The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has launched a new portal for applications for Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC). The new Customer Portal for all CEC applications and payments is now live and is available to all CEC applicants.
The EMA therefore has indicated that the paper-based CEC applications will no longer be accepted.
This launch comes after the completion of a successful pilot project together with the Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFC) and the Emerging Services and Innovation (ES&I) Division.
According to the EMA, the portal eliminates previous paper-based CEC applications (such as CEC Application Form A and the Pre-screening Form), aligning with the EMA’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026) and the environmental priority of facilitating business transactions, as outlined in the National Environmental Policy, 2018. Additionally, this system eliminates the task of physically dropping one’s application at a drop-box in your regional Town and Country Planning Division office.
Other changes now implemented with the new EMA CEC Customer Portal:
• The now-digitised CEC application includes drop-down boxes of answers, making it easier for clients to complete their forms.
• The signature page on Form A has been redesigned to allow digital signatures, in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act, Chapter 22:05.
• Payment for all CEC applications will now be processed via ePay with the use of debit/credit cards as the preferred payment method. If unable to use ePay, Republic Bank Limited (RBL) is the alternative. Payment via the First Citizens Bank Account is no longer available.
• The EMA CEC Customer Portal is now to be used for the submission of all 44 CEC Designated Activities.