ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN THE URBAN AREA OF TABARRE (HAITI)

Abstract

The municipality of Tabarre, located in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, is experiencing a population increase accompanied by disorderly urbanization in areas of the Cul-de-Sac Plain, especially since the earthquake that occurred in 2010. The article aimed to analyze the impacts of human activities on the quality of groundwater in Tabarre, using the Pressure – State – Impact – Response (PSIR) methodology, which was developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In addition to the use of demographic data, satellite images and field work, the analysis relied on bacteriological indicators present in groundwater samples collected in boreholes positioned in the Cul-de-Sac Plain. It has been observed that the values of total coliforms and fecal streptococci exceed the limits of the WHO and EU standards. The T2 and F3 holes reached, respectively, values of 15 CFU/100 mL, 2 CFU/100 mL for total coliforms, while in the T2 hole, the value of 4 CFU/100 mL for fecal streptococci was identified. These results mainly indicate that poor management of household waste negatively impacts water resources, therefore. It is essential that the authorities adopt measures to preserve water quality and reduce environmental degradation.