Dear Editor,
With regards to the letter captioned `EPA warning over illegal garbage dumping when NDC has made no provision for waste disposal’ published on Wednesday, October 07, 2015 in the Stabroek News, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the following information as requested by the residents of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.
Question by residents
Whether fines can be issued for alleged illegal dumping. If yes, how will fines be calculated and how will payment be made?
EPA’s response
The EPA is implementing the Litter Prevention Regulations, enacted in 2013 under the Environmental Protection Act, 1996. Enforcement of the Regulations commenced in April, 2014.
Four general categories of offences are enforced. These include:
Depositing litter in a public place
Littering from motor vehicle or trailer in motion
Owner of public transportation failing to provide receptacle for litter.
Offence and penalty for a person littering private premises.
Persons found guilty of the afore-mentioned offences are liable on summary conviction of (a) in the case of an individual, to a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (b) in the case of a body corporate to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). A fixed penalty of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) is offered to offenders who accept liability for the offence committed. This sum of $15,000 is fixed regardless of the offence committed.
Further, second/subsequent offenders are liable to double the amount of the maximum find attached to the offence. All fines are paid directly to the Chief Clerk of the Magisterial District in which the offence is committed
Question by residents
The roles and powers of the teams which will make community visits.
EPA’s response
Litter Wardens are appointed by the Agency to facilitate the enforcement of the Litter Prevention Regulations. The Litter Wardens are charged with the responsibility of recording, investigating and reporting litter offences where ever such occur. In addition, upon approval by the Agency, the Wardens issue Citations (Litter Removal and Clean-up Orders), fines and penalties (Fixed Penalty and Notice to attend court) where applicable. No warden is authorized to receive payments directly from an offender under any circumstances.
Question by residents
What is the role of the NDCs and RDCs in this campaign?
EPA’s response
Under the Litter Prevention Regulations, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) are to provide receptacles in public places. Further, every Council shall make appropriate provision for the prompt, efficient and regular emptying of the contents of the receptacles and for the removal and disposal of those contents.
Employees of the above-mentioned Local Authorities are Honorary Litter Wardens by virtue of their office and as such play a vital role in recording and reporting litter offences within their district. The Agency continues to collaborate closely with Local Authorities to facilitate the cleaning of illegal dumpsites and address poor environmental conditions in public places within their respective district.
The Agency advises the general public that the onus is on individuals to dispose of their litter/waste in a manner that is not in contravention of the Litter Regulations.
Yours faithfully,
Indarjit Ramdass
Executive Director
Environmental Protection Agency