Slipway permit to lapse soon

 The Acting Director of the Department of Environment, Trinison Tarivonda, said the environment permit for the slipway development in Port Vila will lapse this month.

He said the permit was issued last year for nine months, after a Preliminary Environment Assessment (PEA). He said the developer may request the department for extension if work is yet to be completed.

Located in the centre of Port Vila and at the coast, the slipway has caused concerns for environment pollution. A petition calling on the government to stop the development has reached Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai.

The Acting Director said they are in the process of discussing the way forward.

Asked to confirm the possibility of the development causing chemical pollution to the coast as raised by the public, Tarivonda said they need to make more monitoring at the site.

“Environment permits when issued include conditions for companies to follow when carryout activities to safeguard the environment. One of the conditions is to make sure the waste generated must be disposed properly.

“Any water pollution must be managed in a sustainable way. The department will continue monitoring and assessment during operation. Officers have went to the site for follow-ups, but we need to do more monitoring.

“Not only us (DoEPC) but we have to team up with the Department of Water to make water quality test, get results and analyse them,” he said.

As the 2024 year begins, Tarivonda and the Minister of Environment, Ralph Regenvanu, reminded developers about the application process for obtaining a permit for any new development under the Environment Protection and Conservation Act No.6 of 2019.

They explained that any development projects that are likely to cause impact on the environment, society or traditional custom, based on its type, size or location, must comply with the Act and apply for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permit.

“An application form for the permit must be filled and submitted to the DoEPC. DoEPC officers will then visit the development site and undertake environment assessment to develop a PEA from which a decision is made on whether or not a full EIA is required,” they explained.

“If the DoEPC determines that the development must undergo a full EIA, then the developer will engage a local consultant to do this work.

“Once the EIA report is completed, an environment permit is issued if the report meets and satisfies the required process.

“Any activity carried out without being subjected to the EIA provisions under law or prior to receiving written approval or any such activity where approval has been refused under the provisions of this part, carries a hefty penalty of imprisonment or fine not exceeding VT5 million for an individual and fine not exceeding VT100 million for a corporate body.”

All importers and developers are urged to adhere to permit requirements, as non-compliance will result in issuance of a penalty.