DoE Updates: Environmental Clearances and Concerns on Major Projects

The Department of the Environment (DOE) has provided an update regarding three major projects that have sought environmental clearance.  The first project is from Fortis Belize Limited and includes a ten megawatt single-axis solar facility at the Chalillo Dam.  This project was reviewed by the DoE on July 24 and it was determined that a second public consultation ought to be conducted coupled with an updated report to address concerns over the Outstanding Universal Values (OUVs).  The second project is from the MW Collective for works in the area of the Crawl Caye Ecotourism and Residential Development.  The DoE has given the environmental clearance for this project but with strict conditions that include the preservation of the mangrove cover as a private reserve and the exclusion of a proposed helipad.  The third update from the DoE surrounds the proposed vacation home at Turneffe Atoll submitted by Earlene Dixon.  This project has been granted clearance for the residential component.  There were conditions, however, including the rejection of the dredging of marina elements due to the ecological sensitivity in the area.  Love News understands that all developers have since been notified of the DoE’s recommendations and decisions.