BASELINE SURVEY OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED LA
SOUFRIERE GEOTHERMAL FIELD
NORTH OF ST. VINCENT
Prepared by
Reynold Murray, January 13, 2013
The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of National Security, Air and Sea Port Development.
Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
1st Floor Administrative Building, Bay Street
Kingstown, St. Vincent.
31/12/2013
Dear Mr. Pompey,
In keeping with the term of the contract agreement signed December 19, 2013, by and
between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (“the Client”) and Reynold Murray and RG-LPH
/Emera (“the Consultants”) to provide the services specified in Annex A of the said contract,
please receive the following progress report as deliverable three (3) under the agreement.
Thank You.
Reynold Murray
Consultant.
Status of Work
Work on all components has progressed satisfactorily. Data collection is 90% complete. Task one is attached as an
example. Three hundred and forty five persons from the Fancy, Owia, Sandy Bay, Chateaubelair and Fitzhughes
have been surveyed (survey instrument attached) in obtaining data for the social impact.
Given the current progress and status of the baseline survey, it is expected that the completed report will be
submitted on January 30th as agreed.
INTRODUCTION
In January 2013, a Letter of Intent was signed between the Government of Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines (SVG) and Reykjavik Geothermal (RG) and Light & Power Holdings (LPH)
consortium to work together on possible geothermal development in St. Vincent.
The objective of this Geothermal Development Project is to provide approximately 5-15 MW
and up to 20 MW of clean electric power from a renewable source to SVG at a stable, cost
competitive price compared to current means of power production.
Since the geothermal drilling by the Proponents is the first of its kind on the island of Saint
Vincent, the project is setting many precedents for environmental and health and safety
standards. To carry out the Project, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
study is required. This document is the baseline assessment report commissioned by the
Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to support the Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment.
The baseline studies looked at:
1. Regulatory &Administrative Framework
Identification of national, regional and international applicable laws, regulations, policies, and
administrative bodies. Identification and detailed description of administrative bodies
responsible for various aspects of the EIA process.
2. Land Use &Cover
Studies of soil, surface geology, landscape and natural features; classification of land (e.g.
forest, agriculture etc.); land-use, land ownership and rights to use the land; resettlement and
compensation addressed.
3. Hydrology
Hydrology and hydro geological studies identifying and mapping water quality, flow, use and
potentials; surface water and groundwater; analysis of chemical and microbiological
parameters.
4. Visual Aesthetics and Cultural Resources
Visual aesthetics, identification of tourist attraction sites; archaeological, cultural, historical and
heritage resources. Identification of national parks, cemeteries and protected areas.
5. Climate and Air Quality
Pollution, noise and vibration studies, climate and air quality evaluation, including identification
of possible particular pollutants including wastes and greenhouse gas emissions. Climatological
and meteorological data to consider regarding dispersion of air pollutants during exploration
activities.
6. Biological Environment
Biological studies of ecology, vegetation, plant biodiversity, wildlife, habitats, animal
biodiversity, endangered /or threatened plants and animal species; freshwater and marine
systems.
Species which require management; species of economic significance; species of special
interest to local population or tourists; aquatic fauna of commercial /recreational value;
migratory fish species along with their spawning ground, habitat including breeding ground and
access corridor for food and shelter.
7. Socio-Economic Environment
Socio-economic factors; demographics and human settlements (demographic profile, land
ownership, cropping pattern of the project area, agricultural practices including traditional
knowledge on endemic species, non-agricultural practices such as poultry, cattle raising etc.,
economic profile, income profile with sources of income, expenditure profile, other economic
activities prevailing in the village availability of social infrastructure, availability of economic
infrastructure, gender issues). Infrastructure; unique socio-cultural history of people; public
health, hazards and risk; economic activities; indigenous peoples; simple questionnaire survey
required of attitudes of local population; sources of water pollution (present as well as future);
dependence on water system; existing and potential tourism activities.
BACKGROUND
At present SVG is highly dependent on imported petroleum products such as gasoline (for
transport), diesel (transport and electricity generation), kerosene (cooking), and butane /LPG
(cooking, water heating, and industry). Only mainland St. Vincent has indigenous hydro
resources which are exploited for electricity generation.
The increasingly high costs of fossil fuels is leading to higher electricity tariffs and the high
carbon content of fossil fuel based electricity production resulting in significant per capita
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This Project is expected to provide clean electric power from
a renewable source with minimal greenhouse gas emissions at a stable, competitive cost
compared with current means of electricity generation.
The Government of SVG has intensified its efforts to diversify its energy supply with renewable
sources. The National Energy Policy (2009) has provisions to:

