Tonight, 7news is investigating reports that a Placencia peninsula developer is running an environmental red light. A property in Maya Beach owned by Melanie Marks and Peter West got clearance to extract material from the Placencia Lagoon one year ago.
But the terms of the environmental clearance specifically stated that they can only extract 2,500 cubic yards and only to fill one parcel - which would have taken about two weeks.
But, 7News has confirmed that sand - extracted from the lagoon is now being sold from that site. Contractor Albert Loewen told a prospective buyer that he could deliver from the site for 375 dollars per load.
One contractor estimates that as much as 10 times the permitted 2,500 cubic yards has been extracted without permission since mid February of 2023.
We contacted the Chief Environmental Officer and he said they would investigate.
We could not reach Melanie Marks for comment.
