EPA waives study for oil waste transport

May 06, 2026 News

…public gets 30 days to challenge decision

(Kaieteur News) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has informed Halliburton Guyana Inc., that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will not be needed for the transportation of oil and gas chemicals, equipment, and tools across Regions Three, Four, Five and Six.

The regulator published its decision on its website on April 30, 2026, explaining that the “project will not significantly affect the environment and is therefore exempt from the requirement to conduct an EIA.”

Stating the reasons for its decision, EPA said the risk of spills will be negligible since the project’s design will include embedded controls/mitigation measures such as the securing of hazardous materials and tools to the trailers using ratchet straps. Additionally, it noted that chemical packaging will be inspected before transport to ensure that it is leak-tight, and all drivers and banksmen will undergo training in HAZMAT handling, transport, and emergency preparedness and response before transporting hazardous materials.

The EPA also explained that impacts on air quality will be negligible given that dry chemicals are transported in enclosed sacks, according to their respective safety data sheets and trucks will be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and will be turned off when not in use.

The regulator pointed out that although Halliburton was granted the EIA waiver, it has not yet granted approval for the project.

To this end, any person who may be affected by the proposed project may lodge an appeal against the agency’s decision (EIA not required) within 30 days. Appeals against the EPA’s decision should be addressed to: The Chairman, The Environmental Assessment Board eabguyana21@gmail.com Website: www.epaguyana.org

Meanwhile, Halliburton Guyana Inc (HGI) in its project summary said the local subsidiary of one of the world’s largest oilfield and gas service companies has been in the country since 2015. The company presently has two operational facilities at 1216-18 Block Zone Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara and 10-13 Water Street (G-Port Inc. Wharf), Georgetown.

The company said, “The purpose of this project is to establish authorised transportation activities to support the safe and efficient movement of materials essential for operational continuity. The project involves the mobilisation of designated transport units to carry approved goods-including chemicals, equipment, and tools- between specified facilities and operational sites within Guyana.”

Possible impacts from the project include chemical spill, environmental contamination, fire, toxic release, air pollution, traffic accident during transit, contact exposure to chemicals, property damage and personal injuries/illness to name a few.

HGI assured that all transport activities will be conducted in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, using qualified personnel and vehicles that meet established safety standards.

The permit request aims to formalise and authorise these transportation operations, ensuring full regulatory alignment, proper risk management, and adherence to environmental, safety, and procedural controls. Further, the authorisation is requested to transit all needed routes within Guyana to support the local oil and gas industry.

HGI noted that the project, which will last at least 10 years involves mobilisation of designated transport units owned by Halliburton; movement of chemicals in compliant containers (IBCs, totes, drums, sacks, bib bags); movement of tools and equipment and the implementation of safety, environmental, and compliance controls for safety driving among others.

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EPA, Halliburton Guyana Inc., Hazardous, oil waste, oil waste transport

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