April 5, 2011
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising that its preliminary investigations into the fish kill which occurred over the weekend has revealed that is most likely due to the uncontrolled release of dunder into the Rio Minho River by Clarendon Distillery Limited. Based on investigations conducted by NEPA the dunder was released some time between Saturday and Sunday, (April 3 and 4).
The company has been served with a Breach Notice for the release of dunder and NEPA has initiated prosecution under Section 11 of the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA). The company will be served a Summons tomorrow to appear in the Clarendon Resident Magistrates Court to answer to the charges. NEPA will also be examining the terms of the Permit issued to Clarendon Distillery Limited to determine whether they are also in violation of any of the conditions.
Dunder is a pollutant which reduces oxygen levels in water bodies like rivers, which may cause fish to suffocate and die.
NEPA will provide further updates as more information becomes available.