The Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) will conduct regular inspections on all mining and major development projects taking place around the country,says Acting Managing Director, Jude Tukuliya.
The inspections are aimed at ensuring they conduct themselves well in compliance with the Environment Permit conditions and relevant environment regulations.
Mr. Tukuliya made these statement following a recent inspection CEPA conducted at the Krumbukari Mine Site in Ramu, Madang. The inspection stemmed from complaints and allegations made by landowners of possible breach of environment permit conditions by the operator MCC.
Mr. Tukuliya continued that under the leadership of the Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Simo Kilepa MP and himself as Acting Managing Director, regular and timely compliance inspections of mines and major resource projects in the country remains one of the key priorities.
“The Minister has issued instructions to myself and our senior management team to ensure frequent and regular inspections are conducted on the operations of all the mines as well as major development projects happening in the country.
“This is crucial to make sure environmental quality and standards are maintained at acceptable standards to sustain the livelihoods of surrounding communities,” Mr. Tukuliya said.
He said a team from CEPA led by himself went to the MCC’s Krumbukari Mine site in Ramu to undertake inspections and verify claims of potential breaches of conditions of the Environment Permit.
“Our technical officers from CEPA as well as an independent consultant was tasked to investigate and verify the claims of Environment Permit breach and once the report is ready, we will deliberate on it and take appropriate actions where necessary and required,” Mr. Tukuliya said.
He said a schedule for routine mine inspections as well as inspections on major projects and developments happening in the country is being put together for implementation.
Mr. Tukuliya said quarterly environmental management and performance report will be provided on all major projects in the country so there is visibility on how developers are adhering to the Environment Permit conditions.
“If there are breaches of the environment permit conditions, appropriate penalties will be applied to the offenders as required under the Environment Act 2000 and other relevant laws and regulations.
“We will not hesitate to enforce the appropriate penalties including the cancellation of the Environment Permits.
“It is our message to the permit holders to ensure there is total compliance to the permit conditions,” the Acting MD said.