EPA improves operations in 2021

With the ongoing global pandemic and the ever expanding Guyanese economy, 2021 has been a challenging year. As the year comes to a close, the EPA takes this opportunity to reflect on improvements made to its operations.

With the understanding that the human resource of any agency is its greatest asset, the EPA has in the past year:

• Promoted long serving staff who have given outstanding service during their tenure; and
• Established a Training Unit within the Human Resources Office to best meet the needs of the Agency as economic activities become more diverse.

Improved monitoring capability

• Refocused on improving air quality monitoring with real time AQI sensors
• Enhanced monitoring of environmental parameters both onshore and offshore through improved remote sensing capabilities. These will come fully on-stream in January 2022.

Focused on compliance and resolution of complaints

Established dedicated Complaints Unit – While previous focus was solely on permitting, EPA’s new management has taken a holistic approach to its operations. Our Complaints Unit, established in September 2021, inherited over 2500 complaints, and is working to build the capacity of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to manage issues which fall under their jurisdiction.

The Agency has taken the approach of working with developers rather than applying the ‘big stick’ method, conducting awareness sessions for private sector bodies and providing recommendations for measures to reduce incidences of pollution.

The Environmental Authorization process

• Continuous training for staff in screening projects for significant risks/impacts; and
• Commenced publishing of justifications along with screening reports for proposed projects in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act.

As was done in the previous year, the EPA will continue to seek ways to improve its operations, and welcomes constructive criticism and ideas from the public on how we can work together for the benefit of all Guyanese.

For updates on our work, please follow us on our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You are also invited to read our weekly column in the Sunday edition of the Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicle, and tune into our bi-weekly radio and television interviews.