Investors in the Coral Spring beachfront property in Trelawny are concerned about the environmental consequence that could result from the ravaged beach.

It was reported last week that thieves have made off with more than 500 truckloads of sand from the beach.

William Mahfood, one of the investors, said his colleagues are looking into possible environmental downfalls of the US$109-million (J$7.8 billion) development they were planning.

Looking for repercussions

"We engaged an environmentalist and we're getting the Jamaica Environment Trust to do an assessment for us," Mahfood said. "We're looking at repercussions from a market point of view and from an environmental point of view."

He added: "We don't know where we're going to get sand from."

Damage caused by hurricanes may also increase because beaches and reefs create a buffer against rough waves.

The beach from which the sand was taken is close to the Coral Spring Mountain protected area. The coast has saltpans, mangroves and a dry limestone forest.

NEPA at fault

Danielle Andrade, legal director of the Jamaica Environment Trust, in speaking for the Jamaica Environmental Advocacy Network (JEAN), expressed concern about the general issue of sand mining.

JEAN has called for the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to be held accountable for the issue of sand mining.

The network has also asked for a report from NEPA, detailing the timing and source of the sand supply to some hotels under construction.

Developers are usually expected to propose a plan detailing how they would get sand for their properties.

A media release from NEPA stated that the agency has written to the Island Special Constabulary Force notifying it of illegal sand-mining reports.

Laurie Henry, deputy commissioner of the mines, said he would be submitting a report on the matter to Dr Jean Dixon, permanent secretary for the ministries of Energy and Mining and Telecommunications, today.