EPA welcoming input on major construction projects
The proposed location for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGLs) office complex at Ogle
The proposed location for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGLs) office complex at Ogle

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding members of the public that it is welcoming their input regarding major construction projects that will be commencing in Guyana before it makes a final decision on the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Several of these projects are in the oil and gas field and construction is expected to take place along the East Bank, West Bank and East Coast of Demerara.

The public has, until October 13, to raise any concerns they have about these projects with the Environmental Assessment Board.

In accordance with Section 11 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana, the application for these and other projects has been screened by the Agency, to assess its potential environmental impact and it has been determined that these projects will not significantly affect the environment or human health, and will therefore be exempt from the requirement of having to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). However, public input is required by law before the EPA finalizes its decision.

One of the projects spotlighted is the planned construction of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGL) office complex at Ogle. It is to be built on 15 acres of land leased by the Ogle Airport Inc. (OAI).

The contract was awarded to NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana, a Guyanese-led joint venture initiative between NABi Construction Inc. (Guyana) and Kee-Chanona Limited (Trinidad). Meanwhile, the notice now bears the name of new President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, and any person who may be affected by this project may lodge an appeal against the Agency’s decision to exempt the company from conducting an EIA.

Notice was first given on September 13, 2020, but the EPA reminds that persons who have concerns must raise these to the Environmental Assessment Board within 30 days from the aforementioned time. In other words, by October 13, 2020.

The same applies to the state-of-the-art US$200 million ISIKA Shore Base Inc. project which investors intend to build on 330 acres of land along the Essequibo River. It will include approximately 1,500 feet of waterfront, industrial areas, offices, warehouses, workshops, spool base, a liquid mud plant, equipment and construction laydown areas for all oil and gas related activities.

It is being pursued as a result of a joint venture between InterOil Group and Guyana’s Mings Products and Services (MPS). Notably, ISIKA’s technical area will accommodate a large facility for the storage of gasoil and gasoline, water and sewage treatment plants and a power plant to ensure continuous power supply to the entire shore base. The application was submitted by well-known businessman, Eric Phillips.

Another project pending approval is the ‘Operation of Oilfield Super Centre’, submitted by Baker Hughes Guyana Company Inc., a subsidiary of the US-based energy and technology company Baker Hughes. The Super Centre is to be located at Plot X Land of Canaan East Bank Demerara while a separate application was sent in for by JOP Property Holdings Inc. for similar constructions at the plot of land.

On the West Bank of Demerara at Versailles/Malgre Tout, Tristar Incorporated (Versailles Shorebase) is hoping to construct a wharf and the Harmony Medical and Ambulatory Surgery Centre is seeking approval for the construction and operation of a new healthcare facility. Over on the East Bank of Demerara, businessman Diamond Romel Jagroop is seeking to construct a Machine Fabrication and Mechanic Workshop.

The EPA’s role is to provide for the management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment, and is also required to prevent or control pollution and assess the impact of economic development on the environment. Details on the procedure for submission of Appeals can be obtained from the Agency’s website.

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