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Coastal Zone Management Major Land Permit Application Hibiscus Hotel Phase III Construction Plot Nos. 108eb,108ec, 108ed &47-AA Estate La Grande Princesse, Company Quarter Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Submitted by: Hibiscus Beach, LLC Submitted to: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources December 07, 2023 Prepared by: Rittenhouse Consulting, LLC P.O. Box 479 Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI, 00851 Major Land Coastal Zone Management Permit Application Environmental Assessment Report For The Hibiscus Beach Hotel, LLC Hibiscus Beach Hotel Phase III Construction Plot Nos. 108-eb,108-ec, 108-ed &47-AA,109-C, 109-D,109-Da 109-E, 109-Ea, 109-R, 109-S, 109-sa, 109-T, 109-Ta Estate La Grande Princesse. Company Quarter Christiansted, St. Croix., U.S. Virgin Islands Submitted to the: Department of Planning and Natural Resources Coastal Zone Management Division St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Prepared by: Rittenhouse Consulting, LLC. P.O. Box 479 Kingshill St. Croix, USVI 00851 This Page Intentionally Left Blank Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Table of Contents •- Page i TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1.00– NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT ......................................................................... 1 SECTION 2.00– LOCATION OF PROJECT ........................................................................................................ 2 2.01 Location Map ..................................................................................................................................... 2 2.02 Property Ownership and Address ............................................................................................ 2 SECTION 3.00– ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 4.00 - STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES SOUGHT BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT………….......6 SECTION 5.00 - DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT…………………….…………………………………………...…….7 5.01 -Summary of Proposed Activities………..……………….…………….……….…………….......…..7 5.02 Purpose of Project……..………………………………………………..………….….…….……….….….7 5.03 Presence and Location of Any Critical Area(s) and Possible Trouble Spot(s)…...…8 5.04 Proposed Method of Construction ……………………………...……………..…………...…....…..8 5.05 Provisions to Limit Site Disturbance …………………………………..…...……….…….…….….8 5.06 Erosion and Sedimentation Controls ….………………………..…….………………….…..….…8 5.07 Construction Activities and Erosion Control Implementation Methods….....…...…9 5.08 Maintenance of Erosion and Sediment Control Measures ……………………….…….….9 5.09 Method of Sewage Disposal…………………………………………. ……………………….………10 5.10 Drawings and Plans.……………………………...…………………....………………………...………10 5.11 Proposed New Development Work Plan……………………………….….…………….………10 Schedule ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Construction Equipment ................................................................................................................... 10 SECTION 6.00 – PROJECT IMPACT ON NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................ 11 6.01 Climate and Weather ............................................................................................................... ….11 6.02 Landform, Geology,Earthquakes and Soils .......................................................................... 12 Landform ..................................................................................................................................... ………..12 Geology ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Earthquakes ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Soils ............................................................................................................................................................ 14 6.03 Drainage, Flooding and Erosion Control ........................................................................... ...15 Drainage .................................................................................................................................................. 15 Flooding .................................................................................................................................................... 15 Erosion Control ..................................................................................................................................... 15 6.04 Fresh Water Resources ............................................................................................................... 17 6.05 Oceanography .................................................................................................................................. 17 Seabed Alteration ................................................................................................................................. 17 Tides and Currents ............................................................................................................................... 17 Waves ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Marine Water Quality ........................................................................................................................ 19 6.06 Marine Resources .......................................................................................................................... 20 Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Table of Contents •- Page ii 6.07 Terrestrial Resources .................................................................................................................. 22 6.08 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................................... 30 6.09 Rare and Endangered Species .................................................................................................. 31 6.10 Air Quality……………………………………………………………………………………………………..31 SECTION 7.00– IMPACTS ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT ................................................................... 32 7.01 Land and Water Use Plans ......................................................................................................... 32 7.02 Visual Impacts ................................................................................................................................. 32 7.03 Impacts on Public Services and Utilities ............................................................................... 32 Water Supply .......................................................................................................................................... 32 Sewage Treatment and Disposal................................................................................ 32 Solid Waste Disposal ........................................................................................................................... 32 Roads, Traffic and Parking ......................................................................................... 33 Electricity ................................................................................................................................................. 33 Schools ...................................................................................................................................................... 33 Fire and Police Protection .......................................................................................... 33 Public Health .......................................................................................................................................... 33 7.04 Social Impacts ................................................................................................................................. 33 7.05 Economic Impacts ......................................................................................................................... 33 7.06 Impacts on Historical and Archaeological Resources ..................................................... 33 7.07 Recreational Use ............................................................................................................................ 34 7.08 Waste Disposal ............................................................................................................................... 34 7.09 Accidental Spills ............................................................................................................................. 34 7.10 Unavoidable Potential Adverse Impacts……………………………………..……….....………34 . SECTION 8.00– MITIGATION .......................................................................................................................... 35 8.01 Vegetation Management ............................................................................................................ .35 8.02 Best Management Practices ...................................................................................................... 35 SECTION 9.00– ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED PROJECT .................................................................................. 36 9.01 No-Action Alternative .................................................................................................................. 36 9.02 Replacement-In-Kind Alternative ........................................................................................... 36 9.03 Preferred Alternative ................................................................................................................... 36 SECTION 10.–RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM & LONG-TERM USES OF THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT37 10.01 Natural and Social Environment ........................................................................................... 37 10.02 Economic Environment ............................................................................................................ 37 SECTION 11 – REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 38 APPENDICES Appendix A: Other Required Submittals and Forms Appendix B: Archeological Phase I Report & VISHPO Correspondence Appendix C: Required Maps From Cadastral Appendix D Project Engineering Drawings (Under Separate Cover) Appendix E: Qualifications of Consultants Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Table of Contents •- Page iii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2-1. Regional Location of Hibiscus Beach Hotel Property ............................................................... 3 Figure 2-2. Site Location .............................................................................................................................................. 4 Figure 6-1 Geology ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 6-2 Earthquake Probability Map, UVI Conservation Data Center.............................................. 14 Figure 6-3 Approximate distribution of NRCS Mapped Soil Units at Site ............................................. 15 Figure 6-4 FEMA Flood FIRM Map of Hibiscus Beach Expansion Project Site ........................................ 16 Figure 6-5 Hibiscus Beach Hotel Mapgeo USVI FEMA Flood Zones .......................................................... 17 Figure 6-6 General Currents off St. Croix (IRF 1977) .................................................................................. 18 Figure 6-7 Location of DPNR Sampling Stations around St. Croix .......................................................... 20 Figure 6-8 Benthic Map of Coastal Waters in the Vicinity of Project Site ............................................ 21 Figure 6-9 Sargassum on Hibiscus Beach ......................................................................................................... 22 Figure 6-10 Location of Mapped Wetlands Units in Relation to the Project Site ............................ 30 LIST OF TABLES Table 5-1. Proposed Construction Schedule ..................................................................................................... 10 Table 6-1 Water Quality Criteria .......................................................................................................................... 19 Table 6.2 -List of Plants & Shrubs found on Hibiscus Beach Project Expansion Site…….…..….….24 Table 6-3 List of Common Bird Species………………………………………………………………………….…....26 Table 6-4 Terriory Threatened and Endangered Species List……………………………………….…….....31 Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Name and Address of Applicant • Section 1 - Page 1 SECTION 1.00 -NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT PROPERTY OWNERSHIP Full name: Hibiscus Beach, LLC. Registered office 47AA La Grande Princesse, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820 Place of Registration St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands DEVELOPER’S NAME The developer of the property is also the owner which Hibiscus Beach, LLC (“Hibiscus Beach”) d/b/a Hibiscus Beach Hotel (the “Hotel”) a U.S. Virgin Islands (“USVI”) limited liability company. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Location of Project • Section 2 - Page 2 SECTION 2.00 – LOCATION OF PROJECT The Hibiscus Beach Hotel is located on the island of St. Croix on beachfront property in Estate La Grande Princesse approximately a 10-minutes’ drive west-north-west of the town of Christiansted and a 20-minute-drive from the Henry E. Rohlsen airport. It is located about 2 miles north-west of Christiansted in Estate La Grande Princesse, adjacent to the Palms Hotel and Restaurant. The Hotel lies on approximately four (4) acres of beach front property in Estate La Grande Princesse and is currently being renovated to mirror its original configuration with some modifications. The owner of the hotel also plans to expand the existing hotel. The expansion phase of the project will be done to the east of the existing footprint of the hotel on undeveloped Plots Nos. 47-AA, 108-eb, 108-ec and 108-ed. The entire project is located in the Coastal Zone (Tier I) of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This Environmental Assessment Report (EAR)/CZM Application is specifically for the expansion phase of the project. 2.01 Location Map The Project Site is located at Latitude 17°45’43.25” North and Longitude -64°43’59.94” West. The regional location of the Hibiscus Hotel Property is displayed in Figure 2-1. The layout of the existing hotel is depicted in an aerial map shown in Figure 2.2. The property was first developed in the1992 and was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria 2.02 Property Ownership and Address The plots of land on which the proposed expansion of the hotel will take place are owned by Hibiscus Beach, LLC (“Hibiscus Beach”) d/b/a Hibiscus Beach Hotel (the “Hotel”). Copies of the deeds to properties in question are included in Appendix A of this application.. The addresses and legal descriptions of the impacted properties, based on survey maps from the U.S Virgin Islands Government Cadastral offices, are as follows: Plot No. 47-A Parcel No. 202700012200 Estate La Grande Princesse, Company Quarter, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Latitude: 17.761612° N Longitude: - 64°.731697 W Plot Nos. 108-eb, 108-ec & 108-ed Parcel No. 202700010900 Estate La Grande Princesse, Company Quarter, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Latitude: 17.761893° N Longitude: -64.731905° W Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Location of Project • Section 2 - Page 3 Figure 2.1 Regional Location of Hibiscus Hotel Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Location of Project • Section 2 - Page 4 Figure 2.2 Aerial Map of Current Hibiscus Hotel Site ( Google Earth 03/08/2023) Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Abstract • Section 3 - Page 5 SECTION 3.00 – ABSTRACT Hibiscus Beach, LLC (“Applicant”) plans to renovate and expand the old Hibiscus Hotel located at La Grande Princesse, St. Croix. On completion of all three phases of construction planned, the hotel will be transformed into a sophisticated, and fashionable establishment which will feature all the amenities associated with a boutique hotel including a bar, a gym a restaurant, a large pool and 115 adequate parking spaces. The establishment will boast one hundred and three (103) guest rooms. