Layou asphalt plant temporarily shut down

Fumes from the plant on Friday

Operations at an asphalt plant in Layou has ground to a halt after the authorities ordered a temporary shut down.

This, after residents say they might resort to protest action when a cloud of fumes, which emanated from the plant,  enveloped the area on Friday.

Speaking to state-owned DBS Radio, Environment Minister, Kenneth Darroux, said concerns of the residents have been taken into consideration and it was ordered that the plant be shut down. “On Friday we saw what was emanating from the exhaust of the plant and as I said we remained very concerned,” he stated. “We at the Physical Planning Division have taken the decision to temporarily halt all operations.”

He said the order will remain in effect until a “very formal” and detailed report is submitted to the division as to “exactly what is going on at the plant.”

According to Darroux, the government thought it was the best decision to shut down the plant at this time. “We feel that in the interest of public safety and public health, we think  that it is best that we ask them to cease operation until such time we get a report from them and also we our selves, our own analysis, of what exactly is going on at the plant, to let people know that we take the concerns of our citizens very seriously,” he stated.

He said it won’t be fair to allow the plant to continue operating while investigations into the cause of the discharge of the fumes are ongoing. “We are not sure exactly what is causing the emissions and what is it the emissions contain,” the environment minister said. “If you look at the terms of the approval that was granted to the contractor, there is a number of terms and conditions that have to be adhered too.”

He stated that the government reserves the right to halt all operations if all conditions are not adhered to.

Darroux also pointed out that the temporary shut down is going to affect road works around the island since they depend on production of asphalt from the plant.

French contractor Jack Gaddakhan was given approval in 2010 to operate the plant for two years in order to facilitate road works in Dominica.

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50 Comments

  1. Views Expressed
    January 24, 2013

    DNO…….I read an article in this week`s The Sun Newspaper headlined “MISCREANTS OF SOCIETY” and wondered if it is possible that yon can reprint on DNO for feedback and comments. This is a rather interesting article not only talking of the heart of our democracy but also of our good goverance and political stability in particular. It is even more worrying as the wroiter highlights the big professional wigs invilved who, they are the only ones who could really cripple an already poor country like Dominica. They are like woodants eating our country poor.
    Thanks

  2. Anonymous
    January 23, 2013

    The people of Dominica vote people into power -they then complain when decisions are made on there behalf by unqualified people.

  3. Anonymous
    January 23, 2013

    Bloody gimmick. It will soon be opened. They need the asphalt to complete the road.

  4. Nudibranch
    January 23, 2013

    I was 2 miles out to sea and you could still see that brown plume of choking fumes at Layou.
    Different topic… which terminal brain decided that it would be a great time to dig up the Loubiere stretch AFTER paving it in Dec, surely you do drainage and the limited widening at the same time you pave it. Who is responisble for repaving this time? Some people just have to pull their heads outta their a** and plan roadworks properly.

  5. Anonymous
    January 22, 2013

    thats a great move anf find somewhere to place that plant .

  6. Anonymous
    January 22, 2013

    it is the 22nd of January and the asphalt plant is still in operating!

  7. Anonymous
    January 22, 2013

    “We are not sure exactly what is causing the emissions and what is it the emissions contain,” the environment minister said. “If you look at the terms of the approval that was granted to the contractor, there is a number of terms and conditions that have to be adhered too.”

    Somebody please google the words “what asphalt emissions contain” and read the “Hot mix asphalt plants emission assessment report” prepared by Emissions Monitoring and Analysis Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, US EPA… http://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/ap42/ch11/related/ea-report.pdf

    and tell me if at that level information of such nature should not have been at the disposal of the minister already.

  8. 4good
    January 22, 2013

    The medical doctor, Minister of Environment, knows the health risks associated with fumes beelching from that asphalt plant so close to the Layou village. Yet he and his DLP Govt., Planning Division allowed Gardakhan to build.

    Environmental Health personnel not interested in that kind of toxic waste and ensuing diseases and poisons affecting the health of an entire community. They have said nothing.

    Those fumes will cause dozens of different illnesses now, and in the medium and long term. Where will they get the money to pay when they get sick and they will?

