senior capstone project

La Península on the Island of Viequés:A development to counteract negative effects

left behind by the U.S. Navy

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La Península on the Island of Viequés:A development to counteract negative effects left behind by the U.S. Navy

by

Sydney P. Thompson

A Senior Design ProjectPresented to the College of Environment and Design

University of GeorgiaUnder the Direction of:

Associate Professor José R. BuitragoIn partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Athens, GeorgiaSpring, 2013

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Introduction

Program Development

Conceptual Design

Design Development

Construction Documents

Sustainable Site Elements

Works Cited

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Table of Contents

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Introduction7

Vieques is a small, island-municipality off the cost of Puerto Rico. The island measures about 21 miles long and 4 miles wide at it thickest part – comparable to the size of Jekyll Island. Though it is technically part of the United States, Vieques still has strong ties to its Spanish roots. Starting in the 1940s during World War II, the United States’ Navy occupied about two-thirds of the island. The island was used as a weapons testing facility. In 2003, because of continuous protesting by the residents, the Navy left the island. Now, Vieques is trying to reboot its economy and start over. The climate of Vieques is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s year round. The island, on average, gets about 45 inches of rain per year – its rainiest season starting in August and ending in the month of December. The climate supports numerous types of deciduous and evergreen vegetations, as well as plants that required different amounts of moisture. The southern edge of the island has a dry, arid climate, whereas the northern, Atlantic side of the island supports plants that like moist soils. According to researchers, the island has been inhabited for the past 4000 years. Many credit its discovery to Christopher Columbus around 1514. Throughout history there sugar has been a major crop produced on Vieques. However, sugar production stopped during World War II in the 1940s because the United States’ Navy moved in and took over the majority of the island. From this time until 2003, the Navy occupied most of the island and used it, as well as its surrounding waters, for bomb and ammunition testing. Though the residents of Vieques were not happy with the Navy’s presence, their petitions and protests were ignored. However, in 1999, a Navy plane mistook a landmark on Vieques as his practice target and dropped two, 500-pound bombs onto it. This bombing, sadly, killed a civilian.

Summary

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After this civilian’s death, the push to get the United States’ Navy to vacate the island was more intense than ever. Finally, in 2003, the Navy left the island of Vieques, and for the first time, the people were able to start rebuilding and revamping their economy. However, though the Navy is gone, it has left behind many negative impacts. For one, there are a lot of impact craters caused by dropping bombs and shooting high-powered weapons. These have damaged the landscape’s appearance. There is also a lot of ammunition that was never set off that was either dumped into the ocean or buried in the dirt. The chemicals from these duds are slowly leaking into the water, ground, and even getting into the air. There is strong supporting evidence that this, along with the Navy’s continuous use of the island as a weapons testing zone, has caused an extremely elevated cancer rate among Vieques’ residents. It has also been speculated that the chemicals leaking are affecting the water supply, and consequently, the fishing industry, which was never able to flourish like on other islands. That being said, the residents are excited to finally be able to revamp their economy. They want to bring the fishing industry back, as well as attract more tourists. The island’s residents, however, do not want to be over run with large hotels and resorts. There are many people who are looking into eco-toursim. This is a form of tourism that is, obviously, environmentally friendly and focuses on highlighting the island for what it has to offer – not what you can bring to the island. One of the main features the people want to market is the bioluminescent bay, which Vieques boasts is the brightest in the world. It is hard to figure out exactly how the Navy has impacted the island. If you read an article written by residents of Vieques, or Puerto Ricans, the Navy is to blame for all of the elevated disease rates and for ruining their economy and industries. If you read an article written by the United States’ government, you will read that there is no proof the Navy caused anything negative on the island, or it is extremely downplayed. I will look forward to figuring out which side I would like to take, as well as, exploring different solutions to some of Vieques’ problems.

