July 13, 2011
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising that the inactive gold mining site at Pennants, Clarendon has been declared a restricted area under the respective Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act, Mining Act and Public Health Act.
Members of the public are hereby advised to stay away from the area and to keep all animals away from the site. The area will be secured and signs posted to advise the public.
An environmental consulting firm has been engaged to undertake mitigation measures to eliminate the risk caused by the chemicals on the site.
A multi-agency team comprising NEPA, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Mines and Geology Division, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Veterinary Services, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Clarendon Health Department will provide oversight until the process is completed.
Updates will be provided as plans progress.