EPA says Providence mall and condo project needs no full impact study
This is not an approval, the EPA says, and people who may be affected have 30 days to appeal.
The Environmental Protection Agency says The Arcade does not need a full Environmental Impact Assessment. The Arcade is a planned commercial project in Providence, East Bank Demerara. The agency found it will not have a significant impact on the environment.
The agency made this public in a notice published on 19 October 2026. It screened an application from Peak Development Inc. for an environmental permit. The site is Parcel 4874, Block 3, Providence, in Region 4.
The Arcade mixes several uses. It has a shopping mall, offices and 62 condominium units. It also has fuel storage, solar power and a wastewater treatment plant.
An Environmental Impact Assessment, or EIA, is a full study of how a project could affect the environment. The EPA says its decision does not mean the project is approved.
The Environmental Protection Agency (Guyana) says the Environmental Protection Act requires certain developers to get an environmental permit from the agency. These are developers of projects on an official list, or projects that may significantly affect the environment.
INews Guyana reported an EPA statement on how the agency screens projects. The agency looks at the type of activity and the location. It also looks at the materials involved and the possible risks to the environment and public health. The agency also weighs the steps meant to prevent or reduce those risks.
The EPA reached the same finding on the Gold Hill Sand Project. That is a sand mine from CEALT Logistics Inc. at the confluence of the Cheong's and the Arobaio Creek. The agency also did so for a poultry rearing facility planned by Adsol Service Inc.
Stabroek News reported in 2021 that the EPA had started to publish its reasons when it exempts projects from an EIA. Those projects have included hotels and housing schemes.
Anyone affected by the proposed project can appeal the decision within 30 days of the notice being published. INews Guyana reported that the EPA says these appeals go to the Environmental Assessment Board.