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Statement of Objectives Sort by the Project • Section 4 - Page 6 SECTION 4.00 – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES SOUGHT BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT The Property is the site of the former Hibiscus Beach Hotel, which was heavily damaged in the 2017 hurricanes. The Property has sat unused and derelict since the 2017 hurricanes. The primary objective of the expansion phase (Phase III) of the Hibiscus Beach Hotel is to construct sixty-two (62) additional guest rooms with additional amenities. On completion of the project, the hotel will boast one hundred and three (103) hotel rooms. On completion of all three phases of construction, this hotel will be transformed into a sophisticated, and fashionable establishment which will feature all the amenities associated with a boutique hotel including a bar, a gym, a restaurant, and a large pool. The establishment will boast one hundred and three (103) hotel rooms. The demolition/reconstruction is currently being done and the expansion of the hotel will start upon securing the necessary Coastal Zone Management and Building Permits. The three phases of construction are as follows: • Phase I - Demolition and removal of all hurricane debris and uprooted vegetation from the Property - Demolition of the existing boardwalk and replacement with weatherproof pathways; • Phase II - Reconstruction of the first forty-one (41) rooms, along with the bar, restaurant and gym - Exterior and interior finishes, and the installation of windows, doors, painting, and fixtures; • Phase III - Construction of sixty-two (62) additional guest rooms and other amenities (this phase requires a Major Land CZM Permit). On completion of all three phases of construction, this hotel will be transformed into a sophisticated, and fashionable establishment which will feature all the amenities associated with a boutique hotel including a bar a gym, a restaurant, and a large pool. The living space for a typical new guest room will be about 350 square foot. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Project Description• Section 5 Page 7 SECTION 5.00 – DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT 5.01 Summary of Proposed Activities The proposed activities for the reconstruction and expansion of the Hibiscus Beach Hotel will be done in three phases. The demolition/reconstruction is currently being done and the expansion of the hotel will start upon securing the necessary Coastal Zone Management and Building Permits. The three phases of construction are as follows: • Phase I - Demolition and removal of all hurricane debris and uprooted vegetation from the Property - Demolition of the existing boardwalk and replacement with weatherproof pathways; • Phase II - Reconstruction of the first forty-one (41) rooms, along with the bar and pool - Exterior and interior finishes, and the installation of windows, doors, painting, and fixtures; • Phase III - Construction of sixty-two (62) additional guest rooms and other amenities (this phase requires a Major Land CZM Permit). The hotel is expected to serve both leisure and business travelers. The hotel will have food and beverage services, flexible meeting spaces, a fitness center, business center, and outdoor pool. The property owners said the revamped Hibiscus Beach Hotel would have 103 rooms, a swimming pool, convenient parking, a gift shop, a meeting center, a fitness center, a restaurant, and other recreational facilities. The US Virgin Islands Code parking requirements will be met and provided on site. For the overall hotel operations, the coed requirement for parking spaces is 108. There will be 115 parking spaces for hotel guests and employees with seven (7) parking spaces designated for public access to the beach. The development site is located in La Grande Princesse on the north-central shores of the Island of St. Croix. Phase III construction activities will take place on numerous plots of land which add up to about 4 acres including previously undeveloped parcels Plot Nos. 108eb,108ec, 108ed &47-AA Estate La Grande Princesse, Company Quarter, Christiansted, St. Croix., U.S. Virgin Islands. The parcels of land which will be impacted during Phase III construction activities are all zoned R-3 (residential). 5.02 Purpose of this Project The purpose of the project is to revitalize and expand a hotel that was severely damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The reconstructed Hibiscus Beach Hotel will consist of 103 rooms, a swimming pool, convenient parking, a gift shop, a meeting center, a fitness center, a restaurant, and other recreational facilities. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Project Description• Section 5 Page 8 5.03 Presence and Location of Any Critical Area(s) and Possible Trouble Spot(s) The parcels of land slated for the expansion phase of the hotel are mostly located in a FEMA designated Flood Zone AE . The beachfront segments of two of the four parcels are located in FEMA Flood Zone VE The current owners purchased four adjacent lots immediately east of the hotel which will be utilized for the proposed hotel expansion. There is a Right-of-Way (ROW) which provides public beach access that separates these four adjacent properties from the old property line of the Hibiscus Beach Hotel and serves as a natural drainage path for stormwater to the ocean for the area upland of the hotel location. Rainwater collects in the lowest point when it rains as does saltwater when there are hightides and storm surges. There is a narrow strip of seven white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) trees approximately forty feet long and four feet wide on the eastern side of the ROW part of which can be characterized as “wetlands”. The GPS coordinate for this cluster of White Mangroves is N 17° 45.7351’ and W 64° 43.8986’, using the WGS 84 map datum. These mangroves will be protected and will be incorporated in the overall landscape plans for the hotel. The natural drainage path will not be affected and a small pedestrian bridge will be constructed over the drainage path to connect the existing hotel with the new section. A new path for public beach access will be established along the western perimeter of the hotel property line and a specific parking area will be constructed and designated primarily for use by members of the public who plan to use the beach. 5.04 Proposed Method of Construction The additional structures to the existing hotel will be constructed using standard construction methodology including a masonry foundation system supporting a first floor consisting of traditionally constructed cast-in-place concrete slab and site-constructed walls forming the base for the structure. The foundation will be a concrete-reinforced mat foundation. That will involve the removal and replacement of expansive clay with suitable compacted soil as per geotechnical report. The new buildings will have finish floor elevations (FFEs) of 10 and 12 feet. Existing buildings will have lower level raised by 1 foot. (see civil drawings for FFE) The intent is to limit subgrade disturbance to the greatest extent possible in the construction of the building’s foundation systems. 5.05 Provisions to Limit Site Disturbance This proposed expansion area is a disturbed site. The seven white mangrove trees on the north-eastern segment of the current Right-Of-Way (ROW) to the beach will be preserved. Construction will have limited excavation below the level of the existing grade s to minimize soil disturbance. 5.06 Erosion and Sedimentation Controls Sediment control methods to be implemented include installation of the following best management practices (BMPs) for the protection of the existing storm sewer and drainage systems, installed at the start of construction activities: Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Project Description• Section 5 Page 9 1. Sediment control silt fence 2. Fence with dust screen 3. Drop inlet sediment barrier 4. Stabilized construction entrances Sediment control methods are described in more detail on the following architectural and engineering drawings submitted with the Major Coastal Zone Management Land Permit Application: 1. Erosion Control Plan sheet (Drawing No. 02 C-4) 2. Erosion Control Details Sheet (Drawing No. 02-C-5) 5.07 Construction Activities and Erosion Control Implementation Methods Schedule At the commencement of construction activities and prior to any earthmoving, sediment protection of the storm sewer or receiving water ways will be installed per the SWPPP. Stormwater inlets shall be protected during construction and employed as soon as practical during the various stages of inlet construction. Silt barriers shall remain in place until construction is complete or if in grassed areas, until sodding around inlets is complete. Stabilized construction entrances shall be installed at the start of construction to reduce sediment tracking off site. All wash water from concrete trucks, vehicle cleaning, equipment cleaning, etc. shall be detained on site and shall be properly treated or disposed. Sequence of Construction Activities will be a phased approach: Step 1: 1. Construct stabilized construction entrance and install silt fence and inlet protection. 2. Perform any clearing and grubbing . Step 2: 1. Perform mass grading. Rough grade to establish proposed drainage patterns. 2. Construct proposed drainage infrastructure. 4. Construct proposed improvements, including buildings and parking areas. 5. Complete final grading, landscaping/seeding, and final stabilization. 6. Remove temporary erosion control measures. 5.08 Maintenance of Erosion and Sediment Control Measures All measures stated on the erosion control and sediment control plan, and in the Construction SWPPP shall be maintained in fully functional condition until no longer required for a completed phase of work or final stabilization of the site. All erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be checked by a qualified person at least once every seven calendar days and within 24 hours of the end of a 0.5” rainfall event, and cleaned and repaired. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Project Description• Section 5 Page 10 5.09 Method of Sewage Disposal The existing hotel is connected to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) Public Sewer System. The proposed expansion will also be connected to the existing sewer system. 5.10 Drawings and Plans. The required Cadastral Drawing Set is included in Appendix D. The 70% Design Complete Architectural and Engineering Drawing Set is referenced in Appendix E and submitted under separate cover. 5.11 Proposed Project Work Plan and Schedule Project Schedule The applicant proposes the following sequence of activities for the Hibiscus Beach Hotel Phase III Construction as outlined in Table 5-1. Table 5-1- Project Schedule Construction Equipment Major equipment will be as utilized in standard construction activities of this nature to include dump trucks, flatbed trucks, backhoes, concrete mixing trucks, an excavator, and a small crane. Steps Description 1st Quarter 2025 Completing Permitting Process 2nd Quarter 2025 Start of Construction Activities 4th Quarter 2026 Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy 1st Quarter 2027 Garnd Opening Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Expansion Phase, St. Croix, USVI Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 Page 11 SECTION 6.00 – ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROBABLE PROJECT IMPACT ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 6.01 Climate and Weather The climate throughout the U.S.V.I. is maritime tropical, generally consisting of fair weather and steady easterly trade winds. Mean air temperatures range between 76º and 82º Fahrenheit (F) throughout the year (NRCS 2002). The highest temperatures occur in August through September and the lowest are typically from January through February. The highest average daytime temperature in the warmest months is about 88º F, and in the coolest months is in the low 80s. Nighttime lows are usually in the mid-70s during the warmer months and in the high 60s during the cooler months (USGS 1996). Rainfall amounts vary with topography and increase at higher elevations. The wettest period is generally from September to December, and the driest period is from January to June (USGS 1996). The average annual rainfall on St. Croix is approximately 42 inches, ranging from 30 inches toward the eastern end of the island to more than 50 inches at the higher elevations to the west. The La Grande Princesse area receives about 34 inches of rainfall per year on average. There are numerous weather disturbances during the year, especially squalls and thunderstorms. These occur most frequently during the summer, lasting only a few hours and causing no pronounced change in the trade winds. The official hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th. Hurricanes occur most frequently between August and October with their peak activity occurring in September. Hurricane winds may easily exceed well over 74 miles per hour and significantly affect the area. Bowden, M.J. et. al., (1969) estimated the annual probability of a hurricane to be one every sixteen years. However, more recent computer simulations of future hurricane intensity and precipitation as a result of a CO2-induced warming environment (global warming) predict increased intensity of rainfall (i.e., bigger storms that concentrate rain in time) for many areas of the world including the Atlantic basin (Knutson and Tuleya, 2004). Since 1989, the Virgin Islands were significantly impacted by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn in 1995 and Hurricanes Bertha and Hortense in 1996. In addition, Hurricane Georges passed directly over St. Croix on September 21, 1998 and Hurricane Lenny, a Category 4 hurricane, impacted St. Croix on November 17, 1999. Hurricane Lenny developed very late in the season and approached the island from the southwest. Minor Hurricanes Earl and Irene did some limited damage to the Virgin Islands in 2010 and 2011. Most recently (2017), the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Central Caribbean were hit with Hurricanes Irma and Maria, two major category storms within two weeks of each other. Irma made a direct hit on St. John and St. Thomas and Maria made a direct hit on St. Croix causing widespread damage and devastation. Hurricane Irma passed over St Thomas, US Virgin Islands as a Category 5 storm on September 6, 2017, with peak winds of 180 miles per hour. Two weeks later, on September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria hit St Croix, as a Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 12 Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175 mph and then moved across Puerto Rico causing widespread destruction and devastation. The islands have made significant progress in recovering from these two devasting hurricanes. The project will not have a measurable impact on climate or weather patterns but solar panels will be installed to lower the electricity consumption from VIWAPA and reduce the carbon footprint of the hotel. Electricity consumption will be reduced by 25% or more (See Section 7.03 Impacts on Public Services and Utilities). All structures to be constructed on the site will be designed to meet hurricane standards and to withstand environmental conditions at the site. 6.02 Landform, Geology, Earthquakes and Soils Landform The project site is centrally located on a flat plain that forms the northern-central coastal portion of that region of St. Croix. This track of land consists of flat land ranging in elevation from 10 feet to 15 feet above mean sea level. Geology of St. Croix The island of St. Croix consists geologically of two predominant mountainous areas (the North side and the East End ranges), with a central sediment filled valley in between. The oldest rock underlying both ranges, and probably in the valley as well, is from the Cretaceous period, 80 million years ago. These sedimentary rocks which were formed from the erosion of volcanic ash and debris, and are beset with igneous intrusions, underwent a period of orogeny lifting them up from the ocean floor and forming two