EPA’S RESPONSE TO ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN KAIETEUR NEWS ON OCTOBER 7, 2024
October 8, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides the following comments in response to an article published in the Kaieteur News on October 7, 2024 under the headline, “Omai plans to dump water with low-level cyanide, mercury into Essequibo River.”
1. An Application for Environmental Authorisation was received by the Agency on July 11, 2024, for the Omai Gold Mine Project – Avalon Gold Exploration.
2. The project intends to conduct gold mining and processing within PL #: 01/2019, at the confluence of the Essequibo and Seballi Rivers – Omai, Potaro Mining District 2, Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
3. After reviewing the information submitted and conducting site studies, the EPA determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required before a decision can be made on whether to approve or reject the proposed project. This decision was made in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, as the development may have significant environmental impacts.
4. Following this decision, a 28-day Public Notice was published on September 11, 2024, inviting the public to provide suggestions on what should be considered in the Terms and Scope for the project.
5. No Environmental Authorisation has been granted by the Agency for any activities related to the project as proposed by the proponents.
6. Although Omai has conducted its own water quality testing, which shows that cyanide and mercury levels are within acceptable international standards, the EPA will conduct its own independent testing to verify the results and ensure compliance with environmental protection standards.
7. The proposed dewatering (removal of water) activities at the Wenot Pit does not contain cyanide or mercury. Initial water quality tests conducted by Omai indicate no detectable levels of these substances in the water intended for discharge.
8. Members of the public have 28 days from the date of the Public Notice (September 11, 2024) to submit written comments to the Agency, outlining any questions or concerns they would like to see addressed in the EIA.
9. A summary of the project can be viewed on the EPA’s website at the following link: https://epaguyana.org/download/avalon-gold-expl…-project-summary/ Copies of the document can also be obtained from the EPA’s Head Office, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, at a reasonable cost for photocopying.
10. Comments should be addressed to the Chairman, The Environmental Assessment Board, via email at: eabguyana21@gmail.com. Additional information is available on the EPA’s website: www.epaguyana.org.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, in a separate release, has confirmed points similar to those outlined above.
