An official with the island’s geothermal project is dismissing claims that there is drilling taking place under the Boiling Lake, the Valley of Desolation and Morne Watt.
Addressing a meeting in Laudat on Thursday night, Alexis George, project officer of the Geothermal Management Unit, said the locations are over two miles away, making drilling in these directions physically impossible.
“So there have been things said about we drilling under the Valley of Desolation or Morne Watt, so that is physically impossible,” he noted. “We are not in the direction, we are not proceeding in the direction of Morne Watt or the Valley of Desolation and we did not project from the drill part location at the distance to be under the Valley of Desolation or Morne Watt.”
The matter was first brought up my environmentalist Athie Martin, who argued that at least 30 percent of the island’s population and the whole of Roseau could be in danger if the alleged Boiling Lake and Valley of Desolation drilling continues.
“Now that we know that the Valley of Desolation and Boiling Lake are engaged with this, is the whole of Roseau,” Martin said on privately-owned Q95 earlier this week. “30 percent of the Dominican population, 60 percent of the Dominica tourism product, 100 percent of our hydro power, 28 to 30 percent of DOWASCO’s water supply, that is what is at risk here.”
Martin spoke of a ‘cataclysmic event’ and an ‘Armageddon option’ because the government is “so politically determined that they are on to geothermal…”
But according to George the Boiling Lake and the Valley of Desolation is about 3.2 kilometers or about two miles and Morne Watt is about 2.2 miles away from the present drilling site in the Roseau Valley.
“Additionally the rate of digging on the island has drilled in a direction of 1,800 meters,” he stated. “It does not have the capacity to drill a well of two miles or further.”
Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has also added his voice to the matter describing Martin as ‘malicious’ and ‘downright dishonest.’
He said the opposition is trying to gain support through the matter, saying this is reckless and dangerous.
Government has spent over $50-million in exploring the island’s geothermal potential.
Already three exploratory wells and two production wells have been dug in the Roseau Valley.
commentless i living in coptholl
alas
where we gonna evacuate to
I hope Athie Martin is not a organ for Green Peace and environmental movement in the developed countries that enjoy a good life at the expense of damaging the environment but no one else can engage in activities that would help to develop their countries.
Jaydee should instead make Athie the China Man, get him a passport and send him to China to face promoting the prevention of development justice in the nation — Athie has played politics with the development of the country for too long, while he benefits personally for his rants and raves.
Haha malicious and down right dishonest. Yes i pm excluding himself. It look like the man just get equipment like mad man and start drilling. God is alive and now is uis time to act . Da people are not fools anyway.
These same people was supporting Athie when he was against the drilling for copper. Athie is consistent and he stand for what he believe. He is a man of integrity. He resign as a minister, he could have stayed as a minister and keep drawing a salary. we should be saluting athie, for being a man of integrity.
I don’t know if Mr.Martin is an expert in geothermal or not.He could be right,but we must also remember that it was the same Athie as Minister in the Rosie Douglas administration.On DBS radio, he advised the former ministers in the UWP to start stock piling phensic for their headaches, because they will be jailed for the corruptions they were involved in while in government.While he was still on the Talking Point program,the gentle man from Laplaine called and told Martin.
” Remember Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai, and he was the one hanged on it .
Mr, Laplaine ended by telling Martin, Be careful what he is wishing.
You are senseless here.
Athie has always been againg the use of our natural resources. He has never wavered from that. One admirable thing about his is his concistency.
against the use.
Drill baby drill
There is one in Bouillante Guadeloupe, take a trip anytime and you will see .
So Danziger, why the French are not expanding that operation it would save them at least he cost of transporting electricity from Dominica by underseas cable. Explain that to us please!
the men that are working there that give that kind of info so them to blame what about the tsunami pump Mr pm you need to clear the air
What we need here is the geology and hydrology report for the drilling that is going on in Dominica. We really need to know the area of the geothermal reservoir that is being drilled into. It is quite possible that the wells being drilled may be linked to the valley of desolation and the boiling lake. You don’t have to drill directly under the valley of desolation or the boiling lake to impact these resources. We have experience this very same issue with the geysers in California. Today they have to transport water from outside to recharge the wells in the geysers to keep the power plant operational. We need to be transparent on this thing.
Hi Mr Alexis George I am here reading your comments and trying to analyse the discuss. I find it rather preposterous that you will come on the media disseminating information about this geothermal drilling and you would be discussing a subject of distance from the drilling site and you are providing your statistic in three (3) different units of measure. That will serve to mislead the minds of individuals. you can say that apples, mangoes and grapes are fruits but you cannot say that they are apples or all mangoes or all grapes.
