The Rio Cobre on August 23, 2022
.png)
Kestonard Gordon, Vice-Chairman of the St. Catherine Parish Development Committee, and Senator Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is investigating a report of another chemical spill from bauxite company, Windalco into the Rio Cobre in St. Catherine.
The latest report has come from residents of Zepherton, which is located in close proximity to the river.
Radio Jamaica News went to the community Tuesday morning and observed that the river was a brownish red and had a white foam substance.
Kestonard Gordon, Vice-Chairman of the St. Catherine Parish Development Committee, said there is also "a strong smell of caustic soda" emanating from the river.
He said residents believe the supposed pollution took place on Monday night.
But Senator Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, told Radio Jamaica News that a team has already visited the Rio Cobre and "there was no sign of a spill".
He said checks with the National Irrigation Commission, which has operations along the river, have also revealed "no evidence [of a spill] at this time".
However, he noted that because of the concerns from residents, another team has been dispatched to reassess in an effort to ensure residents are comfortable with the safety of the water.
Mr. Samuda said any evidence of pollution of the Rio Cobre will be communicated to the public and the necessary corrective steps taken.
He noted that reports of potential spills in the Rio Cobre are received by NEPA every two to three days, and each report is investigated.
Mr. Samuda added that while the government is closely monitoring the situation, it has shown that it is serious about prosecuting Windalco for any environmental breach.
He reiterated the steps taken against the company following the last major chemical spill in July.
These include the initiation of prosecution against Windalco and the drawdown of more than $115 million from its environmental performance bond - what Mr. Samuda said was the largest environmental consequence for any act of pollution in Jamaica's history.
In addition, the company has been served notice of intention to suspend its environmental permit.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
