Residents of the Roseau Valley met on Thursday night in Trafalgar to discuss concerns surrounding geothermal projects in the area while member of parliament for the constituency, Colin McIntyre is appealing for calm.
Citing health and environmental concerns residents said they want a full independent assessment of the project to verify whether it is safe or not.
“What we seeking to do is to get clarification on the whole exploration thing. We want a full assessment as to what they found, what is there, what hazard there gonna be, we want independent studies that can verify that it is safe,” Gary Shillingford a resident of the Roseau Valley told state-owned DBS Radio. “What we have is real life-threatening concerns that we need to be addressed.”
He pointed out that the aim of the residents is not to stop the project all together but make sure the main concern, which is the safety of residents, is addressed. “It’s nothing about we want to stop the geothermal project, no, we want to be aware of what is going to happen, we want to know what you getting in the ground, we want to know that it is going to be safe,” he said. “If it is safe and viable, then fine. Our main concern is the safety of our people.”
But Dr. McIntyre assured residents that their concerns are being addressed and appealed for calm. “We want to reassure the people of the Roseau Valley, my constituents, we are taking their concerns aboard in reference to what was raised: the land issue, the toxic gases, the waste disposal,” he said.
He went on to say that misinformation probably led to the airing of some of the concerns and he said that too will be addressed.
“We have to remain calm, this is based on science, it is something that we have to listen to the expert advice on such a project in terms of its implementation and establishment and not be persuade by a few with ill intent who are all bent on derailing this project, which will not happen,” he argued. “We will remain calm, we will remain focused and we will take on board all the considerations and concerns of our people.”
Meanwhile Minister of Energy, Rayburn Blackmoore, is convinced politics has a big role to play in the entire matter. “The project in itself is about managing problems, it is about risk management also and this project therefore is of no exception in that regard,” he told DBS. “But we beleive going forward people must stop trying to use their intention to derail what is good for this country, to capitalize on the genuine concerns of one or two people.”
He said the government will not allow that to stand but at the same time will respect the rights of the people of the Roseau Valley.
A first meeting was held in Laudat on Monday and at Thursday night’s meeting, Shillingford said new members joined a committee which has been set up to address the matter. He said a meeting is planned for Wotten Waven and afterward a ‘national committee’ will be formed with a president to be elected.
“Then we formulate our next move,” he said.
This is a bad trend that the govt. has set. Is the same way Petro Caribe end up in plp face in Jimmt and after everything was almost done is when some of them come talking bull……..
A geothermal plant is simply a man-made sulphur spring. The drilled hole concentrates all the power into one outlet so that it can be controlled.
The same stuff that comes out of the Boiling Lake, Valley of Desolation and the soufriers at Wotton Waven, Soufriere and crater at Morne Aux Diable every hour, every day and night for the last few thousand years is what comes out of a geothermal plant.
Why dont we protest that the White River at Delices is polluted with Sulphur Oxide from the Boiling Lake? Because it is natural? What comes out of a geothermal bore hole is the same thing. It is natural too.
It may smell bad, it may scorch plants, it may discolour streams, but it is natural it is what already happens around any of our natural geothermal outlets.
Afriko’s comment is right on the spot. This is the essence of the matter. All talk about toxic waste and deadly emissions has totally been blown out of proportion in last months discussions about the geothermal project. This answear is the simple truth.
Question:
Would our “MP’s” even bother to inform us of the RISKS if the information wasn’t there????
people I think it is time you join me as we Raise our champagne glasses and say a toast….
THANK YOU FOR THE INTERNET FIRSTLY!
Youtube…
google…
wikipedia….
but most of all THANK GOD, for the age of information!!!!!!!!!!!
here here!
I really would like to know,
WHO IS FUNDING THE RESEARCH for risk assessment>?????
is it the same company ???
is it the government???
hmmmmmm, is there any INDEPENDENT body which is able to carry out this risk assessment research OBJECTIVELY?????
that mean’s without pressure to leave out key information, or conveniently overlook pertinent data???
hah boy! hah boy!
