MEMBERS of the Yarrowkabra Coal Burners Association (YCBA) are fearful that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) decision to grant construction giant BK International Inc permission to operate a small-scale sand mine at Yarrowkabra will end coal-mining operations there.

This newspaper visited Yarrowkabra yesterday and after scouring the area, found the coal-burning operation that was created some 17 years ago after residents found a way to manufacture coals from the waste Wallaba material being discarded by the Bulkan Timber Woods.
In 2009, the EPA and the Guyana Forestry Commission halted activities at the coal mine to bring operations in line with the EPA Act. The YCBA followed the requirements, and permission was granted to restart coal manufacturing activities; thus, the process has continued to this day.
The Yarrowkabra Coal Burners Association had also brought their operations in line with requirements from the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission (GLSC), since the land they were using had been leased from the GLSC.
In February 2013, YCBA executives received correspondence from the GLSC instructing the association to cease operations with immediate effect. No reason was advanced.
The association learnt, later, that BK International Inc had been granted permission to operate a small-scale sand mine in the area, which would incorporate the Yarrowkabra Coal Burners Association’s operating area. Public hearings were held after the Bulkan Timber Works (BTW) had filed an objection to BK International Inc operating the sand-mining operation there, and the reason cited for the objection was potential damage to Bulkan’s factory and computerised equipment, and the failure to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment for the project.
The Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) conducted its investigations, which saw presentations coming from both parties involved, and questions raised were all answered.
The EAB reported its recommendations after conducting its process in accordance with the regulations and law, and the EPA ruled on the matter.
Despite all the points raised, the EPA ruled that there was no need for an EIA to be done on the project, giving BK International Inc. the green light to commence the operation.
Speaking with a few of the coal burners association members at the time of this newspaper’s visit, this publication was made to understand that no one had consulted the association to inform them of the new development, and to date all is hearsay.
Allegations of dust pollution, among other points raised, caused the association’s executives to become upset and deemed the allegations an excuse to destroy their livelihood.
One member, Mr. Rudolph Sagon, indicated in an interview with this publication that the association, with approximately 40 members, has been operating at Yarrowkabra for some 17 years; has over 100 burning pits, and produces some 500 bags of coal per month; but its existence is now being threatened with the operation of BK International Inc’s sand-mining operations.
He noted that this coal-mining operation was providing employment for a number of single parents in the area, and is an improving cottage industry which has supported a number of residents since closure of the glass factory.
Sagon said he has prepared his pit, which is expected in two weeks time to give him some 40 bags of coal, and he hopes that BK International Inc would consider the livelihood of the Yarrowkabra community, as most are scared by recent developments.
During yesterday’s visit, this reporter was taken to a deep-water well which was drilled to supply water to the developing community. Water was running from this well uncontrollably, and the association’s members said this factor is not taken into consideration by BK International Inc., whose sand-mining operation would certainly cause problems with its excavating activities in the area. They said water from the well would most likely lodge in the coal burning pits as soon as shifting of the earth is created, thereby jeopardising the livelihood of residents of the community.
The process of coal manufacturing consists of carefully placing discarded pieces of wallaba in a pit, which is later covered with sand and lit for one week of continuous burning, followed by one week of cooling, after which the coal producers are ready to fulfil orders.
The association has been very vibrant in providing employment to the community, and has been able to cushion the present economic situation and render a positive solution to the community and residents.