Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
The RIU Hotel in Mammee Bay, St. Ann. The chain also has resorts in Montego Bay and Negril. - Contributed
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is moving to have persons who conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) certified by a reputable university.
According to Winsome Townsend, director of strategic planning, policies and projects at NEPA, the agency hopes to see the certification programme being offered by at least one university by the start of the next school semester.
"I can't say exactly when it will get off the ground, but I hope that if it's too late to have the programme started in January, then by the latest, next September," she said.
Ms. Townsend was speaking recently at a GleanerEditors' forum held at the company's North Street offices in central Kingston.
She said that this should give more credibility to EIAs. An EIA is a study done to identify the impact that a construction development may have on human health and the environment. It is intended to ensure that decision makers consider environmental impacts before deciding whether to proceed with new projects.
"When it is clear that the persons who are conducting the EIAs are professionals and completely impartial, then everyone will be more accepting of the recommendations made," she said.
Ms. Townsend indicated that she has already had discussions with representatives of the University of Technology who have showed a willingness to have programme developed.
"We would like to have the three (major) universities on board though," she said.
Ms. Townsend added that this move would facilitate other changes that the agency is making in its operations. She said NEPA was also moving towards increasing monitoring of places for which permits are granted and improving the flow of information between the agency and clients. To help increase this information flow, she said NEPA was looking at making more information available on its website, particularly information related to applications for permits.
