Dear Editor,
I have made several complains to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the police at the Anna Regina Police Station about an ongoing dust and noise nuisance from a cement bond at Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast. Although several visits were made by officers of both authorities and investigations were conducted, this practice still continues without any relief.
On February 15, 2007, I recorded my first complaint to the EPA regarding excessive dust and noise emanating from the bond in an open area where cement and steel rods are off-loaded. The dust particulates suspended in the atmosphere drift into my house, given that it is downwind, and the heavy sounds of metal are destroying my health.
On June 5, 2007, I again reported to the EPA about the ongoing dust and noise nuisance emanating from this establishment. The agency conducted an inspection of this operation on June 26, 2007, and based on its findings the proprietor [name supplied] was advised to implement practical measures to mitigate the noise and the cement dust caused by the operation of his facility by August 13, 2007. A follow-up inspection was later conducted to verify if this establishment had complied on September 14, 2007. The agency confirmed that no practical measures had been put into place and that my complaints were valid. The agency acknowledged that it was their responsibility to address environmental complaints.
Mr Doorga Persaud, Executive Director of the EPA has assured me that another follow-up to my recent complaint about dust and noise nuisance will be conducted soon, and I should allow the agency to follow due process in addressing the problems with the AG Chambers.
The agency also issued three letters to the proprietor, informing him of the validity of my complaints about noise and dust emitting from his establishment and recommending that he must implement mitigation measures by August 13, 2007.
The agency also indicated to the person that he needed to ascertain the legality of his cement bond and the off-loading operation with respect to land-use permission, and operating in a residential area.
Some three weeks ago at this same establishment a man was charged and fined by the court for noise nuisance. The Environmental Protection Act (1996) gives the EPA the authority to regulate any activity that has an impact on people’s health and the environment. Mr Doorga Persaud, I believe, is sincere and genuine when he spoke to me on the telephone that he would bring this matter to an end. Mr Doorga Persaud is someone I knew for years as PS in the Ministry of Health and we had many dealings when I was a trade unionist.
I regard him as a competent manager, and he has always been courteous, kind and professional with me in this matter. I will never question the integrity of the EPA and its officers in dealing with my matters; they were fair and transparent. I suffered a motorcycle accident and I am bedridden, so this kind of nuisance is affecting my health and I do not know to whom to turn for help.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Mr Doorga Persaud, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency for any comments he may wish to make.