Dominicans remember “DIVE DOMINICA”during OJ SERAPHIN’s reign,they stripped dominica’s seabed and no one can really tell what they got, because the Govt.gave them freeway,sometimes a MACCO or a bamsee can be a good thing SKERRO !veyé dem people every move and relate to the lives you are responsible for………
to get someting, you have to give up something. I work in the oil and gas industry. when the chemicals are injected into the earth there is no way for it to come out. I seeps back into the earth into the underground water pockets and enters our streams and rivers. It’s bad man. Profits are great but the procedure is bad. the valley man loves his crayfish and millet. so if we are willing to sacrifice our flora and fauna. go ahead with it. but its bad man!
From the NEW YORK TIMES
A $60 million project to extract renewable energy from the hot bedrock deep beneath Basel, Switzerland, was shut down permanently on Thursday after a government study determined that earthquakes generated by the project were likely to do millions of dollars in damage each year.
What if large reservoirs of oil are found in and around Dominica? Die poor and broke?
Some of the possible effects based on a studies (I have copied and pasted)
1. Lung Cancer
2. Skin Cancer
3. The discharges are estimated to produce an increase in the arsenic concentration in the river, and we calculate the resulting lifetime risk of ingesting that contaminated water to be a surprisingly high
4. Depletion of hot springs as the supply of steaming water from below was depleted.
(In Geyser Valley, one of the first features to vanish was the great Wairākei geyser, which used to play to a height of 42 metres. Subsequently, the famous Champagne Pool, a blue-tinted boiling spring, dwindled away to a faint wisp of steam. )
5. Extracting geothermal fluids can reduce the pressure in underground reservoirs and cause the land to sink. The largest subsidence on record is at Wairākei, where the centre of the subsidence bowl is sinking at a rate of almost half a metre every year.
6. Earthquakes.(The process uses pressurized water which can lead to hydraulic fracturing which can trigger earthquakes. Basel in Switzerland, experienced upward of 10,000 sesmic incidences measuring up to 3.4 on the Richter Scale within 6 days after a plant located nearby, started water injection program. Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/geothermal-energy-disadvantages.html
These are just a few that I have copied. There’s more
Well…so is petroleum, gas/oil exploration. Don’t tell me you are going to a gas station to fill up knowing what exploration beneath the earth causes. 6 or half dozen, your choice.
No where in McIntyre’s statement did he quench the Laudat community’s anxiety. The words “keep calm” don’t mean much if you do not provide any reasons why we should keep calm. Are concerns of poisonous gases nonsensical? For complete transparency of this project, the reports for 2011 should be made public.
Just a few years ago (2006), a now-infamous geothermal project in Basel, Switzerland, which drilled three miles (4.8 kilometers) into Earth’s crust, set off a magnitude 3.4 earthquake, rocking the town and shutting the operation down entirely.
Is Disaster Preparedness prepared for this?
New York Times discusses: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/business/energy-environment/24geotherm.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=altarock&st=cse
Scientific American reports: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=geothermal-drilling-earthquakes
Irrespective of what anyone may say or think, about the people of Laudat, the Valley and by extension Dominica, we must be very proud of ourselves for making our voices heard and for holding the politicians to account.
Stay calm is the new slang. A far cry from the early days when every five words would be punctuated with “you know”. However, now every time he speaks to the people of the Valley, he starts and ends with the condescending admonishment- “Calm down children!!!, Daddy Collin will take care of you.
We remember he admonition when the Tram was closed “Calm down.” When asked for an explanation for the Garbage Bin Bobol.- Calm down! When the cheque for housing materials for a building in Fond Canie was disclosed-.Calm down! When the fertilizer scandal broke.-Calm down. Why should we simple calm down when we are being screwed over and over again and you have basically ignored and abandoned the people?
