The AES Ocean LNG project will have minimal impact on the water and air resources. The majority of the potential impact on land resources is a direct result of the expansion of Ocean Cay to accommodate the proposed LNG (liquefied natural gas) facility, shore protection structures and the existing aragonite mining operations. The material for expanding Ocean Cay will come from the dredging operations needed to expand and deepen the approach channel and turning basin. The material not used for fill on Ocean Cay will be temporarily deposited in an excess materials shoal for future use by the mining operations. Proper construction techniques and other measures will help mitigate these potential impacts. The project is not expected to impact the critical habitats of any endangered or at-risk species. Short-term impacts on certain human, institutional services are expected, however these are anticipated to be offset by the long-term positive economic benefits from the Project.

In addition to the development of LNG terminal facilities, the installation of the 65 km (40 mi) long pipeline between Ocean Cay and the EEZ boundary will result in a temporary disturbance to the ocean floor.

During the review process of the EIA and as a result of a strong preference of the BEST Commission the facility design was changed to eliminate seawater use as the heat source to warm the LNG. The facility will therefore use waste heat from the generators, warm air and or additional combustion of natural gas to provide the heat needed to warm the LNG.

The primary source of air emissions from the project will be the gas turbine generators or reciprocating engines and, if built, the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) removal hot oil system heater. Based on modeling results, conducted in accordance with State of Florida and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency modeling guidance, compliance with applicable standards was demonstrated, and the facility will meet air quality requirements no less stringent than the regulations which would be applicable to a similar facility located within the U.S.

Modeling also determined that noise impacts will be negligible at neighboring inhabited islands, primarily due to the isolation of Ocean Cay from permanent residences and other sensitive receptors.

Visual impacts of the project were assessed using accepted viewshed evaluation procedures, including the development of renderings of proposed facilities from various perspectives and distances from Ocean Cay. No significant visual impacts are expected at the nearest inhabited island (Cat Cay).

No findings of significant land or subsea cultural resources (including shipwrecks) were made during the baseline studies; therefore, no impact to cultural resources is expected.

Socioeconomic impacts of the project will include the employment of workers for both project construction and operational phases. Project construction is expected to employ up to 450 people at peak construction times, who will be housed on temporary quarters barges or cruise ships anchored at Ocean Cay. During operations, approximately 40-45 people will be employed by the project on a full time basis, and new permanent housing to accommodate this increase in jobs will be constructed on South Bimini as required.