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Program Development11

Site Inventory and Analysis

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Conceptual Design25

Design Development33

This is the master plan for the square-mile site I chose to develop on the Island of Vieques. This design has multiple different elements that both tourists, as well as local residents, will be able to enjoy. The design features a commercial shopping area, multiple mini golf courses, horse stables and riding/walking trails, public beach access with restaurants and surf shops, access to the Bioluminescent Bay, and a road and trails leading to the historical lighthouse, and last, and possibly most importantly, The EcoLux Resort. The goal of this master plan is to assist the Island of Vieques in revamping their economy and tourism industry. The images below are of styles of buildings and resorts that have inspired this design.

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La Peninsula on the Island of ViequesMaster Plan

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Shopping at La Peninsula

Master Plan

This blow-up plan shows the commercial shopping area labeled on the master plan. This complex features a variety of boutique style shops and cafes for both local residents and tourists to enjoy. All of the shops and cafes are accessed from the inside of the complex. In the center of the complex is a small park. The park has lawn space around a pond so that people can sit and relax after shopping. Or there are multiple patios to sit and have a coffee or a light snack on as well. Like the rest of the master site, this one also has numerous “green features.” Some of these include porous pavement, recycled material use, and rainwater harvesting techniques to service the bathrooms on site.

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The Boardwalk at La Peninsula

Master Plan

This blow-up plan shows the public beach area labeled on the master plan. This boardwalk features numerous shops and restaurants available to both local residents and tourists. The types of businesses located here range from high-end to affordable in order to attract all types of people. The boardwalk leads to the public beach, where people can lay in the sun and play in the water. There are also freestanding carts along the actual beach where people can get drinks or rent equipment for SCUBA Diving, Snorkeling, or other activities such paddle boating. Because this area is also associated with the EcoLux Resort, it has many “green” features. The parking lot is a porous pavement and the boardwalk was built using all recycled materials.

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The EcoLux Resort at La Peninsula

Master Plan

This blow-up plan shows the main resort area labeled on the master plan. Some of the features of The EcoLux Resort include rooms overlooking the beach or pool, a restaurant/cafe/bar that is accessible from inside the main building or out by the pool, private beach access, multiple, large private villas, enough parking for all guests, and golf carts for the guests to use as they travel around the site. This resort is very environmentally friendly and. The golf carts and much of the hotels energy are powered with solar panels and many of the materials used when building the hotel furniture is recycled and sustainable.

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Construction Documents43

Grading Plan

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LP

Notes

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Sheet 2 of 3

Thompson Landscape Architects

Sydney Thompson Professor Builtrago

Land 4900Senior Project Spring 2013

Scale: 1" = 20' - 00"

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Light Symbol Key

Note: Numbers above reference which light symbol goes with each details

Note: These details are not to scale.

Lighting Plan

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LP

(4) Citrus sinensis 15' O.C.

(3) Colocasia antiquorum 3' O.C.

(4) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'In Paradise'



(12) Bougainvillea 'Rosenka' 4' O.C.





(19) Syagrus romanzoffiana

15' O.C.


(33) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'In Paradise' 7' O.C.



(34) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'In Paradise'

(4) Syagrus romanzoffiana15' O.C





(10) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'In Paradise' 7' O.C.









Annual Bed

Annual Bed

Notes

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EcoL

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Notes: Palm Planting

1. Fronds - tie with single strand of organic material. Untie at end of maintenance period2. Palm Trunk3. 4' High watering basin (if req'd)4. Top of Paving5. 1' Turf areas6. Backfill Mix - 100% Washed Sand7. 2 x Width of Rootball8. Undisturbed native soil.9. Finish grade10. Plant tablets (see specs). 11. Rootball12. 3" Dia. x 3' Deep perforated PVC beather tube w/ NDS drain grate (1 per tree).

