Durrant Pate/Contributor

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is launching a multi-million dollar research study to investigate the environmental impacts of reverse osmosis technology.

This technology converts salt water into potable water suitable for commercial and industrial uses. The technology is currently employed at 13 plants across Jamaica.

The study is being funded by a $61-million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) with the aim of understanding how the waste byproducts of the reverse osmosis process affect the local environment. These byproducts, which include various minerals and substances, are typically either injected into the ground or discharged back into the sea.

However, the full extent of their impact remains unknown.

Understanding the risks

NEPA’s CEO, Leonard Francis, points to the imperative of this study, saying, “We don’t know what impacts this material will have on our ecosystem. We need to examine the plants, assess the waste’s impact on surrounding areas, and enhance our regulatory actions based on these findings.”

One concern highlighted is that injecting waste into Jamaica’s limestone terrain could have unintended consequences and reintroducing a higher concentration of minerals into the sea could harm marine life. According to Francis, “it could be a scenario where the waste diffuses immediately upon entering the water, but if not, it could damage coral reefs and other marine habitats. Although we avoid placing plants near sensitive areas, absolute certainty requires thorough study.”

Limestone terrain, being porous, allows liquids to pass through easily. When waste is injected into such terrain, it can travel through the rock and potentially reach the sea.

This waste might contain high concentrations of minerals and other substances, and when reintroduced into the marine environment, it can alter the natural mineral balance. These alterations can disrupt marine organisms sensitive to environmental changes, potentially harming fish, coral reefs, and other aquatic life.

Current and Future Implications

While there are no immediate signs of environmental damage, the NEPA CEO emphasizes the importance of conducting this research to ensure future safety. Jamaica’s growing construction and tourism industries rely heavily on reverse osmosis plants for a consistent water supply, making planning for potential cumulative impacts crucial.

“We’re expecting a massive boom in construction and tourism. If all new developments install reverse osmosis plants, the cumulative impact could be significant. We need to plan for these scenarios now,” Francis says while expressing gratitude for USTDA’s support.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda believes the study will help develop standards and best practices for private sector investments in desalination systems, aiding Jamaica in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 and Vision 2030.

For his part, United States Ambassador to Jamaica, N. Nickolas Perry, underscores the collaboration’s importance explaining, “his initiative advances environmental safety and sustainable water management, strengthening the bond between our countries in the fight against climate change.”

The grant follows a 2022 workshop showcasing innovative US water solutions.

USTDA’s country manager for the Andean and Caribbean region, Lambrini Kolios notes, “This assistance is timely given the impacts of climate change and recent severe weather events, which have highlighted the vulnerability and scarcity of water resources. Through USTDA’s support, we aim to address these challenges with innovative solutions that support Jamaica’s industries and preserve its environment.”