Water generating greenhouses

Deliverable 1 of the CIDA INC Contribution Agreement with Batavia Greenhouse Builders Ltd. for the Viability Study—Water-producing Greenhouse—Turks and Caicos Islands is this Technical Feasibility Report.

Our Greenhouse for subtropical Grand Turk uses 27 exhaust fans to force air at 1.52 m/s (300 ft per minute) through a 3,500 m² (0.87 acre) greenhouse. There is one air change every minute. Cool (15°C; 59°F), salty (36 ‰) groundwater, from four wells 400–500 m (1,300–1,650 ft) deep, is pumped through 27 water-cooled coils. Total flow is 256 L/s (4,050 US gal per minute) The aluminum-finned copper-nickel coils (total face area 2700 ft²) are colder than dew-point. Airflow moisture (11–28 g/m³) turns into pure fresh water droplets collected in a reservoir for crop irrigation. Thermodynamic modeling shows that any crop mix among tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, squash, runner beans, peppers, and eggplants, would use less than 5% of the 200 m³ (52,800 US gal) fresh water produced daily by the greenhouse. About 190 m³ (50,200 US gal) fresh water is pumped each day to storage tanks. This extra water is allocated according to demand for drinking, beverage manufacturing, food-processing, livestock, and irrigation of nursery stock.

The salty groundwater is returned, unchanged in salinity, to the environment via disposal wells on the proposed Greenhouse site at Crisson Plantation.

Evaporative cooling pads soaked with saltwater from the condenser maintain a year-round temperate summer climate inside four main growing zones in the greenhouse so that a variety of high-value vegetables and fruits can be grown and sold. A special feature of our design is a fifth 840 m² (0.21 acre) zone, the cool zone. Although not used for water production, it maintains coolness for lettuce and strawberries.

Modeled energy consumption is just over 5200 kWh daily, based on a power requirement of about 220 kW. Fresh water energy cost of 25.1 kWh/m³ is slightly higher than for reverse osmosis—but our water would be pure with no dissolved solids. Cooling efficiency of the simulated greenhouse space has a coefficient of performance (COP) ranging from 2 to 17 depending on weather conditions—better performance than electrically powered refrigeration or air-conditioning.

Approximate capital cost with wind-diesel power supply would be USD 4.9 million with less than 10 years payback for the power installation. By postponing power autonomy and connecting to the Grand Turk power grid, capital cost is reduced to USD 3.5 million but annual energy costs will continue at a rate of USD 650,0000.

The Greenhouse is shown, through extensive tests of the design by a thermodynamic model, to be technically feasible. The Greenhouse could produce commercial volumes of water, vegetables, and fruit for Grand Turk residents and tourists.

Financial & Commercial Viability

Summary

This Financial and Commercial Viability Study is 'Deliverable 2' of the Grand Turk Water-producing Greenhouse (WPG) Viability Study. It is addressed to the supporting agency, CIDA INC; people and government of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI); suppliers and advisors to the project, and potential investors and financiers.

A customized financial model is the core of a Business Plan that allows us to simulate and analyze a business producing fresh water and food crops in Grand Turk (GT).

Selected aspects of the economy are reviewed. TCI (population 25, 000) has an economy based on tourism, offshore finance, and fishing. Imports exceed exports and there is a need to improve the balance of trade. Tourism visits exceed 165,000 annually and are growing at a 10% rate. Agriculture is limited. Electric power is provided by diesel-fueled generating plants. TCI has constrained fresh water resources, especially on Grand Turk. Airfreight is the main mode of transporting goods within TCI. Marine container services are adequate to Providenciales.

Primary data from a survey of TCI businesses handling produce and/or water was collected during September 2002 fieldwork. The data provides a means of initializing the model so it represents a greenhouse growing a realistic crop mix. The data allows us to assess imported food quality, food/bottled water distribution, delivery preferences, cool storage capacity, and tourist demand for produce.

Our Business Plan reviews required financing and sources. About USD 4.9 million is required to establish the business. The plan suggests a business organization for the 3,500 m² greenhouse. Production planning focuses on common imports. These are commodity produce (tomatoes, sweet peppers, and lettuces) and produce considered as specialties due to high import cost and/or poor shelf life (cucumbers, eggplants, green beans, culinary herbs, strawberries, and cut flowers). Fresh water sales are modeled as being a mix of greenhouse crop irrigation, a community standpipe, co-operative garden plots, the government water utility, tanker trucks, and a bottled water plant.

