Solid Waste Disposal Sites Improvement

Solid Waste Disposal Sites Improvement

Since the devastating 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, progress has been made in improving the Solid Waste Disposal Site and the Irma Debris Disposal Site on Pond Island. The Sint Maarten government has worked to resolve surface and subterranean fires which have now been extinguished, allowing the sites to progress towards stabilization. The project’s focus is now on improving waste management operations and reconditioning both disposal sites. 

This activity’s main objective is to recondition and improve operations at the Solid Waste Disposal Site and ‘Irma dump’ to create a safer and more effective solid waste management system. Significant steps have already been taken, including the procurement of heavy equipment such as a waste-handling bulldozer, a front-end loader, and a solid waste compactor. These machines are able to address fire hazards and improve daily waste management. 

Strengthening Environmental Safeguards for Sustainable Waste Management 

The Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) incorporates strict environmental and social safeguards to minimize potential impacts on the environment, health, and safety. These safeguards include: 

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA): outlines the necessary environmental and social mitigation measures during the project’s execution. Read more about the ESIA here. 
• Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP):  provides contractors with the requirements for executing works following environmental and social safeguards. Access the ESMP here.
• The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP): ensures community needs are met during these activities. Visit our page to learn more on Resettlement.

Moving Forward 

As EDMP continues waste management interventions, the dump site is set to be enhanced with a number of activities. These include the installation of a weigh bridge which will enable the measurement and recording of incoming waste, providing a more accurate analysis for better waste management at the landfill. Additionally, the now vacated Resettlement Area of Impact on Pond Island where relocated people lived is set to be demolished. The demolition will create a buffer zone between the landfill and inhabited areas which will increase levels of safe waste management. There will also be an activity to remove tires from the landfill.  This will reduce the risk of fires, which can pose significant hazards ensuring better safety and compliance with environmental regulations. 

Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP)

Shipwreck Recovery and Salvaging

Metal Wreck Clean Up

Temporary Debris Storage and Reduction Facility