You gave your measures in kilometers, miles and and meters. where is the common denominator here. For me i can easily analyse the date that you provide, but everyone may not be able to do such analysis and thus your measures will prove to be misleading to those unsuspecting of the different units of measure.
Hi Mr Alexis George I am here reading your comments and trying to analyse the discuss. I find it rather preposterous that you will come on the media disseminating information about this geothermal drilling and you would be discussing a subject of distance from the drilling sight and you are providing your statistic in three (3) different units of measure. That will serve to mislead the minds of individuals. you can say that apples, mangoes and grapes are fruits but you cannot say that they are apples or all mangoes or all grapes.
You gave your measures in kilometers, miles and and meters. where is the common denominator here. For me i can easily analyse the date that you provide, but everyone may not be able to do such analysis and thus your measures will prove to be misleading to those unsuspecting of the different units of measure.
Aright So wait nuh where there is smoke there always is fire yeh, mout open torry jump out,,,
Soh Pardner-man say dem places of interest is impossible to drill because they are approximately two miles away,,,
Guess somebody haven’t brought up the concept of Directional Drilling, well people should check this out and ask Pardner-man a ting or two:
https://www.rigzone.com/training/insight.asp?insight_id=295&c_id=1
Skerrit is going to cause a massive volcanic eruption and blow up the whole island.
What irresponsible news. There is NO drilling under the boiling lake.. Instead of speaking to the drillers and the experts allu speaking to all kinds of emotional people. SMH
@Anonymous You shut up. You are sounding as DUNCE as the Labour Party Ministers.
When Athie talk about drilling beneath the boiling lake could he be talking in reference to the vertical extent of the lake? ie if the bottom of the lake is at elevation 1000 and the depth of the borehole is less than elevation 1000? However, for the well to have any significant horizontal influence two miles away that does not seem reasonable.
I am all for the exploration of the geothermal energy, but I would appreciate if it is done in a transparent and scientific manner. As a geotechnical engineer I am quite interested in any information about the subsurface conditions, including the rock quality, and type, groundwater conditions etc. Is there anywhere on the internet that I can find out what has been done so far, including actual documentation of the findings? I have overseen a lot of drilling up ton 200+ feet, but not anyway close to those depths mentioned. It’s fascinating.
It is OK for ordinary citizens to have concerns and to be honestly informed on what is going on. One concern I have is whether dangerous minerals are getting into the groundwater – ie material deep down moving up and getting into fractured zone of rocks or in soils near the surface and eventually getting into the groundwater. However, I believe with proper drilling with experienced drillers, these potential hazards can be minimized.
Dominican public should know the exact location of all drilling points surveyed and all the coordinates on the map of dominica .athie matin should not be the one to inform the public of environmental disaster taking place with this clandestine government.
The government must realize that contrary to their belief, there are are a lot of intelligent people in Dominica who will accept nothing but scientific facts form a qualified seismologist or geologist. You may satisfy your simplistic followers with these non-factual statements but the rest of us will accept nothing more that facts.
chicken little: the sky is falling. Again!
For once I do support the prime minister didn’t these guys know well in advance where the drilling was taking place why is it so sudden that we are in danger come on people lets get real here
Athie is once again seeking attention. Unfortunately, it is not for a just cause but because of malicious intentions. We all know that progress comes with a price, therefore, we won’t allow the wolves in sheep’s clothing to mislead us. Athie, due to modern technology our country has seen a significant increase in social ills. Are we to deprive ourselves and future generation of elevation? If you a such an environmentalist as you claim, then lead by example, move away from civilization and go live in the bush. Enough already with your crocodile tears!
Why do we have to rush into this geothermal project like is now or never? Are we as a government capable of doing anything properly? One of the problems with the project is nepotism to the maximum. The Son of Julius Timothy was project manager and without any information he is no longer there, the son of Ambrose George takes over with a Bsc in Civil Engineering and no experience in geological engineering, the brother of Rayburn Blackmore is the permanent Secretary overlooking the project.
None of these jobs were ever advertised to determine whether or not these were the best people for the position.
The people of the Roseau Valley have never been informed of the geothermal project, all the government does is propaganda stunts and misleading the population that electricity will be cheaper with a 7 megawatt station.
Now the government is talking about evacuation, the people have a right to be concerned, if there is no danger with the project why evacuation? An if evacuation is being considered then what are the risks that the people of the valley should be aware of?
Athie may be exaggerating but this is the only way that Dominicans will wake up from their slumber and challenge a government that is bent on secrecy, treachery, nepotism and political malice.