Collin should have got his fat >.. of the chair in the Ministry and discuss these issues with the people. He should have long gotten the experts that he now references to talk to the people. He should have ensured that he told the people the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, however difficult that has proven to be for him and his Cabinet colleagues.
So, now that he and Blackmore have calmed down after listening to the people, they should ensure that they make the right move from thereon with this project. The people do have legitimate concerns. They should not be dismissed. The Parl. Rep has a responsibility to help alley their fears so that they can fear no more.
This is coupled with the heavy-handed and downright disrespectful manner in which Mr. Blackmore speaks to people. That attitude is sickening. Already the Prime Minister tells us to “Shut up” and “Go to hell” and Austrie….well!!! let me put my hands in my pants and shut up before the Bull dog starts to bark.
Mr. Shilingford is right. Our Parl Rep and the Government have failed to ensure that the people were adequately and properly informed of all the pros and cons, benefits and risks of the project in advance of the drilling. Whereas, government can legally acquire people’s private lands for public purposes and compensate those affected, these are issues that should have been discussed a long time ago with those affected.
Now Minister Blackmore, I believe that you are one of the hard working Ministers. You are interested in your work and you may good intentions. However Sir, you need to climb down your pedestal of arrogance and calm down.
Stop speaking to people in that tone. We won’t tolerate anyone insulting, disrespecting or belittling the people of the Valley. I urge you to find within yourself the spirit of humility, wherever it may be hidden before you return to the Valley to talk to the people. Please guard against your arrogant tendencies heavy-handed and condescending remarks.
And by the Collin, we know that you may have forgotten but the communities of Cochrane, Copt Hall and Morne Prosper are also concerned too, okay. You need to meet with all of us and inform all communities in the Valley. Also Petter ST Jean should educate the people of Delices/La plaine as they are just behind the Mountain. We are all in this together.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
When you reach in you will do better man
Why is everyone getting all hyper all of a sudden.. The project didn’t start last week… America has geothermal power plants so does New Zealand and Iceland….
http://geo-energy.org/plants.aspx
Dominicans need to make up their minds on what they want.. Montserrat is 10 times smaller than Dominica and they are going to drill two production wells there with the same company which did it in Dominica…
http://www.gov.ms/2012/10/17/montserrat-signs-geothermal-contract-with-iceland-drilling-company-ltd/
And? Thats your reasoning why we should have it as well? That doesn’t mean it is totally safe simply because they are using it.
It triggered earthquake in Switzerland.
Hot Springs depletion
In Geyser Valley, The famous Champagne Pool, a blue-tinted boiling spring, dwindled away to a faint wisp of steam.
Ah fought that all you crying about the price of electricity? So we do not want to pay less then???
You know what my good man? … NOBODY really believes that it will be cheaper. History shows us that it will be cheaper to produce and the same or more to buy … more profit for the shareholders only.
Debate about safety aside (for a moment) … are there signed guarantees that the price will lower significantly?
Who says we getting cheaper electricity? Don’t be surprised to find that we are going to export electricitty to Guadeloupe and Martionique at a lower price than we sell to our own people here, where we have no competition.
The real problem is the stuff that comes up from the depths. The sulfur, sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide… which when mixed with water makes acid that will destroy the hardest stainless steel, gall all of the joints and provide a reservoir of caustics that require special disposal. If you want to see the full range of problems do an evaluation of the Indeo California plant.
If there is no health and safety issues then Mr Blackmoore should not hesitate in proving this. Or more importantly more the whole project to his backyard/community.
To hell with these naysayers, we might die, our children might die, but by GOD and the dlp with blackmoore and the troop of unconcerned followers, we will have lights. AT ANY COST..
MP: People from the valley listen. All is fine, stay calm. That’s what mr. Skerrit said I should say. But it’s true, be assured that we will bring all parties together to resolve this matter in a timely manner.
Blackmore: it’s the UWP trying to stop us form going to the next level.
