The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) received an application for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) from Blue Diamond Quarries Limited on March 29, 2016, relating to a proposal for the establishment of a facility for the mining and processing of limestone at La Caurita Estate, Maracas, St. Joseph. The application was made in accordance with the CEC Rules under Activities 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), 23, 33(a), 33(b), 38(a) and 41(c) of the CEC (Designated Activities) Order (as amended).

The EMA has determined that it is likely that significant environmental impacts will arise from this activity, which requires a CEC. As such, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be undertaken to allow for an informed CEC determination. EIAs must be undertaken in compliance with a Terms of Reference (TOR) which is prepared by the EMA in consultation with the Applicant. The purpose of the TOR is to guide the conduct of the EIA and the preparation of the EIA Report, which must describe the proposed project; identify and, where appropriate, quantify potential impacts and explain measures to be taken to mitigate any significantly negative impacts.