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- EPA takes Vilvoorden dust nuisance to court
EPA takes Vilvoorden dust nuisance to court
(Kaieteur News) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Saturday announced that the longstanding dust nuisance affecting residents of Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast, is now before the court, as authorities move to determine whether adequate mitigation measures have been implemented by the company at the centre of the controversy.
According to the EPA, a magistrate has directed that the agency assesses and report on the level of compliance by Vilvoorden Investment Inc. with required environmental mitigation measures. The findings are to be presented at the next court hearing scheduled for June 4, 2026.
The development follows persistent complaints from residents of Vilvoorden, who say their daily lives have been severely disrupted by dust pollution allegedly originating from the Hack’s Rice Mill, operated under Vilvoorden Rice Investment Inc.
Residents of Vilvoorden staged a protest in 2023 against dust pollution caused by the rice mill ( Photo credit; Stabroek News)
Residents have reported that the continuous accumulation of black, dusty residue from the rice milling process has created unbearable conditions, particularly during the dry season when the particles are easily dispersed into nearby homes.
Families living in close proximity to the facility have raised serious concerns about potential health risks, including respiratory issues linked to prolonged exposure to the dust.
As a result, affected residents are calling for urgent intervention by authorities and are urging that the businessman responsible to relocate the dust heap to a safer location, away from residential areas.
In a statement, the EPA outlined several actions ordered by the court. Firstly, the agency will prepare and submit a formal compliance report at the upcoming hearing. Secondly, Vilvoorden Investment Inc. has been instructed to provide documentation detailing the mitigation measures it has already implemented, along with any proposed alternative solutions.
The EPA noted that it will review the company’s submission to determine whether the measures meet regulatory standards. “The EPA will prepare and present a compliance report at the next court hearing,” the statement said.
The agency also disclosed that its officers have visited the Vilvoorden location on multiple occasions and attempted to engage residents to provide updates on mitigation efforts undertaken by the developer. However, it noted that only some residents were successfully engaged during those outreach efforts.
“The EPA remains committed to protecting community health, enforcing environmental standards, and pursuing all necessary administrative and legal remedies,” the agency stated.
It added that, given the matter is now before the court, it will be addressed in accordance with the law.
The EPA is also urging affected residents to cooperate with its officers so that concerns can be properly assessed and addressed. The agency said further updates will be provided following its review of the company’s submission, the compliance inspection, and subsequent court proceedings.
The dust issue has persisted for several years. Back in 2023, frustrated residents staged protests, arguing that the rice mill was improperly established within a residential community and continues to negatively impact their quality of life.
Residents have also claimed that despite numerous complaints being lodged with the EPA over the years, little action had been taken to bring relief.
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