Are you all serious: do you think that Dominica is filled with just retards.?
We are just residents from the valley who don’t trust a govt.
It’s very difficult to understand why would politicians or anyone politize such an important issue. Geothermal will be the best thing for the country economically, providing it’s done safely. Having said that, we should not minimize the dangers and risks from anything pertaining to drilling into or near the mantle of the earth. There’s always been risks when dealing with deadly gasses that ever exist in the volcanic veins below the crust of the earth. Therefore, residents in and around the geothermal plant have a right to know the dangers and risks in case of a catastrophe. I’m no subject matter expert in geothermal, but have read on the pros and cons. Thank God for books, the internet and Google! There’s much to learn, rather than scoring any points because of one’s motive. I also don’t belive that there’s any D/can who would not want cheaper energy for the good of the country regardless of their political affiliation. So it’s wise for everyone to educate themselves, put the people’s interests and safety first, then hope and pray that geothermal energy can be generated somewhere on the island, risk free, for our struggling economy.
correction: (politicize)
believe
If I had a 10 cents for every time a Dominican mentions politics.. I would be a very wealthy man.
I know this subject very well, and though I can disseminate all I know about it; I wish to be brief so as not to overshadow the original news about it:
Although at first glance they may seem to represent an ideal form of natural power, geothermal sources are far from being trouble-free, and without pollution. Even the purest underground steam contains enough hydrogen sulfide with its characteristic odor of rotten eggs to be extremely unpleasant, and enough minerals to poison fish; and other forms of marine life in streams and rivers into which the condensed steam is discharged.
Furthermore, the removal of underground steam and water causes the surface to subside: i.e. at the Wairakei plant in New Zealand, the subsidence amounts to about 16 inches per year; and could be more. This plant discharges 6.5 times as much heat, and 5.5 times as much water vapor into the environment as would a modern coal-fired plant with the same electric output.
Some of the difficulties attending the utilization of geothermal power could be overcome if the condensed steam were pumped back underground.
As I said I would be brief but before I get all the thumbs down be sure you know the subject as taught to you in some Physics class, otherwise simply read and learn.
To become an electronic/electrical engineer I had to study and learn all about that!
Whereas the valleys people should be concern about pollution, it not as if it will kill them all overnight.
Our true electrical potential in Dominica lies in hydroelectricity generation, if developed properly!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
my good man, please contact me at [email protected] i have an extreme interest in hydro as well and wish to share those views with you
But Wait a min…folks..if we talking Eco-Tourism And Nature isle Concept..
How can you have steam constantly coming from Those Wells with all these gases for both Human And the Lush Green Vegetation? what are the Pros And Cons?…
Don’t you realise it would harm the vegetation and You wont get that high visitor image etc..
What is the risk factors for constant inhaling of These Gases in the Valley bearing that it’s a Valley not a wide vast open land mass!
We need to really think what we want…
Once a Tourist arrives and views that steam in The Valley from these Plants it will surely hurt the Tourism Product…
Dominica would need allot of trained local and International experts to be around to minimize a Disaster or help assist quickly in that Event.
My firm view leave the nature alone the Rugged Terrain and Topography will Cause Grave Destruction if the Go ahead with that Project!
Colin McIntyre is a man of class and conducts himself as such. Need I say any more about the other individual ?
MAN OF class my ***.what does that have to do with anything Dumbo?
Blackmore always put politics first.you know this whole drilling process has healt issues,you guys are just enriching yourselves.once your time is over you guys will not be in the country suffering.i will keep on saying you guys days will come to and end and the people will be free.
The fact is, today any issue pertaining to the environment is highly politicized, in the sense that that there is always a number of actors (persons and organisations) trying to influence each other (including the public) in order to advance their interests. For example, oil companies secretly finance institutions that can cough up data to show that Green technology is not as good for us as we think. (Much as tobacco companies previously did with some “scientists” and “researchers”). The challenge for the “little man” is therefore, to decipher facts from hype and to side with the actor that best advances his/her interest.
