July 26, 2004 – Department of Public Works Commissioner Wayne D. Callwood informed St. Croix residents that the smoldering at the Anguilla landfill, which began over the weekend, is under control.
"Several smoke vents opened up on the northwestern perimeter of the landfill late Friday afternoon. The landfill Contractor Fergustrax and Public Works Solid Waste personnel evaluated and monitored the situation over the weekend. The areas were continually covered with fill to prevent flare-ups, but the smoldering continues. We anticipate there will be active smoke vents for the next few days and will continue to closely observe the area," Callwood said in a press release Monday.
The commissioner said that a perimeter road with a firewall has been cut adjacent to the landfill to prevent damaging the neighboring mangroves. Heavy equipment has been re-assigned to the site to provide continuous coverage.
In the release, the commissioner advises all residents with susceptible immune systems to avoid the landfill during this time. The smoke is not heavy enough to affect dramatically conditions at the Henry E. Rohlson Airport or the surrounding areas. The landfill has discontinued accepting scrap metal and green waste until Thursday.
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