For those who want to crucify Athie continue doing that, but fortunately some people must speak.
Dear Miss Annica, I don’t know what part of the world you are in, but its certainly not Dominica. The Government did not make any call about evacuating people. Stop your nonsense . The people of the Valley were certainly informed about the project through the media, and community meetings. Please shut up and don’t make a fool of yourself!! The call to evacuation came from the UWP people like Athie, because they are angry that the DLP has embarked on a very progressive project for the people of Dominica.
Thank you very much, Annica. I couldn’t have said it better. It is time for the Government to explain what prompted the need for an evacuation plan?
Athie Martin has a serious problem with grilling if they were drilling even a crab whole he would still react. Please behave yourself Mr Martin and let the job go on
What is the purpose of the drilling? Is it for oil or something? I only read about it last week
the purpose is for geothermal energy
@Yu yu That,s why i love Athie. When peoples lives are at risk, they need a voice to stand for them. Skerrit will not do it, Athie will.
This is just a UWP distraction tactic. The morning after the `Ronnie Isidore` bomb burst, Athie on Matt speaking lies about drilling under boiling lake. I guess the end justifies the means with these people.
Did you hear the bin bobol bomb?
Did you hear the fertilizer bobol bomb?
Did you hear the selling of diplomatic passport bomb?
@Islander
Did you hear of Citizens For a Better Dominica Inc bomb?
Did you hear undervaluing of land bomb?
Did you hear of kickbacks bomb?
Did you hear of the villas bomb?
Did you hear of money laundering bomb?
If you did not hear of any, go to Doctor Irving Pascal, let him remove the ton loads of WAX WAX WAX WAX WAX, you must have in you two large ears.
well this is the same distraction dlp had on a kairi news piece about Edison James and Linton , until mr James had to call and clear the air. these hungry politicians from either side are trying to divide and rule poor people. my gush them man will make us do like the people of Egypt , syria and lybia. GOD PUT A HELPING HAND.
U all really need to wake up and smell
The coffee… Is only someone like u that won’t see the danger of what is going on. People life is at risk but u and yur stupid politics. I wonder if you were living close to the boiling lake and it started acting up, because of the drilling , guess u would sit and say is uwp that tactics. Grow up my fellow dominicans. Ask god to help us .
My God if this thing is “safe” as said by the Government Why should there be massive preparation or simulation exercise for MASS EVACUATION People something definately not right there is only one road to laudat one blockage and the rest is disaster. Dr.Mac SIR, think carefully of your people dont let power drive you astray Skerrit and his boys are way down north they are not in line of the fire. your father was a good man i know he would not stand for that.
I agree. Mr. John McIntyre and Mrs. Ruth McIntyre would NOT be in favor of this without proper planning and preparation. Colin, let the principles and ethics instilled by your parents be your guide, and let your conscience be clear. This is not idle talk, this is very serious.
Finally a sensible and smart person asking an important question.
As a matter of fact Alexis George is not a geologist he is just another engineer. Civil/Building
Engineers know about energy production and distribution too you know.
I think greenpeace and UN need to send their own investigation to rescue us. Cause Athie is seen as opposition and Alexis as pro government. So Dominica needs an independent opinion. Double A stay out.
Inform the UNESCO- I thought this area is a World Heritage Site= untouchable!
Athie who is more politically determined than you?
Remember you were given 365 rivers to export the WATER you wanted to up till now you have not exported a glass of water..?
No matter what Athie, You and UWP can’t stop that…………..
5, 10, 15 more years for LABOR
@FAST AND fURIOUS: IS FOOLS LIKE YOU WHO DOES NOT EVEN KNOW WHEN YOU ARE AT GREAT DANGER. Do you know that Dominica is the most volcanic island in the Caribbean?
He is not going to export water because he is an environmentalist. And dont think your light bill will be less. You are going to pay more. Have you seen what the quarry is doing to Colihaut. I hope they are shut down. Homes are getting cracked .Dust everywhere.One cannot keep up with cleaning.People die from inhaling the dust.(which you were never told). think of your health. Stupess
@FAST AND IDIOT……..What else do you expect from an idiot.
Athie, the prophet of doom and gloom. Athie is not a geologist and knows nothing of what he preaches. Going on the internet and reading Wikipedia does not make you an expert.
I am a trained geologist and unless I were to study the local conditions, not even I could provide an educated opinion.
Then go study the project and come back and tell us the good and the bad
Togo u get ur degree man. As a trained geologist, dnt you know the effects of drilling? Or u living in denial, like the rest?
U don’t have to be nothing to knw tht this project was not handled properly. Not enoug information has been giiven to the public, not enough planning was done.
