EPA secures security measures for all chemical storage / treatment facilities in the oil sector
Despite no regulations, an adequate workforce…
Kaieteur News – Guyana’s petroleum industry has led to a growing demand for facilities that can properly store toxic chemicals and / or safely dispose of hazardous waste. In response, several businesses have applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their blessings to build chemical storage and treatment facilities.
What has left some industry stakeholders spontaneous is the fact that the EPA has given approval to some businesses without requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). This has led to concerns that the EPA may be taking a loose approach to the robust regulation required for the new industry.
In noting these findings, the EPA in its latest missive categorically stated that nothing could be further from the truth. The agency explained that all projects are assessed to determine their impact on the environment and human health. The EPA said such assessments involve evaluating the information submitted, a site audit to validate that information and collecting baseline data. The agency also said it has a science-based screening tool developed with the help of an experienced consultant under a national project, which helps ensure that its decisions are scientifically sound. The EPA ensured that the screening process was in line with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05 in adding that the decision is based on requirements under the Act.
In accordance with Section 11 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, where it is unclear whether a project will significantly affect the environment, the agency stated that the developer is expected to submit a project summary with information prescribed by the Act. . The regulator is then required to publish its decision as to whether the project will not significantly affect the environment, and is therefore excluded from the requirement for an environmental impact assessment (EIA); or it may significantly affect the environment and will require an EIA which is a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts of a proposed project and the mitigation measures to address potential adverse effects.
In cases where EIA is not required, the agency said it requires different types of environmental and social security measures. The industry regulator said one such requirement is an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). He described this as a tool used to ensure that the adverse effects of project construction, operation and decommissioning are prevented, and that the positive benefits of the projects are enhanced.
In addition, the EPA stated that EMP is recognized as a tool that can be used to provide assurance that developers make suitable provisions for counteracting negative impacts that may occur through project implementation and execution.
He also said EMP captures baseline data, compliance monitoring, impact monitoring, reporting and record keeping as well as an Emergency Response Plan. With this thinking in mind, the EPA explicitly stated that all Chemical Storage / Treatment facilities are required to develop and submit an EMP that includes, Waste Acceptance Criteria and Waste Management Plan.
Some of the companies that have submitted bids to build chemical storage facilities include John Fernandes Limited, Ramps Logistics, Oilfield Waste Management Services, Guyana Environmental Environmental Management Services Inc., and Glass Holdings Inc.
The latest project awaiting approval concerns Global Oil Environment Services Guyana Inc., a joint venture partnership between JaParts Guyana and Global Oil Management Group. The partners plan to build and operate a waste transfer, storage, treatment and disposal facility in Canaan Land, Demerara East Bank.
It should be noted that while the EPA ensures the introduction of EMPs, Guyana still lacks the regulations needed to underline its robust sector management. Equally significant, are concerns that the agency lacks the workforce to properly monitor other industries but on its own these new facilities that are part of the oil sector.
(To be continued …)