16th November, 2012

Protect South Sound (PSS) is a group of concerned Cayman residents who are attempting to stop environmentally destructive coastal developments. We need your help regarding the following two proposed developments:
1. A large inland development joined to South Sound by a canal with a bridge over it involving the relocation of South Sound Road.
2. A development extending 2,000 feet of the natural shoreline 50 feet out into South Sound by way of fill with a 9 feet high sea wall constructed on the outer edge.
Despite the opposition of local residents and the Department of Environment, both developments have received planning approval and are being appealed by PSS.
This shoreline is designated scenic coastline and is in a marine replenishment zone. The decision allows for the destruction of the existing mangroves in the area. The developments will have significant implications for South Sound and for future coastal development island wide.
No private developer should be able to use Crown land in such a detrimental way for its own personal benefit. This sets a very dangerous precedent.
You can help now by giving a donation, however small, to the PSS fund for legal costs, either by cheque payable to Protect South Sound or via Bank of Butterfield:
Account Name:         Protect South Sound
Account Number:      USD: 8401412070013
KYD: 1361412070023
Donations will remain anonymous.
Please note that we do not oppose the owner developing the property. We are only against the aspects of the project that affect our coast and environment and which are set out in further detail on the attached sheet.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely,

Protect South Sound Committee
1) Emerald Sound Development
In 2011 PSS collected over 2,200 signatures on a petition opposing the Emerald Sound development, which received CPA approval in August 2011.  The components, which PSS objects to include:
·       A canal – of some 120 feet in width to be cut from the Sound, through the main road, and into the residential marina development;
·       A bridge – about 20 feet above sea level with a ‘run-and-rise’ of 1,000 feet;
·       Related dredging at the entrance to the canal in to the Sound (a designated Marine Replenishment Zone);
·       Moving the stretch of South Sound Road between Bel Air Drive and Old Crewe Road (which is on Crown land, and is designated Scenic Coastline) approximately 75 feet inland.
The potential consequences of these changes, which will be profound and irreversible, include:
·       Risk of flooding to neighbouring properties in storms/hurricanes
·       Insurance implications for neighbouring properties
·       Pollution from residential run off into the canal from garden pesticides, fertilizers etc., and boat oil and gas leaks from boats moored in the proposed marina
·       Damage from dredging on the Sound’s eco-system
Since the CPA’s decision in August 2011, the UDP Caucus has refused to consider the development’s Coastal Works License (CWL).  A decision by the National Roads Authority on the relocation of South Sound Road is awaited. PSS is seeking to overturn the CPA’s decision as the developer could at any stage within the next five years again request a Coastal Works License and proceed with the development.
2) R C Estates Development
In 2003 CPA approval was granted to RC Estates for the building of a retaining wall on its coastal lots (which extend approximately 2,000 feet along the South Sound Road) along the inland edge of its 50 ft. mangrove buffer, which was to be retained.
On 15th August 2012, the CPA removed the condition requiring a minimum 50 ft. wide mangrove buffer, allowing the developer to fill in the buffer, extending its lots 50 ft. out to sea. The CPA also allowed the developer to build a 9 ft. high concrete sea wall along the outer edge of what was the 50 ft. buffer (two feet in from the 2003 boundary) and with giant boulders further out in the sea.
The mangrove buffer had been badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. However, since then, the landowner and the DoE with financial assistance from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Migratory Bird Conservation and Reef Ball Foundation have devoted considerable effort, time, and public and private resources to re-growing the mangrove buffer. It is now growing back. The DoE presented extensive evidence of this recovery to the CPA as it made its strong case against the 2012 RC Estates application.  The Department of Planning also recommended against the removal of the mangrove buffer. This area is a sensitive Marine Replenishment Zone and also a protected Scenic Coastline Zone.
PSS is appealing the CPA approval.

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