Public meeting on EIA on geothermal project in Montserrat

Roger Almond and Bastien Poux of the project team in Montserrat (source: YouTube, GOM Montserrat)

Alexander Richter 3 Nov 2015

A public information meeting on the preparation for drilling a third geothermal well in Montserrat has been announced for this week. The meeting is to inform on the process of undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The EIA is the first step in the development of the project examining possible effects of the project on the surrounding area and local communities.

A team of consultants lead by Dr. Erwin Edwards of Atom Solutions, are on island this week conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment.

The session is scheduled to be held at the Brades Arts & Education Centre on Thursday, November 5, 2015 from 5PM to 7PM. This is to give residents an opportunity to share their opinions on the planned project activities. A cross section of government and private stakeholders are being invited to attend and make their contributions.

Officials from the Ministry of Communications, Works and Labour said public feedback was an important part of the process.

The Department for International Development has allocated EC$17.6 million (US$ 6.5 million) for this phase, which is intended to increase the potential yield of this green energy from 2 MW to 5 MW. It is hoped that drilling will commence in early 2016.

Completing an Environment Impact Assessment is a critical component in the forward movement of the project.

Residents may also send their comments to esales@caribsurf.com.

Source: Discover Montserrat