A Palm Planting DetailNot To Scale

Small Tree Planting DetailNot To ScaleB

NOTES: SMALL TREE PLANTING

1. ALL PLANT MATERIALS SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICAN STANDARDSFOR NURSERY STOCK (ANSI Z60.1-2004). PLANT ACCORDING TO ANSI A300 PART 6.2. DIG THE PLANTING HOLE A MINIMUM OF 2x WIDTH OF ROOTBALL FOR AT LEAST THEFIRST 12 INCHES OF DEPTH. BELOW 12 INCHES, DIG HOLE WIDE ENOUGH TO PERMITADJUSTING. DO NOT DIG THE HOLE DEEPER THAN ROOT BALL DEPTH.3. SCARIFY THE SUBGRADE AND SIDES OF THE PLANTING HOLE WHEN PLANTING IN CLAYSOILS (MORE THAN 15% CLAY).4. LIFT AND SET THE TREE BY ROOT BALL ONLY. DO NOT LIFT USING THE TREE TRUNKAND DO NOT USE TREE TRUNK AS A LEVER.5. SET THE TOP OF THE ROOT BALL LEVEL WITH THE SOIL SURFACE OR SLIGHTLYHIGHER IF THE SOIL IS PRONE TO SETTLING.6. AFTER THE TREE IS SET IN PLACE, REMOVE BURLAP, WIRE AND STRAPS FROM ATLEAST THE UPPER 1/3 OF THE ROOTBALL.7. BACKFILL WITH EXISTING SOIL THAT HAS BEEN WELL-TILLED OR BROKEN UP. DO NOTADD AMENDMENTS TO THE BACKFILL SOIL. AMEND THE SURFACE WITH MULCH.8. USE TWO 2” X 2” WOOD STAKES 1/3 TREE HEIGHT IN LENGTH DRIVEN INTOUNDISTURBED SOIL A MINIMUM OF 16 INCHES. STAKES SHOULD BE SPACED EQUALLYACROSS FROM AND IN LINE WITH THE TRUNK PARALLEL TO THE PREVAILING WIND.9. ATTACH 3/4” NYLON WEBBING TO CONNECT THE TREE TO STAKES. ATTACH WEBBINGAT 1/3 THE TREE HEIGHT.10. APPLY A 2-3” (SETTLED) DEPTH OF PINE STRAW OR BARK MULCH TO THE PLANTINGSURFACE. LEAVE A 2” SPACE AROUND THE TRUNK FOR AIR CIRCULATION.11. PRUNING SHALL BE LIMITED TO DEAD, DISEASED, OR BROKEN LIMBS ONLY AND SHALLBE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANSI A300 SPECIFICATIONS.12. REMOVE ANY TRUNK WRAP REMAINING AT TIME OF PLANTING. NO WRAPS SHALL BEPLACED ON TRUNK.

Typ. Shrub Detail

Not To ScaleC

NOTES: TYPICAL SHURB PLANTING (Below)

1. DIG PLANTING HOLE AT LEAST 2X THE WIDTH OF THE ROOT BALL OR CONTAINER.2. SCARIFY SUBGRADE AND SIDES OF PLANTING HOLE WHEN PLANTING IN CLAY SOIL.3. SET THE TOP OF THE ROOT BALL LEVEL WITH THE SOIL SURFACE, OR 1-2” ABOVE IF THE SOIL IS PRONE TO SETTLING.4. IF CONTAINER GROWN PLANT, GENTLY SLIDE PLANT OUT OF CONTAINER. DISTURB THE ROOTS.5. IF B&B PLANT, REMOVE BURLAP FROM AT LEAST THE TOP 121NCHES OF THE ROOTBALL, WITHOUT DISTURBING THE ROOTBALL. REMOVE ALL CORD FROM THE TRUNK. REMOVE BURLAP AND WIRE BASKET (IF PRESENT) FROM THE ROOT BALL.6. BACK FILL THE PLANTING HOLE WITHEXCAVATED NATIVE SOIL, BROKEN UP OR TILLED. WATER TO REMOVE AIR POCKETS. DO NOT ADD AMENDMENTS.7. PLACE PINE STRAW OR BARK MULCH ON THE SURFACE TO A (SETTLED) DEPTH OF 1 TO 3 INCHES.

