NEPA to take action against entities that breach environmental rules

After years of agonizing over rampant pollution of the Kingston Harbour, the government agency that protects the environment is getting ready to throw the book at companies found to be contaminating the area with industrial waste.

About 43 entities which operate along the rim of the Kingston Harbour have been identified as potential polluters.

Daryl Vaz, Information Minister, who made the disclosure in Parliament on Tuesday, said the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is stepping up the pressure on these entities.

“Thirteen warning notices have so far been issued as well as three enforcement notices as a result of the assessments done. Thirty-two entities are required to apply for environmental permit or licences and 20 are require to upgrade or install secondary containment for hazardous materials stored in tanks,” Mr. Vaz said.

He added that entities in St. Catherine will also be assessed for their impact on the harbour.