Map: Establish Central Interior Parcel Block ................................................................................... 19

Photo Plates – Central interior Block.............................................................................................. 20

Annex A: Map – Proposed Masterplan Revisions – Summary View:....................................................... 21

Annex B: Liquid Waste Plan ................................................................................................................... 22

Annex C – Parcel Revisions Detail Table ............................................................................................. 32

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Background
Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef has been owned and managed by the same family for over 40 years. The
development and conservation plan has been designed for long-term ecological sustainability and long-
term responsibility to help preserve and manage the pristine tropical environment of the Caye and the
surrounding Lighthouse Reef. Importantly, buildings, transportation and activities on the Caye are seen
through the lens of preservation and sustainability. Sound, lasting, environmentally sustainable
principals are the core philosophy of Long Caye. Broad Eco-Guidelines have been put in place providing
policies and procedures to ensure minimal impact on its diverse natural habitats, while allowing for the
responsible enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings. The Eco-Guidelines allow for responsible and
sustainable human activity on the Caye, yet do not impede the natural growth of the diverse flora and
fauna. They are designed to ensure continued community respect for the local and surrounding
environment.

As part of its environmental commitments, and after the request by the Department of the Environment
(DOE), Long Caye commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was prepared in the
year 2001. One important recommendation that was made was that a reserve be established for the
wetland area. At that time, the EIA team recommended 75 acres in the southernmost portion of the
Caye be set aside as the preserve. Since Long Caye experienced delays for development of the Island,
this now presents a new opportunity to re-design the project; with major changes including a decrease
in the number of lots, and the increase of the land comprising the Preserve from 75 acres to more than
200 acres. The details of these changes are provided here later.

Our Masterplan, with its proposed revisions will improve the balance of community development and
Preserve on Long Caye. Our plan bridges the gap between the enjoyment of habitation/visitation and
conscientious preservation of the natural environment. The community that emerges on Long Caye will
literally provide for the preservation of the surroundings, with a share of the development profits (and
those of other ancillary businesses related to Long Caye) going directly to support the Long Caye
Preserve. We believe it is critical and necessary to build conservation planning into our development
planning.

The purpose of this submittal is to request approval for a Revised Masterplan that will serve to improve
the ecological and financial sustainability of Long Caye. We propose to dramatically reduce the number
of buildable parcels in our current plan AND to greatly expand the Long Caye Preserve acreage, locating
the Preserve acreage in the areas that are most ecologically sensitive and valuable. Both of these
objectives must be achieved in unison for the greatest long term benefit; because they are
complimentary we propose them as a single request. We have attached a Proposed Masterplan
Revisions Map here as Annex “A.”

Executive Summary
As a follow up to the recent visit to Long Caye by Belize D.O.E. with Rob Trujillo, PIL’s Belize Operations
Manager, we submit this request for a major expansion of the Long Caye Preserve and certain changes
and significant reductions to our current development Masterplan. These changes will improve the
overall viability of Long Caye, both financially and ecologically. The Lighthouse Reef Atoll will become

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even more popular for tourism in Belize as our plans are completed. Thus, a committed environmental
partner will be at the core of the commercial services that are closest to the attractions in the
Lighthouse Reef – namely, Half Moon Caye and the Great Blue Hole. Our financial and ecological
sustainability will therefore be linked with that of the entire atoll. If we don’t do our part to preserve
the cayes and reefs, their health and presence would be threatened as the atoll’s primary attraction,
and this would be detrimental to our development project.

We submit this request to expand the preservation land and reduce the development acreage/parcels
on Long Caye to ensure that the locations of both development and preservation are in their best
possible strategic locales to support the continued synergistic enjoyment and preservation of Long Caye.
Making the development plan more sustainably sized and strategically placed will better ensure the long
term financial health of the developer, who will in turn ensure the long term health/stewardship of the
Preserve. Likewise, a healthy preserve (and preservation ethos throughout the atoll) serves as the
attraction to the area and will ensure that a responsible development plan will be utilized successfully.
We see all the following requested revisions as synergistically supportive of our business and the long
term health of the atoll.

