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1.4 METHODOLOGY
The previous owners, who had intended to build a low-density resort development,
carried out several environmental studies out of the development site. These earlier
studies, which particularly looked at the hydrology in relation to water supply and the
marine ecology in relation to proposed shoreline modifications provided a base of
information for this EIA. The data collection methodologies employed for this study are
described below.
1.4.1 Terrestrial ecology
The status of the terrestrial flora and fauna of the study area were determined by a
review of literature relevant to the area, by discussions with local persons, and by field
investigations undertaken on 15 February 2005. Seven representative sites or stations
were visited; five on the proposed resort site north of the main road and two stations
south of the main road on lands also owned by the developer.
The terrestrial vegetative communities were identified using the method of Grossman et
al (1991) and classified into community types. The dominant tree species in the
proposed development area were identified.
Birds were recorded by sight and by sound for half-an-hour at each station. Their
identification was facilitated by reference to Downer and Sutton (1990) and Bond (1985).
The dense woodland behind Station 7 was fairly impenetrable and the more cryptic
species likely to occur in that habitat were not seen. Butterflies were captured using
butterfly nets and identified from their wing patterns using Brown and Heinemann (1972).
Information on endangered reptiles was gathered from the Seven Oaks Sanctuary for
Wildlife in St. Ann.
Samples were collected at a depth of 0.5m from a boat (marine stations) or from the
riverbank (river stations). All samples were collected in pre-cleaned 2 litre and 1litre
polyethylene sample bottles. Bacterial samples were collected at the water surface in
sterilized 100 ml glass bottles.
Salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH were measured in situ using an YSI
Model 57 Salinity/Conductivity/Temperature (SCT) meter, a YSI Model 33 oxygen meter
and an Oakton 10 Series pH meter respectively. Measurements were taken at 0.5m
depth.
1.4.4 Sociology
Rapid rural appraisal techniques were used in nine communities neighbouring Pear Tree
Bottom. Of these communities three were fishing beaches, and six were residential. The
survey included two unoccupied resort villas on the hotel site. The process involved
windscreen observations, in-depth structured interviews as well as non-structured ad
hoc discussions with key informants, other individuals and groups. Both Government
agencies and private sector enterprises were canvassed. Demographic data was
sourced from STATIN and hydrological data from The National Water Authority.