BIG FINES FOR VIOLATIONS

Poultry farms owned by corporate bodies could face up to $5M fines

Poultry farms owned by corporate bodies could face up to $5 million in fines if they show no regard for the environment and human health implications, said the Minister for Environment Mahendra Reddy.

Residents in Naitalasese, Vunivaivai and Nakaulevu in Tailevu face a major fly problem and fingers have been pointed at a poultry farm and processing centre run by Goodman Fielder International.

Families in Vunivaivai Village said they have to eat food inside a mosquito net. A visit to the area has proven that a fly infestation is in the area.

The company has not responded to any of the queries sent in regards to this issue. Mr Reddy said recent field inspections conducted by the Ministry of Environment officers and related media reports have raised concerns about the negative externalities arising from the operation of some of the large poultry facilities in Fiji.

He stated that the Environment Management Act 2005 strictly stipulates that anyone “who knowingly or intentionally or with reckless disregard to human health, safety or the environment, causes pollution incident that results in harm to human health or safety or severe damage to the environment commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000,000 or to life imprisonment or both.”

This penalty is five times higher for a corporate body.

Recently, following inspections, the Department of Environment issued several prohibition notices to companies that have not complied with the legislative requirements.

Mr Reddy said the Department would continue to monitor and prosecute anyone found to be breaching the conditions of practice required as part of the waste disposal permit issued under the Environment Management Act.

He said facilities were required to comply with all conditions issued to them as part of the permit(s) – failing to which the law will be applied for any form of violation.

The Department of Environment officers will do spot inspections of poultry facilities across Fiji.

Photo: Shalveen Chand Vunivaivai headman Akuila Rawaqa showing the mosquito net they are using to have their meals under because of the fly infestation.