The construction of the six-storey, 140-room, Courtyard Marriott Hotel at Timehri does not warrant an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced after reviewing and screening the developer’s application.
In a notice published in last Sunday’s Chronicle, the EPA had said it has been determined that the proposed project will not significantly affect the environment and is therefore exempt from the requirement of an EIA.
According to the notice, the developers, Cardinal Investments, will nonetheless require an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) inclusive of a Waste Management Plan and Emergency Response Plan. The ESMP plan, the EPA in the notice explained, will address any potential impacts from both the construction and operation phases of the project, taking into account the natural features of the surrounding environment, and industrial and international best practices and standards.
The developers will also need to appoint an Occupational Health and Safety Officer to oversee health and safety throughout construction and operation; safety practices (e.g installation of warning signs); and job-specific trainings.
EPA stated that potential noise generated during construction will be moderate and would be mitigated by avoiding noise-producing activities at night.
It was also stated that during the duration of the project, the developers will utilise noise-making equipment that will be suitably enclosed with sound-proofing material and equipped with adequate muffler devices.
Touching on potential air pollution, emissions during construction would be mitigated by wet-suppression methods in the construction zone and routes used by vehicles and equipment. There will also be a covering of construction material stock piles at the site and on vehicles during transport.
The capture and filtration of rainfall will be reduced by the structure and other concrete and bituminous surfaces resulting in increased surface run-off into drainage channels at a higher rate requiring them to have a higher discharge capacity.
To mitigate the potential pollution from runoff discharge, all waste water will be collected via internal concrete drains; oil and grease traps will be installed at each outlet point; and soak-away systems will be built to drain both black and grey waters. Waste oil, hydraulic fluid, and other oil-based substances, will be collected using drip trays and other spill-prevention mechanisms to prevent any spills which can lead to water contamination, the notice explained further.
Meanwhile, construction waste which includes general waste (plastic and glass bottles, bags, cans, boxes, etc); liquid waste (including sewage waste and waste water from sanitary facilities); and hazardous waste (including used batteries, tyres, waste oil, filters, oil containers and contaminated soils) will be managed by the ESMP.
Despite not requiring an EIA, the EPA pointed out that persons can still raise concerns and lodge objections within 30 days of the published notice. All queries can be sent to the EPA’s office in Sophia, Georgetown.
The Marriott-branded hotel which is pegged at US$20 million will be constructed within the confines of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) compound at Timehri at the location that currently houses the Lotus Restaurant. It plans to cater to airport and airline staff, business persons, diplomats, and other travellers.
The developers are scheduled to break ground on Friday with a sod-turning event. Construction is expected to begin soon and will be led by Bassoo Building and Civil Engineering Contractors with support from qualified sub-contractors with technical experience in hotel construction. It is anticipated to be open by 2023.