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
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Guarantee clean, reliable and affordable energy supply to customers;
Strengthen the national economy by reducing the dependence on import of fossil fuels;
Reduce the dependence on import of energy through exploitation of indigenous
resources;
Liberalize the energy market by encouraging and accommodating private sector; and
Take advantage of renewable, local energy resources wherever possible.
The SVG Energy Action Plan (2010) notes that there is potential for geothermal energy to supply
the entire base load for SVG. The Project would contribute directly to increasing the proportion
of renewable energy in the national energy mix.
Successful implementation of the Project will lead to lower and stable energy prices, reduced
reliance on imported fossil fuels, and achieve energy independence and sovereignty.
The “No project” alternative could perpetuate the current situation of a heavy reliance on high
cost imported fossil fuel sources for electricity production while demand may rise. In summary,
“no project” alternative could result in possible slower economic development, continued
consumption of and probable increase in imported petroleum products, continued fluctuation
of electricity price due to fluctuation of oil prices and probable increase in greenhouse gas
emissions generated from the combustion of fossil fuels and petroleum products as a result of
increasing population demand.
Several studies have been carried out on the geothermal potential of La Soufriere but not much
information is available on the natural ecology and environmental conditions in the Soufriere
Hills.
1. REGULATORY & ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
1.1 National Laws, regulation, policies
St. Vincent & the Grenadines has legislations in place to address most environmental and social issues
within the jurisdictions of respective ministries. The Town and Country Planning Act (No.45, 1992) is the
principal legislation governing the initial work on the proposed geothermal project for St. Vincent. This
Act is initiated to guide the workings of the Physical Planning Unit in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and
falls under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Housing, Informal Human Settlements, Physical Planning, Lands
and Surveys. Under the Act, Article 29, an EIA for environmentally sensitive projects or activities is
required.
Part V of the Draft Environmental Management Act 2009 addresses energy conservation and states:
30. (1) In collaboration with other Ministries, government departments, statutory authorities, civil
society organisations and the private sector, as appropriate, the Department shall promote the use of
energy in ways that take into account human health, the environment in general and the atmosphere in
particular, through less polluting and more efficient means of production, transmission, distribution and
use of energy.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Department shall:
(a)
evaluate and, as appropriate, promote cost-effective policies and programmes to
improve energy efficiency and energy conservation;
(b)
promote the research, development and use of improved energy efficient
technologies and conservation practices, giving special attention to the
rehabilitation and modernization of power systems;
(c)
promote the development of scientific, planning and management capacities to
develop, produce and use increasingly efficient and less polluting forms of energy;
(d)
promote appropriate energy efficiency and emission standards aimed at the
development and use of technologies that minimize adverse impacts on the
environment;
(e)
advise the Minister on matter relating to energy;
(f)
promote the development of an energy policy;
(g)
promote education and awareness raising programmes concerning energy
efficiency and environmentally sound energy systems; and
(h)
promote labelling programmes for products to provide consumers with information
on opportunities for energy efficiency.
Renewable energy
31. (1) In collaboration with other Ministries, government departments, statutory authorities, civil
society organisations and the private sector, as appropriate, the Department shall evaluate and promote
the use of new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficient technologies and systems through
the application of economic instruments and the rationalisation and simplification of regulatory regimes.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Department shall:
(a)
review current energy supply mixes to determine how the contribution of
environmentally sound energy systems as a whole, particularly new and renewable
energy systems, could be increased in an economically efficient manner;
(b)
cooperate in identifying and developing environmentally sound and cost effective
energy sources to promote the availability of increased energy supplies;
(c)
promote the research, development and use of technologies and practices for
environmentally sound energy systems, including new and renewable energy systems;
and
(d)
coordinate energy plans sub-regionally and regionally and study the feasibility of
efficient distribution of environmentally sound energy from new and renewable energy
sources.
The Physical Planning Unit (PPU) has the legal authority for environmental management in general
under this Act, including the evaluation of the need for and level of EIA requirements.
The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Geothermal Resources Exploration and Development Bill (Final Draft,
2012) describes requirements for categories of and phases addressed by permits, licences and
concessions for geothermal development. Conditions of authorisations include the avoidance,
minimization and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts.
Agency
Central Water and
Sewerage
Authority
[Ministry of
Health Wellness
and the
Environment]
Ministry of
Health Wellness
and the
Environment
Legislation
 Central Water and
Sewerage Act (No.6,
1978), amended in
1992
 Central Water and
Sewerage Authority
Act (No.17, 1991)


