Caribbean News Now!

By Nerissa Golden

BRADES, Montserrat (GIU) -- A Barbados-based company has been contracted by the government of Montserrat to conduct an environmental and social impact assessment in connection with the impending geothermal exploration.

Director of Public Works in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ron Beardsley confirmed that Atom Solutions Inc, a global energy and technology services provider registered in Barbados, won the contract.

Montserrat has been preparing to begin exploratory drilling in connection with geothermal development at the base of Richmond Hill within the daytime exclusion zone.

Beardsley explained that “the outcomes from the ESIA will determine if restrictions or mitigation measures are required to minimise the impact on any endangered fauna/flora, wildlife habitats or water sources. It also looks at potential impacts on the public and residents nearby.”

“Given the location we are not anticipating too many issues. The impact of ash and acid rain has taken its toll on the area and there are no habitable dwellings nearby,” the PWD head added.

Following the completion and evaluation of the ESIA, the next stage is to appoint a drilling contractor to drill two exploratory production wells. Drilling tenders were opened on August 31 and are now being considered.

“The drilling will take approximately four months and is expected to commence at the turn of the year. We will then test the resource over several months before deciding on the next phase of the project,” Beardsley said.

The ESIA project start date is September 12 and the consultant’s representative is expected on island next week. The project duration is six weeks.

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