PROPRIETOR of the rice mill at Chelsea Park, Mahaica, who was issued with a Cease Order from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr. Kissoon Dyal said he has completed all the necessary remedial works to his factory.

Dyal was issued with the cease order in February following complaints from residents in the area of dust and noise pollution from the factory.
Executive Director of the EPA, Mr. Indarjit Ramdass, in a letter accompanying the cease order dated February 13, had stated that the EPA has been actively involved in the attempt to resolve the issues associated with dust and noise emanating from the factory. However, he noted that the rice mill was still in breach of the agency’s recommendations.
As such, the EPA issued Dyal with a cease order stopping activities related to the operations of the rice immediately until certain recommendations are implemented. He was warned that failure to comply with the order would result in further legal action.
However, during a telephone interview with this publication on Friday, Dyal advised that the necessary works have been completed and that the EPA had visited the mill to carry out an inspection.
He related that the mill is still not in operation, but that he is just awaiting the “go ahead” from the EPA.
Meanwhile, General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Mr. Jagnarine Singh, also in a telephone interviewon Friday, said that he is aware that the EPA had visited Dyal’s mill recently.
He added that the GRDB is awaiting the report from the EPA and should receive that in the near future. Nevertheless, he stated that he will be reviewing Dyal’s operating license and assured that once everything is in order, he will be allowed to resume his operations.
The Guyana Chronicle attempted to solicit a comment from the EPA; however, a representative said that no update is available on the matter at this time.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy commended the EPA for taking such actions, noting that while rice production is important, it should be done without putting the environment at risk.