EMA still probing controversial works

THE incidents of excavation work at the protected San Fernando Hills and clearing of the Oropouche wetlands continue to occupy the attention of the Legal Department (LD) of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, EMA’s Corporate Communications Officer Neil Parsanlal said the LD  has to meet with the initial investigators of both protected landmark sites to gain more information which would assist in the probe. Parsanlal went on to say, “The EMA wants to be extremely cautious in its deliberations because all our actions are open to review by the Environmental Commis-sion.” He added that while the present process being undertaken may be perceived as delays, the EMA preferred to “err on the side of caution.” Parsanlal also said the civilian parties in both cases under investigation are cooperating with the EMA officials. Around three months ago, excavation work at the foot of the San Fernando Hill was stopped by the City Corporation. It is believed that such work at the natural landmark is illegal. Attempts were being made to build a house there.

In the case of the Oropouche wetlands, nearly two months ago, vast areas of the protected wetlands were being flattened for  the reported construction of a bitumen processing and cement ‘batching’ site. No Certificate of Environmental Clear-ance (CEC) was reportedly applied for by the persons clearing the wetlands, and as such the work was halted. A CEC must be given by the EMA for such work to be permitted. It is estimated that some eight to ten acres of lands have already been cleared. The national bird of Trinidad — the endangered and protected Scarlet Ibis — nests in and around the area that was being cleared. This has raised concern among environmentalists, who believe the bitumen processing and cement plant would adversely affect the eco-system and put more strain on the already endangered Scarlet Ibis as well as other species of flora and fauna.