The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has expressed concern about the lack of updates from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) following the toxic discharge of waste into the Rio Cobre on July 30.

Waste from Windalco’s effluent-holding pond in Ewarton, St. Catherine flowed into the Rio Cobre, elevating the temperature and PH of the river, affecting water quality, killing fish and other organisms, and compromising the livelihoods and food sources of residents.

The spill also resulted in the disruption of water supply to parts of Spanish Town and other communities, as well as the supply of irrigation water to farmers.

Speaking in an interview with IRIE FM news, JET’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie noted that while NEPA issued a statement on August 5, which outlined their intended actions, there has been no formal update to the country since.

Dr. Rodriguez-Moodie noted that the monies needed to compensate impacted residents will likely exceed the amount of Windalco’s performance bond while questioning who will pay the difference.