Environmental
Health Services Act
(No.14, 1991)
Environmental
Scope
Make better provision for the conservation,
control, apportionment, and use of water
resources of SVG.
Make provision for the conservation and
maintenance of the environment in the
interest of health generally and in
particularly in relation to places frequented

[Solid Waste
Management
Unit]

Ministry of
Agriculture, Rural
Transformation
Forestry and
Fisheries


Ministry of
Agriculture, Rural
Transformation
Forestry and
Fisheries



[Forestry]

Ministry of
Tourism and
Culture


Impact Assessment
Regulations (Draft,
2009)
Environmental
Management Act
(Draft, 2009)
Waste Management
Act (No.31, 2000)
by the public
Fisheries Act (No.8,
1986), & later
amendments (No.32,
1986, and No.25,
1989)
Forest Resource
Conservation Act
(No.47, 1992
Promotion and management of fisheries and
matters pertaining there to.
Marine Parks
Authority Act
1997(No.33, 2002)
Natural Forest
Resource Act (1947)
Wildlife Protection
Act (No.16, 1987) &
later amendments
(1988, 1991)
Wildlife
Conservation Act
(1991)
National Parks Act
(No.33, 2002)
National Parks
(Amendment) Act
(No.13, 2010)
The SWMU was established in November,
1999 to execute the activities under the
“Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS) Solid and Ship-generated Waste
Management Project” and is also currently
responsible for the collection and disposal
of Solid waste on St. Vincent. In addition,
the SWM Unit is responsible for the
development of waste management facilities
on the Grenadine islands of Bequia,
Union Island and Canouan.
To provide for the conservation,
management and proper use of the forest
and watersheds, declaration of forest
reserves, cooperative forest and
conservation areas.
The establishment of Marine Parks and
other related matters.
Providing for the protection of wild and any
connected issues.
The conservation and sustainable
management of the Nation’s forest, wildlife
and national park resources
To preserve, manage, protect and develop
the natural and cultural heritage of SVG,
including the historical and cultural heritage
of the Island

Ministry of
Housing, Informal
Human
Settlement,
Physical
Planning, Lands
and Surveys
[PPU]
The Ministry of
Health Wellness
and the
Environment
houses the focal
point for these
conventions.
Town and Country
Planning Act (No.45,
1992)
United Nations Conventions
 UNCBD
The Ministry of
Health Wellness
and the
Environment.
[The SGD has
reporting
requirements for
all Ministries of
Government]

UNCCD

UNFCCC

Cartagena
Convention – LBS
protocol
St. Georges
Declaration of
Principles for
Sustainable
Development (SGD)
in the Organization of
the Eastern Caribbean
States (OECS) of
2001.