“The creation of National Parks and Nature Reserves have traditionally, largely been limited to land
owned by government which was further reinforced by legislations which empowered only the
government to legally undertake these conservation initiatives. Recently, though, this scenario has been
undergoing a gradual transformation. Many ecologically and environmentally rich properties are in
private hands. Currently, there exist large tracts of land in private ownership which require total or
partial protection. Some may contain forests of high ecological value, which are the habitats of flora and
fauna of conservation importance and which can benefit from the continued management as protected
areas. These lands form part of important biological corridors, wildlife habitats, land with high aesthetic
value that can contribute to the recreation and similar uses for Belizeans and visitors, and that can
support Belize’s rapidly expanding tourism industry. The overall management of these lands will ensure
that the advance of Belize’s economic development can be vastly supported and enhanced via the system
of private protected areas, with net social benefits including employment generation, poverty reduction,
foreign exchange earnings, etc.” (Avella, Evaristo: The Importance of Private Protected Areas, 2008).

With the changes proposed in this request, the development on Long Caye will remain a community that
will scale up to designed capacity over several years. Due to its sensitive location; we recognize the
need to be careful and scientific in planning the ecological treatment of liquid waste. The
implementation of liquid waste treatment needs to be financially and mechanically scalable, in order to
match the pace of building and development in approved areas of Long Caye. Technology is improving
in this field quickly, so our plans will also be flexible. In the last 5-8 years, since our EIA and ECP have
been filed, many new and improved technologies have come to market. We keep up with these changes
and we expect to benefit from continued improvements. Evaristo Avella has prepared a draft report on
the current and future plan for liquid waste treatment on Long Caye; it is attached here as Annex “B.”

In March 2009, the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conducted a
visit to Belize and found several deficiencies at the national level in terms of the management of
protected areas comprising Belize’s World Heritage Sites. One concern identified was the rapid rate of
development on islands, with activities including mangrove cutting, and dredging for land filling. While
the Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef does not fall within a world heritage site, and neither within a national
protected area, its proposed conservation and sound planning initiatives can serve both as an example
of environmentally sustainable planning, and can also serve to support the ecosystem functions that are

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threatened elsewhere. With two important World Heritage sites nearby (Half Moon Caye Natural
Monument and Blue Hole national Park), and with the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument just a few
miles away, the new master plan for the island should serve to reduce the overall impacts to the entire
area, and also serve to ease the pressure on some of the nearby protected areas, through the
management of the ecological functions to serve as buffer areas for these larger reserves. Furthermore,
we believe that as good corporate citizen, it is our responsibility to contribute to the long-term
sustainability of Belize’s development, through good business initiatives that are willing to live within a
sensitive ecological environment as partners in development and conservation. In the end, Long Caye as
an island and as a preserve will help Belize as a nation to fulfill, albeit in small ways, part of its
environmental commitments at the local, regional and international level.

Appropriate community and preserve master planning also allows for local employment to scale up and
be sustainable and long term. We already have a base of staff and contractors who have worked for us
for over 3-5 years and we continue to hire as we grow. While our full-time staff ranges from 5-8, we
have housing facilities ready on the Caye for up to 40 employees. We have contractor and service
relationships on the mainland that currently create additional employment. These relationships and
contracts will grow as we do. Because we are building a financially and economically sustainable
community we will continue and expand as a long term employer. It is understood that the lots to be
used for commercial operations will require individual environmental approvals, including the required
approvals from other permitting agencies.

We respectfully request that the development and preserve changes requested in this report be
approved for the benefit of Long Caye, the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the stakeholders of Long Caye and for
the people of Belize. (A detailed table of the parcel changes is attached as Annex “C.”)

Summary:
 Extensive Reduction in overall number of buildable parcels / from 1247 to 614, a 52% reduction
 Expansion of the Long Caye Preserve to be enlarged by 130 acres, a 265% increase in size
 Preserve to be relocated to area that is most ecologically sensitive and biologically diverse
 Establishment of additional niche neighborhood entities, bringing higher visibility and
participation in the Lighthouse Reef for diving, fishing, and attendance at GOB National Parks
 Improve financial viability of development, providing more, better and longer term jobs for
Belizeans in a shorter time frame
 New parcels to be located in areas that promote intelligent use of land and conservation of
sensitive areas and protection of the reefs
 More economic diversity – ensure financial health and, in turn, ecological health
 More appropriate for current investment market

List of Proposed Masterplan Changes:

