00:00The comments by the EMA on Tuesday comes following the second round of public consultations held on July 9th in Buku.
00:09The EMA states two officers of the EMA were present in person at the public meeting.
00:16Their role was to observe and ensure that the engagement followed the established procedures under the Environmental Impact Assessment process,
00:25which is guided by Terms of Reference issued by the EMA.
00:30EMA officers are not permitted to intervene, comment or guide the proceedings during an EIA public meeting.
00:39The CEC process purpose under public engagement.
00:43The Certificate of Environmental Clearance CEC process is a key mechanism used by the EMA to manage the environmental impacts of proposed developments.
00:54It is governed by the CEC Rules 2001 and the CEC Designated Activities Order as amended.
01:03Contingent on the potential impact of a proposed activity, the EMA may require the applicant to conduct an EIA
01:12to systematically evaluate, identify and mitigate any significant adverse effects on the environment.
01:20The CEC process is designed to be transparent, accountable and facilitative.
01:27Multiple management plans for Rocky Point.
01:30The Rocky Point project in Tobago is in an area of sensitive receptors.
01:35As a result, the EMA has required the preparation of several detailed management plans under the EIA process.
01:43These plans are essential to guide how potential environmental and social impacts will be avoided, minimized or mitigated
01:53and are necessary to protect Tobago's natural assets and uphold the standards outlined in the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 3505 and its subsidiary legislation.
02:07The EMA has concluded its process remains transparent and robust.
02:13Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
Comments