The Town and Country Planning Act
(No.45, 1992) guides planning in St.
Vincent & the Grenadines. Under this act,
the PPU has the legal authority for
environmental management in general,
including the evaluation of the need for and
level of EIA requirements.
Convention for the protection of biological
diversity.
Convention to combat desertification.
Convention to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Convent against land based sources of
marine pollution.
This sub-regional agreement is designed to
support sustainable development and covers
a wide range of environmental issues
including … the Multilateral Environmental
Agreements (MEAs)
Summary of relevant National Agencies, Legislations and Scope/Mandate
NATIONAL LEGISLATION
St. Vincent & the Grenadines has enacted several pieces of environmental management legislation with
the objective of protection, conservation, enhancement and restoration of the natural resources of the
Country. Relevant legislation to the proposed Project includes:
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Central Water and Sewerage Act (No.6, 1978), amended in 1992
Central Water and Sewerage Authority Act (No.17, 1991)
Electricity Supply Act (No.14, 1973)
Environmental Health Services Act (No.14, 1991)
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Draft, 2009)
Environmental Management Act (Draft, 2009)
Fisheries Act (No.8, 1986), & later amendments (No.32, 1986, and No.25, 1989)

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Forest Resource Conservation Act (No.47, 1992)
Geothermal Resources Development Act (Draft, 2012)
Land Acquisition Act (Chapter 241, 1947)
Litter Act (No.15, 1991)
Marine Parks Act (No.9, 1997)
Marine Parks Authority Act (No.33, 2002)
National Parks Act (No.33, 2002)
National Parks (Amendment) Act (No.13, 2010)
Natural Forest Resource Act (1947)
Noise Control Act (No.18, 1988)
Plant Protection Act (No.16, 2005)
Plant Protection Regulations (No.9, 1991)
Public Health Act (No.9, 1977)
Regulations for the National Parks Act (2002)
The Montreal Protocol Act (2003)
Town and Country Planning Act (No.45, 1992) & later amendments
Waste Management Act (No.31, 2000)
Wildlife Protection Act (No.16, 1987) & later amendments (1988, 1991)
Wildlife Conservation Act (1991)
Of those mentioned above, the following pieces of legislation are of particular significance to
the project, and as such a brief synopsis of the relevance of each is presented here:

Central Water and Sewerage Authority Act – acknowledges that permission must be
received from the Central Water and Sewerage Authority to make use of any body of
water in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for hydro-electric or geothermal purposes.

Electricity Supply Act – grants that the St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited my grant a
sub-license to another person/body, which authorizes said person/body to also provide
electricity for consumption.

Environment Management Act – defines the limits of pollution allowed and the process
for receiving a pollution permit (that acts as an exemption to this rule) should the
quantities to be produced during the process surpass the established national limits.
This Act also purports to promote and encourage the use of renewable sources of
energy by the application of economic instruments and the simplification of regulatory
regimes.

