Weekly Inspection of Operations Along Rio Minho
February 28, 2008The Full Story
Minister of Energy, Mining and Telecommunications, Clive Mullings, has informed that the Mines and Geology Division has instituted weekly inspection of all operations along the Rio Minho in Clarendon, to ensure compliance with special operating conditions of the licences granted.
He also pointed out that the Ministry was aware of the impact that mining has had on the river.
“Quarrying operations that are in breach will be penalised according to the terms of the licences and the relevant laws. It will also be mandated that any necessary corrective actions be taken by the operator. Any further violation will result in the imposition of the maximum penalty permitted by law. This could include revocation of these quarry licences,” the Minister said.
He was responding to questions posed by Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Western, Noel Arscott, in the House of Representatives yesterday (February 26), on the effects of mining on the Rio Minho.
Mr. Mullings explained that a sediment study, based on information regarding the rate of replenishment versus the rate of extraction of materials, was conducted on the entire Rio Minho and the “findings will be used as a template to guide decisions regarding areas over which quarrying licence can be granted.”
He also noted that in 2002 the then Ministry of Land and Environment, through its agencies, the Mines and Geology Division, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Works Agency (NWA), conducted a tour along the Rio Minho and examined ways to stem the degradation and reduce the threat of the loss of lives in the area.
“In 2006 the NWA instituted river training in the area. This has stabilized the outer bank of the river. It has been observed, however, that just north of this area, significant erosion is occurring, which necessitates further river training works,” Mr. Mullings informed.
“This requires the urgent attention of the relevant agencies, primarily the NWA, in order to address the matter,” the Minister added.