More Areas to be Covered Today at Riverton Disposal Site

Another 30 to 35 acres of the Riverton Disposal Site are expected to be covered today (March 16), as the authorities continue to make efforts to contain the fire.

During a tour of the site today, Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Jennifer Edwards, informed that almost 30 acres of the site have already been smothered.

Mrs. Edwards said that soil is being purchased and transported from two quarries in close proximity to the site and is being used as cover material.

“We also utilise water that is taken from the Duhaney river…to cool down the area that has been suppressed by the soil, so that if there is any remaining heat underneath, then the water will be able to cool that down as soon as possible,” Mrs. Edwards explained.

In the meantime, Mrs. Edwards said the team on site continues to be hampered by the low visibility at some sections of the site due to the effects of the wind and smoke.

The NSWMA boss explained that the disposal site has been separated and the team continues to work on reaching the other sections of the site, particularly the back that is still burning.

She said the NSWMA is comfortable with the security arrangements at the site now; however, the disposal site is a large area to manage and to monitor and will pose some challenges at times.

“But, we want to ensure our Jamaican citizens, and persons working on the site, that we do have soldiers, security persons and private security working on the site,” Mrs. Edwards said.