Geothermal Resources Development Act – presents the primacy of this Act above other
laws concerning water and mineral rights in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Act also identifies the requirement for a permit and the categories of permits
available when conducting geothermal activities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It
describes the eligibility criteria and application process for obtaining said licenses.
1.2 Regional applicable law/regulations/policies
CARICOM energy policy aims to fundamentally transform the energy sectors of member states of the
community through the provision of secure and sustainable supplies of energy in a manner which
minimizes energy waste in all sectors to ensure that all CARICOM citizens have access to modern, clean
and reliable energy supplies at affordable and stable price, and to facilitate the growth of internationally
competitive regional industries towards achieving sustainable development of the community.
In fulfillment of the Goal /Vision of the CARICOM Energy Policy and to assure access to affordable,
adequate, safe and clean energy products necessary for the development of Member States and for
the consolidation of the CSME (established by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas), the Community
will develop a programme of regional actions in a coherent and comprehensive way in pursuit of the
following objectives:
(a) sustainable and secure energy supplies through diversification of energy sources;
(b) accelerated deployment of renewable and clean sources of energy supplies towards increased
energy supply diversification and affordability;
(c) sustained growth of intra-Community trade in energy;
(d) increased energy efficiency and conservation in all sectors, including the transportation subsector;
(e) establishment and enforcement of labeling and standards for the importation of electrical
appliances as well as standards for vehicles importation;
(f) increased investment in production, transformation and distribution of viable
energy resources;
(g) strengthening and enhancement of the human and institutional capacities in the Community
energy sector;
(h) programmed expansion of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and trade;
(i) improved access to affordable energy by the poor and vulnerable;
(j) greater use of renewable energy for electricity generation as well as in the transportation,
industrial and agricultural sectors;
(k) coordinated approach to exploring and establishing an institutional framework for leveraging
financing mechanisms for the development of viable energy resources;
(l) increased technology transfer and information sharing;
(m) established regional and national targets for emissions reduction with corresponding mitigation
actions;
(n) strategies for maintenance of adequate energy reserves in the event of disasters; and
(o) Strengthened research, development and innovation efforts in energy sector especially in areas
of clean and renewable energy sources and technologies.
St. Georges Declaration (SGD) of Principles for Sustainable Development in the OECS
The St. Georges Declaration of Principles for Sustainable Development in the OECS is a broad based
environmental guidance document. Goal #4 of the document seeks to ensure that the principles of
sustainable development are integrated into regional and national economic and social planning and in
the production and provision of goods and services. In this regard the SGD provides a monitoring and
reporting mechanism that could be used as a check list in the monitoring of the geothermal
development process.
WORLD BANK CATEGORISATION /SAFEGUARDS
The World Bank describes in its Operational Policy (OP) on Environmental Assessment (EA), the
screening of projects to determine the extent and type of EA needed. The World Bank classifies projects
into one of four categories, see Table 1.
TABLE 1: WORLD BANK PROJECT CATEGORIES
Category
Description
Category A
Category A project is likely to have significant adverse environmental
impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts
may affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical
works. The EA for Category A project examines the project's potential
negative and positive environmental impacts, compares them with those
of feasible alternatives (including the "without project" scenario), and
recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimise, mitigate, or
compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental
performance. For Category A project, a borrower is responsible for
preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (or a suitably
comprehensive regional or sectorial EA).
Category B
Category B project has potential adverse environmental impacts on
human populations or environmentally important areas, including
wetlands, forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats - which are less
adverse than those of Category A projects. These impacts are site
specific; few if any of them are irreversible; and in most cases mitigation
measures can be designed more readily than for Category A projects.
Category C
Category C project is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental
impacts. Beyond screening, no further EA action is required.
Category FI
Category F or FI project involves investment of Bank funds through a
financial intermediary, in subprojects that may result in adverse
environmental impacts.
The World Bank has a number of OPs to ensure that the environment and human populations
are protected during the development process; the EIA will identify which impacts are likely to
be contrary to these OPs. Where mitigation, management or monitoring is required, it will be
identified in the Environmental Management/Monitoring Plan (EMP). Relevant World Bank OPs
that may be considered are:
 OP 4.01: Environmental Assessment
 OP 4.04: Natural Habitats
 OP 4.07: Water Resource Management
 OP 4.10: Indigenous Peoples
 OP 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources
 OP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement
 OP 4.36: Forests
 OP 7.60: Projects in Disputed Areas
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS
The EIA will include a review of international environmental Agreements and Conventions that St.
Vincent & the Grenadines has ratified. This will include:

