DOE Assesses the Water Contamination Situation in Alta Vista Village

 For several months, the residents of Alta Vista Village, Stann Creek have been experiencing challenges with water quality in the area. Initial investigation revealed that a Canadian developer was clearing some land in the area near the village’s dam. The developer reportedly hired a contractor to clear the land, which he intends to use for the planting of coconuts. However, the contractor graded the land too much, which ultimately led to erosion which contaminated the water supply leading to discolored and muddy water coming out of the pipes. The developer has since agreed to provide a temporary water source to the villagers. The Department of the Environment’s Chief Environmental Officer, Anthony Mai, chimed in on this issue today. He says that they are in discussion with the developer to come to an agreement as to how they can move forward in rectifying the situation.

Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer, Department of the Environment: “In terms of what the ministers and the area representatives mentioned that is above the Department of Environment level. So we look at the environmental issues alone and we are in communication with that person we have sat around the table, we have discussed the issue as it relates to what the person is doing and we’re still to reach to an agreement in terms of how to move forward. We have already informed that a violation has been created and the matter has to be settled and so we’ve put that to the investor and we’re waiting on a response from him. The project as it stands is currently – a cessation order has been given so the project is not continuing and we’re sitting around the table to discuss the violation.”