islands with a channel in between. Oligocene clay and mud was deposited in this channel forming what is known as the Jealousy formation. Next, tertiary limestone was deposited when this channel area became a lagoon encircled by coral reef. The limestone and marls that overlay the Jealousy formation are known as the Kingshill formation. After these formations were deposited, the area underwent another period of uplifting, the two islands became connected by the newly emergent filled-in area, and the island of St. Croix was formed. Since that time, geologic activity has been limited primarily to the erosion of sediments and the formation of ponds, beaches, reefs, and beach rock coast. The southern and eastern portions of the St. Croix Platform, differing greatly from the northern and western regions, have a gradient of much less amplitude and therefore, a wider shelf area. Geology of Project Site According to an article published by H. H. Hess et al (1966) in the Journal of the Geological Society of America, the bedrock of St. Croix is generally composed of volcanic uplands and sedimentary lowlands. Underlying the project site is part of a large layer of surficial Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 13 deposits. This layer comprises the Caledonia formation, the Cane Valley Formation, and the Judith Fancy Formation. The oldest rocks exposed on St. Croix are the alternating dark and light-banded sedimentary rocks of the Caledonia Formation. These rock formations are tophaceous rock consisting of consolidated volcanic ash ejected from vents during a volcanic eruption. There are some igneous rocks located in Windsor in the Northside range and Recovery Hill in the East End Range. The Caledonia formation is characterized by alternating layers of light-gray and bluish- black beds. The lighter colored rocks are sandstones and conglomerates. The darker colored rocks are either mudstones or silicified mudstones or chert. The Caledonia Formation grades laterally and vertically into a variety of other sedimentary rocks, including the Allandale Formation, the Cane Valley Formation, the East End Member (of the Caledonia Formation), and the Judith Fancy Formation. Although these rocks are variable in lithology, all contain tophaceous material or fragments of altered glass and crystals deposited originally as volcanic ash. The rocks are probably all of marine origin, and the sediments show signs of reworking by currents. The Hibiscus Beach Hotel property is a beachfront property and lies about 40 ft from the coastline on the north central coast of St. Croix in the coastal plain (see Figure 6-1). The coastal plain, which is composed of sedimentary rocks of Tertiary age, occurs in a graben between the Northside and East End ranges. The sedimentary rocks lie the Judith Fancy Formation. Figure 6.1 St. Croix Geology Source: USGS Ground Water Resources Earthquakes Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 14 The U.S.V.I. is susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis (tidal waves) (Hays, 1984). The last major earthquake in the islands occurred in 1867. The earthquake probability map for St. Croix, produced by the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Conservation Data Center, is shown in Figure 6-2. Figure 6.2- Earthquake Probability Map Source: UVI Conservation Data Centre Soils Within the Project Site The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Soil Survey Map for the four parcels (Plot No. 44-A and Plot Nos. 108-eb, 108-ec & 108-ed, Estate La Grande Princesse) depicts two soil types within the proposed project area. There is the beach front which is primarily sand (BsB) immediately along the shoreline and Sion Clay (SiA- 0 to 2 percent slopes) which is prevalent on the remainder of the property. Sion Clay is found on valley floors and at the toe of slopes. These are well drained soils which are clay to 12” becoming gravelly clay between 12”-16” and then gravelly sandy clay loam to 32” and then loam below. No filling, grading or dredging is proposed that will affect the geology of the area. A soil survey map is presented below and the approximate distribution on the site is depicted in Figure 6-3 Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 15 Figure 6.3-Approximate Distribution of NRCS Mapped Soil Units at Hibiscus Beach 6.03 Drainage, Flooding and Erosion Control Existing Drainage Patterns Based on the existing topography of the site, the Right-of-Way which provides public beach access, serves as a natural drainage path for stormwater that sheet flows to the ocean for the area. Proposed Alterations to Drainage Patterns No alterations will be made to the existing drainage pattern. Relationship to Coastal Flood Plain Review of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)for U.S. Virgin Islands Index shows the site area on Panel No. 7800000071G dated April 16, 2007 indicates most of the proposed development area is located within Flood Zone AE where 100yr storm elevations have been determined to be 10 ft. The northern beach front area along the shoreline is in Flood Zone VE Units where 100yr storm elevations with velocity (wave action) have been determined to be 14ft. The existing structures on the site have high foundations to meet first floor elevation requirements. The new structures will also be built to meet first floor elevation requirements as well. Flooding Flooding on St. Croix occurs in the guts at the lower elevations during high intensity rainfall as water drains from the steeper slopes of the mountainous areas in the northern part of the island (NRCS 2002). The project site is located inside the Federal Emergency Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 16 Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Zone because it is located in a flood plain and in close proximity to the coastline. The project site falls within a Flood Zone AE designation zone which is a high-risk flood zone. Flood Zone AE areas have a 1% risk of flooding annually with a 26% risk of flooding over the course of a 30-year mortgage. The FEMA Flood Zone Map is shown in Figure 6-4. The Hibiscus Beach Hotel is located about 10 feet above mean sea level (MSL) and was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The facility experienced some flooding as a result of the waves that impacted the shoreline during that storm event. The construction of a retaining wall along the seaward perimeter of the property is planned to mitigate a recurrence of this problem. Erosion Control The applicant is sensitive to the protection and preservation of both the marine and terrestrial eco-systems. Effective sediment control requires effective erosion control. Preventing soil particles from entering storm water runoff is the most efficient way to prevent sediment from leaving the site. The project will be constructed using Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to reduce erosion. BMPs will be employed during construction and will include installation of a silt fence on the down-gradient (north) side of the site. The silt fence will be maintained until the end of construction. The silt fence will be inspected weekly and after every rain event that produces runoff within a 24-hour period and repaired or replaced, as necessary. Silt fencing will be cleaned out when sediments have reached 6 inches in depth. Figure 6.4 – FEMA Flood FIRM Map of the Hibiscus Beach Hotel Project Site Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 17 Figure 6.5 – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Mapgeo USVI FEMA Flood Zones 6.04 Fresh Water Resources Fresh water is a limited resource in the U.S.V.I. (DPNR 2000). The Kingshill Limestone formation of central St. Croix is the only ground water aquifer on the island. There are no fresh water ponds or surface water resources in close proximity to the project site. The project will have no impact on freshwater resources. No wells are proposed, and the facility will tie into the existing public water service. A public water main is available adjacent to the property and will be supplement with the collection of rainwater from the roofs of the buildings which are stored in basement cisterns underneath each building 6.05 Oceanography Seabed Alteration No seabed alterations are proposed for this project. There will be no effluent discharges from the hotel into the ocean. The proposed project is located about 50 ft inland and would not affect the marine benthic environment. Tides and Currents The Virgin Islands coastal areas are not subject to significant tidal ranges or tidal currents. Due to the small size of the islands, the sea flows around the island, causing an average tidal height of only a few inches and maximum change of only a little over a foot. The mean tides range from 0.8 feet to 1.0 feet and the spring tidal ranges reach up to 1.8 feet (IRF 1977). Normal tidal ranges may be greatly exceeded during storm conditions, however, when a combination of lower barometric pressure at the ocean surface and storm winds amplify the tidal crest. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 18 A. H. Gleen and Associates (1973) estimated the 10-year and 100-year storm tides for the project area to be 20 inches and 36 inches respectively offshore and four feet and seven feet respectively at the shoreline. The tides on the north coast of St. Croix are primarily diurnal in nature. The surface currents throughout the Caribbean are driven by the North Equatorial Current that runs through the islands west-northwest and then joins the Gulf Stream. Currents off the north shore of St. Croix average around 0.7 knots. The dominant currents along the north coast of St. Croix run from east to west driven by easterly trade winds. In general, water flow parallels the coast from east to west, following the trend of bottom contours (Figure 6-6). Water currents are largely wind and wave driven with only a minor influence attributable to the small tides in this part of the Caribbean. Figure 6-6 General Currents off St. Croix (IRF 1977) Waves The deep-water waves off St. Croix are primarily driven by the northeast trade winds that blow most of the year. Waves average from one to three feet from the east, 42 percent of the time throughout the year (IRF, 1977). For 0.6 percent of the time easterly waves reach twelve feet in height. The southeasterly swell with waves one to twelve feet high become significant in late summer and fall when the trade winds blow from the east or when tropical storms and hurricanes pass the islands at a distance to the south. During the winter months, the northern swells are larger than in the summer and develop to a height of one to five feet. Numerous studies have been conducted along the north shore in the Salt River Bay Area. These studies have determined that the wave amplitude ranges between two feet and six feet most of the time and that waves seldom exceed ten feet. A. H. Glenn and Associates, through analysis of wave regime and submarine conformation of the area, have predicted that the maximum wave heights for the 10- and 100-year periods have crests of 27 feet and 40 feet above still water depth, respectively. The Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 19 corresponding wave periods are 12 and 15 seconds, respectively. The National Hurricane Center's Storm Surge Group has determined that the maximum envelope of water - the height of water over mean sea-level - will occur at the site during a Category 5 storm from the north northwest, northwest or north, and will be 6.8 feet in height. The proposed Hibiscus Beach Hotel expansion project will not affect wave action on the north central coast of St. Croix. Marine Water Quality According to the current U.S. Virgin Islands water quality standards, the waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands exist in one of four classes: I, A, B and C. Class “I” waters can be either inland surface waters or inland groundwaters. Marine waters are classified as either A, B, or C depending on the water quality. Storm-water run-off from the Hibiscus Beach Hotel property and its environs discharges into the Caribbean Sea immediately north of the property location. DPNR has marine water quality monitoring station (VI-STC-23) in the vicinity of St. Croix-by-the-Sea that cover from St. Croix-by-the-Sea to Pelican Cove (See Figure 6-7). Hibiscus Beach Hotel is located 0. 55 miles south- east of St. Croix-by-the Sea and 0.9 miles north-west of Pelican cove. Marine waters in that location has a water quality classification of B. According to the USVI Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report (DPNR- 2022), the coastal waters of St. Croix are primarily designated for Class B uses, which are of a quality sufficient for “propagation of desirable species of marine life and for primary contact recreation (swimming, water skiing, etc.)”. The criteria for maintaining this class are defined by the Virgin Island Code of Rules and Regulations (VIR&R) Title 12, Chapter 7, Section 186-3(b), and are listed in Table 6-1. Class C waters require similar, but less stringent standards, and are limited to industrial areas and Class A waters are designated for the “preservation of natural phenomena” and are only found around Bucks Island. Table 6-1 Water Quality Criteria Parameter Class B Criteria Class C Criteria Dissolved Oxygen Not less than 5.5 mg/L Not less than 5.0 mg/L pH 7.0 – 8.3 6.7-8.5 Temperature < 90 F < 90 F Bacteria Not to exceed 70 fecal coliforms per /100 ml by MF or MPN count; Not to exceed a geometric mean of 35 enterococci per 100 ml; Not to exceed a single sample maximum of 104 per 100 ml at any time Not to exceed 200 fecal coliforms per /100 ml by MF or MPN count; Not to exceed a geometric mean of 35 enterococci per 100 ml; Not to exceed a single sample maximum of 104 per 100 ml at any time Phosphorus < 50 mg/L Same as Class B Suspended, Colloidal, Settleable Solids None from wastewater which would cause deposition or be otherwise deleterious Same as Class B Oil and Floating Substances No residue attributable to waste water. No visible film; no globules of grease Same as Class B Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 20 Parameter Class B Criteria Class C Criteria Radioactivity Gross Beta: 1000 picocuries per liter, in the absence of Sr90 and alpha emitters Radium-226: 3 picocuries per liter Strontium-90: 10 picocuries per liter Same as Class B Taste and Odor None in amounts to interfere with use for primary contact recreation, potable water supply or to render undesirable taste or odor to edible aquatic life None in amounts to interfere with use for primary contact recreation, potable water supply or to render undesirable taste or odor to edible aquatic life Color and Turbidity A. A secchi disc shall be visible at a minimum depth of one meter. For waters where the depth does not exceed one (1) meter, the bottom must be visible. B. A maximum nephelometric turbidity unit reading of three (3) shall be permissible A secchi disc shall be visible at a minimum depth of one meter. MPN-most probable number Source: DPNR, 2016 Figure 6-7 Location of DPNR Sampling Stations around St. Croix 6.06 Marine Resources The project site is located 50 feet upland of the coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea at Hibiscus Beach and 2.2 miles west-north-west of the town of Christiansted. The coastal water is part of Christian Harbor. There are dense scattered seagrass beds off-shore and a barrier reef which protects the harbor from most wave action. There appears to be a man-made breach in the barrier reef at Hibiscus Beach which apparently was done to allow local fishermen to navigate through beyond the barrier reef. