Latest update January 10th, 2025 5:00 AM
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EPA investigating stench of Little Diamond, EBD waterway
– DDL dismisses claims by residents that the company is polluting the waterway
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently investigating the source of the odour emanating from the waterways for the past two months, within the vicinity of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD), says Dr. Indarjit Ramdass, Executive Director.
According to Dr. Ramdass, samples were taken and the agency is conducting tests to ascertain the source. He hinted that it could be as a result of either household waste such as toilet waste, or industrial waste.
Plant life dying in alleged polluted waterway
The residents of neighbouring community to DDL, Little Diamond, strongly believe that the source of the odour is as a result of DDL releasing its waste water into the waterway. They pointed out that the company was executing construction works on its koker that is used to release the waste water into the Demerara River during the same period the odour started. This they claimed propelled the company to take that course of action.
However, this notion was dismissed by the company. According to Shawn Caleb, Engineer Service Manager, DDL, while the company was executing construction works to its koker DDL rented a tractor pump to release the waste water into the Demerara River.
Caleb affirmed that at no point did the company comprise the waterway, contributing to the stench. In fact, the company being cognizant of the situation voluntarily utilized its resources to excavate trenches within the Little Diamond community.
He added that the company was doing its duty as a good corporate citizen. In addition, several employees of DDL reside in Little Diamond and the company would not engage in any activity to compromise the health of its employees and other citizens.
The residents acknowledged that DDL was excavating the trench inside Little Diamond to clear the water way to allow its free flow, but are convinced that it was a cover-up for the company’s misdeed.
The residents are also concerned that the supposed waste water is adversely impacting marine life. They pointed out that the impurity of the water is causing aquatic plants to die and fishes are hardly visible in the water. It was emphasized that some of the residents engage in fishing for food and a livelihood.
Both parties are anxiously awaiting EPA to ascertain the source of the odour. DDL wants to clear the air on the issue and reassure its neighbours and citizens that it will continue to be a good corporate citizen.
Meanwhile, residents want the source to be known and mitigated since besides the stench, whatever chemical is being emitted is damaging their ornaments, dishes and other items. They are also concerned about their health and what is happening to them internally.
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