Cognizant of the developmental activities taking place in the country, during the course of the year we will focus on various aspects of the Environmental Protection Agency’s processes and procedures to ensure sound development. This week we will focus on the Environmental Permitting Process and the types of Environmental Permits. All new and existing projects which are deemed to have significant impacts on the environment are subjected to the Environmental Permitting Process. This Process varies with the nature and type of project, its potential environmental impact and whether it is new or existing. What causes the difference in the Permitting Process is whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required.

New and Existing Projects – where an EIA is not required
The Environmental Protection Act of 1996 establishes the requirement for an Environmental Permit for all projects that may significantly affect the environment. As such, persons proposing such projects need to submit an Application for Environmental Authorisation to the EPA.

New and Existing Projects – where and EMP is required
To assist with assessing proposed and existing developments and ensure adequate mitigation measures are included in the preparation of agreements and Environmental Authorisations, the Agency may require the preparation of an Environment Management Plan (EMP).

New and Existing Projects – where an EIA is required
If the potential environmental impacts are not known or are significant, then a decision will be made to conduct an EIA. This is applied to both new and existing projects. In the case of existing projects, the EIA may be required to inform the Authorisation process to assess past impacts and propose measures to be adopted and/or to establish the resulting impacts of changed processes.

There are four types of Environmental Authorisations:
– Environmental Permit, issued to New Projects;
– Operation Permit, issued to Existing Operations;
– Construction Permit, issued for Construction/Development Projects.
– Letter of Authorisations are issued to projects which do not require an Environmental Permit and impacts may be minimal.

In order to obtain an environmental Authorisation one must first meet the requirements which are:
– Completed application form;
– Applicants identification (can be ID or passport);
– Proof of land ownership;
– Site layout;
– Project summary/ description;
– Any permit or licence received from other Government entities;
– Map of surrounding land uses with identification of receiving water and location of any existing or proposed intake and discharge; and
– Application fee.

Categories of Environmental Authorisation
New Operations: this Application is used when the project is conceptualized and prior to implementation.
Existing Operations: this Application is used when the project is already in operation and is seeking to get regularized according to the relevant Legislation.
Renewal: this Application is used for projects which have either an Environmental Permit or Operation Permit that is close to the expiring date or has already expired.
Transfer of Environmental Authorisation: this Application is used when a Permit Holder wishes to transfer the Environmental Authorisation to another person.
Variance/Modification: this Application is used when the Permit Holder wishes to make a significant modification, alteration, or addition on the prescribed process for which the Environmental Authorisation was granted.
Changed Permit Conditions: this Application is used when the Permit Holder wishes to make amendments to clauses of their Environmental Permit.
Noise Permit: this Application is used for specific cases (long term or short term), where a sound-making device or equipment will be operated between the hours of 23:00 h – 07:00 h on any day. Or when a sound-making device will be operated at any time of the day for the hosting of a public event. In order to receive a noise permit proof of identification, permission letter from the venue and payment of the application is needed.

Your actions affect the environment. Do the right thing, Get your Permit now!!!!!

If you need a permit or have questions on the process you can make contact to the Agency on 225-5467 ext 242

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN; or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.