Revenue from sales of water and produce by the third year of operation is projected to be USD 12 million. A selling price model is presented. Competition in the produce and water sectors is analyzed. Constraints such as energy costs, transportation costs, human resources, and the small regional economy are discussed. Marketing of greenhouse products as a case lot operation is discussed in terms of production, handling, transport, pricing, and selling.

Input costs in our financial model are discussed. Quality assurance is essential to realize the modeled production levels. The Grand Turk WPG will be the first commercial enterprise to achieve temperate-climate conditions at a subtropical site while producing 200,000 litres/day of fresh water. Grade-making targets, tailored to TCI are suggested.

Net income is projected to be USD 1.8 million in the third year. Return on investment is expected to be 16.8% in year 3. Sensitivity analyses show that the financial success of the proposed business is tied to energy, employee compensation, financing, and water bottling costs. A 40% wind / 60% diesel option as the autonomous energy source for the business is examined for viability. The analysis revealed that grid energy costs for a large development (currently USD 0.17/kWh) would have to rise above USD 0.23/kWh to effect payback periods of less than 10 years.

Our financial model and Business Plan demonstrates that the GT WPG is financially viable because capital costs, financing costs, and operating costs are all in satisfactory relationships to projected revenue. Commercial viability seems assured from analyses of our primary data and numerous discussions with entrepreneurs and government officials, all stressing the strong demand for locally produced food and for alternative sources of potable water.

Bottled water sales have a dramatic impact on the revenues possible for the operation, although water bottling might consume only 20%–40% of the fresh water produced by the greenhouse system. The attractiveness of the WPG technology may depend as much on water bottling expertise as horticultural expertise. The partnership that forms around this project should not forego an immediate diversification into water bottling—the case is compelling.

We conclude with a 'next steps' approach to further research and joint venture formation.

Regulatory Framework Analysis

Summary

Environmental Impact Assessment 1

Pre-drilling Environmental Evaluation

Summary

The proposed project adheres to the local Planning Ordinance and Planning Policies and is subject to necessary planning applications for development.

The hydrogeological environment was assessed during January 2002. Geophysical logging techniques including depth versus salinity and temperature profiles were employed to ascertain the groundwater configuration in the existing feedwater borehole. A low volume hand pump was used to obtain a composite water sample. The sample was analyzed for selected chemical paramters and bacteriology. Data collected was used to assess the groundwater configuration and water quality.

Pump test analyses from boreholes in similar hydrogeological enviroments in the Bahamas were used to get a feel for borehole abstraction criteria and performance at deeper depths in the subsurface that are applicable within the project site.

Project site

The proposed project site is located approximately two miles north[east] of the Grand Turk International Airport. It is situated along an interior ridge formation that runs parallel to the eastern coastline, adjacent to a large Salina on the western side and a valley on the eastern side. The site comprises approximately 22.898 acres of land and is under ownership of Dominion Ltd. It is positioned at Block Number 10406 and Parcel 20 on the official cadastral plans for Grand Turk.

Central Grand Turk showing location of Crisson Plantation. The line W-E represents 2.35 km.

The immediate and surrounding areas, described as the "outskirts of town", are dominated by an extensive Salina due west of the project site and a ridge and valley system to the east. The subject area is designated for commercial and industrial usage. It is serviced by underground service utility infrastructure.

The eastern coastline is approximately [0.75 km] east of the project site. Stunted vegetation occurs in patches across the site and is interrupted by derelict infrastructure, near the southern property boundary, from the previous development that comprised a hydroponics farm. A small diameter (6-inch) borehole of approximately 50 feet depth exists in a sheltered stonewall structure.

The perimeter of the project site is secured with chain link fencing and barbwires. Rough, rocky roads provide accesses at the north and south boundaries. The Salina near the western boundary has no direct tidal connection and is recharged by local rainfall. Currently, the project site is used, indiscriminately, for the grazing of livestock, namely cows.

Geology and Geomorphology

Grand Turk Island has developed on the southern margin of the Turks and Caicos Banks that is contiguous with the Bahama Banks. It's geology is dominated by poorly to well cemented Pleistocene limestone and uncemented Holocene sands. The geological evolution of the area under study is defined by a single sea level notch and isolated, elevated beach ridges that were formed during episodes of sea level rise and fall over time and aeolian deposition of sediments, respectively.

