First EPA report for airport expansion likely by mid-May – Kraus-Manning
Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Tony Monaghan, Director of the Caribbean Operations, Kraus-Manning stated that several “waves and currents” monitoring equipment have been placed underwater in the surrounding areas of Well Bay, Trellis Bay and Long Bay to accurately “determine the flow of sand and sediments of the surrounding islands and beaches”.
“They were installed February month end, and are catching the worse of winter swells,” Monaghan said.
To this end, by April 30, 2012, coastal engineers will either leave the monitoring equipment to collect more data or remove the data to be analysed.
“So if we do collect the data on April 30, the engineers will use special computer software to generate accurate models of the likely impact on the surrounding areas. It would take a couple of weeks, so I would say Government could get the report by May 14,” Monaghan explained.
As for feedback from the public on the airport expansion project, the Director disclosed that the company has received “reasonable” responses especially from residents and proprietors of the Trellis Bay area.
A brief history of the airport expansion projectTwo meetings were held in March 2012, where Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Kedrick Pickering declared that Government will be going ahead with the expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
Residents were informed that Government was leaning towards option six, which will cost about $38M. With this option, the runway will be extended to some 7,000 feet from 4,000 plus feet, and accommodate AB 390, 320 and the Embrea 190.
It will also reduce the environmental impact, which would save the salt pond and beaches in the area, reduce crosswinds, and accommodate code C and D aircrafts.
However, the disadvantages include higher weather minimums- meaning jets would have to use a height of about 1,290 feet and the runway must be visual, as well as the circling approach.
The concerns include future widening will have an environmental impact on Trellis Bay and salt ponds.
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