Road Town, Tortola - The Solid Waste Department and the Environmental Health Division are collaborating to implement strategies to combat the problem of waste oil on Tortola.
Officials from the two departments met on Tuesday, March 23 to discuss the issues concerning the illegal dumping of commercial waste oil around residential bins.
Solid Waste Manager, Mr. Anlsem Myers revealed that “Proprietors of food establishments and vehicle repair shops continue to place gallons of commercial waste oil around residential bins.” He further stated that “Upon investigation in some cases, owners simply do not know that waste oil should not be placed inside of bins. In other instances proprietors are aware but refuse to comply with the law.”
Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Carnel Smith said, “The Environmental Health Division is pleased to collaborate with the Solid Waste Department since the improper disposal of waste oil has an enormous negative impact on the environment as well as the health of the community.”
As part of the collaborative efforts, the Environmental Health Division has agreed to conduct spot checks to investigate the waste oil disposal process at restaurants near locations identified as waste oil hot spots. Additionally they will include waste oil reminder cards and posters in the registration packages for food establishments. These items which can be prominently displayed in work areas, will contain information advising owners to dispose of their waste oil at the incinerator plant in Pockwood Pond.
Furthermore, as part of its waste oil education program, the Solid Waste Department will continue to conduct individual visits with proprietors and vehicle repair shop operators to reinforce the importance of transporting their waste oil to the incinerator plant.
Waste Education Officer, Ms. Nadia James-Lord explained that “The problems caused by waste oil are two-fold. From an environmental perspective, waste oil is hazardous waste and must be carefully disposed of and from a road safety perspective, oil spills increase the chances for vehicular accidents to occur.”
According to Solid Waste Officer, Mr. Paul Dias, “We are seeing more instances where waste oil is placed around residential dumpsters in uncovered containers and can easily spill onto the road.” He added, “Oil spills pose a grave danger to the safety of motorists, since they are virtually helpless when forced to stop suddenly on roadways drenched with oil. This action can inevitably cause serious injuries.”
The Solid Waste Department reminds all commercial businesses that use any form of oil in their operations to store their waste oil in tightly sealed containers and transport them safely to the incinerator plant. Drivers are also advised to use caution during transportation to avoid the spillage of any oil onto the roads or the containers falling from the vehicles.
The Solid Waste Department is the Government agency responsible for the collection and disposal of community solid waste, as well as the promotion of proper waste disposal practices.
British Virgin Islands News