TCI News Now!

The long standing problem of pollutants emitted from the Providenciales dump site has reappeared, as acrid smoke from numerous small fires has drawn complaints from residents and attention to a recently released expert report.

The cleanup of the growing dump site was assigned to former deputy premier Royal Robinson as early as 2003; however, while the possibility of hauling away the refuse on barges was discussed, no action was ever taken by the then Progressive National Party (PNP) government

In the meantime, a report from expert Dr Pierre Auger of the Pan American Health Association, who conducted a survey of Provo’s dump seven months ago, has just been released by the interim government.

It is believed that financially deprived scroungers looking for copper wire are at least in part responsible for the fires that are causing the choking smoke, which Auger says is dangerous to young and old alike. Auger has also cautioned about contaminants getting into the ground water.

A new problem soon to emerge may be the proliferation of the new CFL type light bulbs being promoted as a power saving device. These devices contain a serious pollutant -- the liquid metal mercury -- which cannot be incinerated or dissolved and is known for entering the marine environment and fish stocks. Mercury can be injurious to children and the unborn.

Reads: 1275


Tweet