First urgent problems at Selibon Lagun resolved
The first urgent issues regarding safety and the safe storage of waste at Selibon Lagun have been resolved. The containers with asbestos-containing waste have been repaired. A solution has also been found for new biomedical waste. Offal is now being processed according to the correct regulations. The fencing of the waste centre is complete. Finally, the security of the waste centre has been tightened.
In mid-November, the acting Kingdom representative (wRv) replaced the Executive Council due to the concerning, complex, and urgent situation at Selibon Lagun. Following this, swift action was taken to resolve the main practical issues at the waste centre.
Asbestos-containing waste
According to the plan, the 19 damaged containers with asbestos-containing waste have been repaired. These are located on a secured site and are equipped with locks. Newly offered asbestos-containing waste is temporarily stored in new containers until a permanent solution for processing asbestos is found. The amount of storage capacity needed for asbestos-containing waste will be determined in close cooperation with the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) and Selibon, due to OLB’s responsibility for long-term waste management.
Offal
Since the 1st of January 2025, new work instructions apply for the correct processing of offal. Since the incinerator is not in operation, offal may be buried. This is done under strict regulations regarding the packaging method, the correct depth, covering and the registration and marking of the location on the site.
Biomedical waste
Two new cooling containers are also being ordered to store biomedical waste before it is further processed. These containers will be placed next to the (out of operation) incinerator, on an (existing) concrete foundation and fenced in with a gate. The electrical installation will be adjusted to supply power to the two cooling containers. Depending on the delivery time of the containers and the inspection duration of the installation (by WEB), the containers are expected to be in use by the end of February or early March.
The options for the 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 at and around Selibon Lagun has been increased 24/7 and will continue. In addition to surveillance cameras and patrols, security guards also monitor the entrance. The entire waste centre (including the recycling station, sorting stations, cardboard storage, incineration facilities, the waste oil station and the collection of small chemical waste) is equipped with a proper fence. There are still 4 unofficial access roads around the landfill. Access gates will be installed here.
Permit
The acting Kingdom representative (wRv) has engaged a reputable Dutch engineering firm to assist him in the process and evaluation of the permit application from Selibon in 2022.