NOW that the Bulkan Timber Works and Superior Shingles & Wood Products of Yarrowkabra have appealed to the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) against BK International Inc.

being granted a licence to set up operation of a small sand mine at Block B. 56/MP/000 Yarrowkabra,

Soesdyke/Linden Highway, serious delays to numerous projects currently being executed would ensue.

Public Relations Consultant for  BK International Inc., Mr. Kit Nascimento, told this publication in an invited comment last evening that the EAB, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), BK International Inc. and Bulkan’s were summoned to a meeting yesterday morning, and a number of issues relating to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) were ventilated. Among those were effects on the livelihoods of residents, potential for damage to property, and relocation of the Yarrowkabra Coal Miners Association.

Nascimento said BK International provided appropriate answers to all the issues raised, and indicated that numerous projects currently being executed would inevitably be delayed if permission for its sand-mining operation is blocked. BK International Inc also indicated that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion; the Timehri Road Expansion;the Haags Bosch Sanitation Landfill, and the East Bank Demerara four-lane road construction project stand to suffer considerably.

He disclosed that the EAB is expected to make a ruling on the matter shortly, and he is optimistic that both parties would accept the decision and work together to have this situation resolved in a professional manner.
Last week, a public consultation was held, during which presentations were made, but heated exchanges of words between Yarrowkabra residents, BK International and Bulkan workers brought an abrupt halt to that meeting.

BK International Inc. had earlier indicated to the EAB its intention to withdraw from the engagement if the situation at the public consultations had continued in an unprofessional manner.

Bulkan Timber Works, Superior Shingles & Wood Products and the Yarrowkabra Coal Miners Association have all indicated to the EAB that operation of BK International Inc.’s sand-mining facility would cause tremendous instability to their operations.
The EAB is expected to deliver a decision on this matter before the end of the week.