WELCOME back readers. Last week we continued to look at the EPA’s Environmental Guidelines for Poultry Rearing. As we stated in last week’s article, you need to apply to the EPA for Environmental Authorisation when operating a poultry rearing operation with more than 500 fowls. An Environmental Authorisation is not only needed for such rearing; today we will be looking at the different operations/ activities that require an Environmental Authorisation.

Just before we get into the different operations/ activities that require an Environmental Authorisation, take a look around, and you will notice an increase in the number of economic, construction, and other developmental activities taking place in Guyana. Remember, developmental activities are necessary to improve the quality of our lives; however, they need to be conducted in a manner that will not compromise the quality of the environment and human health. Further, the Environmental Protection Agency was established to manage, conserve, protect and improve our environment. Therefore, certain types of activities need to be authorised by the EPA. These include:
* Construction of roads and bridges;
* Hotels, inns, resorts, guest houses;
* Port and harbour development;
* Development of industrial complexes/estates;
* Development of water distribution facilities;
* Power generation plants;
* Water treatment facilities;
* Vulcanising shops;
* Auto electrical/mechanical workshops;
* Facilities that store, treat or dispose of waste;
* Rice processing plant;
* Mining activities (sand, bauxite, gold, diamond, rock, etc.);
* Pulp and paper processing
* Cement production & bagging plants;
* Asphalt/bitumen plants;
* Paint and ink manufacturing;
* Extraction of forest resources;
* Petroleum exploration;
* Pharmaceuticals manufacturing; and
* Biodiversity research and filming.
NB. This list is not exhaustive!

What is an Environmental Authorisation?
Last week’s article stated that an Environmental Authorisation is an Environmental Permit, a Prescribed Process Licence, a Construction Permit, or an Operation Permit granted by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Why is Environmental Authorisation necessary?
Having a valid Environmental Authorisation for certain types of activity is required by law — the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana. It also provides major benefits to the environment, the human health and secures your investment. The process ensures that development is conducted in the most sustainable way possible by mandating investors to identify the major impacts of an investment project and determine the best measures or alternatives that can be put in place to prevent or mitigate negative impacts.
Additionally, the environmental authorisation process determines whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed before granting the Environmental Permit. This is another important process that is required to be completed by investors who are planning projects that will have significant adverse effects on environmental, social, and economic well-being.

IT’S ILLEGAL TO BE OPERATING WITHOUT A VALID ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION
To continue to enjoy the benefits of sound environmental management and economic growth, investors need to have their permits renewed. This allows the Environmental Protection Agency to carry on monitoring project activities to ensure that they are conducted sustainably. You should apply for your permit renewal at least six months before its expiration date.

If you are renewing your application and have made any adjustments to your operations, the Agency needs to be notified of same.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.