bpTT rebuilds Clifton Hill seawall

bpTT has begun to replace the seawall at Clifton Hill Beach, Point Fortin, following the issuing of a Certificate of Environmental Clearance and a community meeting at which certain concerns were raised.

The move was welcomed by the Point Fortin Foundation, the group selected to interact with bpTT on behalf of the community said “now that bpTT is moving to replace the wall, it seems more feasible to provide beach facilities at Guapo”. The group’s President Mayon Murray said “if a world-class facility is proposed for Guapo, Atlantic LNG and all stakeholders would readily buy in”. In 1998, in preparation for Train 1 of Atlantic LNG, a tanker channel and turning basin was dredged. A 36-inch pipeline was built and operated by bpTT to deliver natural gas to the Atlantic LNG Train 1. However, the coastline began to deteriorate and several remedial measures were implemented to fortify the shoreline. One was an attempt to install artificial kelp on the seabed to buffer the impact of the waves.

When it was clear that none of the approaches were successful, bpTT undertook to build a wall in the affected area. The wall was severely damaged by Hurricane Lenny and was never completely restored. bpTT and Atlantic LNG commissioned the Point Fortin Coastal Study Han-Padron which collected data over 16 months to assess the activity over dry, wet and hurricane seasons, as well as wind, water and wave action and landslide activity. The results of the study would have been used by bpTT and Atlantic LNG  to ensure long-term sustainability of their interests in the area. A 40-year study of aerial photos has shown that parts of the Western coastline in this area are slowly falling into the sea.

bpTT has always expressed an interest in the area and has invested an estimated $1.2 million on initial plans to erect a recreation facility which would include refurbishment of the beach facility, construction of a gazebo, paved and resanded areas, and a conference facility. Through the initiative of Point Fortin Mayor Francis Bertrand, the Clifton Hill area already houses a hotel and conference facility with restaurant and bar, venue of the annual Sea-a-Thon which crowns the Borough Celebrations. Murray said the Foundation is seeking the cooperation of bpTT, Atlantic LNG and others in long term plans for Point Fortin.