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS) Benthic habitat map shows the site as having Reef Colonized Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 21 Pavement on the shoreline to the north-west of the project site and continuous seagrass beds offshore to the south-east. There is no coral colonized pavement along the shoreline only a sandy/cobbly beach. The seagrass beds are fairly continuous but only occupy between 50 and 70% of the area immediately north of the shoreline. Nearshore there is scattered coral rubble and small stones (See Figure 6-8). In recent years, like most waters and beaches in the Caribbean, the area has been inundated with brown seaweed (Sargassum) (See Figure 6-9 below). Efforts to manage this perennial problem will be based on implementing recent policies and practices as detailed in the recently DPNR-CZM published document “A Foundational Blueprint for the Development of a Comprehensive Pelagic Sargassum Management Plan for the United States Virgin Islands.” Given the location of the proposed site for the project there will be no impact on any resources in the marine environment. Figure 6-8 Benthic Map of Coastal Area in Close Proximity to Project Site Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 22 Figure 6-9 Sargassum on Hibiscus Beach (Photo taken 3-24-2023 (Courtesy EDD)) 6.07 Terrestrial Resources In April of 2023, a plant and wildlife animal expert from the University of the Virgin Islands Experimental Station conducted a flora and fauna field survey of the vegetated area on Plot No. 44-A and Plot Nos. 108-eb, 108-ec & 108-ed, Estate La Grande Princesse. This survey was conducted to document terrestrial resources. Vegetation and wildlife were observed on that property and recorded. Vegetation The area can be divided into four distinct zones, the beach and foredune, a woodland of Thespesia populnea growing on the sandy berm behind the beach, an area of mainly exotic and invasive woody vegetation growing behind the berm woodland, and the public right of way. Most of the vegetation is considered invasive and exotic, but there are some native species too. The only vegetation that has to be conserved and protected are seven white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) trees growing on the east edge of the right of way. The Beach and Foredune: The closest part to the water is just sand but as one gets above the high tide mark, plants adapted to salt water, salt air, and sand grow and trap windblown sand. There are scattered coconut palms. Grasses such as saltmarsh cord grass, (Spartina patens), and herbs as Seaside Rocket (Cakile edentula) and Hawaiian Naupaka (Scaevola sericea) trap windblown sand and start the formation of dunes. Loose sand then gets colonized by a low growing, spreading and succulent herb called Sea purslane (Sesuvium portulaca) that traps the loose sand beneath it. It should be mentioned that Hawaiian Naupaka with its white fruits was introduced as an ornamental and is an invasive exotic that forms large stands on the beach. It has displaced Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 23 the native (Scaevola plumeria) with black fruits. In an ideal world, careful landscapers in the Caribbean would replace the Hawaiian Naupaka (S. sericea) with the native Caribbean Inkberry (S. plumeria). This beach growing inkberry, although it shares the same name, is not the Inkberry Bush or Crucian Christmas Tree (Randia aculeata). Berm Woodland: Behind the windswept foredune, a woodland of (Thespesia populnea) trees has grows upon a berm of sand. These multi-stemmed trees with showy flowers go by various names such as Portia-tree, Haiti-Haiti, Seaside Majo, and Seaside Hibiscus. This last common name is shared with another similar looking tree, Hibiscus tiliaceus. Perhaps these trees gave the Hibiscus Hotel its name. Thespesia populnea is originally a species native to the Old-World Tropics of Africa and Asia, but after mainly years become naturalized on the shores of the Caribbean Basin. Exotic and Invasive Scrub: Once off the berm and between it and a driveway, there is an area of mainly exotic and invasive woody vegetation, such as the very invasive rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) and white manjack (Cordia alba). It is visibly lower than the berm and is a clayey soil as opposed to a sandy soil. Clay soils hold moisture whereas sands readily drain. The Public Right of Way: There is an existing ”right of way”. It runs south to north and appears to be the outlet of a natural drainage than ran from the hills south of the Estate Princess Grande neighborhood to the sea. Most of that drainage has been paved over. Rainwater collects in the lowest point when it rains as does saltwater when there are hightides and storm surges. There is a narrow strip of seven white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) trees. The strip is approximately forty feet long and four feet wide on the eastern side of the right of way. Behind the mangroves are some crabholes in the mud and then the sand berm starts. The white mangroves are clearly marked with orange flagging. The GPS coordinate is N 17° 45.7351’ and W 64° 43.8986’, using the WGS 84 map datum. Public access to the beach will be provided along the eastern perimeter of the property with seven designated parking spaces. Wildlife: The beach in front of the Hibiscus Hotel and the adjacent Palm Hotel are sea turtle nesting sites. Two species of sea turtles, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochyles imbricata) use this beach as nesting sites (personal communication with Claudia Lombard, Biologist and assistant director, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge). Both are endangered species; the Hawksbill Turtle is considered critically endangered. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 24 The beach at the adjacent Palms Hotel is also a turtle nesting site. The previous owner was a board member of the Saint Croix Environmental Association and was very interested in sea turtle conservation and took some active measures to protect them such as making sure there were no lights pointing towards the beach. There were various signs and pamphlets attesting to this. When the Hibiscus Hotel reopens perhaps similar measures can be taken. As to other animals seen during the survey, some Pearly Eyed Thrashers , AKA thrushies (Margarops fuscatus) and some Zenaida Doves (Zenaida aurita) in the Thespesia populnea woodland were seen. Some ferule chickens were observed in the background. However, there are plenty of other bird and animals that use this tract of land, passing through it on their daily or nightly routines. In conclusion, other than the narrow strip of white mangroves growing in the public right of way to the beach, there are no endangered plant species that need to be protected. Most of the vegetation growing on site is not native and in the case of rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifascata) and Beach/Hawaiian Naupaka (Scaevola sericea) are very invasive. In the case of Hawaiian Naupaka, it would be worthwhile to dig them out and replace them with the black fruited native Scaevola plumeria. With regards to sea turtle protection and conservation, the applicant will not illuminate the beach at night with artificial light. Table 6-2 -List of Plants & Shrubs plus some other common plants found on site Type Scientific Name Common Name Family Abundance Exotic? Tree Coccoloba uvifera Seagrape Polygonaceae A few Native Tree Hippomane mancinella Manchineel Euphorbiaceae One Native Tree Laguncularia racemosa White Mangrove Combretaceae Seven Native Tree Leucaena leucocephala tan-tan Fabaceae two Invasive Exotic Tree Terminalia catappa Sea- Almond Combretaceae One Naturalized Tree Thespesia populnea Seaside Majo Malvaceae Thirty Naturalized Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 25 Palm Cocos nucifera Coconut palm Arecaceae A lot Naturalized Palm Sabal palmetto Palmetto, Sabal Palm Arecaceae one Exotic Bush Cordia alba White Manjack Boraginaceae two Naturalized Bush Cynophalla flexousa Limber Caper Capparidaceae A few Native Bush Morinda citrifolia Noni Rubiaceae Two Exotic Bush Vitex trifolia Chastetree Verbenaceae Some Exotic Herb Cakile edentula American Sea Rocket Brassicaceae A few Native Herb Euphorbia mesembrianthemifolia Coast Spurge Euphoribiaceae Some Native Herb Hymenocallis caribea Caribbean Spider Lily Amaryllidaceae Two Native Herb Sansevieria trifasciata Snake Plant Asparagaceae Some Invasive exotic Herb Scaevola sericea Beach Naupaka Goodeniaceae A lot Exotic Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 26 Herb Sesuvium portulacastrum Sea purslane Aizoaceae Some Native Grass Bamboo spp Bamboo Poaceae A big clump Exotic Grass Cenchrus spinifex Sandspur Poaceae Some Native Grass Spartina patens Salt Marsh Cordgrass Poaceae Some Native Grass Sporobolus virginicus Seashore Dropseed Poaceae Some Native Vine Cavanalia rosea Beach Pea Fabaceae some Native Vine Cryptostegia grandiflora Rubber Vine Apocynaceae One clump Invasive Exotic Vine Dalbergia ecastaphyllum Coin Vine Fabaceae Two Native Table 6.3. List of Common Birds at the Hibiscus Hotel and Surroundings Habitat Scientific Name Common Name Family Beach Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron Ardeidae Beach Butorides virescens Green Heron Ardeidae Beach Egretta caerula Little Blue Heron Ardeidae Beach Nyctanassa violacea Yellow Crowned Night Heron Ardeidae Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 27 Beach Charadrius wilsonia Wilsons Plover Charadriidae Beach Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Falconidae Beach Fregata magnificens Magnificent Frigatebird Fregatidae Beach Haematous palliatus American Oystercatcher Haematopodidae Beach Sterna antilarum Least Tern Laridae Beach Sterna maxima Royal Tern Laridae Beach Larus articilla Laughing Gull Laridae Beach Pandion haliaetus Osprey Pandionidae Beach Pelecanus occidentalis Brown Pelican Pelecanidae Beach Himantopus mexicanus Black Necked Stilt Recurvirostridae Beach Calidrus mauri Western Sandpiper Scolopacidae Beach Calidrus minutilla Calidrus pusilla Least Sandpiper Scolopacidae Beach Calidrus pusilla Semipalmated Sandpiper Scolopacidae Beach Catoptrophus semipalmatus Willet Scolopacidae Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 28 Beach Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs Scolopacidae Beach Tringa melanoleuca Greater Yellowlegs Scolopacidae Beach Sula leucigaster Brown Booby Sulidae Parking lot/buildings Columba livia Common Pigeon/Rock dove Columbidae Parking lot/buildings Passer domesticus House Sparrow Passeridae Woodland Buteo jamaicensis Red Tailed Hawk Accipitridae Woodland Coccysus minor Mangrove Cuckoo Cuculidae Woodland Crotophaga ani Smooth Billed Ani Cuculidae Woodland Columba leucocephala White-crowned Pigeon Columbidae Woodland Columba passerina Common Ground Dove Columbidae Woodland Patagioenas squamosa Scaly-naped Pigeon Columbidae Woodland Zenaida asiatica White Winged Dove Columbidae Woodland Zenaida aurita Zenaida Dove Columbidae Woodland Falco columbarius Merlin Falconidae Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 29 Woodland Falco sparverius American Kestrel Falconidae Woodland Margarops fuscatus Pearly Eyed Thrasher Mimidaceae Woodland Dendroica petechia Mangrove/Yelllow Warbler Parulidae Woodland Melanospiza bicolor Black-faced Grassquit Thraupidae Woodland Eulampis holosericeus Green-throated Carib Trochilidae Woodland Orthorhyncus cristatus Antillean Crested Hummingbird Trochilidae Woodland Tyrannus dominicensis Grey Kingbird Tyrannidae Table 6-4. List of Animals Commonly Found in Scrub and Grassland Habitats Group Scientific Name Common Name Amphibians Eleutherodactylus coqui Common Coquí Leptodactylus albilabris White-lipped Frog Osteopilus septentrionalis Cuban Treefrog (I) Rhinella marina Cane Toad Reptiles Ameiva exsul Ground Lizard Chelonia mydas Green Sea Turtle Eretmochyles imbricata Hawksbill Turtle Iguana iguana Green Iguana Mammals Brachyphylla cavernarum Cave Bat Canis familiarus Dog Felis catus Cat Herpestes javanicus Small Indian Mongoose (I) Rattus spp. Rat (I) Stenoderma rufum Red Fruit Bat Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 30 6.08 Wetlands The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers defines wetlands as "those areas that are periodically inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, bogs, marshes and similar areas." (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1986). There is a small patch of land within the beach access ROW that has six white mangroves that can be classified as a wetlands area. The nearest significant watercourse resources is the open ocean located about 40 feet from the beachfront property. Mapped Wetlands Units in relation to the proposed project site are depicted in Figure 6-10. Figure 6.10 Location of Mapped Wetlands Units in relation to Project Site (Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) 6.09 Rare and Endangered Species Other than the narrow strip of white mangroves growing in the public right of way to the beach, there are no endangered plant species that need to be protected. Most of the vegetation growing on site is not native and in the case of rubber vine (Cryptostegia Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Environmental Setting and Probable Project Impact on Natural Environment • Section 6 - Page 31 grandiflora), Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifascata) and Beach/Hawaiian Naupaka (Scaevola sericea) are very invasive. In the case of Hawaiian Naupaka, it would be worthwhile to dig them out and replace them with the black fruited native Scaevola plumeria. With regards to sea turtle protection and conservation, the applicant will not illuminate the beach at night with artificial light. Species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for St. Croix as endangered or threatened are listed in Table 6-5. No vegetation or wildlife species listed by the USFWS, or the Territory of the Virgin Islands as threatened or endangered were observed on the proposed project site. Table 6-5 U.S. Virgin Islands and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Species List Group Common Name Scientific Name Status Birds Roseate tern Sterna dougallii dougallii Threatened Flowering PNo common name Agave eggersiana Endangered Flowering PVahl's boxwood Buxus vahlii Endangered Flowering PNo common name Catesbaea melanocarpa Endangered Reptiles Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Endangered Reptiles Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea Endangered Reptiles St. Croix ground lizard Ameiva polops Endangered Reptiles Virgin Islands tree boa Epicrates monensis granti Endangered 6.10 Air Quality All of St. Croix is designated Class II by the EPA in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. According to the Virgin Islands Rules and regulations (VIR&R), in Class II air quality regions, the following air pollutants are regulated: open burning, visible air contaminants, particulate matter emissions, volatile petroleum products, sulfur compounds, and internal combustion engine exhaust. Construction activities on the project site may generate some dust emissions. However, any emissions from construction equipment will be temporary and limited in duration to the construction period. Temporary fugitive dust generated during the site preparation will be controlled by water spraying if necessary to keep dust to a minimum. Therefore, temporary air quality impacts to any residential areas would be non-existent to minimal. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Impact on the Human Environment • Section 7 - Page 32 SECTION 7.00 IMPACT ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 7.01 Land Use Plans Based on the Official USVI Zoning Map Plots Nos. 108-EB, EC, ED, and 47-AA, 109 C, D, E, S, T, R, are in the R-3 zoning district. Use of the site for a hotel and related amenities such as a restaurant, a gym and pool conform to the R-3 zoning district as a matter of right and/or ancillary use. Additionally, the use conforms to all adjacent properties which are also zoned R-3. The project entails the redevelopment of the existing Hibiscus Beach Hotel which operated at the subject location for many years. Adjacent properties to the East and West of the site include similar developments. 7.02 Visual Impacts The proposed redevelopment of the Hibiscus Beach Hotel will significantly improve and enhance the appearance of the surrounding area. The project will transform the hurricane damaged property, which has been an eyesore since the 2017 storms, into a world class boutique hotel. The architectural design will be compatible with surrounding area structures and conform to the zoning district. 