Guyana's Water Pollution: Causes And Effects

Water pollution in Guyana is a pressing issue with a variety of causes. From natural causes to human activities, the country's water resources are under threat. Guyana, whose name reputedly means Land of the Water in Amerindian, faces challenges such as domestic waste, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollution. Mining activities, marine dumping, and oil exploration contribute to the problem, with a notable incident of cyanide spillage in 1995 causing widespread contamination. Climate change and rising sea levels also pose risks, threatening the capital city of Georgetown, which lies below sea level. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in regulating and minimizing water pollution, enforcing penalties for non-compliance.

Mining activities

Gold mining in Guyana has been associated with the discharge of mine effluent, seepage from tailings, and waste rock impoundments. These practices have polluted essential rivers like the Essequibo, Mazaruni, Cuyuni, Barima, and Barama. The Barama River, the primary water source for a community in northwestern Guyana, has turned a murky brown due to mining waste, forcing villagers to harvest rainwater and seek alternative water sources.

The improper disposal of mercury used in gold mining operations has also been a significant concern. Tailings ponds have become clogged or overflowed, allowing mining waste to seep into creeks and rivers. Villagers fear that the fish from the Barama River now contain unsafe levels of mercury, posing risks to those who consume them.

In addition to the immediate pollution caused by mining activities, there are also long-term environmental impacts. The disturbance of water during mine construction and the sedimentation caused by poorly built roads can have lasting effects on water sources. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), a process where sulphuric acid is produced from exposed sulphides in rocks, can severely degrade water quality and kill aquatic life. Heavy metal contamination, including arsenic, cobalt, copper, and lead, can occur when these metals come in contact with water during mining operations.

While there have been calls for improved regulations and monitoring of mining activities in Guyana, the country's natural resources minister, Vickram Bharrat, has acknowledged the need to investigate threats to community members' lives while also complying with environmental rulings. The conflict between mining interests and the well-being of local communities remains a pressing issue in Guyana, highlighting the complex challenges of balancing economic pursuits and environmental sustainability.

Oil pollution

The potential for oil pollution in Guyana is not just theoretical. In February 2020, a Guyanese court issued a ruling in a judicial review action brought against the government and three companies: Esso (Exxon), Hess, and CNOOC Nexen. The lawsuit claimed that the government's deal with the companies was illegal because it granted petroleum production licenses before the necessary environmental permits were obtained. However, the court ruled against the plaintiff, stating that the one environmental permit issued to Esso covered the "project" and that each company was bound to it.

Despite this setback, there have been efforts to prepare for and mitigate the effects of potential oil spills. In 2017, consultation began on developing an oil spill response plan, and a first draft was created by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) with support from the US Coast Guard. A National Oil Spill Planning Committee was formed in 2018 to finalise the plan, which includes representatives from various government agencies and organisations. As of 2019, the draft plan had not yet been finalised or officially approved, but workshops and training programmes have been conducted to prepare for potential oil spill emergencies.

The oil industry in Guyana is a highly controversial issue. On the one hand, it provides economic opportunities and the potential for development. On the other hand, there are serious environmental concerns, including the risk of oil spills and the contribution to climate change through the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. As Guyana's capital city, Georgetown, is below sea level, the potential impact of rising sea levels due to climate change is a significant threat.

Inadequate waste disposal

One of the main causes of inadequate waste disposal in Guyana is the improper disposal of animal and human wastes. This leads to biological contamination of shallow aquifers by pathogens, posing risks to both human health and the environment. The use of fertilizers and chemicals in sugarcane and rice fields in the coastal lowlands further exacerbates the problem, resulting in chemical contamination of water sources.

In Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, the growing production of waste, including plastic bottles, has become a pressing issue. Despite the introduction of an environmental levy on non-returnable containers by the government in 2017, the city continues to struggle with ever-increasing mounds of plastic waste. This waste often ends up in drains and trenches, blocking waterways and contributing to water pollution.

The impact of inadequate waste disposal extends beyond the immediate contamination of water sources. Water pollution caused by improper waste management threatens aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and access to clean water for Guyanese communities. It poses risks to human health, with waterborne diseases and exposure to toxins being significant concerns.

To address the inadequate waste disposal crisis, Guyana has undertaken regulatory measures, sought international aid, and engaged in community initiatives. The government has introduced stricter environmental regulations and standards for wastewater discharge, particularly for industrial and agricultural operations. Additionally, there is a focus on improving waste management through enhanced waste collection and treatment infrastructure, especially in urban areas, to prevent the pollution of water bodies.

Chemical fertilizers

The use of chemical fertilizers in Guyana's sugarcane and rice fields has been identified as a significant contributor to water pollution, particularly in the coastal lowlands. This is due to the improper application or overuse of fertilizers, which can lead to excess nutrients and chemicals leaching into nearby water bodies. The subsequent contamination of water sources not only poses environmental concerns but also threatens the health of humans and other life forms that depend on these water bodies.

In Guyana, the use of chemical fertilizers in sugarcane and rice cultivation is prevalent, especially in the coastal lowlands. The excessive use of fertilizers in these agricultural activities has been associated with surface water contamination. This contamination occurs when fertilizers dissolve or release their chemical constituents into the water, altering its chemical composition and ecological balance.

The impact of chemical fertilizer pollution on water quality and ecosystems is significant. Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can fuel the growth of algae and aquatic plants, leading to a phenomenon known as eutrophication. Eutrophication results in the depletion of oxygen in the water, creating "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive due to the lack of oxygen. This disruption in the ecological balance can lead to the decline or extinction of various species, affecting the overall biodiversity and health of the water body.

To address the issue of chemical fertilizer pollution in Guyana, it is essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices that emphasize the responsible and efficient use of fertilizers. This includes educating farmers on the appropriate types, amounts, and methods of fertilizer application, as well as encouraging the adoption of alternative practices such as organic farming, which relies on natural sources of nutrients and eco-friendly pest management strategies. Additionally, enforcing regulations and implementing effective waste management systems can help minimize the impact of fertilizer runoff on water sources, protecting both the environment and the health of local communities.

Urban development

One of the primary issues associated with urban development in Georgetown is inadequate waste disposal. The city's drainage systems are often clogged with plastic and Styrofoam waste, blocking waterways and outfalls. This problem is exacerbated by the common practice of using plastic plates and containers instead of traditional biodegradable lotus leaves during religious festivals.

In addition to littering, urban areas in Guyana also face challenges with sewage disposal. Improper disposal of human and animal waste can lead to biological contamination of shallow aquifers, affecting both surface and groundwater sources. This is a pressing issue in populated areas, including Georgetown and the coastal lowlands, where the water is already brackish to saline due to saltwater intrusion.

Furthermore, urban development often brings increased industrial activity, which can contribute to water pollution. Industrial waste and chemical pollutants from various industries, such as oil and gas, mining, and agriculture, can find their way into nearby water bodies if not properly managed. The presence of heavy metals, cyanide, and mercury in Guyana's rivers has been attributed to industrial and mining activities.

To address these issues, Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in regulating discharges into water bodies and enforcing environmental standards. The Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulations (2000) mandate that any person or entity discharging waste into waterways must register with the EPA and obtain an Environmental Authorisation. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines and imprisonment. The EPA also encourages the use of methods for the final disposal of effluent to minimise the potential for water source contamination.

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