The National Council on Ocean and Coastal Zone Management (NCOCZM) during its 133rd meeting on 18th September 2018 expressed its full support for the Government’s recent announcement of the imminent ban on single use plastic bags, straws and styrofoam.

The multi-agency Council, chaired by Senator the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, is tasked with, among other things, formulating marine sector policies and sensitizing the public to the importance of the marine sector to the sustainable development of Jamaica.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has received a report of damage to the main sewerage network traversing Seaview Gardens. This has resulted in the release of untreated sewage into the environment. The NEPA technical team is investigating the report.

In the interim, the public is being reminded to take precautions and stay away from the area, as raw/untreated sewage may pose a threat should persons become exposed to it.

The operators of the sewerage system have been instructed to have the damaged sewer line repaired within twenty-four hours.

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will partner to clean up Hellshire Bay Beach in Portmore St. Catherine on Saturday, September 15, 2018, in commemoration of the 33rd staging of International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICCD).

The island’s largest one-day volunteer event will be hosted under the theme "Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica." It is anticipated to rival the 2017 UDC/NEPA clean-up, which saw a record number of volunteers totalling 1089 persons - who collected 229 bags of trash weighing 1145.1 kilograms.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising the public to exercise extreme caution in areas close to swamps, rivers, gullies and other known crocodile habitats, as the animals are likely to be displaced during the heavy rains.

NEPA is urging the public to report crocodile sightings by calling the Agency at 876-754-7540 or toll-free 888-991-5005. Individuals may also call 119 or make a report to the nearest police station.