Sheet 1 of 3

Thompson Landscape Architects

Sydney Thompson Professor Builtrago

Land 4900Senior Project Spring 2013

Scale: 1" = 10'-00"

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1. DIG THE PLANTING HOLE A MINIMUM OF 2x WIDTH OF ROOTBALL FOR AT LEAST THE FIRST 121NCHES OF DEPTH. BELOW 121NCHES, DIG HOLE WIDE ENOUGH TO PERMIT ADJUSTING. DO NOT DIG THE HOLE DEEPER THAN ROOT BALL DEPTH.

2. LIFT AND SET THE TREE BY ROOT BALL ONLY. DO NOT LIFT USING THE TREE TRUNK AND DO NOT USE TREE TRUNK AS A LEVER.

3. SET THE TOP OF THE ROOT BALL LEVEL WITH THE SOIL SURFACE OR SLIGHTLY HIGHER IF THE SOIL IS PRONE TO SETTLING.

4. AFTER THE TREE IS SET IN PLACE, REMOVE BURLAP, WIRE AND STRAPS FROM AT LEAST THE UPPER 1/3 OF THE ROOTBALL.

5. BACKFILL WITH EXISTING SOIL THAT HAS BEEN WELL-TILLED OR BROKEN UP. DO NOT ADD AMENDMENTS TO THE BACKFILL SOIL. AMEND THE SURFACE WITH MULCH.

6. USE THREE 2" X 2" WOOD STAKES DRIVEN INTO UNDISTURBED SOIL A MINIMUM OF 16 INCHES. SPACE STAKES EQUALLY AROUND THE TREE.

7. ATTACH 3/4" NYLON WEBBING TO CONNECT THE TREE TO STAKES. ATTACH WEBBINGAT 1/3 THE TREE HEIGHT.

8. APPLY A 2-3" (SETTLED) DEPTH OF PINE STRAW OR BARK MULCH TO THE PLANTING SURFACE. LEAVE A 2" SPACE AROUND THE TRUNK FOR AIR CIRCULATION.

9. PRUNING SHALL BE LIMITED TO DEAD, DISEASED, OR BROKEN LIMBS ONLY AND SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANSI A300 SPECIFICATIONS.

12. REMOVE ANY TRUNK WRAP REMAINING AT TIME OF PLANTING. NO WRAPS SHALL BE PLACED ON TRUNK.

Small Tree Planting Detail*Detail Not To Scale

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Typical Shrub Planting Detail*Detail Not To Scale

1. DIG PLANTING HOLE AT LEAST 2X THE WIDTH OF THE ROOT BALL OR CONTAINER.

2. SCARIFY SUBGRADE AND SIDES OF PLANTING HOLE WHEN PLANTING IN CLAY SOIL.

3. SET THE TOP OF THE ROOT BALL LEVEL WITH THE SOIL SUR-FACE, OR 1-2” ABOVE IF THE SOIL IS PRONE TO SETTLING.

4. IF CONTAINER GROWN PLANT, GENTLY SLIDE PLANT OUT OF CONTAINER. DISTURB THE ROOTS.

5. IF B&B PLANT, REMOVE BURLAP FROM AT LEAST THE TOP 121NCHES OF THE ROOTBALL, WITHOUT DISTURBING THE ROOTBALL. REMOVE ALL CORD FROM THE TRUNK. REMOVE BURLAP AND WIRE BASKET (IF PRESENT) FROM THE ROOT BALL.

6. BACK FILL THE PLANTING HOLE WITH EXCAVATED NATIVE SOIL, BROKEN UP OR TILLED. WATER TO REMOVE AIR POCKETS. DO NOT ADD AMENDMENTS.

7. PLACE PINE STRAW OR BARK MULCH ON THE SURFACE TO A (SETTLED) DEPTH OF 1 TO 3 INCHES.

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Palm Planting Detail*Detail Not To Scale

1. FRONDS - TIE WITH SINGLE STRANDS OF ORGANIC MATERIAL. uNTIE AT END OF MAINTENANCE PERIOD.

2. PALM TRUNK

3. 4” HIGH WATERING BASIN

4. TOP OF PAVING

5. 1” IN TURF AREAS

6. BAKFILL MIX - 100% WASHED SAND

7. 2 X WIDTH OF ROOTBALL

8. UNDISTURBED NATIVE SOIL

9. FINISHED GRADE

10. PLANT TABLETS

11. ROOTBALL

12. 3” DIA. X 3’ DEEP PERFORATED PVC BREATHER TUBE WITH NDS DRAIN GRATE. 1 PER TREE.