    But the “Big man” comes first. Those in authority protect the “Big man.” All about the quick f wealth not health. He have to make his money irrespective of how many villagers end up in hospital or dead. What kind of human being does those horrible things to their own fellowmen and women?

  9. Pip-Pip
    January 22, 2013

    They People of Layou should all DEMAND free medicals from the Government

    http://www.statefundca.com/safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=3

    Health Dangers
    Breathing asphalt fumes is the most common method of exposure. The acute (immediate) health effects of asphalt fumes include; headache, skin rash, fatigue, eye and throat irritation, and cough. Exposure to asphalt fumes (and the solvents in them) over long periods of time (chronic exposure) may cause lung and stomach cancer. Long-term contact of asphalt with your skin can cause pigment change, which is made worse by sunlight exposure. To find out the specific hazards associated with the type of asphalt you are working with, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet from your employer.

  10. layou
    January 22, 2013

    that is a lie because today they were burning so how they stop tell dem come better

  11. Observer
    January 22, 2013

    Jack Gardakhan s playing the game. He has delayed his project to maximize o his return at the asphalt plant. Since his contract time is over, he must not be allowed to produce and sell any asphalt to any other interest in the state. His plant must only fuction for producing asphalt to complete his road project. Public Works should now be empowered to put its asphalt production plant in order so that Gardahkan will not have any reason to keep his plant going beyond the time it takes to complete his work project. The more asphalt he is allowed to sell the more he will remain as an environmental nightmare to the comunity of Layou. Gardahkan must not sell asphalt to any other interest on the island except for his road project. Give Public Works the incentive to fix up its asphalt production problem.

    • Malgraysa
      January 23, 2013

      You think the Public Works plant near Colihaut is producing any better, cheaper, cleaner? Those who know will tell you that it was built in the wrong place also.

    • Anonymous1
      January 23, 2013

      Government asphalt plant at Colihaut is in good condition and can produce more than enough asphalt for all the road projects in Dominica. Oh what a government?

      • Observer
        January 23, 2013

        Whatever is required to be doen to put the Anse Cola plant in operation it should be doen. Gardahkan should not be allowed to commercialize his operations now that his contract period is over. Can’t we see what is happening here?. Gardakhan is playing for time, delaying his road contract to benefit fron other road works elsewhere. As part of the reopening arrangements, it has to be certain that he can no longer sell to other interests other than his company for the airport road. After the airport road is completed he should be made to pack up. As long as he is allowed to sell to other interests over Public Works,it will be difficult to get him off the present site.

  12. Nature Spice
    January 22, 2013

    Isn’t there aa Asphalt Plant in Colihaut owned by the Public Works Corporation that have never been used. Now maybe is a good time to commission it and let some money circulate in the Dominican economy.

    Mr Minister, there is no reason why road works around the country should be affected or even delayed. There is capacity in the country to produce Asphalt, let use it.

    Time waits for no man.

    • Malatete
      January 22, 2013

      The asphalt plant owned by Public Works (i.e. Govt) at Anse Cola has been used but only sporadically. That plant alone has a capacity that exceeds all of Domica’s needs yet asphalt from Gaddarkhan’s plant at Layou was almost exclusively used by the Chinese contractor of the West cost road. Why? I can only surmise that it was more attractive for the contractor to get their supplies from Gaddarkhan’s plant than the Public Works one. Must we conclude that Public Works’ production costs are higher? That the plant is not functioning properly, is less efficent? I remember it was contracted from supplier in India under the chairmanship of Gloria Tavernier, who was subsequently sacked by Rayburn Blackmoore to be replaced by Patrick Pemberton in August 2010. What is the real story here? Is Mr. Pemberton still the chairman? It is some time since we have heard from/about him. (see also DNO of 11 August, 2010).

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2013

      It is and has always been in use, just govt controlled so therefore no complaints. Surprise surprise it release the same so called cancer forming pollutants .

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2013

      It is and always has been in use. I suppose a lot of people don’t realise that .

