The Jamaica government says it is taking a structured, systematic approach to protecting the Rio Cobre from other chemical spills after the latest spill of caustic effluent from the bauxite and alumina company, Windalco, resulted in a fish kill, affecting several species and also impacting other aquatic organisms.
“We (will) put in place what is necessary to ensure it doesn’t happen again. There is no overnight fix, and there are some steps being taken that we believe will significantly improve the security of the water supply between September and November,” said the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda.
Speaking to reporters following a visit to the affected area in Ewarton, St. Catherine, Samuda said one of the strategies being put in place to address this issue is the establishment of a second Effluent Holding Pond and increasing the capacity of the old pond to prevent spillages of the chemical into the river.
This was the directive of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to Windalco following another massive effluent leak in 2019, which also caused a fish kill.
Samuda, who has responsibility for the environment, said he is angered by this spill and that he understands the frustration of citizens at this recurring issue of contamination of the river, stressing that “significant and strong action will be taken to make sure that the consequences of this are felt.
“We are not going to diminish the impact on the citizens here. This is devastating, and I am saddened to see the impact on the farmers, the fisherfolk, and those who need water for household use…. This is a serious issue.”
Samuda said the government, through the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NCRA), holds an environmental performance bond of J$115 million (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) from Windalco, so when there are breaches and when there is an environmental impact, the authorities can draw down on this bond to address the damage.
Samuda assured citizens that if they fall ill due to the spill, they will be provided with the necessary support by the Ministry of Health and Wellness; and those whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the spill will also receive government support through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry in the case of fisherfolk.
He said there are also plans to provide trucked water for impacted citizens and advised them to seek redress if they feel so inclined, noting that the government, through the judiciary, has civil remedies available.
Meanwhile, NEPA senior manager, Richard Nelson, said tests have found that there is excessive alkaline or caustic material in the river as a result of the spill.
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