NEPA successfully prosecutes environmental breaches…fines amounting to $100,000 imposed

February 8, 2012

The National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) has successfully prosecuted two cases of environmental breaches which resulted in convictions and fines amounting to $100,000.

NEPA brought charges against a developer for constructing a housing development and associated sewage treatment facility without the requisite permits contrary to section 9 of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act. The case was tried in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrates Court where the developer pled guilty on both counts and was fined $30,000 for each charge.

A livestock farmer was charged under the NRCA Act for failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice in discharging trade effluent (animal waste) without a permit. The prosecution resulted in a guilty plea by Azan’s Farms Limited who was fined $40,000 in the Linstead Resident Magistrates Court. The livestock farmer has since ceased the offending activity.

Environmental breaches may be reported by phone to NEPA on weekdays, 8:30am - 4:30pm, at 1-888-991-5005 (toll-free), 754-7540; to Richard Nelson at 580-8081; or by email: enforcementmanager@nepa.gov.jm; or to the nearest police station.