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The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), ratified in 1996;
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification/Land Degradation (UNCCD),
ratified in 1998;
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), ratified in 1996;
and
St. Georges Declaration of Principles for Sustainable Development in the Organization of
the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) of 2001.
As a signatory to these conventions, St. Vincent & the Grenadines has obligations to reduce its
greenhouse gas emissions, protect and sustainably manage its biological diversity, prevent land
degradation and ensure that livelihood issues are not threatened or compromised. The National
Environmental Management Strategy and the National Economic and Social Development Plan 20132025 speaks to environmental sustainability; as a consequence, the geothermal development project
must respect and respond to these declarations and pronouncements.
1.3 Administrative bodies
The Energy Unit
The Energy Unit of the Ministry of National Security, Air and Sea Port Development manages the Project
on behalf of the Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
PHYSICAL PLANNING UNIT
The Physical Planning Unit (PPU) of the Ministry of Housing, Informal Human Settlements, Physical
Planning, Land and Surveys in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines is responsible for physical
planning and development control in general, including the EIA process. The PPU also functions as the
technical/advisory arm of the Physical Planning and Development Board.
The Physical Planning and Development Board (PPDB) has the legal authority for carrying out the
purpose and provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act.
The PPU is responsible for ensuring Project development occurs within the environmental and social
requirements of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. As part of its regular responsibilities, the PPU will review
the EIA and development applications as well as oversee all other development control related matters,
from inspection, to monitoring and enforcement.
The PPU functions as the technical/advisory arm of the Physical Planning and Development Board
(PPDP), the body that oversees national development. The Act gives the Minister the ultimate and final
decision on any planning matter. The Chair, Deputy Chair and Committee member of the PPDB are civil
society member with the Town Planner as Secretary. Other members of the PPDB include
representatives from the Police, National Properties, Transport and Works (Chief Engineer), Housing and
Land Development Corporation, CWSA, VINLEC, Lands and Surveys, Kingstown Town board, the Ministry
of Health Wellness and the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and the Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Housing.
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
The Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation and
Industry is responsible for the conservation and sustainable management of the Nation’s forest, wildlife
and national park resources. The Department is governed by the Forest Resources Conservation Act (No.
47, 1992) and the Wildlife Protection Act (No.16, 1987).
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
The Environmental Management Department of the Ministry of Health and the Environment seeks to
monitor, regulate, improve, and maintain the environmental health of all Vincentians by promoting and
enforcing sound environmental health practices, and managing, protecting, conserving, enhancing and
restoring the natural resources of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, thereby contributing to sustainable
development. The Environmental Management Department is governed by the Environmental Health
Services Act (No.14, 1991).
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT
The Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) is governed by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Waste
Management Act and Regulations, Act No.31 of 2000 amended by Act No.26 of 2005. The SWMU was
established in November, 1999 to execute the activities under the “Organization of Eastern Caribbean
States (OECS) Solid and Ship-generated Waste Management Project” and is also currently responsible
for the collection and disposal of solid waste on St. Vincent. In addition, the SWMU is responsible for
the development of waste management facilities on the Grenadine islands of Bequia, Union Island and
Canouan.
NATIONAL PARKS, RIVERS AND BEACHES AUTHORITY
The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPA) is regulated by the National Parks Act (No.33,
2002). The NPA falls under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture; their primary responsibilities are to
preserve, manage, protect and develop the natural and cultural heritage of St. Vincent & the
Grenadines, including the historical and cultural heritage of the Island. The NPA is also mandated to
establish and advance on matters of conservation, to educate the public, to regulate activities in
national parks and the buffer zone, and to undertake restorative measures in marine areas. The NPA
Board is a multi-sectorial body established by the Cabinet of Ministers.
The Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA)
