Even though it noted that the operation of an asphalt plant on the Linden Highway could temporarily impact air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not required.
“While there is potential for temporary impacts on air quality, the maximum predicted concentrations of key pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM 10) and carbon monoxide (CO) will be within the World Health Organisation stipulated limits,” the EPA said.
In a public notice published in the Sunday edition of the Guyana Chronicle, the EPA said the gaseous emissions and particulate matter from the asphalt plant will be moderate and mitigable.
The asphalt plant, which is being constructed by GuyAmerica Construction at Ideal Road, Linden Highway, East Bank Demerara will be equipped with baghouse filters to capture and collect dust and particulate matter, the EPA said. All trapped dust and other waste will be periodically removed and disposed of.
It stated that the potential impact on water quality would be reduced to permissible levels through the implementation of erosion and sediment control measures such as installing barriers, silt fences and sediment traps to capture sediment-laden runoff. The EPA said that there would be no direct discharge into waterways.
Additionally, the regulatory agency said, waste would be disposed of in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Management Regulations 2000. “The use of efficient equipment and technology will be employed to reduce material wastage in the batching process,” it stated.
To limit large waste disposal, the environmental regulator said, fine powders of dry sludge obtained from the batching plant settling through the process of drying and grinding would be reused in the production of asphalt. The asphalt plant will be equipped with a recycling system that allows for the use of excess or unused plant mix, it added.
However, the EPA said the non-requirement for the EIA in no way means the project has been approved and anyone affected by the decision to waive the EIA requirement can lodge a complaint appealing the decision.
Appeals against the EPA’s decision should be addressed to The Chairman, The Environmental Assessment Board, eabguyana21@gmail.com
