The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) expresses deep concern over yet another pollution incident in the Rio Cobre, despite assurances and measures implemented by the bauxite-alumina processing factory, WINDALCO, to safeguard the river against toxic discharges.

Following rainfall last Friday evening March 1, toxic effluent was reported to have flowed into a tributary of the Rio Cobre. Although efforts were made to contain the effluent, the discovery of dead fish downstream on Saturday, March 2, underscores the severity of the pollution.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), which described the incident as minor, instructed WINDALCO to neutralise the contaminated water to prevent further damage downstream.

In 2019, NEPA requested WINDALCO to expand its Effluent Holding Pond (EHP) following repeated pollution incidents in the Rio Cobre. The EHP captures effluent for recycling in the refinery’s process. WINDALCO received the permit in September 2020, with construction starting in January 2022. Completion was slated for December 2022, adding another~660,000 m³. Despite assurances, the second holding pond was not finished until August 2023. This was hailed as a milestone for environmental sustainability by the Ministry of Mining. WINDALCO was also required by NEPA to adopt ‘Best Available Technology’ to reduce waste and enhance bauxite residue disposal.

Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) said “We were assured that such an incident would never happen again, but here we are. Clearly, whatever measures that were put in place are not working. I cannot imagine what would have happened if there was heavier and continuous rainfall. Polluters must be held accountable. We must not be ok with the pollution of our rivers and environment.”

JET is calling for the following:

The Government of Jamaica must promptly increase fines and penalties under the NRCA Act and the Wild Life Protection Act, as current penalties are insufficient to deter environmental violations.  

WINDALCO’s permits should be suspended until comprehensive measures are in place to prevent future pollution incidents.

NEPA should engage independent experts to assess the effectiveness of measures implemented by WINDALCO and ensure their adequacy.

Enhanced monitoring of the Rio Cobre is imperative, including the establishment of an automated waterway monitoring system for timely pollution detection.  

Greater transparency and the proactive dissemination of environmental information to the public.

JET remains committed to safeguarding Jamaica’s natural resources and calls upon all stakeholders to prioritise environmental protection and accountability.