Excerpts taken from the Vieux Fort Needs Assessment Project Report, 2006
11.3 Considerations for Water Body Classification
According to UNEP/Tetra Tech, 2003 the classification of waters in each country that is
party to the Convention should involve an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a
thorough review process by all stakeholders. The results of the classification for the
country should be published and permit limits should be established for all discharges
based on whether their effluent discharge to Class I or Class II receiving waters. This
should be combined with a compliance inspection programme to ensure compliance with
the effluent limits.
The full details of the considerations as proposed by UNEP/Tetra Tech (2003) are
provided in Appendix 4 and the issue identification proposed for the process of
classification is shown in Figure 11.3.1.
Figure 11.3.1: Effluent Limitation Decision Tree
Additional considerations for classification of the receiving waters include inter alia:
• Sustenance of sensitive marine habitats/ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass, corals)
and the extent of these systems;
• The potential for adverse effects on humans due to contact and consumption of
fish or shellfish;
•
The presence of endangered or endemic species and level of protection of the
under the SPAW Protocol;
• The definition of the boundaries of the waters based on the physical, legal and
ecological parameters;
• Ranking system for the water classification based on species index, abundance,
breeding area for aquatic life, and the level of the threat to humans.
11.4 Water Bodies Classification Methods for Project Study Area
Conducting the classification exercise for the waters of VF involved the following
approach and activities:
1. The integrated approach.
• The use of local knowledge;
• Engagement of persons with experience in resource management and who worked
on conservation initiative in the Study Area;
•
Including the local knowledgeable persons as part