The geomorphology of the project area is comprised of an interior ridge formation oriented from north to south. Geomorphological features indicative of active or inactive faults, folds, joints or other structures associated with tectonic activity were not evident within the site or immediate and surrounding areas. Therefore the geological evolution of the project site may be best understood within the context of sea-level fluctuations over geological time.

Soils

The soil layer above the limestone outcrop is extremely thin, less than one inch thickness. Paleo soils were not observed within the proposed development site. The current soils are dominated by calcareous and organic materials and occur as tan, brownish, very fine grained materials. Soil moisture is characterised by frequent wetting and drying due to high effective porosity of the underlying carbonate landform and modest amount of rainfall.

Hydrogeology

The hydrogeology of Grand Turk and the proposed project site is characteristic of a semi-karstic environment. Surface water bodies do not occur within the project site. Groundwater occurrence, in general, is characteristic of a Ghyben-Hertzeberg lens where there is a layered configuration freshwater, brackish water and salt water, respectively from near land surface to increasing depths. The groundwater lens is unconfined. However, a freshwater layer does not exist within the proposed project area. Groundwater recharge is primarily derived from local rainfall. Groundwater flow direction is from the center of the island out toward the coastlines.

Water Quality

A single water quality sample was collected from the existing borehole. The water quality results indicate the presence of bacteriological contamination in the local groundwater regime. The water quality data is summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Water quality data
Parameter	Measurement
Salinity	34.4 ppt
Sodium	11,500 mg/l
Sulfate	2,850 mg/l
Magnesium	1,800 mg/l
Potassium	580 mg/l
Bicarbonate	340 mg/l
Nitrate	2.7 mg/l
pH	6.8
Turbidity	11 NTU
Fecal coliform	2
Total coliform	110

The salinity measured in the existing borehole averaged 34.4 ppt and was very similar to average salinity of the surrounding marine environment. The temperature profile (Table 2), while characteristic of a reverse geothermal gradient, did not yield expected results ranging around 24°C–25°C as have proven to the case in other boreholes of similar depths throughout the Bahama Platform.

Table 2. Existing borehole temperature and salinity against depth
Hole Depth (m)	Water depth (m)	Temp (°C)	Salinity (‰)
4	0	28.6	34.5
8	4	28.4	34.4
11	7	27.9	34.2
15.3	11.3	27.7	34.6

Identification of Potential Impacts and Key Issues

Four parameters have been considered in determining the key issues under the proposed project including impacts on air quality, groundwater, land and socio-economic environments.

The proposed [drilling] project will not comprise fuel storage, fuel burning facilities or other type facility that will generate emission into the air. Therefore, no perceived impacts to humans, animals or air quality have been identified.

Groundwater

A freshwater lens does not exist within the immediate and surrounding area of the project site, thus saltwater encroachment will not be an issue.

Land

The proposed project site was previously developed. Existing road networks are sufficient to provide unobstructed access to the site. Within the project site, natural terrestrial habitats for resident species will not be physically disturbed or lost. However, the method of construction of the boreholes will be an issue. Drilling methods that allow indiscriminate flow of saline water on the ground surface will adversely impact already stunted vegetation.

Socio-economic

Perceived socio-economic impacts will not be an issue. However, it is important to note that the successful implementation of the proposed project will effectively improve the quality of life of local residents through the creation of employment opportunities. Employment opportunities bring about economic stability to a current unstable socio-economic situation that has resulted in mass exodus of local residents to other islands in search of employment.

Perceived adverse impacts may be mitigated through the application of appropriate mitigation measures and should not impede the progress of the proposed project.

Groundwater abstraction

Pump tests and the evaluation of pumping test data have been conducted throughout the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands with a view to determining the "safe yield" of freshwater lenses. The concept of "safe yield" was used to identify abstraction criteria for the sustainable use of a fragile potable groundwater resource. Against this background "safe yield" averaged 10 US gallons per minute or approximately 15,000 US gallons per acre per day. However, in the case of the proposed project, the target resource is saline groundwater abstraction from a groundwater regime that is void of a freshwater lens. Consequently, potential damage to fresh groundwater bodies is a non-issue.

Furthermore, borehole design would prove to be the critical factor in determining satisfactory rates of abstraction.