What I do not understand with this current discussion is its timing. For at least 4 years now we have been told that we are going to be heading in this direction. There was talk of test sites at Soufriere and the Roseau Valley, and there was much talk from the government and the unofficial opposition on the issue. In addition, a related DNO article this week clearly shows that the government has done a fair job of engaging the people in a dialogue on this project. Yet, now, after we have pumped millions into the ground, someone finally gets hold of information that tells us that geothermal exploration is bad for us. Where were these voices? Who is behind these voices? The websites suggested as resource tools by these voices, who funds them and what are the objectives of those funding them? And, is it impossible to mitigate against the noxious effects of the project?
As I see it, for all its significance, this debate is too late. The hole has already been dug…fumes are already exiting, etc. The project is already under way. The best we can hope for from the discussion are improved measures to manage the ill effects, much as other territories in the world successfully do. No one should seek to make the people believe that geothermal is inherently “bad” for Dominica.
You have a point there . Keep peeping.IPO, No Name, Can’t find a Job, Joe, and the many many many other names.
Respectfully
Roseau valley
Sir why would you worry about when the matter was brought out. There is NO IMPORTANCE IN THAT. The fact is the matter of concern is here.
I agree with you, Peeping Tom. I find myself irritated even with my peeps who all of a sudden jumping on the bandwagon of “concern.” I’m like it’s not today this is happening. For years this has been discussed! stewps.
But I too am concerned eh? naturally. When you are dealing with nature anything can happen but my concern does not mean I do not want the project but yes this debate at this stage is bizarre to say the least HOWEVER, the government, epecially these guys, must always be kept under pressure to ensure proper procedure, safety and CHEAP ELECTRCITY for Dominicans!
I am not a supporter of the red boyz,but I must applaud Mc.Intyre for the manner in which he is handling the Geothemal matter.I cannot say the same of the homme daybar,the roroman.Like someone said,Blackmoore should move aside and allow Mc.Intyre to handle his constituency.Should something go wrong,while Blackmoore will be enjoying whatever popularity he can muster with the Mahaut people, it is Mc.Intyre who will be the one who has to face the discontentment of the residents of the Roseau Valley
Applaud a man for saying stay calm??chupesssssssssssssss
garry dont know where he stand. poor thing. why dont you all call a proper meeting with the minister instead of quarrelling. why cant mr martin advise you all properly. while at the meeting all i could hear is negative talk.
I want Gabriel Christian and Washway to come on air and comment on the concerns of the people of the valley……. They were desparate for it so come now and give your expert knowledge!!!!
I believe is a few foolish persons who cannot see beyond Skerrit that brought down 4 white people to negatively influence our people knowing well our people don’t read!!!!
Boy you ignorant as isht, so where people and their life concern there is no consideration?????
Jesus christ cannot save people like you joe blow.
Joe, you started well. Your second paragraph defeated your first. Good comment. Washway needs to step up and give his opinion. This is his opportunity to show that he is on Dominica’s side.
HOw washaway and them reach in the Roseau Valley meeting pushing for concerns to be aired???
People are just asking: could this happen here?
“…one of the first features to vanish was the great Wairākei geyser, which used to play to a height of 42 metres. Subsequently, the famous Champagne Pool, a blue-tinted boiling spring, dwindled away to a faint wisp of steam. In 1965 the Tourist Hotel Corporation tried to restore it by pumping in some three million litres of water, but to no avail. Geyser Valley continued to deteriorate, and in 1973 it was shut down as a tourist spectacle. ”
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/geothermal-energy/5
lol ooops We sort of submitted the same info
Why is it Blackmoore believes using heavey handed tactics are the right way to deal with issues people have concerns they want answeres it’s his and the GOVT responsiblity to give it to them give out copies of all the testings and studies they have done let the people study it for themselves why discuss some and not all If you all had discuss taking land the people would remember that much to much of secret please dont play with peoples lives Colin McIntyre deal with the folks that are concern instead of Blackmoore at least it will make your GOVT seem to care, and please stop insulting the peoples intelligence.