7.03 Impacts on Public Services a. Water: Th main water source will be onsite cisterns as well as the public potable water. The existing cistern water storage capacity is 80,000 gallons. An additional 170,000 gallons of storage capacity is proposed for a total of 250,000 gallons of onsite water storage capacity. The estimated daily water consumption is 20,848 gallons which translates to an average monthly water consumption of 625,440 gallons. The proposed project is a site redevelopment. Metered water consumption is not anticipated to exceed prior demands. b. Sewage Treatment and Disposal: The hotel will be connected to the public sewer system. Average monthly discharge to the public sewer system is estimated at approximately 174,000 gallons. c. Solid Waste Disposal: The hotel will have a 30-yard trash compactor for solid waste collection. Private haulers will be used to transport solid waste to the public sanitary landfill on a weekly basis.. Waste generated from the proposed development will not adversely impact the operations of the municipal sanitary solid waste landfill. d. Roads, Traffic, and Parking: The projected increase in traffic activity to and from the hotel will not adversely impact traffic flow patterns in the area.. Ingress and egress to and from the hotel will be from the south-eastern corner of the property. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Impact on the Human Environment • Section 7 - Page 33 Virgin Islands Code for off-street parking and loading requires (1) parking space per 500 ft2 of floor space for customers/guests. The proposed number of customer/guest parking spaces is 115. Virgin Islands Code for off-street parking and loading requires (1) parking space for every (5) employee. The proposed operation will employ 12 to 15 employees. The minimum number of employee parking spaces required is 25. The proposed number of employee parking spaces is 25. Electrical: The proposed redevelopment will be 25% solar. Even with the net billing option, there will be no significant impact/demand to/on the WAPA electrical system. The solar energy system will comprise of the following components: 1. 450 KW Modules: 614 2. 25 KW Inverters: 9 3. 14 KW Inverters: 2 4. KWDC: 276,300 5. KWAC: 253,000 7.04 Social Impacts The Hibiscus Beach Hotel operated on St. Croix for several years offering a safe, affordable, and accessible setting for local residents and tourists. The redevelopment of the property will improve the overall quality experience of the entire area by providing enhanced beach access with designated parking. It will also once again provide an enhanced venue for local activities and events. 7.05 Economic Impacts The redevelopment of the site will have significant micro (economic activity) and macro (economic development) impacts. The overall construction cost for Phase III of the project is estimated at $6.0 Million. Anticipated employment during the construction phase is estimated at 50 to 60 employees. In addition to the employment resulting from the proposed construction activities, once fully operations the Hibiscus Beach Hotel will employ 12 to 15 employees. The business operations will expand the tax base via gross receipts, income tax, and other payments to the VI Government. The redevelopment of the property will also increase hotel occupancy availability, thus positively contributing to the US Virgin Islands Tourism Industry. 7.06 Impacts on Historical and Archeological Resources As the project is the redevelopment of a previously disturbed site, there is no potential for any items of archeological significance. VISHPO has issued a determination of no findings of no impact on historical and archaeological resources. 7.07 Recreational Use Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Impact on the Human Environment • Section 7 - Page 34 The redevelopment of the property will improve the overall quality experience of the entire area by providing enhanced beach access with designated parking. It will also once again provide an enhanced venue for local activities and events. 7.08 Waste Disposal Proposed operations at the site will generate approximately 120 cubic yards of solid waste per month. Private haulers will be used to transport waste to public sanitary landfill. Waste generated from the proposed development will not adversely impact the operations of the municipal sanitary solid waste landfill. 7.09 Accidental Spills The proposed site redevelopment includes a stand-by diesel generator. The diesel tank will be double walled and appropriately staged on the site. An SPCC Plan, if required, will be developed. Notwithstanding oil spill response equipment, including containment booms and absorbent pads will be maintained on site. 7.10 Potential Adverse Effects Which Cannot Be Avoided During the construction phase of the project there may be a potential for erosion due to stormwater run onto the site. Accordingly, erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented as outlined in the mitigation section of this report. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Mitigation Plans • Section 8 - Page 35 8.00 MITIGATION PLANS Erosion and sediment control construction site Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented during earth change activities to protect natural features and minimize impacts. Prior to commencement of earthwork silt fencing will be installed with re-bar or steel fence posts and wire mesh where needed. The installation will follow the guidelines in the Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Handbook, (VIEPH). All silt fences will be inspected daily and after every rain event that produces runoff within a 24-hour period and immediately repaired or replaced, as necessary. Sediments will be removed from the silt fencing once it has reached a depth of 6 inches. A seawall is proposed to protect the hotel from wave action and to prevent beach erosion. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Alternatives to Proposed Action • Section 9 - Page 36 9.00 ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION 9.01 No Action Alternative –The Phase III expansion which includes the addition 63 guest rooms and amenities is an integral part of the hotel business model. Failure to undertake this phase of the project would adversely impact project margins and the overall economic viability of the hotel. 9.02 Replacement In-kind Alternative - This would adversely impact Hibiscus Beach Hotel LLC’s business model’s profit margins by limiting its ability to capture market share and maximize its investment. 9.03 Preferred Alternative - None Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Relationship between Short & Long Term Uses • Section 10 - Page 37 10.00 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT & LONG-TERM USES OF MAN’S ENVIRONMENT The project will be executed in a manner that is consistent with the overarching goals and policies of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Program (VICZMP); “To ensure Environmental and Economic sustainability for future generations.” Further, the proposed activity is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Program and will be conducted in a manner consistent with said program. It is not anticipated that the proposed project will result in any changes to the manner in which the use of the site has historically impacted the long- and short-term uses of the surrounding environment. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix References • Section 11 - Page 38 11.00 REFERENCES Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map Map number: University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Handbook 2002 United States Department of Agriculture USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Cooperative Soil Survey Government of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources V.I. Official Zoning Map Government of the Virgin Islands Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs Sediment Reduction Program Government of the Virgin Islands Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs Water Resources Edition Bowden, M.J. et. al., 1969. Climate, Water Balance, and Climatic Change in the Northwest Virgin Islands. Caribbean Research Institute, CVI, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. DPNR 2016. Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Government of the Virgins Islands, “USVI Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report”, 2016. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “FEMA Flood Map Service Center”. Flood Map Number7800000060G, effective on 04/16/2007. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home Hays, W.W. 1984. “Evaluation of the Earthquake-Shaking Hazard in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands”. Paper presented at the Earthquake Hazards in the Virgin Islands Region Workshop, St. Thomas, April 9-10, 1984. H. H. Hess; Carl O. Bowin; Thomas W. Donnelly; John T. Whetten; E. R. Oxburgh, 1966. “Caribbean Geological Investigations”. Geological Society of America, Volume 98 Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix References • Section 11 - Page 39 Island Resources Foundation (IRF). 1977. “Marine Environments of the Virgin Islands”. Technical Supplement No.1 1976. Prepared for the Virgin Islands Planning Office. Knutson, Thomas R. and Robert E. Tuleya 2004. Impact of CO2-Induced Warming on Simulated Hurricane Intensity and Precipitation: Sensitivity to the Choice of Climate Model and Convective Parameterization NOAA/Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. Journal of Climate 17(18): 3477-3495. NRCS 2002. Davis, John R., Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Survey of the United States Virgin Islands, United States Department of Agriculture NRCS in cooperation with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources; the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service; and the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, Issued 2002. Storm Surge Group. “A Storm Surge Atlas for the American and British Virgin Islands, Culebra and Vieques.” National Hurricane Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coral Gables, Florida, 1992. Thomas, Toni and Barry Devine. 2005. Island Peak to Coral Reef. University of the Virgin Islands. US Department of Agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Web Soil Survey. Jan, 2020; https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory, Wetlands Data Mapper. downloaded November 2019. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Threatened and Endangered Species System, Listings by State and Territory as of 2019, http://ecos.fws.gov/tess Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Appendices Appendix A Appendix A: Other Required Submittals and Forms APPENDIX A OTHER REQUIRED SUBMITTALS 1. PERMIT APPLICATION (FORM L&WD-2) 2. ZONING REQUIREMENTS TABLE (FORM L&WD-3) 3. MAJOR PROJECT SUMMARY DATA (FORM L&WD-4) 4. PROOF OF LEGAL INTEREST (FORM L&WD-5) 5. INCOME TAX CLEARANCE LETTER (FORM L&WD-6) 6. CORPORATE APPLICATION FORM (FORM L&WD-7) 7. NFIP FLOOD ZONE DESIGNATION (FORM L&WD-8) 8. CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING 9. COPY OF DEED/LEASE 10. PROPERTY TAX CLEARANCE LETTERS 11. LIST OF PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN 150 FEET OF PROPERTY BOUNDARIES 12. HIBISCUS BEACH LLC BUSINESS LICENSE 2023-2024 12/3/2023 12/4/2023 12/4/2023 GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION FORM L&WD-7 CORPORATION/ASSOCIATION APPLICATION (To be used when a corporation or association is making a Permit Application in Tier l) (Corporation or Association Name) By: ___________________________ (Signature) Title/Position (Print) President or Vice-President or equivalent Print WITNESS: ATTEST: Secretary (or equivalent) Signature Secretary (or equivalent) Print Seal On this day of , 20 . before me the undersigned officer, personally appeared , who acknowledges himself to be the of ; that he executed the foregoing instrument in the capacity above and has the authority to execute this application on behalf of the company. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal the day and year above written. ____________________________________________ Include Supporting Documents: 1. Compliance with Act No. 5270 by providing: (a) Tax clearance letter from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (b) Property tax clearance letter from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. (c) Corporations and Associations: Certificate of Good Standing or equivalent, organizational documents & Amendments (Articles, Bylaws, Operating Agreement, Declarations) (d) Corporate Resolution (or equivalent) authorizing action on behalf of the company. Not Applicable Hibiscus Beach Hotel LLC 14 Plessen Frederiksted VI 00820-4621 340-719-1879 340-690-9395 Highest Potential Design, LLC (John Woods) 437-A 340-777-1600 340-514-3064 108EB,EC,ED,$&AA,109C,D,E,S,T,R La Grande Princesse King AE & VE Expansion of a Hotel AE-10 & VE -12 10 ft & 12 ft N/A 070220230183 Witness my hand and the seal of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, on this 2nd day of July, 2023. Tregenza A. Roach Lieutenant Governor United States Virgin Islands Entity Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company Entity Status: In Good Standing Registration Date: 10/03/2018 Jurisdiction: United States Virgin Islands, United States Wherefore, the aforementioned entity is duly formed under the laws of the Virgin Islands of the United States, is duly authorized to transact business, and, is hereby declared to be in good standing as witnessed by my seal below. This certificate is valid through June 30th, 2024. I, the undersigned Lieutenant Governor the United States Virgin Islands, do hereby certify that has filed in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor the requisite annual reports HIBISCUS BEACH, LLC and statements as required by the Virgin Islands Code, and the Rules and Regulations of this Office. In addition, the aforementioned entity has paid all applicable taxes and fees to date, and has a legal existence not having been cancelled or dissolved as far as the records of my office show. To Whom These Presents Shall Come: CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING Government of The United States Virgin Islands -O- Office of the Lieutenant Governor Division of Corporations & Trademarks Business Entity No. DC0100414 Mailing Address HIBISCUS BEACH LLC Physical Address FREDERIKSTED ST. CROIX VI 00840 CHRISTIANSTED 56882 License No: 2-56882-1L Licensee: HIBISCUS BEACH LLC 47AA LA GRANDE PRINCESS 14 PLESSEN ST. CROIX VI 00820 Trade Name: Business No: THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUSINESS LICENSE That, in accordance with the applicable provisions of Title 3 Chapter 16 and Title 27 V.I.C. relating to the licensing of businesses and occupations, and compliance having been made with the provisions of 10 V.I.C. Sec. 41 relating to the Civil Rights Act of the Virgin Islands, the following license is hereby granted. KNOW ALL BY THIS PRESENT As provided by law, the authorized licensing authority shall have the power to revoke or suspend any License issued hereunder, upon finding, after notice and adequate hearing, that such revocation or suspension is in the public interest; provided, that any persons aggrieved by any such decision of this office shall be entitled to a review of the same by the Territorial Court upon appeal made within (30) days from the date of the decision; provided, further, that all decisions of this office hereunder shall be final except upon specific findings by the Court that the same was arrived at by fraud or illegal means. General Business License Types of License(s) 2023 If a renewal is desired, the holder is responsible for making application for same without any notice from this office. It is the responsibility of the Licensee to notify the Department in writing within (30) days, when a license is to be cancelled or placed in inactive status. Failure to do so will result in the assessment of penalties as authorized by law. Valid from 03/06/2023 Printed on St. Croix,V.I. Issued at 200.00 Fee Commissioner, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs THIS LICENSE MUST BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED AT PLACE OF BUSINESS 05/01/2023 until 05/31/2024 Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Appendices Appendix B Archeological Phase I Report & VISHPO Correspondence APPENDIX B VISHPO CORRESPONDENCE AND NO OBJECTION LETTER PHASE I A&B CULTURAL RESOURCES SURVEY PLOTS 47AA, 108eb,108ec,108ed ESTATE LA GRANDE PRINCESS ST. CROIX, VIRGIN ISLANDS Prepared for: John P. Woods Highest Potential Design, LLC PO Box 306777 St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00803 Prepared by: CocoSol International Inc. 777 Brickell Ave #500-97996 Miami, Florida 33131 May 26, 2023 Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands i TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................... I TABLE OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................................................... I 1.0 ............................................................................................................................................ INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 ASSUMPTIONS .............................................