Water injection

The current environmental protection policy of the Turks and Caicos government calls for the discharge of wastewater and/or brine from desalination plants to be by means of subsurface injection. The proposed project will utilize abstraction and disposal wells within the project site. Therefore, a potential exists for the circulation of [return] water. Again, well design would prove to be the critical factor to preclude such a scenario.

Groundwater regime

Based on the in-situ salinity profile from the existing borehole (Table 2), the groundwater configuration is entirely saline. Therefore, the potential for contamination of fresh groundwater resources does not exist.

Pollutants

A rapid reconnaissance of the project site suggests that the potential sources of pollutants include:

Cultural and Socio-economic

Potable groundwater does not exist within the project site or the immediate and surround areas. The cultural use of potable water is derived from local rainfall and stored in residential and/or small commercial water cisterns.

The implementation of the proposed project would give a much needed boost the current economically struggling island of Grand Turk including the provision of long-term employment for approximately [10] locals and a sustainable and reliable source of potable water. The project area was previously used to abstract saline groundwater as feedwater for a reverse osmosis desalination process (Hydroponics Plant). Neighbouring settlements will not be displaced or inconvenienced by noise, hazardous waste or increase in traffic flow.

Mitigation

Well design
Deep Well Extraction of Cold Water - In order to source water of approximately 15 degrees C, it will be necessary to drill wells of +/- 500 metres in depth. The quality of water is suitable for the intended project. However, the zone of investigation did not yield ideal temperature measurements. Target temperature measurements could be obtained at deeper depths, given the existing reverse geothermal gradient. Drilling deeper would result in improved water quality and reduce the source of pollutants from hydrogen sulfide and turbidity.

· Deep Well Disposal of Same - The [return] water will be disposed of into four deep wells of approximately 250 feet in depth. These will be cased to a depth of two-hundred feet in order to reduce the potential for deterioration of the well walls and surrounding bedrock.

· Well Design - The extraction wells will be designed to meet the necessary requirement for their industrial use and public safety. The four, approximately 500 metre deep wells will begin with a 10-inch borehole to 100 metres then continuing as a 4-7/8" borehole to the final depth. These boreholes, reamed out to 7", will be cased and fitted with submersible pumps with a capacity of 1000 US gpm.

· Drilling - The preferred drilling method is reverse air circulation. This drilling method is environmentally friendly and prevents flooding of the drill site, which in the case of saline waters would result in the destruction of vegetation and loss of terrestrial habitat.

Monitoring and reporting
A monitoring program should be established and implemented at the expense of the developer. This program would keep a record of all drilling logs and water quality reports including production figure(s) from individual wells, volumes of [return water] injected, salinity and temperature of feed water and [return water]. Monitoring should occur on a daily basis, compiled in monthly reports and shared with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Conclusions & Recommendations

1. Terrestrial environment - The construction of feed water well(s) and disposal well(s) will not result in the loss of habitat in the terrestrial environment.

2. Site selection - The project site is appropriately zoned for the proposed development.

3. Water quality - The quality of water is suitable for the intended project. However, the zone of investigation did not yield ideal temperature measurements. Target temperature measurements could be obtained at deeper depths, given the existing reverse geothermal gradient. Drilling deeper would result in improved water quality and reduce the source of pollutants from hydrogen sulfide and turbidity.

4. [Return water] disposal - The disposal of [return] water should occur at a depth of at least [250] feet...

5. Well design - The design of the new well(s) should be [a 10-inch borehole to 100 metres then continuing as a 4-7/8" borehole to the final depth. These boreholes, reamed out to 7", will be cased and fitted with submersible pumps with a capacity of 1000 US gpm.]

6. Drilling - The preferred drilling method is reverse air circulation. This drilling method is environmentally friendly and prevents flooding of the drill site, which in the case of saline waters would result in the destruction of vegetation and loss of terrestrial habitat.

Environmental Impact Assessment 2

Summary

This report addresses the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Grand Turk Water-producing Greenhouse Project. The proposed development aims to create a sustainable source of fresh water which will in turn be used for hydroponics crop production and public water supply on the island of Grand Turk.

The proposed development site is an old farm that has fallen into disuse and is known as the Crisson Plantation. The baseline environmental parameters of the site are typical of the geographic region and are not of exceptional quality due to the historical use of the site. It is therefore unlikely that the proposed development will have any large-scale environmental effects. Some areas of concern include:

· Rare and Endemic Species - The proposed development site has a history of development and is currently being grazed by livestock. It is therefore not a pristine habitat. Nevertheless, there are [five] plant species and three insect species that are endemic to the region that were noted during the site investigations. Special considerations and mitigation measures will be taken during the course of development to ensure the welfare of these species.

