THE GOVERNMENT of Jamaica has passed new regulations to govern the trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste in Jamaica's jurisdiction.
The Natural Resources Conservation (Hazardous Wastes) and (Control of Trans-boundary Movements) Regulations 2002, marks Jamaica's accession to the Basel Convention.
The regulations define the categories of waste, types, and or characteristics that are considered hazardous and are therefore controlled.
Under the regulations, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and National Environment and Planning Agency, which has been designated the competent authority, is responsible for the issuance of export and transit permits of hazardous waste materials.
"Persons wishing to export or ship hazardous waste from, or through Jamaica's jurisdiction are required to apply to the authority in writing, complete the relevant forms, submit any necessary documentation as may be required and pay a prescribed fee," said NEPA in a release.
Recently, the Government of Jamaica also decided not to allow the importation of hazardous waste into Jamaica.
"Importation of hazardous waste into an area under Jamaica's jurisdiction is therefore illegal," the agency said.
It is also an illegal offence to export or transport hazardous waste through any area under Jamaica's jurisdiction without a permit issued by NEPA.
This also applies in cases where the terms and conditions of such a permit are contravened. Persons found guilty of such offences are liable for conviction before a Resident Magistrate.
The Ministry of Land and Environment (MLE) has been designated Jamaica's focal point under the Basel Convention. In this capacity, the Ministry is required to communicate information on the country's implementation of the Convention, to the Basel Convention Secretariat, annually.
The Basel Convention is a legally binding agreement that came as a response by the international community to the problems created by the world-wide production of millions of tons of wastes, said NEPA.
The Convention was adopted in 1989 and became effective on May 5, 1992. It seeks to control trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste, monitor and prevent illegal trafficking and provide assistance for environmentally sound management of waste.
It also seeks to promote co-operation in the hazardous waste management field and development of Technical Guidelines for the management of hazardous waste through the control of trans-boundary movement.
