Citing minimal environmental impacts, the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) has waived the need for an Environ-mental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) first commercial scale, solar-powered water treatment plant.
The EPA informed that the EIA was waived on the grounds that the project, which is pegged for the existing Port Mourant Water Treatment Plant (PMWTP) and caters for 4,500 households, will eliminate the use of the back-up generator thereby removing noise pollution. It was stated that during the construction phase, impacts from noise will be low to moderate primarily during the operational phase of the PMWTP and the construction of the solar energy field. This hindrance is expected to be short term and localised.
It was also stated that dust pollution will be moderate and primarily during construction of the solar energy field and would be temporary.
Additionally, it was explained that through the establishment of the solar energy field, the utility plant will utilise 40% of its annual energy consumption from a renewable source.
“The project is not in … proximity to any sensitive ecosystem. Project activities will have low to minor effects on the existing biodiversity and ecosystem in the proposed project area. The developer will ensure that waste will be recycled and reused as well as utilise appropriate disposal techniques in keeping with the agency’s Hazardous Waste Guidelines,” the EPA stated.
However, the EPA pointed out that while it has made the decision to waive the EIA requirement, persons are allowed to lodge an appeal within 30 days of the published notice.
“Any person who may be affected by the proposed project, may lodge an appeal against the Agency’s decision (EIA not required) within 30 days of the publication of this notice. Appeals against the EPA’s decision should be addressed to: The Chairman, the Environmental Assessment Board. E-mail: eabguyana21@gmail.”
Last May, the GWI had announced that the project would be constructed at a cost in excess of $150 million (US$750,000). It is being funded by the European Union via the Caribbean Climate Change Centre in Barbados.
The transition from heavy fuel oil operation to solar, the Department of Public Information (DPI) last year reported, was in line with President Irfaan Ali’s commitment at the COP26 summit to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030. This led to the unveiling of a renewed and expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy.
GWI’s Manager of Water Resources and Climate Change Adaptation Denise Woolford said at the announcement of the project, “… As a company we want to ensure that our activities add value, and do not cause adverse effects.”
