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.