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Mangrove forests under threat by illegal dumping of sawdust
– EPA, GFC silent on issue
Valuable mangrove forests that protect coastlines, sustain sea-life and help slow climate change are being wrecked by the illegal dumping of sawdust at Wellington Park, Corentyne and it seems as though the authorities are turning a blind eye.
Every year, the Government has been spending millions of dollars on mangrove restoration projects to protect vulnerable coastlines and prevent erosion. These projects are stretched across the country and are being monitored continuously.
Kaieteur News was told that during an evaluation in 2017at the Wellington Park restoration site, it was discovered that natural erosion was occurring and the mangrove forests had been deteriorating rapidly due to the illegal dumping of sawdust by millers operating in Crabwood Creek.
Research showed that the wood waste contributes to an alternative texture to the soil, making it looser and allowing for easy and more rapid erosion of the mangrove forests at Wellington Park. If this continues, the government will not only lose money, but the coastlines will be greatly affected.
This newspaper was told that officials from the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency were made aware of the issue and even visited the area, but to date, nothing has been done.
Calls to both agencies proved futile. However, the Guyana Forestry Commission has a code of practice for wood processing companies. It outlines the ways in which sawmill operators can dispose their wood waste.
The code specified that wood waste should be disposed of through controlled incineration. It stated that accumulation of waste in a dump or landfill at sawmills is not acceptable as these options present a serious fire hazard.
Additionally, accumulation of sawmill residues, disused equipment, waste oil and general rubbish must be avoided in order to minimize the potential for site contamination, reduce the visual impact of the operation and improve site safety.
The code for practice further stated that refuse, including used plant and machinery parts, and domestic refuse, must not be buried on the premises but removed to an approved refuse disposal site.
Sawmill operators were urged to look for opportunities to recycle their wood waste. There is the use of sawdust for animal bedding, as fuel to generate heat, production of fuel briquettes and to manufacture charcoal.
While these regulations were clearly outlined by the GFC, penalties for not adhering to the codes were not stated.
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Sir. Ronald Sanders
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This is not new, the Governments, pass and present allow the operators to get away with murder. These contaminators contributed to the disappearance of dolphins from the Berbice river. Go to Blairmont steeling and you will see the condition and the impact of the pollutants on the mangrove trees. Both banks of the Brebice river is affected. The Government can go after the pass and present owners to clean up the Berbice river.