  13. CIA on the Watch
    January 22, 2013

    The people of Layou must be on their Giuard to ensure that this Asphalt planr will never be operational so close to their community, its strange a Party that represents the interest of poor maleway choose to engage in an operation the can be so dangerous to the health of its constituents. Where was the parl rep Kelver Daroux in all of this, again his interest and legacy will be St Joseph constituency the poorest in Dominica and the village of Layou the most polluted in Dominica. Layou people be on your guard and demand from your parl rep kelver Daroux to relocate this asphalt plant in Viellecase or Capuchin because the Parl Reps of these constituencies are the beneficeries of that operation.

  14. african queen
    January 22, 2013

    that is an election reaction; Dominicans blind people seeing better than you all. Election is next year so that are pretending to show that they care; people wise up

  15. Da4 life
    January 22, 2013

    Good move but d plant was to operate for 2 years it is now 2013. 3 years now

    • Minister Pip-Pip
      January 22, 2013

      The Government recently gave a Jack Gaddakhan extension on his contract…SMH

  16. grell
    January 22, 2013

    shut it down for good, people keep on protesting,the river i also being contaminated,tell skerro to put it in his backyard where he keep the millions,skerrit you know better

  17. dissident
    January 22, 2013

    How can the shutting down of Gardahkan asphalt plant affect road works around de island? That is a very misleading statement. Gardahkan is doing one road, the Pond case Melvillehall road. Public Works asphalt plant in colihaut is as big as or maybe bigger than Gardahkana’s.

    Where did de asphalt come from to do de lalay coco road? Huh? De job was done by Public Works. Did Public Works buy asphalt from gardahkan to surface de road?

    Gardahkan’s contract for de interior road ended in June 19 of 2012. Did he renegotiate with Government for an extention of the authorization to produce asphalt?

    De government gave Gardahkan a 2 year permit to produce asphalt. His permit is invalid since 2 years is long overdue. Which government department is responsible for inspecting asphalt plants in Dominica anyway? Has de plant always been in full compliance? Will Jacques face anuy penalties? To date I have heard NO WORD on PENALTIES for breach of contract where the time frame is concerned. The job is now officially 7 months behind time. Brides are at a standstill. Asphalt surfacing is far far from completion. Gleau Gommier is a disaster. The road is cut off since Christmas. The workers are also not being paid.

    Why we always have to take so much blows for Mr sake eh?

    How we allow one foreigner to take our power from us?
    Environment Minister all of a sudden running crazy and want to help. NOW????????

    Where Blackmoore?

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2013

      Yes the plant is older and I do t see anyone complaint about it. So hypocritical

      • Malgraysa
        January 23, 2013

        Correction. The Public Works plant at Colihaut is newer than Gaddarkhan’s own at Layou. Maybe yo are thinking of that old piece of scrap above the port.

    • Doc. Love
      January 22, 2013

      Dissident asked,”how we allow a foreigner to take our power from us.” I am also asking how we allow an Arab Lawyer to take our power from us.

      • Malgraysa
        January 22, 2013

        We may not like the lawyer but it is a fact that he is a born- & bred Dominican. Nobody can change that.

  18. All for One
    January 22, 2013

    The biggest problem there is the Physical Planning Division,a Department of government that has failed in the proper zoning of the island. Layou is a residential area and only residential homes should be erected in that location. This plant should be in a location like Point Round a few miles from Picard, there is a landfill there why not zone it as industrial/commercial area. It is located away from immediate population density and the fumes would be carried out to sea. It might be more expensive to transport the product from that location but it would be safer and with less social disturbance. Our the Physical Planning Division has been approving this ridiculous application for years example Brizee mart is located in an industrial area right next to Harris Paints and all the other Gas storage tanks in that area, hazardous and highly flammable materials, because nothing has happened yet does not mean nothing will it’s not proper planning. If there is an emergency explosion at Harris or with anyone of these tanks people will be trap at Brizee Mart. People are so engaged in the possible geothermal problems because it is politically stimulating but ignore the ticking time bombs that are glaringly apparent.

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2013

      They are locally owned so it does not matter.

