The Department of Waste Management will be enhancing security measures at the Pockwood Pond dumpsite after one of the two most recent major fires has been linked to the actions of copper thieves.
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon Penn made that disclosure during Thursday’s sitting of the House of Assembly in his update to the public.
It was in relation to fires that occurred on the evening of May 16 and the morning of May 22.
He said, “Fortunately, no one was injured nor were there any damages to public or private equipment on site. I am sadly aware, however, that smoke from the fires may have been a source of discomfort to residents on the western side of Tortola.”
“While the exact cause of the dumpsite fire that occurred on the 16th of May has not been established, the Department of Waste Management has uncovered evidence of persons illegally accessing the dumpsite after hours and using blowtorches or similar devices to retrieve copper and other metals from discarded items. Given the high concentrations of methane gas on-site, any form of intense heat applied in close proximity increases the likelihood of fires erupting,” Penn further explained.
Security measures to be enhanced.
Minister Penn appealed to those persons involved in such acts to cease and desist at once, adding that measures will be taken to boost security measures at the facility to prevent further similar instances.
“Your actions are not only detrimental to safe operations at the dumpsite but also have a damaging impact on the wider community. Addressing this issue also requires a more proactive approach,” he stated.
“I will therefore be seeking additional resources to put towards enhanced security measures, such as reinstalling security cameras throughout the property and providing security guard coverage after operating hours,” he added.
Second fire caused by spontaneous combustion
Meanwhile, the minister also revealed that the second fire was caused by spontaneous combustion at the site.
He said to minimize such incidents from reoccurring, measures will be taken to increase daily supervision at the Pockwood Pond facility.
“Turning to the fire that occurred on the 22nd of May, the Department of Waste Management has determined that it resulted from spontaneous combustion when garbage delivered to the site that had not yet been processed, became ignited by hotspots smoldering underground,” he revealed.
“In order to reduce the incidence of spontaneous combustion at the dumpsite, I am seeking additional resources to meet the need for adequate daily supervision of the operations on site. We are also seeking to divert a larger volume of combustible materials from the waste stream by expanding our recycling programmes in collaboration with Green VI and other partners,” Penn explained.
The minister also reminded residents that the solid waste disposal facility at Pockwood Pond is open to the public daily from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
He said only operators contracted by the Government to collect residential waste will be allowed to enter the facility after 4:00 p.m.