EPA says no impact survey needed for Gonsalves Hotel on Sheriff St -work began without environmental permit

The construction and operation of the Gonsalves Hotel on Sheriff Street will not significantly affect the environment and therefore no impact assessment is required for the project, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined.

Gonsalves Hotel will be located at Lot 14 Sheriff Street, Georgetown. According to the project summary, owners were only made aware that an environmental permit was needed after construction began in 2021.

In a public notice that can be found on its website, the EPA says it has screened the application for the grant of an environmental permit and has decided that no Environmental Impact Assessment is needed.

According to the EPA, impacts will be medium to low since the project site is suitably located in a commercial zone where businesses of a similar nature exist and it is not near to any sensitive ecosystem.

It was also stated that the site is drained by an underground drainage system which channels runoff to a covered drain situated at the southern extreme of the premises, and at every 19 ft of the drain, 6 inches of pipes directs all runoff from the compound into the drain to prevent flooding.

In addition, the EPA explained impacts from noise will be low to moderate and primarily during construction but this will be mitigated by intermittent use of equipment. As it relates to dust pollution, this will also be moderate but will primarily occur during construction, and mitigation measures such as wet suppression of stockpiles during construction where practical will be in place.

According to its project summary, Gonsalves Hotel is bounded to the north and south by residents immediately to the west by the existing hotel building and to the east by the Sheriff Street public access road, which will be the hotel’s entrance and exit.

It occupies a total land area of approximately 511 m2 and is divided into 7 floors, with the reception area and parking space on the ground floor, and a restaurant on the first floor, while the remaining floors will contain rooms of various kinds to cater to the requirements of the guests.

It was disclosed that the hotel comprises 40 self-contained rooms with modern amenities and while there is one main access to the compound, the restaurant and additional floors of the hotel may also be accessed by the stairs or elevator, located at the northern extreme of the premises.

The hotel’s restaurant – the La Perla – is proposed to be an open-spaced restaurant housed on the first floor of the hotel, according to the summary, and will be able to seat 66 persons. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and extractor systems will be implemented as part of safety measures.

According to the project summary, approximately 15 jobs were created during the construction phase, while operation will see the employment of approximately 35 persons.

Construction is expected to conclude by the end of next month.

“Gonsalves Hotel intends to achieve all social and economic business objectives, while remaining environmentally compliant. It is envisioned, that the hotel will be a legacy in the Gonsalves family and in Guyana’s tourism sector,” the summary stated.

Approximately $300,000,000 will be required, to cover costs associated with the acquisition of raw materials, construction, preparation of plans, securing permits, furnishings and associated labour costs.

Persons who may be affected by the proposed project may lodge an appeal against the EPA’s decision to exempt an EIA within 30 days of the publication of the notice and address such to the Chairman of the Environmental Assessment Board.