Notice of prior consultation

Purpose of the preliminary consultation

The Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin (EPSM) is carrying out studies in preparation for a project to extend the port of Galisbay on Saint-Martin. The aim of this extension is to optimize the economic development of the French part of the island of Saint-Martin, to ensure the autonomy and sovereignty of this part of the island, and to secure access to the port in the event of an emergency. To meet these objectives, the extension calls for a number of improvements, including: dredging of a channel to allow access by larger vessels, extension of the existing breakwater to protect the water, extension of the existing quay to make it a multi-purpose quay, and creation of additional storage areas. The estimated cost of the project is 132 million euros.

The aim of the preliminary consultation is to inform the public and discuss the opportunity, objectives and main features of the extension project. The project is being led by the EPSM and the territorial council of the overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin.

Organization of prior consultation

Seized by the EPSM and the Collectivité de Saint-Martin on May 19, 2023 under Article L.121-9 paragraph I of the Environmental Code, the Commission nationale du débat public (CNDP) decided on June 7, 2023 to organize a preliminary consultation on the Galisbay port project with two guarantors it appointed (decision no. 2023/71): MME ILARIA CASILLO AND M. ROGER ANNICETTE. On December 19, 2023, the territorial council of the overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin made a joint referral on the project to extend the commercial port of Galisbay, which the CNDP confirmed in its decision of January 10, 2024. The consultation is therefore being carried out by two contracting authorities: the Port of Saint-Martin and the territorial council of the overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin.

Duration of preliminary consultation

The preliminary consultation period runs from February 26, 2024 to April 21, 2024.

Scope of the preliminary consultation

The scope of the consultation includes the entire French territorial collectivity of Saint-Martin.

Prior consultation procedures

Public information:
- A web page dedicated to the consultation process
- A consultation file presenting the project, its challenges and its context, available on the website and for consultation at the Saint-Martin local authority and at the port during normal opening hours and at meetings.
- Advertisements in the local press
- A visit to the port
- A radio broadcast with the project leader
- Two mobile debates
- Posting of consultation announcements.

Public participation (information on dates, locations and times
on the website):
- Two public meetings
- Seven thematic workshops
- Two mobile debates
- A radio program with the project leader
Throughout the consultation process, opinions, questions, contributions and proposals relating to the project can be posted on the website.
The public can also contact the two guarantors directly: ilaria.casillo@debatpublic.fr and roger.annicette@garantcndp.fr

At the end of the preliminary consultation

At the end of the preliminary consultation, within one month, the guarantors draw up a report on the consultation. This is published on the consultation website and attached to the public inquiry file. Within a maximum period of two months following publication of the report by the guarantors, the EPSM and the territorial council of the overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin publish the measures they deem necessary to put in place to take account of the lessons learned from the consultation. These measures are published on the consultation website and attached to the public inquiry file.

This notice is published on the consultation website, at the Saint-Martin local authority and at the Saint-Martin port authority.