News item | 20-01-2025 | 5:05 PM
The first urgent situation regarding safety and safe storage of waste at Selibon Lagun has been resolved. The containers with asbestos-containing waste have been repaired. A solution has also been found for new biomedical waste. The offal is now processed according to the correct rules. The fencing of the waste center is ready. Finally, the security of the waste center has been tightened.
In mid-November, the acting Kingdom Representative (wRv) replaced the Executive Council due to the worrying, complex and urgent situation at Selibon Lagun. After this, quick action was taken to solve the most important, practical problems at the waste center.
Asbestos-containing waste
The 19 broken containers containing asbestos-containing waste have been repaired as planned. These are located on a closed site and are equipped with locks. Newly presented asbestos-containing waste is temporarily stored in new containers until a structural solution for processing asbestos is found. The amount of storage capacity required for asbestos-containing waste is determined in close collaboration with the public body of Bonaire (OLB) and Selibon, due to OLB’s responsibility for long-term waste management.
Offal
Since January 1, 2025, new work instructions apply for the correct processing of slaughterhouse waste. Because the incinerator is not in operation, the slaughterhouse waste may be buried. This is done under strict rules for the method of packaging, the correct depth, the covering and the registration and indication of the location on the site.
Biomedical waste
Two new refrigerated containers are also being ordered to store biomedical waste before it is further processed. These containers are placed next to the (switched off) incinerator, on an (existing) concrete foundation and surrounded by a fence. The electrical installation is being adapted to supply the two refrigerated containers with power. Depending on the delivery time of the containers and the lead time of the installation inspection (by WEB), the containers will be put into use at the end of February or the beginning of March.
The options for disposal and processing of the 9 existing containers with uncooled biomedical waste are currently being investigated. Transport and processing to the Netherlands or Aruba are the most promising options.
Safety
Security on and around Selibon Lagun has been increased 24/7 and will continue. In addition to camera surveillance and surveillance, security guards also check the entrance. The entire waste center (including the recycling center, sorting stations, cardboard storage, incinerators, the waste oil station and the collection of small chemical waste) is properly fenced. There are 4 unofficial access roads around the landfill. Access gates are placed here.
Permit
The wRv has engaged a renowned Dutch engineering firm to support it in the process and assessment of Selibon’s 2022 permit application.