· Potential Pollution of Land, Air and Water - The proposed agricultural and hydroponics components of the proposed development will incorporate the use of maintenance chemicals in the form of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Environmental impacts associated with these chemicals can include pollution of land, water and air resources as well as threats to wildlife. These impacts can be mitigated by using integrated pest management practices and organic fertilizers.

· Social and Economic Concerns - The lack of fresh water and produce on the island of Grand Turk means that the primary objectives of the proposed development will have a net positive impact on social welfare. The proposed development will create employment, provide training and supply the public with a much-needed resource. These positive impacts are expected to offset any unexpected social consequences, which may arise.

From a technical standpoint, there are several areas of consideration that have been examined these include:

· The Use of Wind Generated Electricity - It has been estimated that the proposed development project will have an electrical requirement equivalent to 15% of the current production of electricity on Grand Turk. This should not place undue stress on the system, as the power company, TCU, are currently operating under capacity. However in the interest of sustainability and economics, the option of solar and wind turbine generation may be incorporated. Noise impacts may result and appropriate mitigation measures will be undertaken to ensure that these effects are minimised.

· Deep Well Extraction of Cold Water - In order to source water of approximately 15 degrees C, it will be necessary to drill wells of +/- 500 metres in depth. The quality of water is suitable for the intended project. However, the zone of investigation did not yield ideal temperature measurements. Target temperature measurements could be obtained at deeper depths, given the existing reverse geothermal gradient. Drilling deeper would result in improved water quality and reduce the source of pollutants from hydrogen sulfide and turbidity.

Overall, the proposed development is expected to have minimal impacts with regards to the physical environment. With appropriate mitigation measures, these impacts can be largely eliminated. Socio-economic effects are expected to be largely positive.

Training Plan

Summary

This Training Plan report is 'Deliverable 6' of the Grand Turk Water-producing Greenhouse (WPG) Viability Study. It is addressed to the supporting agency, CIDA INC; people and government of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI); suppliers and advisors to the project, and potential investors and financiers.

Our goal is to build a Water-producing Greenhouse in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands to provide a new source of fresh water and food. A training program will provide the structure to develop the skilled local people to work with the innovative technologies used in operating the greenhouse. Atmospheric water vapour processing will provide the fresh water for greenhouse hydroponics and field crop irrigation. Fresh water, requiring testing and certification will flow to an adjacent plant for premium brand bottled water.

The employee plan, organization, and recruitment sequence are discussed. Training will benefit the country by increasing its agricultural capacity and ability to provide fresh water for its inhabitants and visitors. A permanent increase in the community's knowledge base will result.

Training needs are assessed in the context of the current system and the need to achieve desired performance. Training is likely to be focussed on youth to assist in solving chronic unemployment of young people who have successfully completed their schooling. Results of a questionnaire distributed to high school and community college students in Grand Turk are discussed. Survey replies assist in understanding the current knowledge level of youths about horticulture, fresh water and business concepts. Target groups for training are considered, emphasizing women as recipients of training.

Details of a training plan are reviewed and a content outline is provided. The outline encompasses greenhouse horticulture, equipment operation, and a safety program and environmental management plan. Actual delivery of training is considered primarily for startup with variation and extension for succession and continuing education.

Training resources in the country (focussed on the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College) and from Canada are discussed.

Methods for measuring effectiveness of training and meeting goals of quality assurance are discussed. Impact of training on individual employees and their contribution to company goals are examined.

The personnel likely to be involved in training greenhouse employees are profiled.

Gender Analysis and Social Integration Plan

Summary

This Report presents the results of the Gender and Social Integration Analysis (Components 6 and 7) of the Grand Turk Water-producing Greenhouse Viability Study.

Its findings are based on conversations held with members of the Grand Turk and Providenciales communities during the fall of 2002.

The community faces many complex issues, but early on in the discussions, several points hit home:

· A Grand Turk family of four (two children and two adults both employed full time at minimum wage) spends 58 cents of every dollar of their income on food.

· Despite the amount spent on food, Turks and Caicos islanders suffer from very poor nutrition. A diet far too high in fat, sugar and salt and far too low in vegetables and fibre has made heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and cancer the leading causes of death in the country.

