Background to Harrison's Cave proposal
Publication: Weekend Nation
Paper Section And Page: 3
Paper Date: Fri, Feb 9, 2001
Byline: Terry Ally
THE proposed extended control zone for the Harrison's Cave was made after years of study of the environmental impact on the cave.
Project manager of AXYS Environmental Consulting Jeff Green, said the cave was now attracting over 200 000 visitors a year which was more than double the number for which it was designed.
His company did an environmental impact study, which started in 1996, which followed a similar one on water quality by water engineer Dr. John Mwansa and geologist Leslie Barker.
Both studies came up with similar results and made similar recommendations.
Among the problems identified were water pollution and sedimentation. Green explained that water flows into the cave through two main methods. It could either drip through the coral stone or flow in through fissures.
The dripping water was good quality, as the limestone filtered pollutants and bacteria. This dripping water also formed the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave.
The water entering through fissures was polluted and found to be contaminated with sewage from homes and animals and bathroom waste water. Sometimes, one could smell the soap and shampoo in the cave.
Another problem was run-off washing soil into the cave.
Safety was another matter for homes located directly on top of the largest cavern. Stability tests are being conducted periodically to ensure the strength of that roof.
AXYS Consulting examined a number of options to reduce the impact including a sewer system, but that cost $2.5 million compared to $800 000 to install septic tanks at vulnerable locations which he thought Government ought to pay.
AXYS recommended that Government assist residents by providing tax incentives, or subsidising the cost of the installation of the septic tank.
It also recommended a buffer zone of 100 feet along the perimeter of Welchman Hall Gully and Harris gully and Sturges Swamps which should be maintained in trees, shrubs and grass cover to check soil erosion and that run-off be directed into open fields where pollutants could settle.
The Canadian consultants also recommended a larger control zone in which the rural look be remained and no new developments permitted, there be specific guidelines for disposing animal waste of existing farms, no new animal farms should be established.
If there are major renovations the sewage and waste water disposal system should be upgraded, and for existing permissions, that an impact study be conducted for large developments.
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