Changes at Trinidad's Environmental Management Authority

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000569

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CAR, WHA/EPSC, OES/PCI
SAN JOSE FOR REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HUB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV EIND EINV TD
SUBJECT: Changes at Trinidad's Environmental Management Authority

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PROTECT ACCORDINGLY


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Despite a reduction in its authority to regulate
quarries, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) continues
enforcement efforts to protect Trinidad's water bodies from quarry
impact. Dave McIntosh will end his term as CEO of EMA on December
15, 2008. He will be replaced by Joth Singh. END SUMMARY.

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Recent Amendment Undermines Oversight Ability
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2. (SBU) Trinidad's construction boom has ramped up demand for
aggregate, leading to a significant increase in quarrying activity
and raising the prospective of increased environmental damage. In
recent months, for example, a new quarry start-up next to the Asa
Wright Nature Center (a world-renowned bird sanctuary located in
Trinidad's Northern Range) has caused alarm among local
environmentalists.


3. (SBU) This concern is heightened since a December 5 amendment to
the Certificate of Environmental Clearance rules has decreased the
EMA's ability to oversee and limit the environmental impact of
quarries. Prior to the amendment, all quarry operations were
required to obtain EMA approval. A 2007 amendment exempted quarry
operations smaller than 150 hectares, but still required oversight
during the land clearing process. With the latest amendment, no
oversight is required for land clearing or quarry operations on less
than 150 hectares of land. All ongoing investigations of operations
on land less than 150 hectares have been closed because the
companies no longer require a Certificate of Environmental
Clearance. The only remaining avenue for EMA oversight lies in the
water pollution rules.

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EMA's Enforcement Strategy
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4. (SBU) EMA has targeted the North Oropouche watershed area for
applying water rules to quarry operations. An EMA contact commented
at a recent American Chamber of Commerce meeting that if the runoff
to the Oropouche River can be controlled, water quality in the river
could be drastically improved within five years. Readymix and
National Quarries are located in this area and have been asked by
the EMA to obtain water pollution permits. Carib Glass owns a quarry
and wash plant near North Oropouche and has also been asked to
obtain a permit. Conditions set by the EMA within a permit become
requirements under the Environmental Management Act.


5. (SBU) To obtain a permit, EMA will set limits and conditions on
chemicals that quarry operations can release into the environment.
The companies will be required to improve storm water management and
introduce best management plans to ensure run-off does not damage
nearby water bodies. Companies who do not comply will face a
financial penalty of TT$10,000 (US$1600) for the offense and
TT$5,000 (US $800) each day until the offense is rectified.
Non-compliant companies can also be required to pay civil damages
for environmental remediation. Company representatives found guilty
of willfully breaking the requirements could face jail time.

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New CEO Brings Change to EMA
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6. (SBU) Joth Singh will replace Dave McIntosh as CEO of EMA on
December 15. In a departure from McIntosh's vision, Singh wants to
remake the Authority as a more collaborative agency, according to
EMA contacts. Specifically, Singh wants the Authority to take a more
strategic position in planning and pre-design conversations with
companies considering projects that will impact the environment.
Currently, companies contact the EMA only after the planning and
design phase, to apply for a CEC. For this reason, the EMA plans to
play an active role in the American Chamber of Commerce's Health,
Safety, and Environmental Conference. Singh is in the process of
developing a new strategic plan for EMA, including expanded public
outreach. He has already instituted a weekly radio program to
educate the public on environmental issues and to solicit commentary
from a wider audience.

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Comment: No Longer a Rubber Stamp?
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7. (SBU) The EMA has frequently been criticized as a rubber stamp
for the GOTT's industrial development agenda. However, EMA contacts
think Singh's administration may begin to change that perception.

KUSNITZ