Football stadium to be used as shelter from garbage fumes
The second fire at the city dump site continues to emanate toxic smoke which, depending on the wind, spreads into the city, much to the chagrin of residents who have to endure this nuisance. There is still no time frame as to when the fire is expected to be completely extinguished, but at a late press conference at the City Hall, Councillor responsible for Garbage Collection, Phillip Willoughby, said they are looking into ways of permanently eliminating the problem. The toxic fumes can be a source of serious health risks for children and residents who are asthmatic or may suffer from respiratory illness. But CitCo has a plan that may be better for sports enthusiasts than for those sickened by the toxic fumes. The M.C.C. Grounds is being offered as a place of refuge for times when the toxic smoke is at its worst. The stadium is an open field near the Princess Hotel that is not well known for an ability to filter out toxic fumes, but at a press conference staged at City Hall, Epidemiologist, Dr. Paul Edwards, briefed the media on the possible use of the dorms at the M.C.C. Grounds.
Dr. Paul Edwards, Epidemiologist
“The decision was made to look at the M.C.C. Grounds. Various factors were taken into account; it’s accessibility from where people who are affected are now living at and how to get there, knowing that is in front of the sea where there will be some good ventilation, as well as it would not interrupt any other activity—let’s say going to a shelter, which was a school as such. So those are some of the vital criteria thought about in relation to identifying the place. We must remember that it is not mandatory evacuation; it is voluntary whereby if the smoke becomes so thick, those individuals can have a place of refuge, or relief or a sanctuary to get away from that exposition. So it is something that will be temporary. We don’t want anybody to get the idea that it opens, lets say, this evening and you will be displaced permanently. You go and you spend overnight or for the next week or two or however long it takes for this problem to be resolved. That is not the intention. We know the smoke and inhaling the smoke will present various things including headache, irritation of the eyes, runny nose, irritation of the sinuses, some cough, some scratchy throat and those are the things for short exposure, medium to long term individuals will present.”
Phillip Willoughby, Councillor Responsible for Garbage Collection
“There are new rules and guidelines as to the operation of the daily activities at the dump site. Individuals, who would be named as permitted persons will fill out a form at the drive up and they will be issued a visitors pass. This includes both the persons who filter through the garbage itself as well as the persons who will go and dispose of their waste within the dump site. This will be managed by, I believe, six persons who will then be operating and managing the dump site.”
It is not yet confirmed, but the City Council may now look at the option of dredging at the site, if current efforts are not successful.