The Central Water and Sewerage Act 17 of 1991 vest all waters in the country “includes ground water
and water contained or flowing in a spring, stream, river, natural lake or swamp, or in or beneath a
watercourse, or in a zone below the water table where the interstices are filled with groundwater, water
diverted or abstracted from any of the foregoing, or stored therein, by means of works, but does not
include the water in any spring which is situated wholly within the boundaries of land owned by any one
landowner and which does not naturally discharge into a watercourse extending beyond the boundaries
of such land or abutting on the boundaries of such land” .. under the control of the agency and gives it
the authority to make better provision for the conservation, control, apportionment and use of the
water resources of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and for purposes incidental thereto and
connected therewith.
The St. Vincent Electricity Company (VINLEC)
Act #14 of 1973 grant exclusive licence to the St. Vincent Electricity Services for the supply of electricity
providing for the exercise and performance of function relating to the supply of electricity and for
purposes connected therewith.
Appendix 1
RESIDENTIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
INTERVIEWER PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Date of Interview: _______________________________________________________
Interviewer Name: ______________________________________________________
Location of interview: ________________________________________________________________
INTERVIEWER PLEASE READ THE NOTE BELOW TO THE PERSONS YOU INTEND TI INTERVIEW
Hello, my name is __________________. I am doing a survey on behalf of the Energy Unit in the Ministry of
National Security under the proposed Geothermal Project. The project is exploring geothermal energy for St.
Vincent and the Grenadines. This interview will take 10 minutes of your time and the information you provide will
be used anonymously as part of the baseline for overall Environmental Impact Assessment report that goes to
Planning Department. I would therefore appreciate your time and assistance with answering a few questions.
I. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
1.
2.
Gender of the respondent
Male
How long has your family lived in this district?
 Less than one year
 1 – 5 years
 6 – 10 years
 10 – 20 years
 Over 20 years
 Over 30 years
 Over 40 years
Female
 Over 50 years
3.
Do you rent, lease or own this house?
 Rent
 Own
 Lease
Other (please specify)________________________________
4.
Do you rent, lease or own this land?
 Rent
 Own
 Lease
Other (please specify)________________________________
5.
How many persons live in this household and what are the ages of these persons?
Ages
GENDER
Males
Females
6.
What is your ethnicity (race) ?
Indigenous (Carib)
Black
White
Indian
7.
What is the employment status of the persons in your household? (ENSURE THAT ALL OF THOSE GIVEN IN Q5
ARE ACCOUNTED FOR)?
Occupation
Male
Female
Student
Unemployed
Self-employed
Part time employed
Full time employed
Retired
8.
Which of the following categories best describes the monthly income in your household?
Under EC$500
EC$501 – EC$1000
EC$1001- EC$ 2000
EC$2001 – EC$3000
EC$3001 – EC$4000
EC$4001 – EC$5000
Over EC$ 5000
9.
On average how much do you pay for electricity per month?
10. Do you or any members of your family work in agriculture?
Yes (If yes go to Q11 If no go to Q 13)
No
11. If yes where is your farm/agriculture plot located?
12. What is the size of your farm/agriculture plot?
13. If yes in what type of agriculture do you/they do?
Crops – please list what you grow
Animal husbandry – please list the animals that you raise
Other – please list any other agriculture that you undertake
14. Are you aware of any endemic or native species or plants or animals in your area or in the area where you
farm? (Vincy parrot, whistling wobbler, black snake)
II. THE NEIGHBORHOOD
15. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS AREA WHERE YOU LIVE ? (DO NOT
PROMPT. MULTIPLE ANSWERS ALLOWED)
 The people who live in the area are friendly
 It is quiet
 It is safe and secure
 Nothing
 Other (please specify)_____________________________________________________
16.
Please indicate how you currently feel about the following services in your community
Indicator
Very Poor
Poor
Adequate
Fair
Good
Excellent
NR
The current condition of the roads
Current access to public transportation
The garbage collection service
Current employment opportunities
Current lighting of the streets
17. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPROVED AND /OR INTRODUCED IN THIS
AREA?
The roads
Public transportation
Recreational facilities, such as parks
Garbage collection
Employment opportunities
Access to services (specify which ones)___________________________________________
Other (Please specify)_________________________________________________________
18. Have there been any changes in this district within the past 10 years? (DO NOT PROMPT. Multiple answers
allowed)
Increase in residential population
Decrease in residential population
Increase in businesses in the area
Decrease in businesses in the area
Other (please specify)________________________________________
19.
What changes would you like to see in this district and the surrounding areas over the next 5 years? (DO
NOT PROMPT. Multiple answers allowed)
More employment opportunities