I. Remove Phase II and III parcels from Masterplan / locate and expand Preserve to central
mass of Caye
II. Establish Que Brada Parcel Block on central western beachfront of Long Caye
III. Establish Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip of Long Caye
IV. Establish Central Interior Parcel Block, west of Que Brada Block

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Plate 1: Overall view of Long Caye – revised plan

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Proposed Masterplan Revisions:

Remove 343 Phase I parcels (and Phase II and III parcels) around and
north of Lagoon / Locate and expand Preserve area to central mass of
Caye
Our plan relocates the Long Caye Preserve from the southern tip of the Caye to a much larger area
surrounding the central lagoon and its opening at the southwest end of Long Caye. While the land for
the preserve has been set aside, we will formally establish the Long Caye Preserve as a legal entity, via
the National Lands Act, 1992. From a development and master planning perspective, we know that the
existing, partially built-up concentration of smaller parcels in the Northern section of the Caye makes
good sense as a unit, but believe that repeating this density over the majority of the south and fully
surround the wet acreage surrounding the lagoon makes neither financial nor ecological sense for the
future of Long Caye. The potential impact of an additional 760 homes and the related traffic, building
and general impact on the sensitive lagoon area would not be environmentally appropriate. The Caye
(and the Preserve) will be best served through a significant reduction of overall buildable parcels and a
strategic repositioning of far fewer parcels.

Specifically, the current approved plan allows for the dredging of the large central lagoon (the “Lagoon”)
to create a commercial marina and seaplane landing area. While this may be a very attractive amenity
to a traditional resort development, it does not fit with the environmental philosophy reflected in the
rest of our development planning. After consulting with contractors and environmental experts about
the Lagoon plan, we believe that dredging on the scale proposed in our current approvals is not viable
for logistic, structural and environmental reasons. The material to be dredged is very soft and could
simply refill the dredged areas, thus requiring a perpetual dredging operation. Research has shown that
increased nutrient input may stimulate algae overgrowth, which in turn causes changes in the water’s
color (azure to green) and stimulates coral bleaching. This could be very dangerous to the surrounding
reefs, particularly those on the western shore of Long Caye, which are frequented not only by the
stakeholders of Long Caye, but by a significant number of general visitors to Belize. Many popular dive
sites are located just to the west of the Lagoon opening, including Silver Caves, Cathedral, Que Brada,
and Long Caye Wall.

The location of the Preserve around this large central lagoon is driven by many ecological and strategic
factors. Most importantly, the lagoon acts almost as the “lungs” of the caye, breathing life in and out of
the interior protected waters. It provides the vast majority of “protected edge” habitat of Long Caye.
Shallow lagoon habitats are major nursery sites for ecologically and economically important species that
are a large component of reef and lagoon fisheries, such as commercially exported Nassau grouper and
mutton snapper. Mangrove creeks, such as the lagoon entrance, house the highest abundance of these
fish populations as there is a reduced number of predators in shallow lagoon waters.

We propose to almost triple the size of the Preserve and locate it on much more environmentally
sensitive land in order to permanently protect that fragile and ecologically valuable land from
development. The lagoon and the surrounding habitat is highly environmentally sensitive and will be
better served through preservation than dense development as is currently approved in our EIA

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Masterplan. The opening of the Lagoon “La Boca de la Laguna” is an extraordinary environmental asset
and the interior environs of the lagoon are valuable breeding habitat for many species that populate the
Lighthouse Reef. A more detailed description of our establishment, vision and goals for the Long Caye
Preserve has been submitted to the DOE under separate cover.

In summary, we are going to eliminate virtually all the parcels our current plan around the Lagoon
(Phase I – B) – a total of 343 residential parcels consisting of 67.41 acres. Additionally, we will no longer
seek to implement Phase II & III – approximately 412 additional parcels originally located to the north of
the Lagoon and internally. The total number of parcels and acreage to be removed from our existing
plan is 755 parcels and 196.41 acres. Effectively, the planning decision rendered in the EIA relating to
cost benefit analysis is being taken to its next logical step. We are lowering overall density, while
keeping sustainable community and increasing the Preserve area simultaneously. There is scientific and
civic thought behind this fundamental change in our plans. We are convinced that it is the right thing to
do for the Caye and the Lighthouse Reef Atoll and the people of Belize.

