The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) continues to demonstrate decisive and timely regulatory leadership with the issuance of two Certificates of Environmental Clearance (CECs) supporting strategic investments in the energy and tourism sectors. These approvals reflect the EMA’s strengthened focus on efficient application processing while upholding rigorous environmental standards, ensuring that national development proceeds responsibly and sustainably.
The EMA has granted CEC7133/2025 to Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Limited for the re-commissioning of the existing produced water treatment system on the Amherstia Platform, located within the Southeast Galeota Block, off the south-east coast of Trinidad. This approval enables the treatment and controlled discharge of produced water, allowing the optimisation of gas export operations and increased production from an existing well. The project will improve operational efficiency and contribute to national energy resilience and economic stability.
The application was subject to a detailed technical review, including a comprehensive Ecological Risk Assessment supported by hydrodynamic modelling and conservative worst-case discharge scenarios. Following submission of all required information, the EMA determined that the project could proceed with the required mitigation and monitoring measures. The CEC was issued on February 26, 2026, well within the statutory timeline, underscoring the EMA’s commitment to timely, accountable decision-making.
Complementary to this, the EMA issued CEC7199/2026 to Superior Hotels Trinidad and Tobago Limited for the establishment of a 109-room hotel on 0.5862 hectares of land located off Tarouba Link Road, San Fernando, to expand accommodation capacity and support business and domestic tourism activity in the region. The project was similarly assessed, and this approval represents another example of the EMA’s ability to manage responsible private sector investment while safeguarding environmental resources. The development is expected to stimulate economic activity, generate employment and contribute to balanced regional growth. During the CEC handover on February 26, 2026, at the EMA’s North Office, the CEC Holder, Mr. John Aboud, noted that in his experience, this represented a record turnaround time for the issuance of a CEC.
The issuance of these CECs highlights the EMA’s evolving approach to regulation, one that combines efficiency, scientific rigour and environmental stewardship. By ensuring timely processing of priority projects without compromising oversight, the Authority continues to support investment, job creation and long-term national resilience.
The EMA remains steadfast in its mandate to ensure that development across Trinidad and Tobago advances in a manner that protects the environment, supports communities and secures sustainable prosperity for current and future generations.
