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Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesALL'S STILL UNWELL AT BOVONI DUMP

ALL'S STILL UNWELL AT BOVONI DUMP

Nothing has changed at the Bovoni landfill, but Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg says he will continue to hold meetings every six to eight weeks until it does.
A public hearing Monday night on the ongoing problems at the Bovoni dump revealed that underground fires still smolder near hazardous materials while the fumes, dust, insects and rodents that the landfill attracts remain serious concerns.
Siewdath Sookram, president of S & S Services Corp., the company that provides services at the Bovoni landfill, said if he is not paid soon, there will be another walkout.
Sookram, who claims he is owed $2 million by the V.I. government, has still not received a payment. (See story below, Unpaid Workers Still at Landfill.)
Harold Thompson Jr., acting commissioner of Public Works, said if S & S walked out, Public Works would implement an emergency plan and hire someone else to do the work, according to Tuesday's Daily News.
Thompson pointed out there hadn't been a flare up from the underground fires at the dump in two years. But he also said that was because of the 6 inches of fill material used daily to cover the garbage, a practice that would render the dump unusable in about three years, according to Thompson.
Thompson admitted Public Works has no real plan about how to close the dump and nothing in place to develop a new solid waste plan.
Thompson blamed the lack of progress on an understaffed department, budgetary shortfalls and the new administration's limited time on the job.
Requests for proposals will be sent out shortly, Thompson said, to solicit bids for a comprehensive waste plan.
Concerns about respiratory problems stemming from fires at the dump prompted the Health Department to open a special respiratory division at the East End Clinic in 1997. Dr. Audria A. Thomas, acting district health officer, said since the fires last erupted in October 1997, the clinic has treated about 100 Bovoni area residents of all ages and 20 firefighters who fought the dump fires.
Thomas said symptoms range from asthma and allergies to itchy, watery eyes, nasal symptoms and skin problems. She said the caseload at the clinic has decreased since the fires at the dump have been brought under control.
Immediate measures recommended by Public Works would include finding a source of water to fight fires, implementing dust-control measures and properly securing the area with fences and gates.
Donastorg urged the responsible officials to see that these and other measures are implemented in order to improve conditions in both the long and short terms. He pledged to hold meetings with those in charge of managing solid waste every six to eight weeks until significant progress was made at the landfill.
"I hope you leave here with renewed vigor for resolving this issue," Donastorg told officials. "We have a long way to go and I am going to make sure we get there."

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