You don’t have to be atrained geologist to know tht you cannot try to give evacuation practise 1 week before u start or continue tht project.
You are a trained geologist, but cannot give an “educated opinion”, howver Alexis George is not no geo engineer or has no experience in tht field, but he is heading such a big project.
Just another example of square pegs in round holes.
You are a trained geologist! Really? Why then are you hiding behind anonimity. As a Dominican and I assume you are, you should be well familiar with the local conditions in the island especially that location.
Anonymous what are you really saying – isn’t PS Blackmore a civil engineer and Alexis George of similar qualifications? are you saying that they should not be the ones speaking on the technical matters – well Athie is right we can’t believe one s…t coming from those guys – get the experts down here to speak to us – including you we will suspend the project and give you time as a trained Geologist to study the local environment so that you can properly inform us instead of relying on political operatives including Athie, Blackmore and George-
Mr. George you have clearly clarified that no drilling is taking place and I logically assume that works WERE NEVER IN THE PROCESS of drilling a 500 meter well in the Valley of Desolation. From a scientific standpoint your argument is extremely valid. HOWEVER… can you clarify (1) is it true that NEW drilling of land in the Roseau Valley may commence. I observe that you have mentioned “We are not in the direction, we are not proceeding in the direction of Morne Watt or the Valley of Desolation ………” Based on that comment can you further clarify (2) Its it true that there has been a failure in a previously drilled well. (3) Is it true that due to the failure of a previously drilled well another has to be done to accommodate the reinjection of toxic material taken off during the earlier drilling exercise.
Brilliant Questions.
I have been working in geothermal research, utilization and harnessing of geothermal resources. I can only say that what this Athie Maritin is saying is utter nonsense and only to raise unnecessary fear and uncomfort. Regarding the above comment about re-injecting toxic materials — it must be corrected that there are no toxic materials involved. The boiling hot fluid coming from aproduction well is a mixture of water and steam. The two-phase fluid is piped into a seperator that takes the steam and directs it into a steam-turbine that turns a generator to produce electricity. Then the steam is condensed back to water. There are no immediate uses for the hot water, and the best way to dispose of it is to re-inject it into the geothermal reservoir. It serves a dual purpose, to replenish and recharge the reservoir and compensate for the mass removed and to dispose of the hot water in a safe and non-complicated way. Hot water is not environmentally friendly, it burns and kills vegetation and river organism. The hot water contains dissolved minerals, it tastes foul but a person would not be instantly killed by drinking the water. If cooled and mixed with fresh water to dilute it, it is considered safe to be put into the ground water system. To do everything in very safe way, it was opted for a reinjection to not complicate matters. Looking at the development of the geothermal resource in Dominica and seeing it from a distance as an enthusiast about utilization of a sustainable energy and geothermal in particular, I can only say that the matter has been handled very professionally by the authorities and those individuals mentioned here and the whole project has also been with immense technical assistance and consultaton from Italian, Icelandic and American specialists.
Dno do an investigation for us nuh I confuse
Arthie again…boy wat happen to mister nuh….Athie has a question for you have u parked outside UWI recently…i mean u were so sure that it was going to spoil the Gardens…it happened n its hs blended well into the space.
Nefore that it was whaling, also the river is till flowing and u have yet to ship any water…now u trying something with DOWASCO…wat do u want man…as Franklyn said “make up your mind”
you and Shillingford have nothing better to do than scare pple and make trouble…all other countries have utilized the natural resources they have for the development of their country but u keep crying foul and gloom and doom on any and every thing, where is your scientific proof…show us some pics, tell us where you got ur info from…u like chicken little..the sky is falling in…MAN PLEASE GROW…development and nature can go hand in hand…its called environmental management and sustainability…look at Niagara Falls, ck the Hoover DAM and so many other natural resources that are being utilized the world over for the benefit of the citizens of the country…u just insist that we leave Dominica as it while we the ppl suffer…pls man get a grib…
If at all this is true, can somebody please save our beautiful island.
Really Athie Martin an armageddon? Way to sensationalize the issue.
Scientific research is what’s needed in this matter (and what is being done) not random inflammatory comments. The amount of effort (money, labours, safety) it would take to dig to under the lake (it would require diagonal drilling over a wide expanse) is literally preposterous. If the lake & valley were areas they considered drilling they would have set up shop much closer as it would be significantly more feasible.
I have no issue with discussing the implications of geothermal but I don’t like inflammatory comments that rile up the population rather than significant scientific debate. All these do is turn people off from a potential idea when they don’t know enough about it and make them reluctant to learn more.
