GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 - The Environmental Enhancement Committee (EEC) is a public and private partnership of various community stakeholders, who are determined to enhance public awareness regarding environmental issues and promote remedial activities. Environmental considerations about the storage and disposal of solid waste are of paramount importance, as the associated implications are adverse and far-reaching.
Improper storage and disposal of solid waste represents a threat to the environmental and public health and, appropriate interventions should be utilized to stem these practices. Individual and community health are linked to environmental conditions, which underscores the need for a concerted and sustained approach to environmental protection.
The environment plays a critical role in the fishing and tourism industries, as solid waste disposal may adversely impact aquatic ecosystems and its inhabitants, or create aesthetically displeasing surroundings. Furthermore, indiscriminate solid waste disposal could see an increase in flooding if the drainage canals are blocked.
The upcoming hurricane season should encourage preparations, including the removal and proper disposal of solid waste. Objects, such as zinc and ply wood, may become missiles in the event of high wind speeds and their removal from residence should be given a high priority. Special concession will be made for this exercise, such the provision of heavy equipment to collect and dispose of bulk waste.
Improper solid waste disposal is attributed to a range of other consequences and is associated with the production of greenhouse gases which fuel climate change. Increasing demand for goods means an increment in the energy used to produce them. The energy which typically drives production is acquired via burning fossil fuels, thereby directly or indirectly liberating gases that trap the energy from the sun. The capture of the sun’s heat and consequent increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere is called the greenhouse effect and is the driving force behind climate change.
In light of these factors, an Environmental Enhancement Day is slated for Saturday June 6, 2009 in Grand Turk. However, individuals are strongly urged to clean premises in stages to facilitate efficient collections. Residents are expected to collect and properly secure most of solid waste from their properties in the days prior to the actual cleans up. This waste will then be collected on a scheduled basis, where each community is given a collection date.
Waste should be separated based on type, as regular equipment cannot process all types of waste effectively, such as ply and metal scraps. The segregated solid waste should be placed inside the property but close to the outer boundary to allow for accessibility. Please refrain from placing waste in areas where it may obstruct roadways or on vacant lots.
Persons are strongly urged to take opportunity of this specialized service, which will incorporate the use of heavy equipment along with regular solid waste collection, as the Environmental Health Department will be enforcing the legislation pertaining to solid waste.
The environment is a precious and fragile system that has the ability to influence health. Let us all do our part to protect it!
The community specific collection schedule before the Environmental Enhancement day in Grand Turk schedule is as follows:
- Saturday May 30, 2009-West Road and Hospital Road
- Monday June 1, 2009-North Creek and Quarry
- Tuesday June 2, 2009-Overback
- Wednesday June 3, 2009-North Backsalina
- Thursday June 4, 2009-South Backsalina
- Friday June 5, 2009-Nookie Hill and Breezy Brae
- June 6, 2009-Lighthouse and final collection in all areas
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