Diamond ‘gas well’ site still active

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking a permanent solution for the ‘gas well’ at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

During an EPA visit to the location on Tuesday, it was found that the site is still emitting gas in small pockets months after it erupted.

Head of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, was quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying the situation is being monitored.

The EPA officials also conducted a brief meeting with residents to ascertain how they are being affected by the gas.

“I understand the anxiety of the residents, but the key here is for us to determine what the permanent resolution is and we have got to do that in collaboration with agencies and entities that are working on it,” Dr. Adams stated.

Senior Environmental Officer Tishanna Redmon said a number of tests will be conducted in the area.

“We will be using the MultiRAE, which is a piece of equipment that evaluates air emissions. We will be testing for carbon monoxide, nitric oxide and volatile organic carbon,” Redmon explained.

She said the most recent test revealed emissions of nitrogen oxide as well as volatile organic carbon. However, the gases were not in alarming amounts and all emissions were below two parts-per-million.

According to Redmon, residents also complained about experiencing abnormal symptoms and were advised to visit a doctor to get a clear diagnosis of what exactly is causing the symptoms.

Dr. Adams said while there is no way to ascertain the volume of gas below the surface at the moment, the agency will continue to monitor the situation and provide feedback to the residents.

The well at Lot 1200 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Great Diamond, erupted on June 14th when a homeowner was building a reservoir to access water.

The incident damaged the property of SoownauthGorakh, known as “Water man,” and left his family homeless; it also damaged neighbouring properties.

The well erupted again on August 15th and later cost the Government agencies approximately $15M to recap.

A report submitted to the Government following an investigation in August, deemed the property “unstable” for human habitation.