HELLO readers, as we continue to tread into 2023, we will take a closer look at the processes at the EPA and the Act which guide our operations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as the body responsible for the management, conservation, protection and improvement of Guyana’s natural environment, is required to ensure that any developmental activity which may cause an adverse effect on the environment be assessed before such activity is commenced.

It is important to note that environmental assessments may take several forms. Therefore, the type of environmental assessment required for a particular activity is decided by determining the significance of the impacts of the activity on the environment.

When an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required?
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates the environmental and socioeconomic impacts likely to arise from a major project. It is the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals before major decisions are made and commitments made for providing authorisation.

There is a common misconception that the EPA should require an EIA for all projects or developmental activities. However, pursuant to Section 11(2) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana (EP Act), only projects which may significantly affect the environment will require an EIA.

A decision by the Agency to require an EIA will therefore depend on the environmental information available to the Agency, and whether the environmental impacts are minimal, reversible and capable of being mitigated.

What are some areas covered by an EIA?
The EIA should be able to identify, describe, and evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the proposed project on the environment including:
? Impacts on human beings;
? Impacts on plants, animals, species, and habitat;
? Impacts on air and water quality; and
? Impacts on cultural heritage, material assessment and the landscape.
EIAs are NOT CONDUCTED by the EPA. They are conducted by independent and suitably qualified persons who the EPA has approved.

Other forms of environmental assessments
The EPA has the power to request other forms of assessments. The EPA can require an assessment of the cumulative effects of certain activities pursuant to Section 17 of the EP Act, or an Environmental Management Plan, an Ecosystem Assessment, a Vulnerability Assessment, or such other form of information as may be necessary pursuant to Regulation 3 and 17 of the Environmental Protection (Authorisations) Regulations.

Not all projects require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
There are some proposed projects whose impacts on the environment can be so significant that in accordance with section 11(2) of the EP Act, an EIA will be required.
However, some projects, although they may be considered as large-scale projects, may require a less rigorous environmental assessment report such as an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) or a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).
In instances where an EIA is not required for seemingly large-scale projects, it simply means that:
? The EPA has sufficient environmental information in its database;
? The possible impacts are known and are capable of being sufficiently mitigated; or
? The potential environmental impacts are minimal or reversible.

EIA not required does not mean the project is approved.
The decision that an EIA is not required is an initial step in the authorisation process.
The decision as to whether a project is approved or rejected is made after further considerations, such as submissions made by the public, are taken into account. Where the Agency approves an application for an environmental permit at the end of the environmental assessment process, the Agency issues to the developer an environmental permit containing such conditions which are reasonably necessary to protect human health and the environment. Notably, the project is continuously monitored to ensure compliance with the conditions of the permit.

Public participation in the EIA process
Access to information on EIA projects
EIAs and other project information (project summary etc.) are available on the EPA’s website. After the EIA and EIS are submitted to the EPA, the public is notified via media notices. An environmental permit for an EIA-required project is announced in the press again.

Your involvement is a legal requirement.

The Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05 requires that members of the public be consulted during the EIA process. Before any environmental impact assessment (EIA) begins the Agency publishes a notice of the project and makes available to members of the public the project summary. In accordance to Section.11. (7) Members of the public shall have twenty-eight days from the date the notice is published to make written submissions to the Agency setting out those questions and matters which they require to be answered or considered in the environmental impact assessment.

Further, during the course of the environmental impact assessment the developer and the person carrying out the environmental impact assessment shall: –
a) consult members of the public, interested bodies and organisations;

b) provide to members of the public on request, and at no more than the reasonable cost of photocopying, copies of information obtained for the purpose of the environmental impact assessment.

The public has 60 days after the notice of submission of the EIA and EIS to evaluate the documents and send the Agency questions, concerns, and comments.
Why you should be involved.

People benefit from attending public meetings since it provides a forum for opinions to be heard and considered in the EIA study. Information on the project is shared during the process so that people can learn how a project will be operated and possible ways it will be of benefit to them. Participation in public meetings increases the capacity of people to be involved in environmental decision-making by helping to shape a project through their questions and concerns. Participation also provides an opportunity to contribute to safeguarding the environment and human health from potential harm.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, 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.