The draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reports for Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration drilling project are completed and the government is inviting the public to share their views by March 31.
The geothermal initiative, officially called the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP), aims to assess the viability of geothermal resources in Saint Lucia and foster a conducive environment for clean energy investments with the private sector.
Exploration activities are taking place in Fond St Jacques, Belle Plaine, and Saltibus. The RESDP seeks to create a holistic and environmentally sustainable plan for the implementation of the exploration drilling activities.
The ESIA reports highlight potential risks and impacts on local communities and the environment, with mitigation measures detailed in an accompanying Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
The comprehensive reports include separate assessments for Fond St Jacques and Saltibus, and Belle Plaine, the latter due to its location within the Pitons Management Area (PMA) green buffer zone. Additionally, two ESMPs and an Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP) are part of the documentation.
Public access to these documents has been facilitated through various channels, including the Government of Saint Lucia website, the RESDP website (www.sluresdp.com), social media platforms, and micro-centres such as libraries in Castries, Gros Islet, Laborie, and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Other access points include the Gros Islet and Vieux Fort Innovation and Career Development Centres, the Soufriere PMA office, the Fond St Jacques Development Centre, and the Energy and Public Utilities Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Saint Lucians are encouraged to review the reports and submit their feedback, to ensure they have a say in the development of this renewable energy project for the country.
What were the findings of the geothermal exploration project in the 70s in Soufriere? We were not informed of the findings and outcome of this activity. A large amount of money was spent and nothing became of that. I see the benefits of energy independence but I am seriously concerned about waking up a dormant volcano.
Don’t trouble trouble, before trouble trouble you !
How many such ventures have been successfully constructed and functioning world wide? Which is the longest operating plant in the world .Source must be light and shared.
How many years has it been since Dominica started their construction and how successful is it? Prove it.
Why did the first attempt to construct said plant failed and what is different about this second attempt to convince the masses that the effort is worth it?
What legal assurances will be given the residents of Soufriere that molten matter will not be flowing down on them in the valley due to provocations caused by this venture ?
How is this venture more economical to people of SLU, vis-à-vis the enormous tourist attraction that it is, as is ?
How will the construction affect tourism and the locals and internationals who believe in the healing powers of the mineral water. I personally met a family from Ireland there. One had been there 20 years earlier and had brought his immediate family this time around.
How long will construction take before the people can experience it’s economic value ?
What are the fine prints of contract ?
How much of our money goes into this ?
Who gets ownership ?
Who operates after completion and at what cost to whom ?
How much metal decay can we expect from this, Stainless still is ideal but very costly,
How much employment will it bring.
The number of thermal plants are limited to the number of accessible volcanoes worldwide . What is the ratio of said volcanoes to the number of plants and their location.
The masses have a right to know all that have and could go round with this experiment . What are the scientific guarantees?
Do those who are pushing for geothermal energy know the disastrous impact geothermal drilling had on the environs of RABOT, SULPHUR SPRINGS,BELFOND,FOND BELFOND AND TIDELCER ? The Rabot lake dried gradually when Big Chief started drilling and the moving island ceased to exist. Wait to see more environment damage. The steam’s noise was unbearable.The plugged drill holes may be ticking bombs which were abandoned
The dried lake also resulteď in the disappearance of water hyacinth,water fowls,thousands of tilapia,mud eels and the historical sight of the battle of Rabot