The Long Caye preserve will be 210 acres, an increase of 265% over the existing proposed Preserve.
Boardwalks will connect the Preserve to all phases of development on the Caye so any visitor will have
constant sense of the Presence and importance of the Preserve.

In summary, this phase will consist of

 210 acres of Preserve, expanded area to be located around the Lagoon, going from east to west
shores
 649 residential parcels of 143 acres to be removed from the Long Caye development plan
 106 Commercial parcels of 53 acres to be removed from the Long Caye development plan

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Map: Remove Phase II & III parcels; relocate/expand Preserve

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Old Masterplan Preserve – showing old Preserve location

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Photo Plates – Aerials of Long Caye Preserve

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Establish Que Brada Parcel Block on central western beachfront of Long
Caye

PIL will create16 parcels averaging around .75 acres each along the beachfront on the central western
shore of Long Caye, known as the “Que Brada” area. This group of parcels is placed on high ground
south of the southernmost oceanfront parcels in the existing northern neighborhood and north of
opening of the Lagoon and the area the Long Caye Preserve is to be located.

Mostly residential, this area is designed for owners who would like to benefit from a larger western-
facing beachfront property. Small commercially zoned areas are located at the northern and southern
tips of this “linear” beachfront section. A pier will be located at each end of the oceanfront row of
properties. The northern pier will serve multiple purposes including the western section of the existing
development, this new “Que Brada” section, some of the nature trails planned for the Long Caye
Preserve and finally it will eventually serve the planned Central Interior Parcel Block located directly
inland east of these parcels in the fern forest. The pier at the southern tip of the Que Brada parcels will
serve the commercial activity at the southern end of the section and, importantly, the Long Caye
Preserve.

The Que Brada section will consist of 16 parcels (11 Residential and 5 Commercial) of which the owners
may choose to construct residences at any time after purchase, or may be required to build within a set
time frame after purchase. It is not envisioned that all homeowners will construct homes at the same
time. As with all other areas of Long Caye, construction will be conducted in a controlled manner, and
PIL will retain the rights of overseeing the construction of each residence. The main walkways will
connect the Que Brada area to the existing northern neighborhood as well as the Long Caye Preserve.

In summary, this phase will consist of

 11 residential parcels / 8.35 acres
 5 Commercial parcels / 3.15 acres
 2 Piers – one south, one north
 Boardwalk access – interconnected to the north and to the Long Caye Preserve

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Map: Que Brada Parcels block on central western beachfront of Long Caye

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Photo Plates of Que Brada Area

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Establish Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip
PIL will create 48 parcels averaging around 1 acre each which (29 Residential and 18 Commercial and 1
Green Space)will be located south of the Long Caye Preserve and the opening of the Lagoon, and run
along the beachfront down and around the “hook” of land that makes up the southern tip and up the
east coast. (See attached map) This group of parcels is placed on higher ground and has the benefit of
relatively deep water surrounding its ocean front. It will have only oceanfront parcels which will have
boardwalk access from the interior of the island.

This area is designed for owners who would like to benefit from a larger oceanfront property that is
associated with a separate small commercial area. 18 commercially zoned parcels will be located in the
southernmost tip of the Caye to hold a small commercial center with a pier on the inside and outside of
the hook of land. The boardwalk that goes through the Long Caye Preserve along the east coast of the
Caye will connect this area with the northern section of the Caye. This will also offer simple access to
some of the nature trails planned for the Long Caye Preserve. A large Green Space will be located at the
northwestern section of this parcel block to offer a park, and a picnic and barbecue, sunset overlook
area for the residents and visitors. The Green Space is strategically located near the opening of the
central lagoon and will be connected to nature paths in the Long Caye Preserve.

The Southern Hook section will consist of 48 parcels of which, 18 will be commercially zoned and 29
surrounding residential parcels, with one green space. Owners may choose to construct residences at
any time after purchase, or may be required to build within a set time frame after purchase. As
elsewhere, it is not envisioned that all homeowners will construct homes at the same time. As with all
other areas of Long Caye, construction will be conducted in a controlled manner, and PIL will retain the
rights of overseeing the construction of each structure.