· One out of three Grand Turk residents lives below the poverty line. For people of colour, poverty strikes without reference to gender or nationality, but childhood poverty is endemic: 41% of the country's poor are under the age of 15, half the poor are under the age of 25.

· Finding ways to address the disillusionment of youth is a priority for the community.

It is the conclusion of the gender and social analysis that the proposed Grand Turk Greenhouse will have a positive impact on women in the community.

It is the conclusion of the social analysis that the provision of fresh, local fruits and vegetables; the creation of 10+ well paid, skilled jobs and the production of fresh water surplus to the demands of the facility that will be available, in one form on another, to the community will have a positive impact on the social needs of the community.

But the needs of the community are so pressing and the potential of the project so strong, the challenge that clearly emerged from discussion with the community was: is there a way to deliver more benefits to the community in a sustainable way that complements and does not impede the priorities of the private sector entity?

Birthed from discussion with the community, the social integration prescription recommended in this Report would create "CAP" — A Community Agriculture Project situated adjacent to but separate from the Grand Turk Water-producing Greenhouse and administered by a non-profit community partnership between the Community College, the Queens Prison and the Ministry of Education.

The role of the new facility would be to create an operational, youth-driven model for urban agriculture, community education and micro-enterprise support.

Based on a highly successful, soil-based, raised bed Cuban urban model, the facility would train and employ young people from the community college (a certificate and diploma program in urban agriculture under a new sustainable communities curriculum), offer opportunities for householder extension education (raised-bed home vegetable gardens) and support micro-enterprise (community kitchen, community assisted agriculture).

CAP's objectives would be to increase the supply of locally produced, healthy food, to create high quality jobs for youth, to change consumer attitudes through consumer and early childhood education, and to create the opportunity for food-based, part-time, micro-enterprise.

Most of the products produced by the new facility will be different that those produced in the specialty greenhouse. Rather than competing with the Grand Turk Greenhouse, the Community Agriculture Project would complement it, creating a sense of excitement around the production of local food and driving demand for local produce.

On the premise that best community partners will be those who have the greatest stake in its success, the Community College, the Queens Prison and the Ministry of Education received support from the community as initial community partners.

CAP Partnership support would allow the Turks and Caicos Community College to pursue a new curriculum option: urban agriculture. The addition of an urban agriculture program would be consistent with the Colleges plans to revitalize an agricultural campus on North Caicos. Curriculum costs could likely attract international funding support.

The Queens Prison, adjacent to and just south of the Crisson Plantation, would benefit from partnership with CAP because it could transfer the technical and practical knowledge gained through its participation in the Project to its own prison farm, improving in-house food production capacity and the quality of its inmate training program. Moving to a raised-bed food production system that is micro-drip irrigated with fresh water piped in from the adjacent Grand Turk Greenhouse would dramatically increase production from its prison garden.

The Ministry of Education, represented by the heads of the Ministrys Gender Desk and Youth Desk, brings governments education mandate to the table.

The intended outcomes of the social integration prescription (Grand Turk Community Agriculture Project) are consistent with the stated public policy objectives of the Turks and Caicos Government as set forth in A Food and Nutrition Policy and Plan of Action for the Turks and Caicos Islands (1997) .

If it proceeds, the community-corporate partnership model created by CAP and the Grand Turk Greenhouse will raise the bar in "CSR" (corporate social responsibility), setting a fine and sustainable example for other private sector players and other communities. Because of this, it should be worthy of international sustainable development funding.

3. Identify budget required to construct and operate the Community Agriculture Project.

4. Investigate organizational and structural options under which the Community Agriculture Project could be created.

5. Prepare a discussion document for the community explaining the Community Agriculture Project (CAP).

6. Hold community work shop's to measure and secure community support (buy-in, which is essential).

7. Develop a strategic plan to implement the community vision for CAP: the Grand Turk Community Agriculture Project.

10. Organize a delegation of Grand Turk partners and other key stakeholders to tour Cuba's soil-bound, raised bed urban agriculture model.

11. Engage the youth voice early on in the communication of the nutrition message to the community.

Summary

This Partnership Agreement report is 'Deliverable 8' of the Grand Turk Water-producing Greenhouse (WPG) Viability Study. It is addressed to the supporting agency, CIDA INC; people and government of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI); suppliers and advisors to the project, and potential investors and financiers.

