The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported a sharp rise in companies transporting chemicals for Guyana’s oil and gas sector, increasing from “just one in 2021 to more than fifteen today”.
The Agency hosted a stakeholder consultation this week with transporters of chemicals, the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Fire Service to discuss its Proposed Guidelines for the Transport of Hazardous Materials. The session, described as “successful”, focused on improving safety and environmental compliance across the sector.
“As Guyana’s oil and gas industry continues to expand, the demand for chemical transport has grown significantly,” the EPA said in an announcement on October 14. It noted that the surge highlights the need for chemicals to be handled, stored, and transported safely to prevent harm to human health and the environment.
During the engagement, participants shared feedback on the draft guidelines and explored best practices for packaging, securing, and moving hazardous materials. The EPA confirmed that once finalized, the guidelines will become part of transporters’ permit conditions to ensure consistent compliance across the country.
The Agency thanked stakeholders for their active involvement and reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively to promote “safe and responsible operations in Guyana’s growing industrial sector”.