In summary, this phase will consist of

 29 residential parcels / 38.20 acreage
 18 Commercial parcels / 17.86 acreage
 2 Piers – one inside hook, one on the southern tip of the Caye
 Boardwalk access – interconnected to the north and to the Long Caye Preserve

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Map: Southern Hook Parcel Block on southernmost tip

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Photo Plates of Southern Hook

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Establish Central Interior Parcel block

In order to reduce density and better balance the commercial parcel availability with the quantity of
residential parcels in the northern section of the Caye, where the most residential acreage exists, we will
place a new commercial-focused block of parcels on high ground just to the southeast of the
southwestern most existing oceanfront parcels in the existing neighborhood in the north.

Besides providing a more beneficial mix of commercial and residential – and likely increasing the value
of the surrounding residential parcels – we believe locating a small block of commercial parcels here is
developmentally beneficial. We feel this little addition will benefit and support the general philosophy
of Long Caye by drawing attention to the extraordinary “internal” beauty of Long Caye. It is surrounded
by a great diversity of flora, including mangroves, buttonwood and zeracote forest, palm trees and
magnificent large fern growth. It will serve as an excellent and attractive alternative to the more typical
oceanfront resort and residences on Long Caye and other ocean-based developments.

This area will benefit from immediate access to western-facing beachfront. It will have easy usage of
the pier to be built at the of the Que Brada parcels. It will be practically “within” the preserve and will
have simple access to the nature trails planned for the Long Caye Preserve.

The Central Interior section will consist of 24 parcels consisting of 8 commercially zoned parcels and 16
surrounding residentially zoned parcels. Owners may choose to construct residences at any time after
purchase, or may be required to build within a set time frame after purchase. As elsewhere, it is not
envisioned that all homeowners will construct homes at the same time. Again, as with all other areas of
Long Caye, construction will be conducted in a controlled manner, and PIL will retain the rights of
overseeing the construction of each structure. The main walkways/boardwalks will connect to the Que
Brada area, to the existing northern neighborhood and the Long Caye Preserve.

In summary, this phase will consist of

 16 residential parcels – 5.57 residentially zoned acres
 8 Commercial parcels – 3.47 commercially zoned acres
 Boardwalk access – interconnected to the north and to the Long Caye Preserve

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Map: Establish Central Interior Parcel Block

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Photo Plates – Central interior Block

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Annex A: Map – Proposed Masterplan Revisions – Summary View:

A large format (24” x 36”) is attached to this submission – and offered electronically.

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Annex B: Liquid Waste Plan

LIQUID WASTE TREATMENT ON LONG CAYE

Introduction

The Phillips Long Caye proposal includes a residential and commercial area, but with the
commercial being limited to resorts, dive shops, restaurants and bars, shops and similar light
commercial and trading sites. Due to the sensitivity of the marine environment, and in order to
preserve as much as possible the ecological integrity of the island and the surrounding
environment, it is necessary to install a system or systems that will treat the effluent to high
standards prior to discharge.

Presently, the Island only has two families residing on site, and two employees of the owners.
Upon signing of the Environmental Compliance Plan in October 2001, approval was granted for
the use of compost toilets on the island. This is the system that has been used since the first
employees and the two families have resided on the island. The Department of the
Environment (DOE). The DOE has now requested a change in the sewage treatment system.
Pleasure Island Limited recognizes the need to protect the sensitive ecological environment of
the area, and proposes that a phased approach to the installation of an alternate sewage
treatment system be carried out.

Table 1: Shows the loadings for BOD, TSS, Total Nitrates Total phosphates and oil
and grease in selected countries in the Caribbean, including Belize.

Table 1: Waste Loads from Domestic Sources in the Wider Caribbean Region
(t/y). Source: CEP, 1998.

COUNTRY BOD TSS TN TP Oil and Grease

Belize 1,905 2,100 650 320 240

Costa Rica 530 1,079 210 25 20

Honduras 9,626 8,235 625 823 450

Mexico (Car. Coast) 3,756 3,232 607 261 1,256

Panama 969 1,781 327 38 35

Subtotal 16,786 16,427 2,419 1,467 2,001

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The principal objective of wastewater treatment is generally to allow human and industrial
effluents to be disposed of without danger to human health or unacceptable damage to the
natural environment.

