FFOS challenges EMA over Atlantic LNG

ENVIRONMENTAL group Fisherman and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) yesterday applied for judicial review of a decision taken by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) on June 6, to grant a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) to Atlantic LNG.

The CEC was granted for the construction and operation of Train IV for the liquification of natural gas for the purpose of increasing LNG production at the LNG facility at Point Fortin.  The application, which was filed by attorney Darrell P Allahar on behalf of the FFOS stated that the decision taken on June 6, was unlawful. The application was filed on the grounds of  illegality, procedural impropriety, unreasonableness and irrationality by the EMA. In addition FFOS is claiming that the decision and/ or action of the EMA amount to an abuse or misuse of public power. Another ground was that the action and discretion of the EMA in succumbing to pressures political and/ or otherwise, amounted to an improper delegation of the exercise of its powers. Attorneys Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Rajendra Ramlogan are expected to represent FFOS in the matter.