Dr Michelmore On Tynes Bay Waste Facility
[Written by Dr Katherine Michelmore, BDA Deputy Leader and Spokesperson on the Environment]
There have been a number of articles in the local press recently regarding planned refurbishment of the Tynes Bay Incinerator. Trash has been temporarily stored in bales at Morgan’s point due to the inability of the waste facility to process the country’s refuse. The need to store baled waste had been anticipated, but was required to begin earlier than planned. Reflection on this situation leads us to question exactly how we have come to this point, where tons of domestic waste must be stored above ground and in public view from the waterfront?
Review of the Tynes Bay Waste Facility history indicates that this problem could indeed have been anticipated, and in fact has been a long time in the making. When the facility was opened in 1994 it was anticipated that one “stream” would be sufficient to handle most of Bermuda’s waste, and that the second stream would provide extra capacity to enable the first stream to be shut down for maintenance and repair. It soon became apparent however that the island’s waste production was in excess of the expected levels, and by 1998 both streams were functioning at full capacity and subject to significant wear and tear.
So we must ask, why has this situation been allowed to continue to 2010? Back in 2001, Minister Eugene Cox indicated in his budget speech that, “In the near future, it will be necessary to start building a fund to replace the incinerator — whose remaining useful life is fairly short.” Works and Engineering Minister at the time, the Hon. Alex Scott commented on the increase in waste production and stated, “it would be prudent for his Ministry to assess the island’s increased waste, as well as the wear and tear of the facility, and assess the future direction of waste disposal on the Island.” However it was not till six years later, in 2007, that the Government announced plans to develop a third output centre at Tynes Bay. Now in 2010, Minister Derrick Burgess has informed the public that a third stream cannot be built due to lack of funds and is postponed till 2011.
The Bermuda Democratic Alliance would suggest that necessary decisions have been delayed for too long, and that appropriate priority has not been given to the Tynes Bay Waste Facility during the years of buoyant economy. It was clear from 1998 that without a “spare stream”, essential maintenance could not be carried out to required levels, and the facility would be subject to excessive wear and tear, and eventual failure. Our waste production has grown significantly over the years, and although limited recycling is available, there has been no legislation enacted to make recycling mandatory as has been enacted in other “greener” jurisdictions. Mandatory recycling was in fact recommended as early as 1993, by Mr. Timothy Marshall, who was chairman of the National Trust’s environmental committee at the time.
The Tynes Bay Waste Facility situation is just one reflection of the problems that we face when we fail to plan for the future, and when we give environmental concerns low priority. All of us in Bermuda should be looking to reduce waste production, increase recycling, and increase use of green technologies. This is a Better Way.
Read More About
Category: All, Environment, News
