KINGSTON, Jamaica — Trade Winds Citrus Limited (TWCL) has denied rumours and speculations of monetary compensation being involved in a controversial decision by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to discontinue legal action against TWCL over an oil spill in the Rio Cobre last December.

In 2023, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) initiated criminal proceedings against TWCL in the Saint Catherine Parish Court for an alleged breach of Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act. TWCL was charged with causing polluting matter to enter the Rio Cobre river. The offense carries a maximum fine of $100,000.

Last week, it was revealed that NEPA had decided not to prosecute Trade Winds Citrus Limited for the oil spill in the Rio Cobre last year. The case was reportedly withdrawn after a confidential agreement was reached between NEPA, Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and Trade Winds Citrus Limited prior to a court hearing last Wednesday.

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The withdrawal triggered scepticism and backlash across social media with people, in some cases, accusing NEPA of receiving monetary compensation in the settlement.

However, in a statement on Saturday, TWCL denied any involvement of monetary compensation in the decision.

According to TWCL, the mediation settlement agreement was based solely on the continued commitment of the company to uphold and expand its use of best environmental practices, as well as further collaboration with local groups to develop sustainable solutions for the protection of the Rio Cobre river and surrounding ecosystems.

“There is nothing secret or controversial about this agreement, and it did not involve any form of monetary compensation. The focus of the agreement was on enhancing TWCL’s environmental stewardship and ensuring the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability,” the company said.

The company sought to further clarify remediation efforts and measures that were taken when the incident occurred last year. It said it launched an immediate and comprehensive clean-up operation, working in close partnership with environmental experts and agencies including NEPA.

Key actions taken during its remediation process included manual recovery of oil and the use of eco-friendly dispersants; excavation and bioremediation of contaminated soil; incineration of other contaminated materials; and monitored natural attenuation (MNA) to facilitate the natural breakdown of pollutants in soil and groundwater.

Trade Winds said regular monitoring and testing of both water and soil confirmed its compliance with the NRCA Revised Standards for Petroleum in Groundwater and Soil (2015).

It also pointed out that there was no evidence of any environmental damage or a “fish kill”, adding that assertions that local fishermen were unable to fish due to the incident are unfounded.

The company said it remains steadfast in its dedication to the environment and upholding the highest standards of environmental management. It reaffirmed its commitment to best practices and has intensified efforts to safeguard the Rio Cobre river and its surrounding ecosystems.

“TWCL is fully compliant with the Government of Jamaica’s recent mandate to ban any form of discharge into the Rio Cobre river. TWCL operates a NRCA-approved wastewater treatment system, which recycles all discharge for the irrigation of its crops. Recognising the challenges the government’s mandate may pose for other companies, TWCL has offered to share its wastewater disposal solution as a model for broader industry compliance,” the company said.

“In further support of environmental monitoring, TWCL has made several kilometres of its riverfront property available for NEPA to install early detection devices. These devices will provide real-time alerts for potential pollutants, reinforcing efforts to protect the Rio Cobre and its ecosystem,” it added.