My sentiments exactly!!! I feel really pained when I observe the petty politics which is played out in Dominica and the other small island states of the Caribbean. At the risk of achieving much need development for this country, many of Dominica’s politicians shoot down projects which are proposed or being undertaken by the ruling government. The attempt to thwart progress is so blatant that no attempt at subtlety is even made. The opposition doesn’t even choose certain projects to go after. They try to shoot down every project. This is stupidity at its worst because there must be some benefits for us in at least some of the projects and by now the greater part of the population is beginning to see right through all of this trickery. I certainly believe that every country should have a capable and objective opposition which is not just passive and there to collect a monthly check. However what I detest is an opposition which is immature, opportunistic and playing on the ignorance of the masses. This goes for all, whether they be DLP, UWP or Freedom. For me it is about Dominica.
Please, please, please, DNO, Alexis George is the son of Minister Ambrose George, surely you don’t expect him to tell the truth. The main cause of concern is what form of evacuation plan which has been put in place in the event of a disaster. I wish to applaud Mr. Martin for the alert, but certainly, he cannot expect Skeritt to mobilize a comprehensive evacuation plan for the people of the Valley, right in front of the boasted mother of all rallies scheduled for Sunday.
How much experience, I mean HANDS ON EXPERIENCE, does Alexis George have in this field?
It would help for govt. to be pro-active and give regular progress reports, rather than the firefighting they constantly have to do now because they are reacting to rumours, theories, true or false. Please, please, keep us informed and don’t wait till we ask . Is the same with everything.
Good point
The boiling lake should in fact lef untouched. Due with the fact there are only (2) offer it’s kind within the world . Africa and the other the commonwealth of Dominica nature island a thee Caribbean. Sure historical site must be lef untouched as stated. In return a touris revenue.
By Damian .Beautreau
FYI the other one is in New Zealand.
You are right, it is in New Zealand and bigger than ours.
DNO, I know you guys are professionals and who am I to try to correct you guys? However, as a Dominica that fully depends on DNO for news, I believe you guys need to give us a visual understanding of what you reporting. For example, in the first paragraph you reported that “A geologist with the island’s geothermal project is dismissing claims that there is drilling taking place under the Boiling Lake, the Valley of Desolation.” I then went to the second paragraph to see who is this Geologist and saw it was Alexis George. That is fine, but it would help us understand who Alesis George is better if you had told us about him. Example, Is he a neutral foreign professional or is he a local politician that is concerned about politics? As a George, is he by any means related to Ambrose George of the DLP or not? These I believe would give more substance and credence to the article. Because after reading what Mr. Alexis George had to say, I am of the impression that I heard more of his political agenda than a non-bias professional Geologist whose main concern is to enlighten the concerns of the people. That’s how true professionals behave. They are more concerned about giving answers than taking political sides. Mr. Alexis George is no Geologist but a politian . So please clear the air on this DNO.
DNO just have to go to the area where they are drilling and compare that to the distance given. Politics is killing the country. We cry for development but don’t really want it. it will not come without some sacrifices. DNO can do their own research and have a proper un bias report.
@UWP What is the development? After 14 years of Skerrits rule have you seen 14 pieces of Development on island? I have seen poverty for sure. People like you can barely eat three meals a day. I have seen greediness for sure. Not development?
Do you knoe the worth of these greedies in government?
Alexis is Ambros George son and he is not a geologist he is a civil engineer who studied in Cuba at the unversidad of camaguey he graduated in2003
There goes Athie again, expert in everything.
tell athie martin go and shake his bag where he sell his coal.
Is for dlp he sold his coal, thats why is for dlp he shaking his bag. Remember he was once a Minister of the dlp government. Is they that creates their own monsters….. Dlp once enjoyed the same malicious ways to get into office, the same way they are enjoying the malicious ways of some of their propagandists to stay in office now.
The boiling lake is there for a reason. Let them go ahead and drill….drill, drill, drill. Those volcanoes they want to erupt. It only takes seconds for an egg to turn hard rock, charcoal black when placed in the boiling lake. Learn from that. Keep challenging Gods’ work and you all will learn
athie martin make so much noise when the road next uwi were being expending. now he coming with another fox story, but tell him it wont work. he cried and bible verse during pero time hypocrite……….. your days are done athie.
Mr. Martin, why do you have to do this?
@anonymous Because Athei loves you? You thought it was Skerrit who loves you? Skerrit does not bother with you . Athei does.
To enlighten us, so we will be aware of all possibilities., and try to prepare ourselves. I hope and pray that nothing will go wrong, because it is you all, the same ones who will be screaming Soo-koo.
Indeed