Oil waste treatment plant moved to remote area in Diamond

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the proposed Waste Treatment Plant that was being built at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has now been moved to Little Diamond, EBD.

This decision was taken following e concerns raised by residents within the project’s area of influence.  The EPA, in a statement, said it received an application from Oilfield Waste Management Services (OWMS) for the construction and operation of a Waste Treatment Plant at Plot “A21” Planation Peter’s Hall.

“Subsequently, the EPA screened the project to assess its potential impacts on the environment and determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would not be required to inform its decision on whether or not to authorise the project,” the statement added.

The EPA published its decision on the project in a public notice on September 27, 2020. The notice also informed the public that any person who may be affected by the project may lodge an appeal against the EPA’s decision (EIA not required) within 30 days of the date the notice.

During the 30-day period of the notice, the EPA said it received objections and concerns from members of the public regarding the project’s suitability at the proposed location.

As a result, the EPA placed the project on hold and engaged the project proponent, OWMS on the concerns raised.  This led to the developer opting to propose a new location for the project.

“The new location is more remote and is at Little Diamond, EBD,” the EPA said.

The EPA will publish a public notice indicating the new location of the proposed project and any member of the public who may be affected by the project, is asked to lodge an appeal against its decision.

However, the EPA will only proceed to authorise the project if there are no objections from the public and upon receipt of the location suitability approval from the Central Housing and Planning Authority.