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Dominica considers geothermal resource development legislation

Dominica considers geothermal resource development legislation School children visiting drilling rig on project site in Dominica (source: Iceland Drilling)
Alexander Richter 22 Jan 2013

Dominica is planning a Geothermal Resource Development Legislation under which governmental control and oversight, as well as standards are to be defined for geothermal development in the country.

Local news from Dominica reports that the national parliament is looking at a review and enactment of a Geothermal Resource Development Bill.

The piece of legislation is to secure that the geothermal project in Dominica has a framework and provides transparency in its development process.

The legislation will set up a system to follow for developers, what are the processes for control and define which government agency or group will have particular responsibilities.

It will then also implement the creation of an Environmental and Planning Regulation Committee.

The committee will be formed by officials from several governmental agencies, among them the Physical Planning Division, Environmental Health, Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited (DOWASO) and the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC).

This should help create responsibilities in control and oversight and “ensure that standards in terms of best practice will be controlled and managed on the geothermal project”.

This way concerns by local residents of the geothermal project in Dominica are being adressed and a framework is established to guarantee a thorough planning and legal oversight.

Source: Dominica Vibes