Welcome back readers, last week we continued to look at the EPA’s Environmental Guidelines for Poultry Rearing. As we stated in last week’s article when operating a poultry rearing operation with more than 500 fowls you need to apply to the EPA for an Environmental Authorisation. An Environmental Authorisation is not only needed for such rearing, today we will be looking at the different operations/ activities that require an Environmental Authorisation.
Just before we get into the different operations/ activities that require an Environmental Authorisation, take a look around and you will notice an increase in the number of economic, construction and other developmental activities taking place in Guyana. Remember developmental activities are necessary to improve the quality of our lives; however, they need to be conducted in a manner that will not compromise the quality of the environment and human health. Further, the Environmental Protection Agency was established to manage, conserve, protect and improve our environment. Therefore, certain types of activities need to authorised by the EPA. These include:
• Construction of roads and bridges;
• Hotels, inns, resorts, guest houses;
• Port and habour development;
• Development of industrial complexes/estates;
• Development of water distribution facilities;
• Power generation plants;
• Water treatment facilities;
• Vulcanising shops;
• Auto electrical/mechanical workshops;
• Facilities which store, treat or dispose of waste;
• Rice processing plant;
• Mining activities (sand, bauxite, gold, diamond, rock etc.);
• Pulp and paper processing
• Cement production & bagging plants;
• Asphalt/bitumen plants;
• Paint and ink manufacturing;
• Extraction of forest resources;
• Petroleum exploration;
• Pharmaceuticals manufacturing; and
• Biodiversity research and filming.
NB. This list is not exhaustive!
What is an Environmental Authorisation?
In last week’s article, we stated that an Environmental Authorisation is an Environmental Permit, a Prescribed Process Licence, a Construction Permit or an Operation Permit granted by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Why is the Environmental Authorisation necessary?
Having a valid Environmental Authorisation for certain types of activity, is required by law; the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana. It also provides major benefits to the environment, the human health and secure your investment. The process ensures that development is conducted in the most sustainable way possible by mandating investors to identify the major impacts of an investment project and determine the best measures or alternatives that can be put in place to prevent or mitigate negative impacts.
Additionally, through environmental authorisation process, it is determined whether or not and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed before granting the Environmental Permit. This is another important process which is required to be completed by investors who are planning projects that will have significant adverse effects on environmental, social and economic well-being.
IT’S ILLEGAL TO BE OPERATING WITHOUT A VALID ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION
In order to continue to enjoy the benefits of sound environmental management and economic growth, investors need to have their permits renewed. This allows the Environmental Protection Agency to carry on monitoring project activities to ensure that they are conducted sustainably. You should apply for renewal of your permit at least 6 months prior to its expiration date.
If you are renewing your application and have made any adjustments to your operations, the Agency needs to be notified of same.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