It is estimated 70% of domestic water consumption is converted to effluent waste. This means
that a sewage treatment system will also require the installation of water supply to the buildings.
However, this can be from rainwater and from the purification of sea water by the use of a
reverse osmosis plant. The implications for the source of energy are also important to be
considered. While the company proposes to use solar panels and other environmentally
friendly technology, the use of a stand by generator is a must. Certain utilities and equipment
cannot be powered using strictly solar. Heavy equipment to pump sewage and for running of
the aerators will require a source of energy with greater capacity than can be provided using
solar panels.

Evaluation of Alternatives for Collection and Treatment of Domestic Waste Water and
Sewage

The subdivision will experience phased expansion growth, and therefore, the need to consider
the most applicable technology based on cost, siting criteria and efficiency using a phased
approach is borne in mind. As a result of these considerations, several options were analyzed
and the preferred option selected based on the most important criteria, which included
economic, and the technical and environmental feasibility of the options. The CEP Guide uses
a recommended “Decision Tree”, which facilitates the decision of identifying a practical and
feasible sewage treatment system. The following is a summary of this analysis:

Recommended criteria influencing the decision:

Water availability. If no piped water is available, then the volume of liquid waste will be
minimal; therefore, individual household systems become the recommended option.

Surface Topography. If topography allows for sewers to be laid at downward slope from
homes, then gravity systems can be used, reducing cost.

Subsurface Conditions. Unstable soils, rocky soils etc. make conventional gravity sewers
more expensive to build and maintain.

Social Considerations. Acceptance of the system is important, as systems requiring regular

maintenance such as compost toilets often break down due to lack of or inadequate
maintenance.

Housing or Population Density. “For dispersed rural homes, central sewage collection
facilities are not economical due to the high cost of piping wastewater to the central treatment
facility” (CEP, 1998). This is further determined by topography, soil type, land acquisition cost,
evaporation rate, cost of construction and hydrology.

These considerations were compared with the pre-existing conditions of topography, and
sensitivity of the site. Table 4 summarizes the decision on the preferred option identified. At no

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point should septic systems be considered on the island; since the ecosystem would be
threatened by the nutrient levels.

Four alternatives were analyzed in detail. These are:

(1) Alternative A, the use of an Individual Aerobic Treatment Plant

(2) Alternative B, Compost toilets

(4) Alternative C, Centralise waste water Systems

Alternative A “Individual Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Plant”.

This system assumed that several units or complexes would install individual units with the
same or secondary and tertiary treatment capacities. This method meets the ANSI/NSF
standard 40 of 1990 for individual aerobic wastewater treatment plants. Basically this system
consists of two treatment chambers in a single tank. One chamber is the aeration section and
the other the clarifier section. This method has been used successfully in Belize, and meets
current national standards. This system is adequate for small volumes not greater than 1500
gals/day of treatment. However, the units are often modular, meaning that additional units can
be installed as the project grows, or as the demand increases. This effluent of this system must
be post chlorinated before disposal, to ensure the reduction of pathogens. However, the primary
disadvantage with this system would be the need for installation room, which means that
commercial parcels may need to be sacrificed.

Table 4 is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives for sewage
treatment. This option was considered and recommended due to the pre-existing environmental
conditions: (i) low lying topography, (ii) fairly soft soil subsurface, (iii) the marine environment,
and (iv) relatively average costing.

Presently, centralized package systems are becoming useful and are frequently used in coastal
environments of Belize, especially for commercial establishments located in sensitive areas.
However, the most important problem associated with these systems is the initial high cost for
acquisition, which is the reason why we are recommending a phased approach. Individual
systems are not found to be attractive to property owners because of the high cost of
investment, which is in addition to the cost of land purchase and home construction. However,
each commercial site should have either its own, or shared with another commercial site
nearby, with the arrangements to be worked out between the owners of the individual
establishments. The most popular such system being used in Belize is the Nayadic System,
distributed by Benny’s but we do not advocate for an individual system, we only use it to
compare.

The Nayadic systems are relatively costly, with the M-6 model costing almost $19,000 (Belize
dollars, duty paid), and the M-2000 costing just over $50,000 (Belize dollars, duty paid). These
prices do not include installation costs, but installation costs are approximately 10% of the cost
of the unit. It is believed three systems such as the M-6 Model is enough to treat the sewage

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and effluents. However, the investor is advised to investigate similar systems with secondary
treatment efficiency that may be less costly.

