Seismic survey begins at Otaheite
The
Trinidad Guardian
Workers from Trintoplan Consultants
conduct offshore soil testing. Ironically, they
are working close to a 30-foot anti-smelter sign
set up in the sea by concerned residents of South
Oropouche.
The Trinidad Guardian
Port Spain
Petroleumworldtt.com
02 18 07
Trintoplan Consultants has begun offshore soil testing
in the Gulf of Paria close to the Otaheite Bank,
where Prime Minister Patrick Manning has proposed
construction of a $3 billion industrial estate.
The testing started last Friday
and continued yesterday. A barge containing seismic
equipment was spotted from the South Trunk Road.
A team of workers from Trintoplan said the drilling
would continue over the next few days.
One man, who requested anonymity,
said they were instructed not to do any soil testing
along the wetlands located off the South Trunk Road,
La Romaine. He said bore holes were being dug at
sea about 100 metres from shore between the Gordineaux
Bridge and Paria Suites Hotel.
The worker said they had been told
their job had nothing to do with the offshore estate
or the smelter construction.
Contacted for comment, Corporate
Communications Manager of the National Energy Corporation
(NEC) Jeanette Elias denied that the NEC had started
any work in relation to the offshore estate. On
November 29, 2005, NEC submitted an application
to the Environmental Management Authority (EMA)
requesting permission for construction of an offshore
estate in the Gulf of Paria. The estate would be
situated on 1,400 hectares of land.
The project requires a certificate
of environmental clearance (CEC) from the EMA.
Corporate Communications Officer
at the EMA Alicia Charles said yesterday that the
offshore surveys did not require permission from
the EMA.
Trinidad
Guardian
13th February, 2007
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