A joint venture agreement was reached between Batavia Greenhouse Builders Ltd., Canada (Applicant) and Paul Day, Turks and Caicos Islands (Host Country Partner) and four other entities that bring additional technical and business expertise to the enterprise.

The joint venture company is a Turks and Caicos Islands incorporated company to be named GT Water & Food Production Ltd.

The agreement involves a joint venture with the participants having financial, organizational, and marketing responsibilities.

Immediate next steps include formalizing the share structure, facilitating corporate communications, press release to the TCI media, financing, and drafting a Development Agreement.

CIDA's Industrial Cooperation Program contribution of 80% of the total study cost of CAD 200,904 assisted Batavia Greenhouse Builders and Paul Day to found a private joint venture operating company, GT Water & Food Production Ltd., that has investigated thoroughly all aspects of its business before commencing construction and operation of the greenhouse.Such detailed groundwork is the key to business success that will make Grand Turk's people more self-sufficient in their water and food supply, provide regional socio-economic benefits, and maximize a fair and reasonable return for local investors.

· The Water-producing Greenhouse is a Canadian technology for making Water + Food™.

· It grows temperate zone crops at sea-level in tropical regions.

· The greenhouse produces its own fresh water for crop irrigation and extra fresh water for a variety of uses by the local population.

Partner

Paul Day, c/o Columbus Foods Limited, South Base, Box 259, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI

Advisors and Consultants

Business and Corporate Development

Greenhouse Construction and Agronomy

Liaison to Regional Governments, Product Distribution

Séamus Day, Owner, The Water's Edge (restaurant), Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands

Environmental Impact Assessment

Rolf Anonsen, M.Sc. (in Civil and Structural Engineering), Norpro Consulting Engineers, Civil & Structural, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Ezekiel Hall, M.Sc. (Professional Hydrogeologist), Halltech Env. & Geotech. Consulting Services, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Nicholas Turner, M.Sc. (Agricultural Extension and Rural Development), Island Landscaping, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Kathleen Wood, B.S. (Environmental Studies) Simon Wood Associates Limited, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Gender Analysis and Social Integration Plan

Power Supply

Malcolm Lodge, B.E., M.E., P.Eng., Island Technologies Inc., Charlottetown, PEI, Canada

Scientific and Technical

Roland Wahlgren, B.Sc., M.A. (Physical Geography), Atmoswater Research, North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Here are links to web sites of some of the organizations involved in the project.

Atmoswater Research — Atmospheric water vapour processing technology development

Batavia Greenhouse Builders Ltd. — Greenhouse design, supplier of components, soil-less horticulture (hydroponics) expertise

Viability Study undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

News

· The task is done! — Eight required reports to CIDA have been approved. The Viability Study was completed March 28, 2003 when a Final Activity Report with Statement of Expenses was delivered to CIDA.

· Next steps — We are now writing a Start-up Support proposal to be delivered to CIDA. The objective of the Start-up Support activity is the implementation of a commercial Water-producing Greenhouse and water bottling operation on Grand Turk. Content includes technology transfer from Canada to the Turks and Caicos Islands and implementation of plans developed in the Viability Study.

· Newsworthy — Our project was featured in a recent article (December 2002) which appeared in the Ottawa Citizen and Vancouver Sun newspapers.

This Canadian technology is under study for ESV models. Admin.

Water-producing Greenhouse Viability Study and Start-up

Technical Feasibility Report

Summary

Financial & Commercial Viability

Summary

Regulatory Framework Analysis

Summary

Environmental Impact Assessment 1

Pre-drilling Environmental Evaluation

Summary

Project site

Geology and Geomorphology

Soils

Hydrogeology

Water Quality

Identification of Potential Impacts and Key Issues

Groundwater abstraction

Water injection

Groundwater regime

Pollutants

Cultural and Socio-economic

Mitigation

Conclusions & Recommendations

Environmental Impact Assessment 2

Summary

Training Plan

Summary

Gender Analysis and Social Integration Plan

Summary

Summary

Partner

Advisors and Consultants

Business and Corporate Development

Greenhouse Construction and Agronomy

Liaison to Regional Governments, Product Distribution

Environmental Impact Assessment

Gender Analysis and Social Integration Plan

Power Supply

Scientific and Technical

News

Location Map

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands

Send mail to ghazi@wavepowerplant.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2006 Wave Power Plant Inc. Last modified: 04/08/06

Send mail to ghazi@wavepowerplant.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 Wave Power Plant Inc.
Last modified: 04/08/06