This is going to change the lives of everyone in Dominica, yet few want to derail the project. We’ve got to do better Dominica!
This is going to shoot us to the next level! The amount of infrastructure and development Dominica will see with this project is unimaginable. We’ve got to do this.
Nobody want to derail the project, people just want to know they are safe, it seems it’s the government who are using the line of political derailment to avoid giving answers.
Every one of us want development, BUT NOT AT ANY COST.
Nonsense!! It’s more about politics like everything else in DA these day and the likes of you jolly well know that. Stop being so hypocritical!!!!!!!!!
EXCELLENT POINT Nac
Totally agree but there is a way you go about development and it’s not by disrespecting the residents being affected and crying politics like an infant.
Level-headedness, intelligence and good ‘ole fashioned class are required at all times by the authorities as project proceeds.
We will also see a depletion in our hot springs
What a difference in manners between McIntyre and Blackmore! Blackmore should keep his lips zipped and let Colin do the mediating.
Anyway, one or two people? Really? I don’t even live in that area and I am very concerned because how big is Dominica nuh, that what happens in Trafalgar will remain fully contained in Trafalgar? Where does Blacmore get off trying to trivialize the concern? stewps.
You see this “ants in his pants” kinda attitude? Strengthens my belief there is plenty in it for him personally.
Look out for why soon
Two things said concern me:(1.)the residents of the area have a legitimate, constitutional right to request of their political representatives that issues that affect them are treated with seriousness and dispatch (which both Dr. Mcintyre and Mr. Blackmore recognize and that’s very good).
(2.)There is NO need for either gentleman to suggest that when the residents raise their legitimate concerns, that they are being influenced by “those who want to derail the project and that politics [partisan]has a big role to play”. Where is the EVIDENCE of such? Are these two gentlemen suggesting that the residents of the area are incapable of deciding what is good/bad for them/ I sincerely hope not!!
HOTEP
To respond to the first part of your comments yes the residents do have that right and they can collective and can seek legal representation
BRAVO!!!!!
hey take out yourv head from the sand bro. You know truly well that almost everything in Dominica is politicized these days. Just take a look at the majority of the comments here on DNO and those giving thumbs up and down. Whether you want to admit it or not, sadly every little thing in this country is about politics and that’s why we are constantly on the decline (and it won’t matter which Party is in power or not).
I agree with you 100 percent. Now because you are so perceptive, take a closer look and tell me who are the ones who constantly inject the political angle to any contrary voice. It is clear like daylight in this case and 99% of the others.
What concerns me is that the government representatives, no matter who they are, always express an intention to push through government policy, NO MATTER WHAT. They justify their behaviour be marginalizing anyone who speaks to the contrary, calling them persons who want to ‘derail progress’ for the country. In that way, they turn their supporters against those persons and so create constantly, an atmosphere of division within the country. Mr. Blackmore’s letter in response to the first meeting at Laudat makes mention of those who want to derail and has stated in no uncertain terms, that it will not happen. This means therefore, that they have no intention of looking at the dangers and benefits again and deciding whether or not it is in fact a good idea. IT WILL BE GOING AHEAD APPARENTLY, NO MATTER WHAT WHO SAYS AND NO MATTER WHAT CONCERNS ARE EXPRESSED. Again I will ask, what percentage of the profits will go to the Dominican people????? Can someone please answer that question?? I do not understand why Martinique, with Mont Pele I believe, one of the biggest volcanic mountains in the Caribbean region, and with the resources of France to back it up, would not have looked into the possibility of them producing electricity using geothermal. I believe that there is alot to be concerned about. Why are we not looking into the possibilities of using solar power sources to produce our energy? There are many solar technologies which work and are clean sources. The government could look into this possibility instead! I rest my case…….