There has been an increase in the number of economic, construction, and other developmental activities taking place in Guyana. 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. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established to manage, conserve, protect and improve our environment. Therefore, certain types of developmental activities must be authorised by the EPA in order for them to be carried out: Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, laws of Guyana . Some of these activities are:
● Construction of roads;
● 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;
● Vulcanizing shops;
● Auto electrical/mechanical workshops;
● Facilities that store, treat or dispose of waste;
● Bodywork/spray painting operations;
● Rice processing plants;
● 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 etc.
NB. This list is not exhaustive!
What is an Environmental Authorisation?
An Environmental Authorisation is an Environmental Permit, a Prescribed Process Licence , Construction Permit, or an Operation Permit granted by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Why is an Environmental Authorisation necessary?
Apart from environmental authorisation being a legal requirement for certain types of developmental activities, it also provides major benefits to the environment, human health, and secures 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 implemented to prevent or mitigate negative impacts.
Additionally, through the environmental authorisation process, it is determined whether or not an 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.
Reduce conflicts
An Environmental Authorisation has many long-term advantages, even for the investor; you will be guided on addressing impacts before they even occur. This helps to save time and money, as it prevents conflicts that may arise, not only between investors and authorities, but also between the investors and residents. An environmental authorisation also legally protects your investment.
Expired environmental permits
In order to continue to enjoy benefits of sound environmental management and economic growth, investors need to have their permits renewed. This allows the Environmental Protection Agency to continue monitoring project activities, to ensure that they are conducted in a sustainable manner . An application for a renewal must be made at least 6 months prior to its expiration date.
Environmental Authorisation protects the Environment…AND YOUR BUSINESS!
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, 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.