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING .......................................................................................................................... 2 2.0 SURVEY METHODS ................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 LITERATURE AND RECORDS REVIEW .......................................................................................................... 3 2.2 FIELD SURVEY ............................................................................................................................................. 3 3.0 FINDINGS ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 RECORDS AND LITERATURE SEARCH .......................................................................................................... 6 3.2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................. 6 3.3. COLONIAL PERIOD ...................................................................................................................................... 7 3.4 FIELD SURVEY ............................................................................................................................................. 9 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS ........................................................................................ 10 4.1 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 10 4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 10 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................. 11 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1: Google Earth image depicting the eastern parts of St. Croix and the location of the survey area ....................... 1 Figure 2: Surveyor's map overlain with Google Earth image of the subject property ......................................................... 1 Figure 3: Surveyor's map of the subject property with Google Earth overlay depicting the location of the shovel tests ..... 3 Figure 4: Photograph of shovel testing activities in progress .............................................................................................. 4 Figure 5: Photograph of the screening activities in progress. .............................................................................................. 4 Figure 6: Photograph of example shovel test in the sandy surface soil of the subject property ........................................... 5 Figure 7: Photograph of example shovel test in the clay surfaces of the subject property .................................................... 5 Figure 8: 1750 Cronenberg-Jagaesberg map depicting the approximate location of the subject property and plantation settlements in the vicinity. Source: Danish Geodata Agency ................................................................................................. 8 Figure 9: 1799 Oxholm map depicting the approximate location of the subject property and plantation settlements in the vicinity. .................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION CocoSol International Inc. (CocoSol) performed a Phase I (A & B) Cultural Resources Survey (Survey) for approximately 1.2 acres of land located on Plots 47AA, 108eb, 108ec, and 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess, St. Croix, USVI, (Figures 1 and 2). The Survey was performed on behalf Highest Potential Design, LLC of St. Thomas. Figure 1: Google Earth image depicting the eastern parts of St. Croix and the location of the survey area Figure 2: Surveyor's map overlain with Google Earth image of the subject property Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 2 1.1 Assumptions We understand that the subject property would serve as additional space for the Hibiscus Beach Resort and that earth change activities would be required for the expansion. 1.2 Regulatory Framework The Phase IA and B Cultural Resources Survey complies with Title 29, Chapter 17, Section 959, of the Virgin Islands Code, also known as the Virgin Islands Antiquities and Cultural Properties Act. 1.3 Environmental Setting The subject property is located on the north central coastal plain of the island, the property extends from the approximate surf zone towards the south for approximately 75 meters. The vegetation consists of pioneer species and numerous sea oats. The approximate center of the subject property contains a dune like feature composed of sand but its irregular in form and may have been, in part, formed by dredged materials during the installation of a sewer line located on the west side of the subject property. The southern parts contain clay soils that extend to a depth of approximately 40 centimeters below surface. Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 3 2.0 SURVEY METHODS The methods employed during this Survey are presented below. 2.1 Literature and Records Review A literature/records search for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Virgin Islands Registry of Historic Buildings, Sites, and Places (VI Registry) was performed to determine whether cultural resources of record existed in the subject property and vicinity. A review of cartographic sources dating from the mid 18th to the 20th century was completed to gather information regarding settlements in the general vicinity of the subject property. A review of readily available literature was performed to provide a summary of the archaeology and history of the region and locality and is provided in Section 3.0. 2.2 Field Survey CocoSol first performed a pedestrian reconnaissance of the subject property to identify above ground cultural features and/or artifacts contained in surface contexts. CocoSol then performed shovel tests for the subject property at 20-meter intervals (Figure 3). The excavated soil was screened through ¼ inch mesh, to recover artifacts, if any. Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 depict the shovel testing activities in progress and example shovel tests. Figure 3: Surveyor's map of the subject property with Google Earth overlay depicting the location of the shovel tests ST01 N Negative Shovel Test Positive Shovel Test ST02 ST03 ST04 ST05 ST06 ST07 ST08 Meters 0 20 ST09 ST10 ST11 Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 4 Figure 4: Photograph of shovel testing activities in progress Figure 5: Photograph of the screening activities in progress. Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 5 Figure 6: Photograph of example shovel test in the sandy surface soil of the subject property Figure 7: Photograph of example shovel test in the clay surfaces of the subject property Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 6 3.0 FINDINGS No potentially significant cultural resources were identified during the Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey performed for Plots 47AA, 108eb, 108ec, and 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess, St. Croix, USVI. 3.1 Records and Literature Search The VISHPO’s Archaeological Site Files indicate that no precolonial or colonial cultural resources of record exist within the subject property. A review of historic and modern cartographic sources (Figures 8 and 9) indicate that no colonial settlements are depicted within the subject property, however, several other plantation settlements such as Little Princess and La Grande Princess are respectively, 800 and 480 meters distant from the subject property. 3.2 Archaeological Background The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) contains a rich milieu of cultural resources that offer testimony to over three thousand years of human experience. These cultural resources range from habitation sites established during the Archaic Period at Krum Bay and the Magens Bay Arboretum Complex on St. Thomas approximately three thousand years ago, to the multiple village and farmstead sites on all the islands, to chiefly ceremonial centers such as the Salt River Site on St. Croix, which is the site of the first encounter between the Taino and Europeans. After the Archaic Period, the indigenous people of the Virgin Islands participated in a geographically vast network of social and economic relationships. Recent archaeological research indicates that the insular landscapes were dotted with small and large villages. along the coastal section fringes of the islands as well as the uplands. Additionally, small settlements herein characterized as farmsteads are beginning to be discovered in the uplands. These small farmsteads in the uplands have mostly been unrecognized in the archaeological record; however, recent archaeological surveys for large development projects have resulted in the identification of such sites. The indigenous people of the Virgin Islands participated within a larger social, religious, and economic network (s), as evidenced by shared stylistic attributes of ceramics from the Saladoid, Ostionan and Chican culture periods across a significant part of the Antilles. Shared cosmological ideas are also evidenced by the presence of cemis and other religious paraphernalia in the Virgin Islands and across large areas of the Caribbean Archipelago. Long distance trade is evidenced by the presence of jadeite artifacts manufactured from raw lithic sources found in Central America and chert from Puerto Rico and down island. A whole host of cultigens with origins in the continent became part of the quotidian diet; more exotic items such as guinea pig, an Andean domesticate, have been found in Puerto Rico and are likely be documented by future archaeological studies as also present in Virgin Island archaeological contexts. On November 14, 1493, Columbus’s expeditionary fleet anchored in Salt River Inlet and Columbus ordered his long boat to search for provisions and water. The Spanish prevarication was met with a fierce barrage of arrows from the Taino, and what appears to have been a short skirmish ensued, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Spanish named the site Cabo de las Flechas (Cape of Arrows), located approximately 3 kilometers to the northwest of the subject property. Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 7 3.3. Colonial Period Following the brief European incursion on St. Croix in 1493, the islands came to be in the possession of several European nations including Spain, England, Malta, the Netherlands, and France. The colonies that these nations attempted to establish largely failed. Not until Denmark’s Danish West Indies Company settled in St. Thomas in 1672 and on St. John in 1694, did these colonies become viable enterprises. The Danes purchased St. Croix from the French in 1733 and the island, with its larger size, gentler topography, fertile soils, and surface streams, became a dynamic sugarcane-based enterprise that lasted for a century. The Danes divided the islands into estates that were largely dedicated to agriculture. Although largely owned by Danes, British managers often administered the estates. The early plantations, particularly on St. Thomas and St. John were primarily dedicated to the production of cotton and indigo, but because of competition from the continent, particularly the southern U.S. states, these two agricultural pursuits were largely abandoned in favor of sugarcane. The economies of St. Croix and St. John were primarily based on sugarcane agriculture and the production of muscovado sugar and rum. In contrast, the economy of St. Thomas was primarily based on trade, although agricultural pursuits also formed an integral part of its economy. An unusually large number of colonial era plantation sites containing well preserved archaeological remains characterize the St. Croix where the remains of scores of plantations are also preserved on St. Croix. These plantation sites contain the domestic contexts of the planter elite, the spatially organized village structures of the enslaved work forces, the iconic windmill towers, sugar factories and curing houses, as well as a host of other architectural features and their village cemeteries. An unusually large number of colonial era plantation sites containing well preserved archaeological contexts characterize St. Croix. These plantation sites contain the domestic contexts of the planter elite, the spatially organized village structures of the enslaved work forces, the iconic windmill towers, sugar factories and curing houses, as well as a host of other architectural features and their village cemeteries. A review of historic and modern cartographic sources such as the 1750 Cronenberg-Jagaesberg (Figure 7), Beck 1754, Oxholm 1799 (Figure 8), Parsons 1851, and 20th-centuy USGS maps do not depict the presence of a settlement or structures in or the immediate vicinity of the subject property. The closest settlement depicted on the maps is La Grande Princess which is approximately 480 meters to the west and Little Princess located approximately 800 meters to the southeast. Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 8 Figure 8: 1750 Cronenberg-Jagaesberg map depicting the approximate location of the subject property and plantation settlements in the vicinity. Source: Danish Geodata Agency Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 9 Figure 9: 1799 Oxholm map depicting the approximate location of the subject property and plantation settlements in the vicinity. 3.4 Field Survey The systematic shovel testing and visual observations of exposed ground surfaces and the length of the adjacent unimproved beach road that borders the western limits of the subject property did not provide indication of the presence of precolonial or colonial artifacts on the subject property. Two clam shells were recovered in Shovel Test 01 and a single coral fragment from Shovel Test 04, (Figure 3). Additionally, no concentrations of shell that might evidence resource procurement activities were observed. The subject property is however littered with modern glass, mostly Heineken green, a large rug, tires, etc. The accumulations of sand on the north central part of the subject property may represent dredged materials from the installation of the existing sewer pipe adjacent to the western boundary of the subject property that extends for some distance into the ocean. Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 10 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS Our concluding remarks and recommendations for the Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey performed for Plots 47AA, 108eb, 108ec, and 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess, St. Croix, USVI are presented below. 4.1 Conclusions The absence of potentially significant cultural resources is attributed to its environmental setting in near shore contexts and within the agricultural fields of La Grande Princess and possibly Little Princess during colonial times. We note that similar environmental contexts on the island often contain evidence of resource procurement during precolonial times in the form of accumulations of shell particularly conch, but none were observed on the subject property. 4.2 Recommendations Based on the negative finds of potentially significant cultural resources on Plots 47AA, 108eb, 108ec, and 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess, St. Croix, USVI, CocoSol recommends that the VISHPO issue a finding of no objection to the earth change activities proposed for the subject property. If potentially significant cultural resources are identified during clearing and earth change activities, we recommend that work be suspended, the resource protected, and the VISHPO be notified immediately. Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey, 1.2 acres Plots 47AA, 108eb,108ec, 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess May 26, 2023 St Croix, Virgin Islands 11 REFERENCES Dookhan, Isaac 1994 A History of the Virgin Islands of the United States. Canoe Press, Kingston, Florida Museum of Natural History. Hardy, Meredith 2008 Saladoid Economy and Complexity on the Arawakan Frontier. Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Anthropology, Florida State University, Tallahassee. Hatt, Gudmund 1924 Archaeology of the Virgin Islands. In Proceedings of the 21st International Congress of Americanists (Part 1), 29-42. The Hague. Keegan, William F. 2000 West Indian Archaeology. 3. Ceramic Age. Journal of Archaeological Research, 8:135-167. Morse, Birgit Faber 1989 Saladoid Remains and Adaptive Strategies in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. In Early Ceramic Population Lifeways and Adaptive Strategies in the Caribbean, edited by Peter E. Siegel, pp. 29-42. British Archaeological Reports, BAR International Series 506. Oxford. Rouse, Irving B. 1992 The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus. Yale University Press, New Haven. Soltec International Inc. United States Department of Agriculture 1994 Soil Survey of the United States Virgin Islands. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S.D.A., Washington, D.C. Re: [EXTERNAL MAIL] VISHPO Review of Hibiscus Beach Hotel Cultural Resources Survey David Brewer <David.Brewer@dpnr.vi.gov> Wed 05/31/2023 2:54 PM To:Alicia Barnes <abarnes@rittenhouseconsultingllc.com>;Sean L. Krigger <sean.krigger@dpnr.vi.gov>;Eboni Powell <eboni.powell@dpnr.vi.gov> Cc:Wally Hamed <wally@kacvi.com>;Comptroller Cheryl Tobierre <cheryl@kacvi.com>;Eric Douglas <caritechgroup@gmail.com>;John Woods <john.jpw.woods@gmail.com> Re:   VISHPO Review of Phase I A&B Cultural Resources       Survey, Plots 47AA, 108eb, 108ec, 108ed, Estate Laa      Grande Princesse, St. Croix Dear Ms. Barnes: We have reviewed the above-referenced report, and  there were no indications of any potentially significant cultural resources that may be impacted by the development. Based on the fact that, as a result, no significant cultural remains were identified, the VISHPO concurs with the findings of CocoSol, and hereby states that we have no objection to the earth change activities proposed for the subject property. Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter. David M. Brewer Senior Archaeologist Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office Fort Frederik Museum 198 Strand St. Frederiksted, St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands  00840 E-mail: david.brewer@dpnr.vi.gov Phone:  (340) 719-7089 From: Alicia Barnes <abarnes@rittenhouseconsultingllc.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 11:43 AM To: Sean L. Krigger <sean.krigger@dpnr.vi.gov>; David Brewer <David.Brewer@dpnr.vi.gov> Cc: Wally Hamed <wally@kacvi.com>; Comptroller Cheryl Tobierre <cheryl@kacvi.com>; Eric Douglas <caritechgroup@gmail.com>; John Woods <john.jpw.woods@gmail.com> Subject: [EXTERNAL MAIL]Fwd: Hibiscus Beach Hotel Cultural Resources Survey   You don't often get email from abarnes@rittenhouseconsultingllc.com. Learn why this is important Good day, Kindly confirm receipt of the attached report which was submitted via e-mail yesterday, May 30th. Warm regards, Alicia V. Barnes RITTENHOUSE CONSULTING, LLC Business Development & Permitting Experts _____________________ P.O. Box 879 Kingshill, VI 00851 Abarnes@rittenhouseconsultingllc.com (340) 474-0727 Begin forwarded message: From: Alicia Barnes <abarnes@rittenhouseconsultingllc.com> Date: May 30, 2023 at 8:52:24 AM AST To: "Sean L. Krigger" <sean.krigger@dpnr.vi.gov>, David Brewer <David.Brewer@dpnr.vi.gov> Cc: Wally Hamed <wally@kacvi.com>, "Cheryl Tobierre, Comptroller" <cheryl@kacvi.com>, Eric Douglas <caritechgroup@gmail.com>, John Woods <john.jpw.woods@gmail.com>, Anita E Nibbs <anita.nibbs@dpnr.vi.gov> Subject: Hibiscus Beach Hotel Cultural Resources Survey Good day Director Krigger and Mr. Brewer: Attached is the Cultural Resources Survey Report for Plots 47AA, 108eb, 108ec, 108ed Estate La Grande Princess St. Croix USVI.  The report's findings conclude that, "No potentially significant cultural resources were identified during the Phase IA&B Cultural Resources Survey performed for Plots 47AA, 108eb, 108ec, and 108ed, Estate La Grande Princess, St. Croix, USVI."   As such, it is herein requested that "the VISHPO issue a finding of no objection to the earth change activities proposed for the subject property." Warm regards, Alicia V. Barnes RITTENHOUSE CONSULTING, LLC Business Development & Permitting Experts ____________________________________ P.O. Box 879 Kingshill, VI 00851 Abarnes@rittenhouseconsultingllc.com (340) 474-0727 Caution: This e-mail has originated outside of GVI network. Do not click on links or open any attachment (s) that might look suspicious unless you have knowledge of who the sender is. The information contained in this communication, and in any accompanying documents, may constitute confidential or proprietary. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, then you may not disclose, print, copy, or disseminate this information, nor take any action in reliance on this information. If you have received this communication in error, please reply and notify the sender (only) and then delete the message. Unauthorized interception of e-mail communications is a violation of federal criminal law. Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Appendices Appendix C Required Maps From Cadastral APPENDIX C REQUIRED MAPS 1. REGISTERED SURVEY MAP 2. OFFICIAL ZONING MAP 3. FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP 4. WATER RESOURCE MAP 5. SOIL SURVEY MAP 6. SEDIMENT REDUCTION PRGRAM MAP Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Appendices Appendix D Project Engineering Drawings (Under Separate Cover) Environmental Assessment Report – Hibiscus Beach Hotel Construction- Phase III, St. Croix Appendices Appendix E Qualifications of Consultants ALICIA V. BARNES P.O. Box 879 Kingshill VI 00851 CV Summary 194 Catherine’s Rest VI 00820 AVIOLABARNES@GMAIL.COM ALICIA V. BARNES - CV SUMMARY Results oriented proven leader with 30+ years in environmental/energy compliance, project management, business development, legislation/policy and public/private sector executive management. • Held key roles in major USVI energy production, environmental protection, and planning projects, to include, but not limited to: ▪ VIWAPA Fuel Pier & Generating Units– CZM and Air Permitting & Construction/Project Management; ▪ VI Energy Office Public High School Gymnasium Energy Efficient AC Installation – DOE Funding Approval, Project Specifications, & Solicitation; ▪ VI Energy Office/VIWAPA Residential Energy Audit Program and Fuel Diversification– Program Development & Implementation; ▪ DPNR Permit Review Committee- Comprehensive and collaborative permitting of public & private sector capital projects; ▪ DPNR Zoning Code Updates and Development of Form Based Code – Prerequisite for Comprehensive Land & Water Use Planning; ▪ VI Housing Finance Authority Board Member - Territorial Homeownership and Rental Development Projects; ▪ Operation Breathe Easy – Regulatory response, crisis management, and corrective action to noxious gas release incident on St. Croix South Shore; ▪ HOVENSA Closure – Environmental compliance and closure negotiations; ▪ HOVENSA Supplemental Environmental Project Funding – Development of USVI Cancer Registry; ▪ Rate Payers/Consumer Protection & Business Development Legislation – Rate Payers Bill of Rights Act, Expedited Business License Act, Start-up Business Gross Receipts Penalty Relief Act; and ▪ Disaster Recovery Infrastructure – Streamlined CZM permitting for FEMA funded road repair projects. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ASSOC. MANAGING DIR. Witt O’Brien’s USVI FEMA Public Assistance DR Project Management SENATOR USVI Legislature Secretary, Chairman, Energy, Planning & Consumer Protection BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REP. VITOL Virgin Islands Government & Community Liaison COMMISSIONER Dept. of Planning & Natural Resources Planning & Environmental Protection Administration ASSISTANT CEO Economic Development Authority Tax Incentive Program Administration ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER VI Water & Power Authority Environmental Compliance Program Management EDUCATION B.S. - MARINE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - HAMPTON UNIVERSITY - 1988 MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS - 1997 COMMUNITY HONORS & AWARDS Young Careerist - Business & Professional Women’s Organization Employee of Merit - VI Water& Power Authority Outstanding Woman of St. Croix - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Emerging Leader - GenerationNOW Woman of Influence - New Horizon Women’s Democratic Club ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc League of Women Voters USVI ALICIA V. BARNES P.O. Box 879 Kingshill VI 00851 CV Summary 194 Catherine’s Rest VI 00820 AVIOLABARNES@GMAIL.COM VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY The World Ocean School/Aboard The Roseway, Board Member St. Croix Mission Outreach Board, Vice President Democratic Party of the USVI, Past District Chairman and Territorial Committee Member CAPABILITIES • Understands the local landscape and nuances of doing business in the region; • Government expertise which provides a competitive edge in navigating regulatory bureaucracies, providing time managed objectives and the delivery of results effectively and efficiently; • Business Entity Formation and Licensure; • Business Development; • Professional Development Training; • Regulatory Compliance Monitoring & Reporting; • Multi-media Environmental & Development Permitting (Federal and Local); • Technical Project Management; • Empowerment Speaker; and • Author PUBLISHED WORKS • NUGGETS OF AUTHENTICITY, Alicia V. Barnes, OUTSKIRTS PRESS, ©2021 1 Eric Douglas, MSc, PE PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Mr. Eric Douglas completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry (summa cum laude) at the University of the Virgin Islands and his master’s degree in chemical engineering at Auburn University. Mr. Douglas’s education at the graduate level was focused on chemical process design and computer simulations. His engineering experience includes seven years with Dow Chemical, TECHNICAL EXPERTISE three years with Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp., two years with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), fifteen years with Maguire Group Inc and 12 years as independent engineering consultant. His teaching experience covers 20 years including six years as a part-time faculty member and fourteen years as a full-time faculty member (Program Director/Assistant Professor) on the St. Croix Campus of the University of the Virgin Islands. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the Virgin Islands. At Dow Chemical, Mr. Douglas was a senior research engineer working on coal gasification, petrochemical process technology development, statistical data analysis, math models and computer process simulation development, and environmental services. As a senior process engineer with HOVIC, he provided technical support to refinery operational units including atmospheric distillation towers, vacuum distillation towers, visbreakers, distillate desulfurizers, platformers, sulfur recovery and treatment units, and wastewater treatment units. He also spent two years with WAPA engaged in the installation and management of portable water system projects including water purification and treatment, waterline installation, meter sizing, and reverse osmosis plant commissioning and operations. Mr. Douglas joined Maguire in 1996 as a Senior Project Manager and the Virgin Islands Location Manager. Mr. Douglas has helped expand the commitment of Maguire to its USVI clients and projects. Responsibilities included administration of the Virgin Islands office, marketing of engineering services provided by Maguire, generating environmental site assessment reports, applying for environmental permits (CZM, Air Permits,TPDES, Terminal License, Earth Change), proposal and technical report writing, and managing an assortment of projects including solid waste management, landfill design and operations, demolition of buildings, marine facilities design and construction, flood control design, and water systems design. From 2002 to 2016, Mr. Douglas was a full-time professor and Program Director of the Process Technology Program on the St. Croix Campus of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Under his direction, the program produced over one hundred-twenty (120) process technology graduates, the vast majority of whom are now pursuing rewarding careers in local industries such as Limetree, Diageo, Cruzan Rum, Seven Seas Water, VIWAPA and abroad. As an engineering consultant and principal of Caritech Group LLC, Mr. Douglas conducts training in process technology and environmental compliance for private industry and government agencies. His company recently completed (October,2018) a comprehensive six-week technical training program for entry-level operators at the VITOL LPG Supply Terminal on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. • Process Technology Industrial Technical Training • Project Management • Oil refinery Operations • Industrial/Environmental Compliance and Permitting including SWPPP, SPCC, Air and CZM Permits • Environmental Site Assessment Reports • Water System design • Chemical Process Simulation, Troubleshooting and Optimization TITLE Principal /General Manager Caritech Group LLC P.O. Box 5018, Kingshill VI 00851 U.S. Virgin Islands YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Teaching: 20 years Engineering: 36 years EDUCATION BS/Chemistry/ University of the Virgin Islands MSc/ Chemical Engineering/ Auburn University PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS Professional Engineer USVI 565-E PROFESSIONAL AFILIATIONS Member of the American Institute of Engineers Member of the American Chemical Society EDUCATION ■ Bachelor of Architecture, 1979 COOPER UNION for the Advancement of Science and Art Cooper Square, New York City, NY ■ Diploma, Salutatorian, 1974 CHARLOTTE AMALIE HIGH SCHOOL, St. Thomas, VI REGISTRATION Registered Architect, United States Virgin Islands/No. 437A PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS ■ National Council of Architectural Registration Boards NCARB/Member, No. 51,498; 1999 — Present ■ Virgin Islands Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Chairman 1999-Present; President 1987- 1988; Member since1984 ■ VI Board of Land Use Appeals —Chairman 2007- Present, Member since 1998 ■ Industrial Development Commission Commissioner —1996-1999 ■ St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce President 2023; Board of Directors 2012-Present ■ St. Thomas Reformed Church Deacon 1991 – 1997, 2014-2018 ■ Harmonic Lodge No. 356 E.C. Secretary, Past Master ■ St. Thomas Lodge No. 9679 E.C. Past Master, Secretary ■ Downtown Revitalization Initiative Board Member 2011-2013 EXPERIENCE October 2020 through Present —- Managing Member of HIGHEST POTENTIAL DESIGN, St. Thomas, VI October 1992 through Present — Principal of JAREDIAN DESIGN GROUP, St. Thomas, VI December 1982 through September 1992 — Associate Principal, deJONGH ASSOCIATES, St. Thomas, VI July 1989 through September 1992 — Deputy Program Manager, deJONGH/WILLIAMS, St. Thomas, VI July 1982 through November 1989 Staff Architect, deJONGH ASSOCIATES, St. Thomas, VI January 1982 through August 1982 — Graduate Architect, DANIEL GOLDNER & ASSOCIATES, New York, USA November 1979 through December 1981 — Graduate Architect, JUAN MONTOYA DESIGN CORPORATION, New York, USA Summer 1974 through 1978 — Architect Intern, deJONGH ASSOCIATES, St. Thomas, VI JOHN P. WOODS, AIA, NCARB, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT RESUME EXHIBITIONS Exhibits in New York City in April 1982 as a founding member of STUDIO PORTFOLIO, a New York City design group that focused upon future concepts in architecture. EMPLOYMENT HIGHLIGHTS ■ October 1992 through Present through Present HIGHEST POTENTIAL DESIGN, St. Thomas, VI Managing Member of an architectural/ engineering firm providing comprehensive architectural/engineering