Udecott fined $100,000 for works on Tarouba Stadium

The EMA said yesterday it had received compensation in the sum of $101,400, plus $1,465.20 in costs from Udecott.

As a result of the successful outcome of the matter, the EMA’s managing director Dr Dave Mc Intosh is warning other persons and companies that they can also face similar action if they ignore the law.

The EMA stated that Udecott applied for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) on May 4, 2005, for the establishment of the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba. The project included earthworks and construction of facilities and infrastructure. The EMA said while the works were consistent with activities stipulated in the schedule of the CEC Order, 2001, it learnt that works had started on the proposed stadium while the application was still being processed.

An EMA environmental inspector visited the site on July 27 and, based on the report, the EMA initiated enforcement action against Udecott.

The EMA served the corporation with a Notice of Violation on August 5, citing that land clearing had begun on the site without a CEC.

Udecott failed to resolve the matters contained in the notice and, as a result, the EMA served an administrative order on the corporation to ensure that it would be penalised for contravening the law by starting work without the CEC.

Mc Intosh pointed out "that the process was designed with stringent measures in place to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

"Organisations should be cognizant of the requirements of the CEC process and should allocate adequate time in their schedules and work plans."

He warned, "Those who fail to comply will face similar circumstances." The CED Rules and the Designated Activities Order, 2001, lists 44 activities for which CECs are necessary. Failure to comply with the CEC process will result in the EMA initiating enforcement action available to it under the EM Act.