Alternative B “Compost Toilets”

From the beginning Long Caye has been recognized as having a sensitive marine environment;
with ecosystems being littoral forests, mangroves and wetlands, and the coral formations
surrounding the island. When the EIA was prepared, the recommendation was made that
compost toilets be used since these use no water for flushing and thus, no waste water can
enter the environment. At that time, the environmental authorities agreed that this system was
the best for the island. When used properly, these systems function excellently and pose no
threat to the environment.

Alternative C “Centralized Prefabricated System with Tertiary Level Treatment”.

This system would comprise of an advanced “package” type treatment system using aeration as
its preferred method of secondary and tertiary treatment. A prefabricated treatment plant is
capable of treatment of grey water and sewage to high levels. The effluent can even be
recycled for use in landscaping projects, and post chlorination would make the water pathogen
free and adequate for re-flushing of toilets and irrigation purposes, if the supply of water is a
problem. Due to the high cost of this system, and since the system requires large volumes of
effluent, it is recommended for installation only after at least 50 homes or buildings are
occupied. This system is also adequate for commercial sites such as hotels and resorts. The
effluent of this system far surpasses the present national standards and is recommended for
highly sensitive environmental areas. This system is the most expensive of the options.

The summary discussion on these alternatives is provided in Table 4 below.

The Preferred Option

Residential Establishments

Water consumption in Belize averages 33 gallons per person (BWSL, 2009). Considering water
conservation practices that must be followed at island environments, this rate can be increased
to 50 gpd per capita, for precautionary planning. If we assume an average of 3 persons per
household (the two families living there both have two family members each residing on the
island), this means that the smallest Nayadic type system can treat sewage and grey water for
up to fourteen (14) families for a total of forty two (42) persons at the rate of 70% of total water
consumption. This is 1,470 gpd, which is just within the limits of the smallest Nayadic unit.
Therefore, it is recommended that the installation of the first such system or a similar system be
done only after at least twelve (12) families or 36 persons reside on site so that there is enough
volume of waste for the system to treat, and so that the cost becomes feasible. Cost of these
systems has to be shared by property owners who will use the service.

In the mean time, before the population reaches 36 persons residing on site, it is recommended
that the compost toilets continue to be used.

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Commercial Establishments

There are only two small resorts operating on site, but these are being operated more like a
“bed and breakfast” type operations, since visitation is fairly low. Each of these small resorts has
a maximum of four rooms. It is recommended that these small commercial sites continue using
the compost toilets until at least two more such operations in proximity to each other are
established, or until they can hook up to another system which can be shared by other users. In
other words, the present visitation does not lend to the installation of a modular or central
system since the volume is low and the cost is prohibitive. However, if more business ventures
are built, and the installation of conduits becomes feasible due to the proximity to each other,
then consideration should be given to install a Nayadic type modular system.

However, large resorts that will be constructing more than twelve rooms, should install a
sewage treatment system, and the owner should aim to have a BESST type system with tertiary
treatment so that no pollution takes place. The BESST system is used for comparison, and
there is other systems with similar capabilities and may be cheaper. The BESST system is also
distributed by Bennys.

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Discussion on NAYADIC and BESST Systems

NAYADIC System

Table 2: Capabilities of the NAYADIC M-Series.

Source: From NAYADIC Manual, 2006.

Model Rated Flow (gpd) O2 Transfer (Max., lb/day)

M-6 500 3.5

M-8 600 4.0

M-1050 800 4.6

M-1200 1000 4.8

M-2000 1500 7.7

The Nayadic systems are relatively costly, but less expensive than the BESST system, with the
M-6 model costing almost $19,000 (Belize dollars, duty paid), and the M-2000 costing just over
$50,000 (Belize dollars, duty paid). These prices do not include installation costs, but
installation costs are approximately 10% of the cost of the unit.

BESST System

Table 3: Summary of BESST System Capabilities.

Source: BESST Publication “BESST Biologically Engineered

Single Sludge Treatment”.

