Minister of Mining and Energy Robert Pickersgill (left) and Godfrey Perkins (right) Permanent Secretary in the Mining and Energy Ministry read through a Memorandum of Understanding before signing it yesterday. Looking on are Carlton Baxter (second left), director in the Mine & Geology Division and British geologist David Harrison. The signing took place at the Minister's New Kingston office. - Dennis CokeTHE GOVERNMENT yesterday authorised a group of British geologists to conduct a four-year study on the environmental impact of sand and gravel mining on the island's major rivers.
According to David Harrison of the British Geological Survey, who yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Minister of Mining and Energy, Robert Pickersgill, the study is scheduled to begin in June, when a team of scientists is expected to arrive in the island.
Minister Pickersgill told reporters that the study will also include the sediment loads, rate of extraction and replenishment. It will also generate information that will help to formulate appropriate policies to effectively manage and regulate the island's fluvial sand/gravel quarries.
"Among the issues to be addressed are the impact of quarrying on farmland, river, stability, risk to civil structures such as roads and bridges, water supplies, ecology and flooding, as well as the socio-economic impact of sand/gravel quarries on local communities, land and development," the Minister said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Godfrey Perkins stressed that the focus will be on the Rio Minho and Yallahs rivers in the first phase. Head of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), Franklyn McDonald, told The Gleaner that these two rivers were targeted for the first phase because they were "under pressure" because of sand quarrying.
