PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Part of the landfill on Pond Island is on fire. Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), would like to inform the waste disposal companies that the landfill is currently closed.
Ministry VROMI on Sunday was working on a temporary waste disposal area at the landfill to ensure that household garbage can be continuously picked up according to the schedules of the waste haulage companies. Additional information with respect to this will be released via the media.
The Fire Department in a follow-up to an initial notice by the Police Department issued early Sunday morning around 2.00am, reiterates to residents living downwind in the Philipsburg area and surrounding neighborhoods from the landfill smoke, should close windows and doors.
This advisory is especially for persons who have a respiratory challenge such as asthma or shortness of breath.
The Fire Department along with Ministry VROMI has been working for a number of hours to contain the fire at the landfill on Pond Island.
The Fire Department will continue to monitor the situation and request the nearby communities to follow the aforementioned advice while smoke continues to impact nearby communities.
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/30694-landfill-fire-old-landfill-closed-for-waste-disposal-reminder-persons-with-respiratory-challenges-advised-to-close-windows-and-doors.html
