San Miguel by the Sea - Problems in Paradise

Problems in Paradise

Over the past three years a development boom in the coastal areas of Costa Rica increased construction more than 250%. Unfortunately some of this construction occurred in areas were there was little or no zoning or development regulation. The prime example of this problem is Tamarindo. The lack of a zoning plan for Tamarindo and nearby Playas del Cocoa set the stage for a development “free for all". This created the “perfect environmental storm” resulting in extreme over-building without regard to the consequences. With no building inspection procedures the raw sewage from hundreds of businesses and residential projects is being dumped into the many creeks and streams which flow from the rain forested hills into the ocean. Water samples taken Aug. 13, 2008 show the beaches of Playas del Coco, Playa Tambor and Jacó are hazardous to human health as a result of elevated levels of fecal matter in the ocean.

Beaches to the north having issues with pollution

Tamarindo loses 'blue flag' status

Major developments went ahead without the necessary infrastructure and municipal services in place. As a result, completed condominium projects have no electricity available to occupants, water is being rationed, sewage systems and waste removal services are woefully inadequate and in some cases non-existent. In February, 2008 Tamarindo lost its “blue flag” status for their beach due to the high content of fecal contamination entering the ocean. The “blue flag” program is monitored by the Costa Rican Department of Water and Sewage and the flag is awarded to those clean beaches that do not contaminate the ocean.

These problems are not uncommon in developing countries and ultimately they get solved. Unfortunately early residents often endure years of unpleasant inconvenience. Until the problems are fixed they are stuck with condos and homes that are difficult to sell and hard to finance.