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Quantity Spacing Botanical Name - Common Name

Mature Size: Height and Spread Growth Rate Hardiness

Zone(s)Sun/Shade Tolerance Form Texture Bloom Color

Annual Bed

N/A 9" O.C Calathea roseopicta - Rose Painted Calathea H: 6-12" S: 9-12" fast annual sun to light

shade mounding coarse Blue-violet, white

N/A 9" O.C Exacum affine - Persian Violet H: 6-12" S: 9-12" fast 9a to 11 light shade mounding medium blue, lavender,

white

N/A 9" O.C. Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Painted Nettle' - Coleus H: 12-18" S: 9-12" fast 9a to 11 sun to shade upright mounding coarse maroon leaves

Trees

37 15' O.C. Syagrus romanzoffianum - Queen Palm H: 35' S: 20-30' Fast 8b-9 Full Sun Upright Fountain Coarse Orange and

White Blooms

21 15' O.C. Citrus sinensis - Navel Orange H: 20-30' S: 20-30' Medium 9 to 11 Full Sun Rounded Fine White Flowers,

Orange FruitShrubs

182 4' O.C. Bougainvillea 'Rosenka' - Bougainvillea H: 24-36" S: 3-5' Medium 9 to 11 Full Sun horizontal oval Fine Pink

85 3' O.C. Colocasia antiquorum - Elephant Ear H: 24-36" S: 36-48" Fast 9 to 11 Full Sun Upright Coarse Pale Yellow

81 7' O.C. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ' In Paradise' - Tropical Hibiscus H: 6-8' S: 6-8' Medium-slow 9 to 11 Full Sun Rounded Medium Red/Orange -

Pink

Plant Attribute Chart

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Above: Bouganvillea

Above: Queen PalmAbove: Persian Violet

Above: Hibiscus

Above: Calathea Above: Coleus

Above: Navel Orange Fruit

Above: Elephant Ear Above: Navel Orange Tree

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Sustainable Site Elements55

The Clivus Multrum Composting Toilet

Using a composting toilet has many environmental benefits - especially in an environment that has already been affected by so many chemicals such as Vieques. Composting toilets do not require a sewer system or septic system. They have little installation impact. They also use a lot less energy than regular bathrooms and can be installed in places such as a beach or on a hiking trail because of the minmal development impact they have. The Clivus Multrum system is just one example of the many options for composting toilets.

Technology: - Uses aerobic decomposition to slowly break down both urine and feces into stable compounds within the polyethylene composting unit - sloped design separates urine from feces.- The separation of urine from feces ensures that feces remain in an aerobic environment which includes bacteria, fungi, insects and compost worms. The organisms slowly break down feces into a compost material that has chemical, biological and aesthetic characteristics similar to topsoil and reduces its volume by over 90%.- Since the mass of organic matter in the composting unit available to the decomposer organisms is relatively small, temperatures inside the composting unit never exceed 100°F. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor are the primary vent gases. A continuously operating fan pulls air down the toilet fixture and out through a vent stack creating a completely odorless bathroom at all times.

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Hammacher Schmeller Solar Powered Golf Cart

- 72 photovoltaic cells built into the roof that collect solar energy

- Provides a range of up to 49 miles--approximately 10 rounds of golf--before requiring a full recharge.

- Cart reaches a maximum speed of 24 MPH and is powerful enough to enable the cart to climb a 28° incline when fully loaded with two passengers and golf bags, supporting up to 755 lbs.

Though solar powered golf carts are typically more expensive, they have longer life expectancies and do not emit the harmful chemicals that fossil fuel powered golf carts do. They also consume less energy than regular electric golf carts because they are able to charge themselves as long as the sun is available - they have a back-up, plug in option just in case.

