The costs of 'dolphin mitigation' appears to have leapt from $3.7 million to more than $10 million, according to figures supplied by Government.

In March Premier Ewart Brown said $3.7 million was spent on measures to protect the animals at Dolphin Quest during construction of the second cruise ship pier at Dockyard.

Last month contractors Correia Construction told The Royal Gazette the costs of 'dolphin mitigation' since September 2007 had run to $3,407,166.

However, a breakdown of costings from Government in response to Parliamentary Questions from Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley now show that the figure could be as high as $10 million.

Direct costs of the 'dolphin mitigation' measures to ensure their health and well-being were not disturbed only equated to $675,060. However, delays to the construction of the pier reportedly resulted in the total cost reaching $10,342,586.

Sen. Dunkley told The Royal Gazette: "I expected to get some simple answers but now I have more questions than what I started with.

"There should be some explanation of how they got from $3.7 million to the present number.

"The original cost of 'dolphin mitigation' as answered in the House was $3.7 million. But it now appears that upon asking for a breakdown of that $3.7m, the actual cost was in fact $10,342,586.

"I find this quite astounding. Among some of the costs that are alarming are $698,470 paid to Correia Construction for 'idletime/standby charges'; $1,159,200 paid to Correia Construction 'to extend subcontracting period due to delays to still meet completion date (Norwalk Marine)'; and $532,312 for the 'rental of a vibratory hammer'.

"It must be remembered that the original TAF (Total Authorised Figure) was $35 million. Now in the 2009/10 Budget book the cost of the project has risen to $60 million an increase of 85 percent.

"The Premier and Minister of Transport has shown an alarming propensity to start projects and have no ability to stay anywhere near a budget. The people would not be concerned if it was his money or private money, however this is the people's money and the fact that we are in an economic downturn makes it more of a burden on the taxpayer.

"The answers illustrate once again a pattern of financial and management indiscipline that is simply unacceptable. The failure to properly manage public works projects has cost Bermudians tens of millions of dollars in recent years money that could have gone to FutureCare, family assistance, community clubs you name it.

"Government works projects are not supposed to be a free-for-all. There has to be respect for budgets, timelines and the public purse.

"It has become one of the hallmarks of the PLP in power that the public purse has been taken for granted and disrespected. It sets a bad example for all of Bermuda, affecting civic morale and responsibility."

Sen. Dunkley, Shadow Tourism Minister, asked for "details on how $3.7 million was spent on dolphin mitigation, including all payments in connection with this matter", on March 23.

The written reply, presented by Senator Marc Bean, Junior Minister for Tourism, was as follows:

Bermuda Water Consultants research and propose dolphin mitigation measures; conduct ongoing monitoring of effects on dolphins during construction period: $80,188;

Correia Construction rental of vibratory hammer: $532,312;

Correia Construction pile testing dolphin mitigation: $62,560;

= Costs directly attributable to dolphin mitigation: $675,060 (A);

Correia Construction main dock change in method of construction from cast in-situ to use a reinforced concrete pre-cast alternative: $1,810,084;

Correia Construction bridge section change in method of construction from cast in-situ to use a reinforced concrete pre-cast alternative: $2,645,351;

Correia Construction to extend subcontracting period due to delays to still meet completion date (Norwalk Marine): $1,159,200;

Correia Construction idle time/standby charges: $698,470;

Correia Construction thruster wall: $4,029,481;

= Impact of delays and dolphin mitigation: $10,342,586;

Apportionment of cost of delays to dolphin mitigation between 30 percent: $3,102,776 (B);

55 percent: $5,688,422 (C);

= Range of total costs attributable to dolphin mitigation from $3,777,835 (A) and (B); to $6,363,482 (A) and (C).

Sen. Dunkley also asked Sen. Bean "how the recommendations for the 'dolphin mitigation' came about, what those recommendations were, who made them and whether they have been or will be fully implemented?".

The written response was: "The dolphin mitigation was necessary to prevent harm to the three pregnant dolphins at Dolphin Quest. Mitigation measures included developing a system of driving piles using vibratory hammers (to reduce ambient and sound waves) and installing a curtain in front of the 'Keep' to prevent sound waves from entering the area.

"These measures were done after consultation with the Ministry of the Environment, Dolphin Quest and international experts versed in mitigating harm to dolphins born in captivity. All of the mitigation measures were implemented and frequent monitoring occurred during the construction of the project, in particular when driving piles for the construction of the pier. Frequent meetings were conducted with the contractor and Dolphin Quest to ensure that the objectives were being met.

"A report outlining the proposals was prepared in April/May 2006 prior to the commencement of pile driving by Bermuda Water Consultants, with assistance from Dr. Patrick Moore of BioScience Applications. Dr. Moore has extensive background in research regarding the effects of noise on marine mammals while working with the US Marine Mammal Navy Programme. Details of all aspects of the dolphin mitigations are also given in the Phase I Environmental Impact Statement."