Welcome to Our Department

The mission of the Environmental Unit is to ensure sustainable development within the Port Area on the island of Grand Bahama by fair and consistent governance and enforcement of environmentally related national laws, local bye-laws, guidelines and best management practices that pertains to the management of natural resources, social equity and development.

The main goal of this group is to effectively manage, conserve and protect the natural environment of the area governed by the GBPA, through the:

a) development of appropriate regulations and standards under the Freeport Bye-laws for environmental management and enforcement;
b) provision of environmental review and oversight to new and existing development/operations; and the
c) promotion of an atmosphere for sustainable planning and development with ecological considerations within the GBPA jurisdiction.

The Environmental Group Mission Statement:

To ensure sustainable development within the Port Area on the island of Grand Bahama by fair and consistent governance and enforcement of environmentally related national laws, local bye-laws, guidelines and Best Management Practices that pertains to the management of natural resources, social equity and development.

The Group holds to the following guiding principles:

To work for the well-being of all citizens in the jurisdiction of the GBPA and consistently take the island of Grand Bahamas' interest and it's changing needs into consideration when making decisions;
To seek a steady improvement in the provision of information and services through ingenuity, integrity and proficiency;
To conscientiously cultivate and strengthen relationships with those government and non-government agencies involved in environmental management; and
To explain and publicize the policies and activities of the environmental group to the GBPA group of companies/subsidiaries and the public at large.

Levels of Environmental Management/Oversight:

Heavy and Light Industry
Resort/Commercial Development
Municipal/Residential (Advisory role to the City Services Group as needed)

Areas of Focus and Activities:

Environmental Policy and Standards:

Identify emerging environmental issues requiring policy or standards.
Establish ambient environmental quality objectives.
Develop non-binding guidelines, codes or best management practices.
Develop an environmental levy policy and establish levy rates, as well as permitting fee structure

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)/Environmental Management Plan (EMP):

Based on land, coastal zone, and fresh water resource inventories, identify:

Unique/sensitive natural areas requiring conservation - no development
Appropriate areas for development
Appropriate areas for recreation
Review EIAs and EMPs prepared by project proponents.
Inspect stages of development and post development/construction for compliance.
Issue a 'permit to operate' with additional conditions if needed.

Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement

Review monitoring reports from project operators.
Evaluate the monitoring of ambient environmental quality, environmental emissions or performance of specific projects to ensure compliance with Environmental Permit to Operate conditions or other environmental requirements.
Investigate complaints/incidents.

Emergency Preparedness

Review proposed projects from standpoint of emergency response and provide comments (during EIA process).
Develop guidelines for environmental disaster prevention.
Set emergency preparedness conditions for environmental clearances.
Inspect sites for environmental emergency preparedness.
Arrange/coordinate responses to environmental emergencies.

Environmental Awareness and Outreach

Develop, present and distribute information about environmental issues for various target audiences.
Participate and organize environmental initiatives for the general public.