St James Health Dept probing water contamination concerns
Published:Monday | July 3, 2023 | 12:13 AMMark Titus/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE ST James Health Department has launched an investigation into reports that wastewater from the Retirement landfill in the parish could be contaminating water sources that serve residents of Pitfour, Granville, and adjoining communities.
Councillor Michael Troupe, who represents the Granville division in the St James Municipal Corporation, said it is a long-standing problem, although several other officials denied being aware of any instance of contamination.
“Now that the rain is falling, all the seepage is now running from the Retirement dump into the river and into the main stream,” Troupe told The Gleaner. “If you check the records of the municipal corporation, this is an issue I speak about every year.”
St James Health Services Parish Manager Lennox Wallace said there has never been an occurrence of contamination, but he has, nevertheless, dispatched a team to investigate the claims.
The Retirement landfill has been a source of discontent in the parish as frequent fires at the facility have result in sections of Montego Bay and surrounding communities being blanketed by residual smoke over several days, affecting residents with respiratory issues and other health challenges.
Member of Parliament Marlene Malahoo Forte, in whose St James West Central constituency the landfill is located, said she is unaware of any water-contamination concern in the area.
“I am only aware of the issues on the overall regulation of the site and the health concerns when the dump is lit,” she told The Gleaner.
When contacted, Dramaine Jones, acting regional operations manager at Western Parks and Markets Waste Management Limited, which is the western arm of the National Solid Waste Management Authority, said that while he is aware of Troupe’s concern, he would prefer to make a site visit during the heavy rains to do an assessment and validate the claims.
“I will not say it is not so until we have investigated the situation,” he told The Gleaner, “but it would be unusual because we have a proven system in place and I have not received any such report from my site manager.”
Install of cameras
Jones said that he will also be reaching out to Troupe for his assistance in identifying any affected water source.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the controversial landfill would be relocated to lands that have been identified. When asked for an update on such plans, Malahoo Forte said that the Ministry of Local Government is managing the process.
But Troupe believes a relocation is all talk.
Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Oral Heaven is in support of a relocation, but is calling for the installation of cameras and security systems to prevent intentional fires.
“By having surveillance in place, it will act as a deterrent and help identify those responsible for such actions,” Heaven said. “The well-being and comfort of the community should be a top priority, and taking proactive steps like these can greatly contribute to resolving the issue of smoke spreading from the Retirement dump.”