Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 05, 2016 News
-menu of measures to be implemented
The bauxite mining company Bosai Mineral Group (Guyana) Inc. has agreed to pay a fine of $1.5M after accepting responsibility for an oil spill in the Demerara River two months ago.
This is in addition to other measures that the company has agreed to implement.
Representatives of the mining company yesterday met Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and a team to discuss the company’s liability for the accidental release of waste oil into the waterways from their facility in March this year.
The spill made its way into the Demerara River affecting surrounding drainage waterways in Region Ten.
The Minister’s team included Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representatives Kemraj Parsaram, Director of Compliance Enforcement and Aminah McPherson-Damon, Legal Advisor.
The issue arose on March 29, 2016 when a report was received by the EPA through the Ministry of Natural Resources about the release of waste oil from the Bosai facility into the Demerara River.
According to a press release issued last evening, on March 30, an investigation was conducted by the EPA in collaboration with the Region Ten Democratic Council, to determine the source of the spill and the remediation that was needed.
Following the investigation, Bosai was found responsible and the company accepted responsibility for its negligence that led to the environment being adversely affected.
The EPA set out to determine the penalties that Bosai was liable to pay.
Following the outcome of the meeting, and as part of the agreed menu of measures to address the environmental impacts of the spill, and to build better community relations, Bosai’s General Manager, Robert Shang, accompanied by Maj. Gen. (Ret’d) Norman McLean committed to clean and maintain the area between Bosai’s north gate and Washer Pond Road including, clearing of verges and drainage work.
The company also agreed to provide a four-year scholarship to a student from Region Ten to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Guyana. Further, the company will pay a fine of $1.5 million.
The company is also keen to avoid any recurrences and has undertaken to work closely with the Regional Democratic Council of Region Ten to realize its immediate commitments as well as to expand its contribution to the Region.
One initiative that is planned is the erection of an arch in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Bauxite mining in Guyana.
Minister Trotman is planning to visit the Region Ten Democratic Council and the Bosai facility in the near future, and will continue to work with all parties, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, to help safeguard the environment in all regions.
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