The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet Minister says he hopes an Environmental Protection Act (EPA) will be “firmly established” and legislated within the Christie administration’s term in office.

    Kenred Dorsett, minister of the environment and housing, while speaking to Tribune Business on the fuel leak at Rubis’ Robinson Road gas station, said the Bahamas lacks its own Environmental Protection Act, which has long been called for by environmentalists and organisations such as Save the Bays.

“We don’t have an Environmental Protection Act (EPA) ourselves. Hopefully within this term that will be firmly established and we build the capacity,” Mr Dorsett said.

“That’s one of the reason why the Government has reputable international heavyweight companies and firms that advise us on these matters to ensure that, at a minimum, the standards that are applicable to the US are those which we impose on those who advance these remediation plans.”

  Mr Dorsett said plans for remediation efforts, such as the one undertaken by Rubis in response to its Robinson Road station leak, are reviewed by the Ministry of Environment and Housing as well as the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission.

“When matters are brought to the attention of my ministry and the BEST Commission we review all of the remediation plans and we ensure that they adhere to international best practices and norms,” said Mr Dorsett.

    Mr Dorsett added that with the creation of the Environmental Planning and Protection Agency, the Water and Sewerage Corporation will not be operator and its own regulator.