EMA gives Atlantic LNG blessing

Chairman of the Environ-mental Management Authority (EMA) Dr John Agard has stated that Atlantic LNG (ALNG) has the “blessing” of the EMA to continue with Train IV, as it was found to have satisfied the list of conditions attached to the Certificate of Environmental Clearance(CEC) issued by the EMA.

Speaking at a press conference at EMA’s offices yesterday, he added that  results of the EMA’s investigations into complaints by residents of the area can stand up to public scrutiny by private individuals and concerned organisations. EMA’s Corporate Commun-ications Officer, Neil Parsanlal, said ALNG was not immune from the imposition of penalties if they are found to be breaching any conditions of the CEC, adding that, “Whenever they break the law, they will pay for it.” Agard also dispelled claims that there was political interference in the EMA’s arrival to grant the CEC to ALNG, as the EMA Act 2000 of Private Party Action prevented this kind of occurrence.

The list of concerns as presented by residents included noise and vibration; dust, soot and toxic gases; health effects (eyes and respiratory illness); employment; risk assessment; coastal erosion; property damage; emergency response; relocation of residents; and traffic management and road conditions. Describing dialogue between the EMA and ALNG as “long and arduous,” Agard said they had employed international consultants to deal with the concerns of persons in the area. “Anything that is done has to stand up to scrutiny and that is why the EMA cannot be guided by heresay,” Agard stated. Questioned as to whether the EMA had any doubts granting the CEC to ALNG, he replied, “There isn’t any fatal reason,” but admitted “that there are concerns and mitigation measures.” He revealed that quarterly reports were to be submitted to the EMA by ALNG as regards piling activities; in addition to ALNG liaising with the Ministry of Health to conduct a comprehensive survey of on-site activities which may impact on residents.

Another promise secured by the EMA indicated that labour for this project would be sourced locally, so that economic benefits can be communicated to the government. MP for Point Fortin, Larry Achong said he had two basic concerns about the beach and the health of the residents, but that he was “more or less happy” that they were being addressed in “tangible ways.” Promising that within two weeks persons can expect some “positive decisions,” Achong said “this is what happens when you have a government who knows what it is doing.” Claiming  that they got the best deal out of Train IV as a result of negotiations, he added that “if the UNC weren’t so corrupt, we could have prevented a lot of damage to Point Fortin from Trains I, II and III.” When contacted in Point Fortin, General Secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS), Gary Aboud said they were very upset and were as “unhappy as anyone would be if their mother was raped” as regards EMA’s granting the CEC to ALNG.