Increased tourism opportunities
Condition of the roads improved
Garbage collection improved
Public transportation improved
Recreational facilities improved
Entertainment improved
Others (please specify)__________________________________
20. How would you describe the relationship among persons in this community? (DO NOT PROMPT. Multiple
answers allowed)
 Friendly and get along well with each other
 Work together on community projects
 Do not speak to each other
 Fight with each other
 Other (Please specify)_______________________________________________
21. Do you have any community groups in the area?
 Yes
 No
22. Please give the name of the group(s) and an idea of the number of members in the group?
23. Could you tell me about any community activities in which the residents in this area participate? Interviewer
prompt for type of activity, number of persons who participate, frequency of activity.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
24. What are the main ways that people in your community earn their living?
Agriculture
Fishing
Civil service
Own their own businesses
THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
25. Where does your water supply come from (name of river or water catchment)?
 Yes
 No
26. What is the greatest challenge with your water supply? (Read each response; multiple answers are allowed)
 Water outages
 Cloudy water
 Water had an odour
 Water had a bad taste
 Other (please specify)___________________________
27. In what ways has the water supply system affected you and your household? (Read each response and check
all that apply, multiple answers are allowed)
 Makes me late for work
 Makes the children late for school
 The school has to close because of water problems and the children are sent home
 I have to pay for water to be brought to my home (other than government piped water)
 Other (please specify)___________________________________________________
28. How often are you affected by the water supply:
Every day
Every week
Once a month
More than once a month
More than three times a year
29. Is there a time of the year when you are affected more by the water supply? If yes when?
 Yes (Specify when)____________________________________
 No
30. Have you or anyone in your household been diagnosed by a doctor as being ill because of the water?
 Yes (Specify the illness) _______________________________________
 No
31. How do you deal with the water challenges? (Read each response and check all the ones that apply)
 Install a rainwater harvesting system (Catch water from the roof)
 Collect and store rainwater in a tank
 Collect and store rainwater in other containers (please ask what type of containers________________)
 Collect and store CWSA water in a tank.
 Install a water purification system on the tap (ask which taps – kitchen or bathroom or both)
 Use bottled water for drinking and cooking
 Go to the river
 Other (please specify)
32. If you use rainwater do you purify it?
Yes
No
33. If yes what method of purification do you use?
Boiling
 Chlorine tables
Other (Please specify)__________________________________________
34. Do you use the river for any of the following activities? (Read each response and check all the ones that
apply
Bathing
Washing clothes
Washing vehicles
Water for drinking or cooking
Driving through the river
Fishing
Other (Please specify)_____________________________________________
35. If you use the river for water for cooking or drinking do you purify it first?
Yes
No
III. THE PROJECT
36. Which of the following are policies and programmes that you feel should be actively pursued by the
Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its citizens? (Check all that apply)
 A green economy
 Increased use of solar energy
 Use of wind power
 Use of Geothermal energy
 Recycling of waste
 Composting
37. Are you aware of the proposal for the development of the Geothermal energy Project in the Soufriere hills ?
(IF YES ASK Q39 and Q24; IF NO GO TO Q 41.)
 Yes
 No
38. How did you learn about it?
 Word of mouth
 Newspaper
 Radio
 Television
 Other (please specify
What do you know about it? )__________________________________________________
39.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE ALLOW THE RESPONDENT TO READ THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
40.
How do you think that the proposed geothermal project will affect you and your household? (DO NOT
PROMPT. Multiple answers allowed)
 It will not affect us (ask why not)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
 It will offer job opportunities ( ask what type)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
 It will improve the area (specify how)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
 It will disrupt our lives (specify how)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
 Other (please specify)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
41. What effect do you think the proposal for the development of geothermal energy will have on St. Vincent and
the Grenadines as a nation? ( DO NOT PROMPT. Multiple answers allowed)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
42. What considerations do you think that the developer of the Geothermal Energy project should include to
ensure that the benefits to the communities and businesses in the surrounding areas are maximised and the
negative effects minimised?
THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY.