Windalco silent on internal investigations into Rio Cobre fish kill

BY DENISE DENNIS Environment Watch staff reporter dennisd@jamaicaobserver.com

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

MORE than four months after being blamed for the fish kill at the Rio Cobre in July, the West Indies Alumina Company (Windalco) has refused to reveal the status of their internal investigations into the incident.

"We are aware of the concerns surrounding the Rio Cobre Watershed and its aquatic life. We wish to assure the public that all measures are being taken to safeguard their welfare and address any issue which may be related to the operation of the Ewarton Works Effluent Holding Pond," the company said in an August 5 statement to the media, signed by managing director Leonid Stavitsy. "In keeping with existing policies, we have launched an internal investigation into the matter and will present our findings to the regulatory authorities."

However, when contacted last week, the bauxite company — which was cited by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) for breaches of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act and the Wildlife Protection Act following the fish kill — refused to divulge any details of their investigations on grounds that the matter is before the court.

Meanwhile, as they do battle with NEPA in court on charges to which they have pleaded not guilty, Windalco has insisted they remain committed to the environment.

According to the company, this is evidenced by the effectiveness of varied social projects and programmes involving community partnerships in all their operating areas.

"This engagement also extends to our frequent meetings with the community representatives to hear their concerns, inform them of the company's environmental activities and apprise them of action plans to mitigate any potential adverse impact," Windalco's senior information and public affairs officer Kayon Wallace said in a written response to Environment Watch queries.

She added that the company is cognisant that a harmonious relationship with their host communities is crucial for the successful operation of their business and, as such, that they continue to maintain vigilance with regard to the impact of all their operations on the public's well-being.

To that end, Wallace said Windalco continues to be guided by their comprehensive environment management system (EMS). Under the EMS, she said a wide range of environmental management tools are employed to ensure that goals are attained.

"Among these tools are environmental impact assessment, risk assessment, audits, emergency preparedness planning and the use of appropriate technology to protect the environment," Wallace noted.