We are greatly concerned about the open pit burning at the dump at Pockwood Pond and the toxic-chemical-laden air that continues to drift over the West End of Tortola. This was a matter that we thought had been put to rest when the new incinerator came online 18 months ago. But unfortunately the commissioning of the incinerator has only masked the problem of open pit burning, which continues.
When we have inquired about the burning, we have been told that this is out of the control of the staff at the dump because the garbage, which has been piled deep and high, self-ignites. It seems that part of this problem could be alleviated by separating out wood waste, including from landscaping, from the general garbage, but even so garbage disposal at the dump needs to be better regulated. In the end, there can be no excuse for the continuation of open pit burning, unintentional or not.
Of equal concern is that a “scrubber” has not been installed, so even when the incinerator is operating, the chemicals in the burning refuse (including batteries, tyres, plastics and medical wastes — many containing heavy metals and known carcinogens) still escape into the atmosphere. We have been told that a scrubber is on order, but the processing has been delayed while new specifications are considered, and currently there is no date for shipping or installation on the horizon.
The health hazards of open pit burning are well known. This letter is a plea to the government officials to take their responsibility for the health of its citizens seriously and to move the installation of a scrubber and the cessation of open pit burning higher up their list of priorities. This situation is not only a shame on the island, but poses a grave danger to its inhabitants.
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