Hello readers, welcome to another edition of learning more about the EPA. During the month of August, we have been sharing information relevant to the mining sector; in this week’s column, we share information on a sector closely related to mining – forestry and the various operations associated with the sector.
What is an Environmental Authorisation?
An Environmental Authorisation may include a prescribed process license, an environmental permit, a construction permit, or an operating permit granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Why is Environmental Authorisation required?
According to the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, Environmental Authorisation is required for any activity that may have a significant environmental impact(s). The process ensures that developmental activities which may significantly affect the environment are conducted in the most sustainable means possible.
Who Needs Environmental Authorisation?
• Lumber yards without processing
• Lumber yards with processing
• Sawmill
• Logging
• Charcoal Burning & Fire wood
• Log Depots
Please note, that this list is not exhaustive, since some projects not listed may require Environmental Authorisation.
When applying for Environmental Authorisation, here is what you will need:
• Complete application form;
• Identification (National ID card, passport);
• Proof of land ownership and approval from Central Housing and Planning Authority;
• Site plan showing the layout of the operation;
• Project description (Summary); and
• Business registration/certificate of incorporation.
All requested documents must be submitted before your application can be processed and a site visit will be conducted after receipt of your application.
Good practices for forest sector operators
As an operator within the forest sector, it is important to have a clear understanding of the legislative requirements to better manage your operation.
Legislative requirements relevant to wood processing operations are as follows:
• The Environmental Protection Act
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act
• The National Insurance and Social Security Act
• Public Health requirements
• City/District Bylaws requirements
• Labour Act requirements
(Code of Practice For Wood Processing Facilities (Sawmill & Lumberyard)-Version 2, January 2012, Guyana Forestry Commission.)
Good Practices for Forest Sector Operators:
Operation
• All sound-making devices, e.g. generators, planers, etc. should be suitably enclosed in structures constructed with materials of good noise insulation properties (e.g. hollow concrete blocks, insulation boards, solid clay bricks) and equipped with silencers or mufflers to reduce the noise level.
• Service and operate all equipment according to manufactures’ recommendations to minimize the impact of sound levels on the environment.
• Consideration should be given during the operation layout to the location of equipment. Avoid placing equipment in close proximity to surrounding neighbours, thus avoiding excessive noise emissions.
• Take all reasonable precautions to prevent wood dust from becoming airborne. Establish and maintain vegetative buffers at the perimeter of the sawmill/ lumberyards to attenuate noise and dust.
• Comply with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Guidelines for Noise Emission into the Environment, not exceeding the residential limits at a distance of 15 meters (50ft) from the source or property boundary, whichever is closer.
• Implement a dust extraction system to ensure there is no escape of fugitive dust and employ wet suppression methods such as a sprinklers system where suitable on the premises to control fugitive dust. Sawdust should not be allowed to accumulate to more than 15 cm (6 inches) on the mill floor at any given time.
• Maintained a dust containment bin with the capacity to store approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of all wood waste (sawdust, wood scraps, etc.) until such time for disposal and/or reuse.
Logging
• Restrict all hunting, trapping and trading of endangered and locally protected wildlife species, in keeping with the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2016.
• Undertake removal of trees and vegetation in areas only where absolutely necessary.
• Construction, operation and maintenance of primary and secondary roads, bridges, culverts, skid trails, log markets, burrow pits and campsites within concession should be done in an environmentally safe manner.
• Implement turnout drains at regular intervals of roadways to prevent erosion of roads. Runoff from turnout drains along roads and log ponds should not be discharged directly to natural waterways.
• There should be no harvesting of nearby waterways and removal of vegetative debris which may result in erosion, blocked waterways and disturbance to biodiversity. Remove all debris and conduct regular maintenance to allow for free flow of waterways.
• There should be no harvesting of nearby waterways and removal of vegetative debris which may result in erosion, blocked waterways and disturbance to biodiversity. Remove all debris and conduct regular maintenance to allow for free flow of water ways.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, 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.