design and management services throughout the Virgin Islands. Projects focus on luxury residential and commercial designs. Projects include Hibiscus Hotel, Caret Bay Development, and the Virgin Islands Cultural Center. October 1992 through Present through Present JAREDIAN DESIGN GROUP, St. Thomas, VI Principal of a six-(6)-person architectural/ engineering firm providing comprehensive architectural/engineering design and management services throughout the Virgin Islands. Specific duties include management of architectural design activities from project concept development through project closeout. Directly responsible for the management of the design studio. Some of our most accomplished design work includes the noteworthy award-winning presentations for architectural design for the Quarters “B” project, the Roosevelt Park Renovations, and the Villa Whydah luxury residence. ■ September 1982 through September 1992 deJONGH ASSOCIATES, St. Thomas, VI Associate Principal of a 50-person architectural/ engineering firm providing comprehensive architectural/engineering design and management services throughout the Virgin Islands. Supervised the firm’s project architects, as well as engineering and CAD support personnel. Deputy Program Manager for joint venture of two (2) architectural/ engineering firms providing Program Management Ser vices on a $330 million Capital Improvement Program for the Government of the Virgin Islands. Directly responsible for management of Project Managers, Project Engineers and inspectors, as well as activities of the Program Controls Group. The Program Controls Group provided project reporting, cost tracking and scheduling services. ■ January 1982 through August 1982 DANIEL GOLDNER & ASSOCIATES New York, USA Graduate Architect for an architectural/engineering firm specializing in residential and commercial renovations. Directly responsible for design development and production coordination. ■ November 1979 through December 1981 JUAN MONTOYA DESIGN CORPORATION New York, USA Graduate Architect for an interior design firm, specializing in residential and commercial interior design. Directly responsible for design development and production coordination. Hired into a newly created position. Took initiative to develop requirements and stan- dards for design production. Project included major interior design renovations for Jones New York, Government of Columbia Head- quarters – New York City, and the New York residences of painter Francisco Botero and developer Jack Parker. Mr. Montoya’s work was widely published in Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Town and Country between 1979 and1982. 2110 Company Street, Suite #15 | St. Croix, USVI | 340.227.6265 Index Firm Profi le About the Firm Services Off ered Contact information Qualifi cations Leadership Organizational Chart Resumes WASHINGTON, DC Leadership Resumes Firm Profi le ABOUT THE FIRM ARCHITECTURE PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION VISUALIZATION & RENDERINGS PROGRAMMING ENTITLEMENTS & PERMITTING HISTORIC PRESERVATION REHABILITATION & ADAPTIVE REUSE 3D SCANNING & MODEL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OFFERED CONTACT INFORMATION A P.O. Box 223885 Christiansted, USVI, 00822 P (340)-227-6265 E clarencebrowne@gmail.com A 2110 Company Street, Suite #15 Christiansted, VI, 00820 P (340)-227-6265 E clarence@designdistrictvi.com W www.designdistrictvi.com Design District, PLLC is a Virgin Islands based and locally owned architectural firm with global experience and specialized designers. Our holistic approach to problem solving, refined use of industry-leading technology and our commitment to transparency, give our clients the edge in making critical decisions about their projects. Leadership JEREME SMITH, AIA, NCARB Architect LAURENCE REED Architectural Designer CLARENCE BROWNE, RA, AIA Founding Principal | Architect K'YARA SIMON High-School Intern St. Croix Central High School Qualifications ANGELA BOCLAIRE Architectural Designer NASTASIA BUCKLEY, AIA Architect LORENZO ALLEN Architectural Designer KECIA PENN Admin. Assistant BREANNA WARD Admin. Assistant DIANNA CHRISTIAN Permit Coordinator PATRICK BOULGER Field/BIM Technician Clarence E. Browne, RA, AIA | FOUNDING PRINCIPAL Crucian architect, Clarence Browne, leads this fi rm with over years experience as a design profes- sional. Since obtaining his Masters in Architecture from Andrews University, he has worked on a wide range of public and private sector projects within and outside of the territory. From a $230M hotel and apartment complex in the heart of Washington, D.C., the masterplanning of a resort on St. Croix, installation inspection for the territory’s fi ber optic netowrk, to the rehabilitation of hurricane damaged homes in the territory, he has a proven record of design and delivery. Mr. Browne is responsible for design management, client and stakeholder management, project deliv- ery and management of the fi rm’s resources. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE EDUCATION Masters in Architecture, Andrews University, Berrien Springs Michigan | 2006 Bachelors in Architecture, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan | 2005 SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS • Registered Architect - U.S. Virgin Islands • Over years professional experience in Design & Construction Industry • Experience with large scale complex construction projects • Experience with Public & Private sector projects • Excellent graphic and presentation skills • Profi cient in multiple CAD and BIM programs Project Architect, Cooper Carry, Inc. | Atlanta, GA | August 2014-2019 Architect, Jaredian Design Group | St. Thomas, VI | March 2010- August 2014 Designer, William M. Karr & Associates | St. Croix VI | 2007-2009 Intern Architect, Springline Architects | St. Thomas, VI | 2004-2006 Independent Designer/Architectural Consultant | 2004-2010 Corporate Resumes 17 Principal, Design District, PLLC | Christiansted, VI, 2019-2023 17 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Design District | June 2019 - Present Full architectural services supporting a variety of commerical, hospitality, and Government projects. ASD|SKY | February 2015-Current Navy Federal Credit Union Phase 2 | Project coordinator/architect for 1 million+ sqft of office and amenities along with 5000 spot parking deck in Pensacola, FL. Duties Include: DD, CD, CA ongoing $550M+ Morrison Yard | Project coordinator/architect for 9 story office building with 300 spot parking deck and retail components in Charleston, South Carolina. Duties Include: DD, CD, and future CA $40M (Est. Construction) Millcreek – Modera Prominence | Project coordinator/architect for retail scope of architectural services. Duties Include: Design, CD’s (Revit), 3D modeling, illustrations $2M (Est. Construction) CDH Partners | March 2013-February 2015 Wellstar Health System Paulding Hospital | Intern architect for this eight-story project that includes 56 beds, staffs 300 employees, 30 emergency exam rooms, and six surgery suites. Duties Include: CD’s (CAD), consultant coordination $135M WHS East Cobb Health Park | Project coordinator for 190,000sqft health park that provides services for urgent care, imaging, medical offices, childcare and retail for its neighboring residential popular. Duties Include: Design, CD’s (Revit), 3D modeling, consultant coordination $42M WHS Vinings Health Park | Coordinator for site development, building design and interior build. Duties Include: Design, CD’s (Revit), 3D modeling, illustrations $46M (Est. Construction) Norfolk Southern Crew Building | Full architectural services for new 11,500sqft new building. Duties Include: CD’s(Revit), RFIs, client management $3M (Est. Construction) EDUCATION Bachelors of Architecture Degree with a Minor in Construction Management South Polytechnic State University, Marietta, GA | 2012 Completed 5-year professional degree program Dessau GE Summer Abroad | Participated in Urban Design Summer Abroad program where I studied, analyzed and documented architecture and planning patterns in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Essen, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. LAURENCE REED Architectural Designer PROJECT ROLE DESIGN ARCHITECT EDUCATION BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE 2011 KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY REGISTERED ARCHITECT GEORGIA, ALABAMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, VIRGINA, FLORIDA, MASSACHUSETTS, NORTH CAROLINA PROJECT EXPERIENCE - SHORT LIST Front Porch on Auburn Mixed Use Development Atlanta, GA Douglas County High School Sports Complex Douglasville, GA Shaw High School - Addition & Renovation Columbus, GA College of Charleston Science Center Renovation & Auditorium Charleston, SC Devereux Outdoor Classroom & Performance space Kennesaw, GA Navy Federal Credit Union BLDG 7,8, Amenities & Parking Decks 3,4 Pensacola, FL Howell’s Kitchen and Bar—Exterior Design Atlanta, GA 1280 West Peachtree Penthouse Condo Renovation Atlanta, GA Larkin on Memorial—Adaptive Reuse Atlanta, GA Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville, TN TEAM MEMBER PROFILE: Jereme Smith is Owner Architect and technology lead for BILD Design Studios an Architecture, Vision Consulting, and Interiors Design firm headquartered in Atlanta GA specializing in commercial, office, retail, K-12, mixed use residen- tial and branding. BILD partners with various firms as a consultant providing Architectural and Design Technology expertise. Jereme leads teams in preparing design concepts that integrate programmatic requirements, codes/regulations and the overall client vision into a cohesive design utilizing BIM and related software. Jereme is an Autodesk Revit Certified Professional and BIM (Building Informational Modeling) specialist who has presented at RTC, a national confer- ence on Revit and taught various courses at ITT Tech, Kennesaw State University and online exploring the intersection of Architectural design and Technology. Innovative approaches are in his DNA and he expresses that through his work at BILD and in his collaboration with consultants and clients alike. Jereme is also very passionate about mentoring and service to the profession and is currently serving on the Drew Charter Engineering Advisory board, and has served on the board of the National Organization of Minority Architects Atlanta chapter board and the American Institute of Architects Atlanta chapter. Awards & Affiliations • American Institute of Architects (AIA) • National Organization of Minority Architects, NOMA Atlanta • DREW Charter School | Engineering Advisory Board • Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program | AIA Atlanta • Autodesk Revit Certified Professional • AIA GA Design award for Design Excellence on the DC Sports Complex. JEREME A. SMITH, AIA, NOMA, REVIT CP, NCARB PROJECT ROLE: Jereme will take a leading role during all phases of Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents and Construction Adminstration phases of the project. Jereme will oversee the coordination of all the Building informational modeling and consultant requirements on the project as well as oversee any visualizations required such as Virtual Reality and renderings. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Design District | June 2019 - Present Full architectural services supporting a variety of commerical, hospitality, and Government projects. Project Manager and Designer, Sun Collective Designs, Houston, Texas | 2015 – 2019 • Designed projects for clients through all phases from schematic design to construction documents. • Managed Residential & Commercial projects. • Research & analyze applicable project type building codes. • Coordinate with multiple consultant disciplines. • Submitted projects for building permits & visit with city officials as necessary. Landscape Architect Associate, McDugald Steele, Houston, Texas | 2014 • Survey and create Cad base plans of site properties. • Create C.D.’s, Planting Plans, presentation drawings, details, and revise red lines. Project Manager/Inspector, Antillean Engineers Inc, St. Croix, USVI | 2013 • Traveled to various project sites to take photos and process documents. • Supervised the installations of project designs according to specifi cations. Engineering Draftsman, Atlantic Engineering Group, St. Croix, USVI | 2011-2013 • Prepared CAD city based maps to be designed for fiber optics utility projects. • Reviewed fi ber optics overall designs, revised necessary changes and updates as per client request. Junior Designer, William M. Karr & Associates, St. Croix, USVI | 2005-2011 • Researched, planned, designed, and administered building projects for clients, while applying knowledge of design, zoning and building codes. • Completed CD’s for hotels, aviation hangars, high end residences and commercial buildings. EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology, New York Institute of Technology, New York | 2004 Advance Drafting Certification, St. Croix Vocational School, U.S. Virgin Islands | 1999 H.S. Diploma, St. Croix Educational Complex, U.S. Virgin Islands | 1999 SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS • 10+ years of experience in Architecture • 10+ years creating Construction documents • Highly proficient in Revit, AutoCad, and other software • Work well under pressure to meet deadlines • Analytical, pro-active, self starter, organized, detail oriented and resourceful • Technical skills include: AutoCAD, SketchUP, 3DS Max, Revit, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat and MS Office LORENZO ALLEN Architectural Designer Shelter Design Group Atlanta, GA Intern Architect - Assisted with contract administration responsibilities. - Developed drawings, renderings, and high impact presentation graphic to communicate concepts to clients. - Interacted with senior management, vendors and clients at weekly briefings related to project status. - Consulted with clients to determine functional and spatial requirements. - Conducted periodic on-site observation of work during construction to verify compliance with working drawings. - Notable Project: NailMall Nail Supply. Doraville, GA OTHER EXPERIENCE Endeavor Telecom Atlanta, GA Workforce Coordinator - Collaborated with a team to provide excellent customer service, field guidance, and extensive technical support. - Coordinated with field technicians, field managers, customers and coworkers to handle appointment reschedules, cancels and reassignments. - Updated information in real-time to reflect changes in field technician schedules and assignments. Southern Polytechnic State University Marietta, GA Health and Wellness Student Assistant - Assisted in coordinating Health and Wellness Center activities. Carried out basic administrative work. Bachelor of Architecture May 2012 Southern Polytechnic State University - Production: Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, Sketchup - Presentation: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe In-design, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word. ANGELA BOCLAIRE Architectural Designer PAST EXPERIENCE BILD Designer HERA Lab Planner EDUCATION SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS DAMIAN CARTWRIGHT, P.E. Managing Principal SUMMARY Versatile and accomplished Civil Engineer with over 27 years of experience, adept in Aviation and Marine Port Management, Capital Project Management, and Professional Engineering Design Consulting. Notably registered as a Professional Engineer in Florida, the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, and Alabama. Proficient in a wide range of software applications including Staad Pro, AutoCAD, Revit, and more. Proven track record in successfully managing and executing diverse projects,. Seeking opportunities to apply expertise and drive impactful engineering solutions GET IN TOUCH Website buildteceng.com Linked In linkedin.com/damiancartwright/ Education Civil Engineering Bachelors of Science with Honors University of Florida Gainsville, Florida December 2000 Professional Registration Professional Engineer • Florida P.E. No. 63056 I 2005 • The Bahamas P.E. No. 10141 I 2011 • US Virgin Islands P.E. No. 28851 I 2014 • Alabama P.E. No. 50673 I 2022 Ski 11 s Staad Pro Auto Turn ASAD Cascade AdlCPR Civil 3D AutoCAD Micro Station WaterCAD Revit & BUILDTEC