Power of Minister to designate controlled area, wastes

(1) Where the Minister is satisfied that the licensing of– (a) the discharge of wastes into, or the depositing of such wastes on; (i) any land; (ii) any sewer or drain, whether or not the sewer or drain is vested in the licensee; (iii) any bore; or (iv) any water or watercourse, in any area of Belize, hereinafter referred to as “water quality control area”; (b) wastes or classes of wastes, by reason of their polluting or being likely to pollute water, if such wastes are discharged into, or deposited on– (i) any land; (ii) any sewer or drain, whether or not the sewer or drain is vested in the licensee; (iii) any bore; or (iv) any water or watercourse, hereinafter referred to as “controlled waste” or “controlled class of wastes” as the case may be; or 78 (c) a combination of both (a) and (b) of this sub- section, is necessary to protect the quality of water resources he may, by Order, declare the area, waste or class of wastes as a controlled water quality area, or controlled waste or controlled class of wastes, as the case may be. (2) In exercising his authority under sub-section (1), the Minister shall have regard to the factors listed in section 58 (2), and to the necessity of protecting the health of the public and the requirements of established and intended uses of water resources, including protection of the fauna and flora of waters and watercourses; and he shall also have regard to the desirability of protecting and enhancing scenic and environmental values. (3) In exercising his authority under this section, the Minister responsible for the environment shall, where necessary, consult with the Minister and any other relevant person, body or organisation or require any such person, body or organisation to conduct any necessary research, or studies to obtain data to enable the Minister responsible for the environment to make an informed decision on the issue.