PARAMETER REMOVAL LEVEL

BOD >5 mg/l

TSS >10 mg/l

NITROGEN >1.0 mg/l

TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS 0.5 to 2.0 mg/l

AMMONIA > 1mg/l

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 Table 4: Summary of Analysis of Alternatives for Sewage Treatment System.
Decision Criteria
Water Availability
Surface Topography
Subsurface Conditions
Population Density
Social Considerations
Overall Economic
Considerations
Criteria in relation to Project Site
High water needs, Individual systems
not recommended
Unsuitable for gravity feeding.
However, installation of pipes is
relatively easy.
Soil is relatively permeable with high
infiltration rate
The increase of residents will be
gradual (only two families, 4 persons
total presently live there after almost
10 years of project approval).
New systems require regular
maintenance & training of local
personnel in technical know how
Cost needs to be considered for both
initial investment and long-term
maintenance
Alt. A - Individual Package Treatment
Systems (Aerobic wastewater
treatment plant)
High water needs is conducive to using
aerobic systems.
These systems would generally work well
for phased development. The units are
also designed to add additional units if
needed as more homes are built.
Acceptable,
The cost of individual systems is fairly
high, therefore sharing of expenses and
use is recommended
Maintenance & all the costs to be borne by
owners
Would require technical training for regular
maintenance and operation
Cost may be acceptable for small
commercial sites (restaurants, dive shops
etc). Locally available systems (e.g.
NAYADIC System)
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Compost Systems
No water for flushing
Acceptable
Acceptable,
Household systems are acceptable if
located in sparse areas
Requires guidelines & training and
regular maintenance & inspection of
systems. Compost supply is needed
at all times.
Fairly inexpensive and acceptable for
individual residences.
Alt. C - Centralized System with
Tertiary Treatment (Prefabricated)
Suitable, since water use will be
high.
Gravity feeding is not possible since
the area is relatively flat. The
system would require the use of
pumps.
Not suitable for systems using
anaerobic ponds due to the low lying
topography and cost of land.
Project is centralized, which may
require systems with aerations
instead of anaerobic systems.
Maintenance costs would need to be
borne by investors, with possibility of
sharing one system by more than
one resort or establishment.
Relatively expensive (due to high
cost of system components,
installation, maintenance, energy
needs etc). Each large resort (>12
rooms) should install one; but more
than one resort can share one
system since these can treat high
volumes of waste
Table 5: Belize Effluent Standards For Various Industries – Major Parameters. Source: Effluent Limitations Regulations, 1995.

PARAMETER
No. INDUSTRY BOD5 TSS COD Zinc Chromium Oil & Fluoride Copper Arsenic Lead Iron Temp pH NO3 PO4 SO4
Less Less Than Grease (F-) less (CU²) (mg/l) (mg/l) (°C) (mg/l)
Than Than (Mg/l)

1 Plastics & 10 30 40 1 0.10 10.0 1.0 0.05

Synthetics

2 Food 15 15
Processing

3 Service 15 40 1 10 1
Industries

4 Garment 100 40 6-9 10 5 200

Industry

5 Citrus Industry 50 100 40 6-9 10 5 200

6 Battery 30 30 100 0.1 0.1 20 40 7.6- 10 5 400

Manufacturing (Conc. (Conc.Mg/l) 10
Mg/l)

7 Fish 100 (Conc. 100 40 6-9 10 30 200

Processing Mg./l)

8 Poultry 50 50 100 40 6-9 10 5 200

Industry (Conc.Mg/l)

9 Diary Industry 50 40 6-9 30 5 200

10 Rum Refinery 50 60 (Conc. 200 40 6-9 10 1 500

Industry Mg/l)

11 Brewery 35 50 200 40 6-9 10 5 200

Industry

12 Sugar 50 50 200 40 6-9 10 5 200

Processing

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13 Shrimp 30 40 200 40 6-9 10 1 200
Processing

14 Other Industry 50 (at 50 100 1 1 10 5 1 1 0.1 20 33 6-9 3 5 500

& Commercial 20 °C)
Sectors

30
Literature Cited

BESST Biologically Engineered Single Sludge Treatment. Undated Publication.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Guidance Specifying Management
Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters. US EPA, Office of Water,
Washington, DC 1990.

KCM Inc, United Nations Environment Program, Appropriate Technology for Sewage

Pollution Control in the Wider Caribbean Region. CEP Technical Report No. 40, 1998.

Yánez Cossío, Fabián. Lagunas de Estabilizacion, Teoria, Diseño, Evaluación y

Mantenimiento. Cuenca, Ecuador, Junio 1993.

Purestream web site: www.purestreaminc.com

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Annex C – Parcel Revisions Detail Table

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