Infrastructure and transportation, Latin America & Caribbean Environmental screening of a proposed transatlantic telecommunications cable landing

Summary

EEM was retained by a long-term partner in the marine cable construction business to do a preliminary environmental screening of a proposed cable landing on the island of Bermuda.

Approach and Solution

Having worked on several of these projects in the past, we understand the impacts on terrestrial, nearshore and offshore environments, depending on how the cable will be laid. Our work in Bermuda was limited to gaining an understanding on the proponent’s view of the project, the regulatory approvals process and the social risks associated with laying a cable across the reefs which surround Bermuda.

Results

Although the project did not proceed for commercial reasons, information on valued ecosystem components was collected and the environmental assessment groundwork laid for a future project to replace or upgrade existing cables to the island.