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One way to save a lot of money is to capture rain water and use it to irrigate the landscape and to flush toilets and urinals. The EcoLux resort would feature multiple cisterns in order to fulfill these duties. Similar to the ones built at the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design’s studios, the cisterns would be aesthetically pleasing hold enough water to perform its basic functions. Though the plants I have chosen are native or non-invasive plants, they will still need some water and this solution eliminates the ownder of the property to have to pay for it.

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Using sustainable construction materials will be another characteristic of the EcoLux resort. The site I chose is very possible a brownfield because of the contaminants left behind by the navy. By cleaning up the site and using environmentally friendly construction materials, the site will cost less to maintain over time and will be able to be used by people. Top row: Felt, Bamboo, and Strawboard. Bottom Row: Cork, Recycled Materials, Salvaged Materials (Door).

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http://maggieandal.blogspot.com/2010/04/vieques-beaches.html

http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/viequesculebra/photos/photoview/50431

http://www.abessnorkeling.com/bio_bay_tour.shtml

http://alltheworldtravelling.blogspot.com/2011/05/20-most-romantic-islands-of-world.html

http://alltheworldtravelling.blogspot.com/2011/05/20-most-romantic-islands-of-world.html

http://clivusmultrum.com/science-technology.php

http://www.hammacher.com/publish/11164.asp\

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DN2OLn73sS0/UO2jWkeu-yI/AAAAAAAACxY/NXQkZMPOwTw/s1600/Bougainvillea_Leaves_and_Flowers.jpg

factfile.org

www.lsuagcenter.com

www.caladiumbulbs.com

floridapalmtrees.net

davesgarden.com

www.guide-to-houseplants.com

apps.rhs.org.uk

lp3architecture.com

en.wikipedia.org

majo-frog.blogspot.com

projectsh.en.made-in-china.com

thearchnc.com

dddigitalcolour.com

http://cronkite.asu.edu/buffett/puertorico/vieques.html

http://www.concierge.com/images/destinations/hotels/americas/caribbean/puertorico/vieques/w_vieques/puerto-rico-hotel-w-vieques_002p.jpg

Images Cited

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Alleman, Richard. “Hidden Secrets on the Island of Vieques.” Travel + Leisure Apr. 1999: n. pag. Web.

Barreto, Amilcar Antonio. Vieques, the Navy, and Puerto Rican Politics. Gainesville: University of Florida,

2002. Print.

“Discontinuation of the the Island-Municipality of Vieques for the U.S. Navy’s Training Exercises.” American Journal of Public Health 91.3 (2001):

5140. Print.

Fumento, Michael. “The Guns of Vieques.” National Review 53.12 (2001): n. pag. Print.

Luxner, Larry. Ebbs And Flows On VIEQUES. Americas 58.1 (2006): 40-45. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 9 Jan. 2013.

Riegl, Bernhard, Ryan P. Moyer, Brian K. Walker, Kevin Kohler, David Gilliam, and Richard E. Dodge. “A Tale of Germs, Storms, and Bombs:

Geomorphology and Coral Assemblage Structure at Vieques (Puerto Rico) Compared to St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands).” Journal of Coastal

Research 244 (2008): 1008-021. Print.

“The Vieques Sustainability Task Force.” May.4 (2012): n. pag. Web.

“Vieques, Puerto Rico.” Vieques House, Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2013. <http://www.viequeshouse.com/>.

Wheeler, Jacob. “Hasta La Victoria Siempre.” Earth Island Journal Winter (2011): n. pag. Print.

Wilcox, Joyce. “Vieques, Puerto Rico: An Island Under Siege.” American Journal Of Public Health 91.5 (2001): 695-698. Business Source Complete

Web. 9 Jan. 2013.

Works Cited

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senior capstone project

Documents

island of vieques

island of viequs

island measures

size of jekyll island

climate of vieques

united states navy

residents of vieques

navy plane