The construction of a 150-room hotel and conference centre, under an international franchise brand, is planned for Houston, Greater Georgetown.
The project, which is being developed by Caribbean Green Building Inc, a Guyanese company linked to an American company, does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said via notice last week.
“The EPA concludes that there are no significant impacts nor is the project deemed environmentally sensitive. Impacts arising from the construction and operational phases of the project are minor, localized, and acceptable,” the EPA said in its environmental impacts screening decision.
It has, however, invited persons who feel they will be affected to lodge an appeal against the agency’s decision.
The appeals can be sent by email (ebaguyana21@gmail.com) to the Chairman of the Environmental Assessment Board.
The screening report has recommended that the developers provide an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
The plan should illustrate how the developers intend to manage environmental impacts arising from the project along with a corresponding schedule and monitoring of mitigation measures to ensure potential impacts are maintained at insignificant levels during pre-construction, construction and operational phases.
According to the EPA, the new hotel will be situated along the four-lane Mandela to Diamond road.
Impacts arising from the construction and operational phases of the project are minor, localized, and acceptable, the EPA said.
The EMP, it added, must provide measures to avoid, prevent and mitigate impacts during the construction and operation.
In the area of air quality dust and noise, the main environmental impacts anticipated are expected to be minor noise nuisance and particulate matter emission. These impacts are expected to occur primarily during construction and would be controllable. They are expected to be localised and short-term.
While the impacts for waste management are regarded as low to moderate, the EPA does warn that if mismanaged pollution can result in contamination of soil and water and affect the aesthetics of the area.
In terms of water quality, the EPA said no effluent waters will be discharged directly into the canal as the developers will incorporate a comprehensive water treatment system for both grey and black water.
The proposed project, it noted, is not in close vicinity of any protected areas and will have a low to minor effect on biodiversity in the area. However, there is a main drainage canal north of the location and as a result earth barriers will be designed in order to protect the drainage canal and foundation works of the project. Drainage will be designed with flow speed redactors to reduce water speed if natural discharge is above 6knot of water flow, the EPA said.
According to the project scope, signed by Caribbean Green Building Inc Director Andres Botero Toro, there are two phases. Phase one of the development involves the construction of 150 rooms, a gym, pool, international bar and conference rooms. Phase two of the project will see the construction of a convention centre, restaurants and minor shop areas. The convention centre will be operated by the local partner in the project.
The company states that it intends to offer a sophisticated yet comfortable environment with an enduring, classic sensibility. It promises smartly designed rooms that would feature a wide, comfortable sleeper sofa and framed headboard, a luggage drop, hospitality cabinet, and outlets where most needed.
The hotel will also see an extension of the lobby into a bistro terrace, which will feature a community fire pit and upgraded outdoor seating area. The developers state that the bistro will offer guests day and night dining options through fresh, seasonal menu items for breakfast and dinner, coffee, and premium wine, beer and cocktails. Additionally, guests will be able to access an outdoor pool and tennis courts along with a scalable meeting space and convention center with options to meet the demands of the market, they say.
