‘OUT with the old and in with the new’ is a popular phrase at this time of the year as we arrive at the last of 365 days which made up a typically eventful year.There is a tendency to remember all we did not accomplish, and by this time most people have written or at least thought about New Year’s resolutions; some plan to be healthy, further their studies, travel or even get married. It may be the case that you are forgetting one item on your list and this serves as a timely reminder – Get your operations authorised in 2018!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as mandated by the Environmental Protection Act provides environmental guidance for the development, implementation and operation of projects. The Act allows the EPA to oversee effective management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment, the prevention and control of pollution, the assessment of the impact of economic development on the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.

During the month of August in a Q & A feature about the EPA, we discussed the different types of Environmental Authorisation (EA) and who needs it. We noted that the EA is the basis for which the authorised project operates, including but not limited to the aspects of air, land water, safety. Some of the operations which require EA include new or existing Sawmills, Gas Stations, Road Construction, Waste Treatment, Logging, Mining, Hotels, etc. The environmental permitting process varies depending on the type of project, potential environmental impacts or whether it is new or existing. Some developmental projects may require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

WHAT IS AN EIA?
An EIA is a planning and decision-making tool used by the Agency and the developer to obtain baseline information and to make predictions of the likely environmental impacts of a project and to create a relevant plan to mitigate the negative impacts. Gathering such data typically involves a study, with the aid of a registered consultant, to provide insight on the scope and nature of monitoring programmes to be implemented, and function as the basis for the development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). It also ensures that the developer has an emergency response plan as well as plans to restore and rehabilitate the environment.

WHEN IS AN EIA NEEDED?
When the potential impacts of a project 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. For existing projects, the EIA may be required to inform the regularisation process to assess past impact and process measures to be adopted and/or to establish the resultant impact of the changed processes.

WHY IS AN EIA NEEDED?
It is important to ensure that economic development is done in a way that does not harm the environment, maintaining ecosystems and species diversity, and protecting and enhancing the quality of human life. The EIA process also keeps the public fully aware of the nature of the development and offers them the opportunity to submit their views for consideration.

Getting your operation authorised by the EPA will not only protect the environment but will also protect your investment. Don’t wait for costly problems to arise or get stuck in time-consuming fixes.

LET EPA GUIDE YOU RIGHT FROM THE START!
To find out more about applying for your permit, including what documents you will need, permit fees, and processing times, call or visit our office or send us an email.

You can share your own ideas with us by following our Facebook and Instagram pages or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Best Wishes for the New Year from the Management and staff of the Environmental Protection Agency!