    • Malgraysa
      January 22, 2013

      That suggestion is an excellent one. Use that location at the old quarry near Point Ronde, right next to the sea. Move all that hazardous stuff there and open up Donkey beach for tourism and locals alike. We have a beach so close to Roseau and are polluting it.

    • aa
      January 23, 2013

      You are so right on that. They gave public works horrors when it was first suggested that they would move to Layou for the same health issues; of which I can agree. But in less than no time, we see Gaddarkhan plant erected in the same layou area. Physical Planning Division has really failed us. To add to your point of places such as Brizee and Harris, look at the tobacco factory placed right in the middle of town. I don’t know what part they played so long ago but this just shouldn’t be.

  19. Lougaoo Mem
    January 22, 2013

    I applaud such positive decision by the gov. The concerned residents’ health, interests and environment must always come first. Thank you!

  20. Anonymous
    January 22, 2013

    How is it that a foreigner gets the right to operate the asphalt plant? Surely if it’s not government-owned and operated it should be locally owned and operated. How does Ghaddkhan get in this? .

    • :HYT
      January 22, 2013

      Because he was interested and could afford to get in this. Otherwise the government or some other Dominican would.

      • Anonymous
        January 23, 2013

        Well there is a better project to spend EC$30 million. At least its revenue generating and creates steady local employemnt however here we are – we have our pretty state palace but no ownership in revenue generating entities.

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2013

      Does locally owned mean you can get away with more.?

    • Malgraysa
      January 22, 2013

      Because he was granted the contract for that road (…again!) and is allowed to use his own equipment.

      • Anonymous
        January 22, 2013

        Correct me if I am wrong the Chinese bring there own workers trucks and equipment. Ghadakhan employs locals uses the truckers assoc, -critising has become the national passtime in Dominica

  21. Zicack Girl
    January 22, 2013

    Cheers to the Layou people, your health comes first.

  22. January 22, 2013

    What else to do but laugh in disgust. The people have been complaining for two years and now Kenneth Darroux is showing up

  23. Anonymous
    January 22, 2013

    That is good.

  24. Titiwi
    January 22, 2013

    Govt. concerned about the health of layou residenrs? But is they and Planning Division that agree for Gardakhan to build an Asphalt plant so close to Layou?

    Who listened and acted when they pleaded to Govt. and protested about the negative impact on their health? Who was on the side of the poor people of Layou in tears before and since operations began?

    Power to the Layou villagers who have temporarily caused Govt. to think a little. Praises to the villagers, who must be forever vigilante. Tricksters, all over the Land, fooling the people continually.

    The time is now to, not only close down that Asphalt plant for a while, but forever and re-locate. Residents health comes first. We cannot eat concrete. The Medical doctor, Environment Minister, should be ashamed. Ashamed.

  25. Malatete
    January 22, 2013

    In a way it is a boon to Govt. to explain further t delays in the completion of the Pont Case-Hatton Garden road. Public Works have an asphalt plant nr. Colihaut, which is underused and could take up the slack but I guess contractual obligations prevent that from happening?

    • IPO
      January 22, 2013

      There are no winners in politics

      • Malgraysa
        January 23, 2013

        You are joking of course. I saw one driven around in a Mercedes S today where most of us would walk. I’m sure that person would be offended if you did not call him a winner!

  26. Anonymous
    January 22, 2013

    Well done! Decisive and correct. An independent lab analysis should be conducted to see what is contained in those fumes.

  27. En Ba La
    January 22, 2013

    Really? There is an environment minister. What was he working on that took much time? We know they can only do ONE thing at a time. They said it was it during the soufriere road issue.

    This government lacks insight foresight not even hindsight I can give these people some credit for.
    Dominicans whatever is causing this brain fog I hope it clears up sometime but the question is WHEN?

    • Malgraysa
      January 22, 2013

      That is a very good point. Where is the Minister for the environment in all this? What has he got to say, after all he is a medical doctor. Is not Blackmoore that is reponsible for that. Has the Doctor-Minister been shoved aside and silenced?

  28. concerned
    January 22, 2013

    i am not saying No to the asphalt plant, i am just saying please find some isolated safe place to relocate…placing this plant so close to a village is very harmful…

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