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A release from the Environmental Management Authority says the particles in the air at the Beetham Landfill are 13 times the limit of the air pollution rules. The release also states that: “The test conducted in Downtown Port of Spain revealed readings more than 10 times the limit, and the test conducted near the Foreshore (the test site furthest from the source) revealed readings more than twice the limit.”
Here is the Full Media Release: #EMA Conducts Air Quality Monitoring in Response to #Beetham Landfill fires (29/1/14)
On Monday 27th January 2014, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) responded to the fires at the Beetham Landfill operated by the Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL). An EMA team was dispatched to monitor the air quality as a result of thick smoke emerging from the landfill which engulfed a significant area in and around the capital city. The team was accompanied by representatives from SMWCOL and the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation.
Air quality tests were conducted on Monday 27th January 2014 at three sites near Sea Lots, Downtown Port of Spain and near the Foreshore. The air quality tests measured the amounts of particulates in the air. Particulates refer to particles suspended in the atmosphere, and can remain suspended for long periods where they are a key component of air pollution and smog. Particulates affect the environment as it contributes to greenhouse gases, and affects human health as they can easily reach the deepest recesses of the lungs leading to respiratory ailments according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Readings for the total volume of particulates in the air were measured against the standards outlined in the Draft Air Pollution Rules (APR) (2013) by the EMA.
The test conducted at the site closest to the source of the smoke near Sea Lots revealed that the particulates present in the atmosphere were more than 13 times the limit of the Draft APR. The test conducted in Downtown Port of Spain revealed readings more than 10 times the limit, and the test conducted near the Foreshore (the test site furthest from the source) revealed readings more than twice the limit.
Based on the above readings, the EMA expresses grave concern for the impact of the particulates on human health as the readings are well above the acceptable standard of 150 µg/m³/24 hr, and will continue its air quality monitoring with tests until levels have normalised. The EMA continues to work closely with the partnering state agencies to alleviate environmental impacts caused by these fires. Chairman of the EMA Dr. Allan Bachan lamented that this most unfortunate incident is of serious concern to the Authority, and that the EMA will adopt the necessary measures within its jurisdiction to alleviate this problem. -END-
what happens if the kids live in POS?Soul Collector wrote:Star 94 page, some schools out early
The Ministry of Education has given permission to schools in Port of Spain to dismiss classes early today, due to the smoke that is continuing its drift through the capital.
Meanwhile, SWMCOL would like the public to know that the smoke in the city is not as a result of new fires but rather a change in wind directions.
The following are the schools for which leave has been approved:
Success/Laventille Secondary School
Queen's Royal College
St. Joseph Convent POS
Tranquility Government Secondary School
St. Roses Girls' Primary School
Rosary Boys Primary School
Beetham Estate Primary School
Bethlehem Girls' Primary School
Bethlehem Boys Primary School
St. Philips Government Primary School
Sacred Heart Girls Primary School
Sacred Boys Primary School
Eastern Girls Primary School
St. Hildas Government Primary School
St. Ursulas A.C. Primary School
Moulton Hall Methodist Primary School
zoom rader wrote:Awaits for pnm public servants blawing for day off
turbosingh wrote:If they cancelled D/W for crime reasons then they should stop people from entering POS!
JoKeR1980 wrote:ah sellin face massssssssk
Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources - MEWR Trinidad & Tobago
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE EMA AND SWMCOL: Update on Beetham Landfill Fires Date – 29/1/2014
The Environmental Management Authority met with the Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL) this morning to assess the current issue regarding the Beetham Landfill fires, and issue a joint statement on the matter. The EMA has received from SWMCOL a report on the state of the fires which suggests that the fires were not spontaneous but man made in nature. Through surveillance of the area, Dr. Allan Bachan Chairman of the EMA, has advised that based on our meeting with SWMCOL it was jointly agreed that the Beetham Landfill Site, be closed. Ms Nalini Sooklal, Chairperson of SWMCOL confirmed this and indicated that arrangements have been made to redirect regular operations to the other landfill sites at Forres Park and Guanapo in order to assist in bringing the situation under control in the shortest possible time. We embrace the mandate of the EMA and will rely on their competence in providing the results of their findings to the necessary national bodies for deliberation and decision as to the course of action necessary, said Ms. Sooklal.
The EMA confirms that on Monday January 27, 2014, air quality tests were conducted at three sites yesterday near Sea Lots, Downtown Port of Spain and near the Foreshore. The air quality tests measured the amounts of particulates in the air. Particulates refer to particles suspended in the atmosphere, and can remain suspended for long periods where they are a key component of air pollution and smog. Particulates affect the environment as it contributes to greenhouse gases, and affects human health as they can they easily reach the deepest recesses of the lungs leading to respiratory ailments according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Readings for the total volume of particulates in the air were measured against the standards outlined in the Draft Air Pollution Rules (APR) (2013) by the EMA.
The EMA further advises that the issue of public health is of grave concern to the Authority, and the air quality test conducted on Monday January 27, 2014 at the site closest to the source of the smoke near Sea Lots revealed that the particulates present in the atmosphere were more than 13 times the limit of the Draft APR. The test conducted in Downtown Port of Spain revealed readings more than 10 times the limit, and the test conducted near the Foreshore (the test site furthest from the source) revealed readings more than twice the limit.
Today additional air quality tests were conducted at St. Clair, around the Queens Park Savannah, Movie Towne and at the Brian Lara Promenade. The results revealed that the air quality has returned to normalcy within the Port of Spain area. Dr. Bachan indicated that the wind factor is currently favourable for Port of Spain and the environs. Current surveillance of the area suggests that the smoke, coupled with the fluctuating wind direction is impacting areas surrounding the Beetham landfill only. Dr. Bachan confirmed that the wind is directing the smoke off into the sea and high ambient air quality levels are documented only at the Beetham at this time. Ms. Sooklal said that, “At present, we wish to advise that there is one area of the landfill that is still on fire and we continue to work assiduously in dealing with this area despite the prevailing wind conditions which has brought a resurgence of smoke into the capital city and environs.”
Ms. Sooklal further advised that SWMCOL has, from the onset, been working collaboratively with the EMA to monitor the impacts of these fires on the ambient air quality in the affected areas. We continue to collaborate with the EMA and will be guided accordingly by their recommendations. “We continue to apologise to the national community for the inconvenience and adverse consequences of these fires. SWMCOL also wishes to advise motorists to exercise caution on the roadways as the resultant smoke has impaired visibility,” said Ms. Sooklal. The EMA will continue conducting regular air quality monitoring tests and will issue further statements as the need arises and advise the public accordingly. Dr. Bachan wishes to the advise the public that they should remain calm at this time. “We will continue coordinate with relevant state agencies and monitor the situation. We will continue to conduct regular air quality tests and would advise the public on further updates as necessary, said Dr. Bachan. END
Bareback wrote:OWTU is going to blame Petrotrin and shut down the Bond. Thus gas shortage is eminent.
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