Temporary/Permanent Improvements in US Navigable Water

Coco Beach Hyatt Regency proposed a project at the west side of the existing Hyatt Regency Hotel at Coco Beach, Municipality of Río Grande, Puerto Rico. This project consists of the installation of a floating dock (Candock) of 87.08 feet long x 7.92 feet wide with 31.67 feet long by 7.92 feet wide “T” shape dock at the end supported with 10 poles anchors, and the installation of a floating water park covering an area of approximately 0.062 acres of navigable waters of the United States. This water park consists of several interconnected floating inflatable structures, including slides, ladders, monkey dome, trampoline, catapult swing, among others. The total length and width of this water park would be approximately 145 feet and 80 feet, respectively. Also, this project includes the dredge of approximately 31,400 square feet of sand in navigable waters of the United States and adjacent uplands to the northeast of the existing pool, and the re-discharge of screened sand in waters of the United States on same site to construct a swimming hole of approximately 280 feet long by 147 feet wide. From this total, approximately 200 feet long by 48.38 feet wide of the proposed swimming hole is within navigable waters of the United States. In addition, this project includes the removal of scattered large rocks existing along the west shoreline of Punta Miquillo and the removal of large rocks (armor stones) of the failed rock revetment from navigable waters of the U.S. These rocks (approximately 1,160 cubic yards of armor stone) will be used to construct a new rock revetment of approximately 427 feet long by 6 feet wide on its top and 16 feet wide on its base in uplands (landward of the high tide line).

Quantum Consulting Group (QCG) managed the environmental compliance, environmental assessments, and permits. Part of the evaluations and actions performed by QCG were:

• Performed site visits to gather technical information related to the project.

• Certification of exemption from the recycling plan - Recycling Plan for the Construction Phase to exempt the proponent, developer, or contractor and to implement necessary measures for recyclable materials.

• Bathymetry study – depth study that described the approximately 31,400 square feet dredging depth.

• Benthic Study – description of the project area, marine habitat, and sediment characterization.

• Archeological study – Sub aquatic archeological Phase 1 study described that no other future archaeological studies are needed.

• Report for the Implementation of the SOP’s regarding the Manatee, Sea Turtles, and Smalltooth Sawfish at the Hyatt Regency Coco Beach Resort.

• Habitat Characterization - QCG biologist performed campus evaluations and descriptions of the surrounding areas of the Coco Beach Hyatt Regency.

• Joint Permit – file permit to the US Department of the Army.

• Declaration of Environmental Impact (DIA, Spanish acronym) – document redaction and evaluation.