Tag: Nicaragua Canal

A proposed canal project in Nicaragua that would connect the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean could seriously deplete and disrupt the habitats of a number of animals, including some that are endangered.

BMT Asia Pacific and BMT ARGOSS, subsidiaries of BMT Group Ltd, have been appointed by HKND to undertake a series of marine and port assessments for the Nicaragua Canal. BMT will assist the development and validation of the Canal’s design and operations through a structured framework.

 On November 5, 2015, the Government of Nicaragua announced its approval of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Nicaragua Interoceanic Grand Canal Project and issued the “Environmental Permit” for the project. This marks a major milestone in the history of the Nicaragua Grand Canal. The construction of the Canal will bring huge benefits to Nicaraguan people as well as meeting the need of international maritime industry for a more economic interoceanic route that can handle the largest ships now being built.Telemaco Talavera, the spokesman of the Canal Commission emphasized that the ESIA, carried out by HKND consultancy company with the efforts of scientists from all over the world is very scientific and rigorous. After in-depth analysis, the Canal Commission finally approved this report. He states, “Today is a historical day for Nicaragua and will go down in history. This is a project that will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits. It will not only benefit this generation of Nicaragua, but will also benefit future generations, even the whole world.” The Chief Project Advisor of HKND Group, Bill Wild (second from left) receiving the environmental permit delivered by the Executive Secretary of the Canal Commission and the Private ...

  A group of international scientists have released their findings about a proposed trans-isthmus shipping canal in Nicaragua, raising concerns about environmental impact and lack of information.  The mega project would be built by the Nicaraguan government with the Hong Kong Nicaragua Canal Development Company (HKND) and would exceed the Panama Canal in both size and capacity. The environmental assessment report was conducted by Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a consultant firm hired by HKND. The scientists convened at FIU in the spring of 2015 to review excerpts of the environmental impact assessment commissioned as part of the planning process for the canal. In their report, the scientists determined the ERM assessment does not adequately measure the potential impacts of the project, noting insufficient data collection on water quality, geology, sediments, species, erosion, and fisheries. The scientists also note the time period in which the study was conducted — two years — is a shorter timeframe than what is needed to adequately evaluate long-term impacts of such a large-scale infrastructure project. "For a project of this magnitude with so much at stake, it seems that very careful and thorough consideration is a must," said Todd Crowl, workshop participant and director of FIU's Southeast Environmental ...