In the next legislation cycle, the Government will be tabling amendments to the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act and the Wildlife Protection Act as its aims to significantly increase the fines.

This decision follows the latest chemical spill of caustic effluent from bauxite and alumina company Windalco into the Rio Cobre. The spill resulted in a fish kill which affected several species and other aquatic organisms.

Samuda said he was angered by the spill and that he understands the frustrations and concerns of citizens over the recurring issue.

He stressed that “significant and strong action will be taken to make sure that the consequences of this are felt”.

A second Effluent Holding Pond will also be established and the capacity increase of the old pond increased.

This was the directive of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to Windalco, following a previous massive effluent leak in 2019, which also caused a fish kill.

Said Samuda: “This project should be completed between September and November. This reservoir, we hope and we expect, based on assessments, would be sufficient to stop effluent flow in any large way into the river.”

The Government, through the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NCRA), holds an environmental performance bond of $115 million from Windalco. When there are breaches, and when there is environmental impact, the Government can draw down on this bond to address the damage, said Samuda.

“We will be able to draw down significant sums to ensure that the cost is felt by the company and [ensure] that the money that the professionals need to do the remedial work is put in place. So, there will be consequences outside of the usual low fines,” he said, adding that for Windalco to continue operating, it will need to replenish this environmental performance bond.

Samuda said citizens who fall ill due to the spill will be provided with the necessary support by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Government support will also be provided for those whose livelihood was disrupted and water trucks for those affected.

He further advised residents to seek redress if they feel inclined noting that the Government, through the judiciary, has civil remedies available.

In the meantime, Richard Nelson, senior manager, Environmental Subdivision, NEPA, informed that tests conducted by his team found that there is excessive alkaline or caustic material in the river, as a result of the spill.

He advised residents not to bathe in the river, noting that caustic material, over a certain level, can cause burns on the skin, and they should refrain from using the river until the area returns to normal.