After intense investigation, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has issued a Notice of Refusal to the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (NEC) for the establishment of a port, causeway, turning basin and navigation channel at Claxton Bay.
The EMA has refused to grant a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) for the application which sought to carry out Activities 12, 13 and 34 under the CEC (Designated Activities) Order (as amended).
In a statement issued yesterday, the EMA said that the activities included land reclamation, coastal or offshore construction or modification and dredging activities and the establishment of infrastructure for marine transportation respectively.
In explaining its decision, the EMA said: "Despite requests for clarification and additional information, the NEC inadequately addressed significant issues such as the fragmentation of the mangroves and its resulting impact to the ecosystem, the potential negative effects on the fisheries resources in the area, the associated impact on community livelihoods and the disposal of a significant amount of dredge spoil in an area of intense line and trawl activity."