-further investigation into gastroenteritis ongoing
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Monday, that representatives from the agency, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Ministry of Health had visited Chinoweing and Wax Creek, Region 7, where investigations were conducted into the outbreak of acute gastroenteritis on November 4, 2011.
The EPA’s response came in light of a letter published in the Stabroek News, January 21 edition titled, “There is no report of what tests were done on the water of the Haieka River”.
According to the EPA, there are currently no mining operations ongoing in the Haieka River, Chinoweing or Wax Creek locations, as stated in the article.
“Furthermore, the closest mining operation is located downstream in the Mazaruni River. Given that river pollution generally travels from upstream locations, and there are no mining operations above Chinoweng, the investigating teams did not test for mercury,” the release said.
Tests were however done for dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, pH, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, salinity and cadmium. The results garnered by the team stated that dissolved oxygen was below acceptable limits; while chemical oxygen demand and cadmium were slightly above normal level for consumption.
The EPA is currently working closely with the University of Guyana’s Centre for Study of Biological Diversity, and the Ministries of Health and Amerindian Affairs, to determine the cause of fish deaths at  the Kako, Kamarang, Quebanang, Waramadong, Jawalla, and Phillipi communities.
“During these investigations, further testing, including that for mercury, will be conducted towards determining the cause of the death of the single fish species in these areas.”
The team which conducted the investigations was headed by Director of Environmental Health Unit, Ministry of Health Dr. Ashok Sookdeo.
The team treated approximately 110 persons, inclusive of children above five years, who were found with symptoms of gastroenteritis.