Emission in Reg. 1 was compressed air and not natural gas

An eruption in the Kumaka Area, Barima-Waini (Region One) which was previously thought to be natural gas, was found to be compressed air.

On June 4, 2019, an eruption occurred as a result of a Brazilian company drilling a water well at the location.

An investigation by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) found that it was compressed air from the drilling technology used.

The eruption has since ceased according to Director-General (DG) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig in a Facebook post.

He previously disclosed that a cease order was issued to the drilling company which was advised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek the proper permissions before recommencing private water well drilling operations.

However, it is unclear whether the cease order will remain in effect following the confirmation that the substance was not natural gas.

The company was also ordered to ensure that the failed well sites are properly capped.