EIA Report on proposed Lami Asphalt Plant being vetted by Environment Department

The Environment Impact Assessment Report for the proposed Asphalt Mixing Plant to be built in Lami by China Railway No.5 Engineering Group Fiji Ltd is still being vetted by the Department of Environment.

The Department of Environment is thoroughly carrying out necessary checks before making any decision.

The 60 page EIA report was submitted to the Department of Environment on 16th December last year.

It was prepared by former Director of Environment Epeli Nasome who now runs E. Nasome Environment Consultant Services.

Asphalt Plants mix gravel and sand with crude oil to make the asphalt used to pave roads.

There has been a strong objection to the project by Lami residents as dust from the transportation and heating of materials, noise from plant operation, wastewater and liquid waste from workers’ washings and toilet use as well as solid waste should be expected if the project goes ahead.

They are also concerned about the toxic chemicals released to the air during production.

The nearest house located near the proposed plant would be less than a kilometre away.

China Railway No.5 Engineering Group (Fiji) Ltd is proposing to develop the Asphalt Mixing Plant on land subleased from the Tianjie Cement Factory site in Wailekutu, Lami.

This will comprise of an asphalt plant production site, silo storage, aggregate bin storage area, site office, weighbridge, and internal access ways.