Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority commissions new tirebaler

Discarded tires on Nevis will soon be put to use thanks to a new Encore Systems Tirebaler at the Long Point Landfill. The US $60, 000 piece of new equipment sponsored by the Canada Fund and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) was just commissioned by Nevisian Minister of Health Hon. Hensley Daniel.

The tirebaler was accessed through a collaborative partnership conceived by the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority with the assistance of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society who contacted the Canada Fund. The Four Seasons Resorts Estates provided transportation and paid the freight from Miami to Nevis.

Minister Daniel referred to the partnership as a move embraced by the NIA, who had endeavoured to marry its resources with that of the community, the corporate community and civic organizations to develop the island.

He said ultimately, all who lived on Nevis should have a solid interest to ensure that the island was esthetically appealing particularly as tourism was a mainstay of the island's economy.

"When we market the country we don't just sell a villa, we sell environment. In selling the environment we need to know that we are selling a safe and secure environment which is healthy.

"So if we are going to continue to make the island attractive to visitors and high end visitors in particular we have to promote this kind of partnership," he said.

The Minister said it was important to bear in mind that the tirebaler came at a time when there was an increase in the number of vehicles on Nevis and the incidence of abandoned tires was up.

He explained that the new equipment which also had the ability to compress plastic and cardboard material would help to eradicate breeding grounds for mosquitoes and also provide the opportunity for the Authority to engage others who were involved in recycling and as such extend the life of the landfill.

Manager of the Authority Ms. Carlyn Lawrence indicated that the need for a tire baler was realized in 2007 but there had been many setbacks. However, the Authority had planned to use the baled tires on local soil erosion projects and also to divert the waste for recycling.

Not withstanding, she described as another excellent benefit, the elimination of a mosquito habitat for breeding because baled tires could not catch water.

Ms. Lawrence thanked all those who made it possible for making the tire baler available to the Authority.

Other remarks came from Executive Director of the NHCS Mr. John Guilbert, General Manager of the Four Seasons Resorts Estates Ms. Martha Isbister and Mr. Dick Charlebois of Encore Systems in Minnesota.

Three tons of trash collected by group "Keep Bermuda Beautiful"in just two days

More than 100 people congregated at 18 points across Bermuda recently, collecting more than three tons of trash dumped on the island.

It was part of a global marine clean up mission coordinated by Ocean Conservancy, which saw close to half a million people take to the oceans and the shores to collect the mess tossed away by members of disposable societies the world over.

The volunteers from environmental organization Keep Bermuda Beautiful were out in force at sites including Jew's Bay, Mangrove Bay and Shelly Bay. As they collected trash they filled out data cards which will continue to be collected after future clean ups until the middle of October to get an idea of what Bermudians are throwing away into the environment and how the island compares to other countries.

Feedback will be given to manufacturers and waste disposal organisations about how their waste is taken care of and how we can find solutions for Bermuda; one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

According to KBB Executive Director Richard Lathan one of the main causes of pollution in Bermuda is the casual throwing away of rubbish by people in the streets and on the beaches. Fly tipping is also a major problem on the island despite a forward-thinking government scheme to collect larger household goods for free.

The fly tipping hotspots in Bermuda include Lodge Point Lane in Somerset, Vesey Street in Devonshire, the railway trail at Southampton and a new site called Aoelia Drive opposite the entrance to Tynes Bay.

Mr. Lathan said that up to 80 per cent of the household goods found by KBB could have been collected through the government scheme but that bizarrely Bermudian people are not taking advantage of it tending to pay private companies to do the work. Mr. Lathan suspects that these very companies might have a hand in the fly tipping itself.

"If you pay to have something removed from your house it might wind up elsewhere or just being dumped back into the environment," he explained. "We have reason to believe that some of these private companies may be involved and we'd like to expose some of them. There are a couple of plans in the works and one suggestion is to video certain sites.

"Another suggestion is changing the way the truckers get paid to take things and deposit things so when they pick it up in order to get paid they have to have a ticket showing that they deposited the stuff at the appropriate places."

Among the initiatives Mr. Lathan would like to see introduced in Bermuda is the enforcement of mandatory recycling across all businesses which are not included in the government's collections.

"Currently they have to pay for their own recycling and businesses are trying to figure out how is it worth it for them which is a legitimate question. If the government says it is mandatory that means government would have to take an active role in assisting."

Mr. Lathan highlighted a lack of dumpsters near the docks to cater for the boating community. Over a six-week period around Cup Match KBB took half a ton of rubbish brought to the shore by boaters who had nowhere else to put it.

KBB plans to help increase awareness about Bermuda's environment through a series of town hall meetings which will take place regularly over coming months.

Mr. Lathan said: "We believe that dialogue is the beginning of awareness and hopefully we can move forward."

The Ministry of Works and Engineering was unavailable for comment as the Bermuda Sun went to press.

Bermudian dive site a shocking mess - journalist helps with marine clean-up

Bermuda Sun journalist and keen diver Sarah Lagan took part in a Marine Clean-up recently, helping that online daily create a new series.

It's an example of how we as a newspaper can provide practical, hands-on help. We plan to highlight 'green' innovations and explain the connection between careful stewardship of our environment and the quality of our lives.

In these worrying economic times, questions about natural resources, the use of fuel and how it affects the price of everything from our breakfast cereal to our daily bus ride, have never been more relevant to ordinary people.

Back in July we launched Going Green, a monthly advertising supplement, to provide a focal point for local firms. We want to bolster that innovation with regular news, business and lifestyle stories that have a strong environmental flavour.

Before I moved to Bermuda in July as a newly qualified scuba diver keen to test new waters I never envisaged going on a dive like the one I did with Keep Bermuda Beautiful on Saturday. Just off the launch ramp at Ship's Wharf in St. David's we met with John Trimingham, owner of Peppercorn Moorings. He generously donates his modest barge, aptly named the Maid of Plywood, for clean up missions on a regular basis.

Climbing aboard I got kitted out in my dive gear, also donated for free by Blue Water Diving, along with KBB executive director Richard Lathan and a second volunteer Ken Robinson. Richard and Ken took the first dive down to get an idea of what was lying on the seabed and what could be brought up.

The sad thing that emerged was that the majority of items down there were too big for us to bring up on the day. But in this ten-minute mapping exercise Richard brought up a large, rusting battery and dumped it on the barge. Keen to get a look at the site myself I jumped into the water and descended around 15 feet to the bottom following behind Ken. Because of the water movement so close to the shore, sand was everywhere and I could barely see my hand in front of my face.

Keeping hold of a line we made our way across the seabed for around 30 feet into the open water before coming across another large battery which we attached to a rope and pulled to the surface. I was quite surprised because apart from the battery and sand it was relatively clear of debris.

It wasn't until we started diving closer to the dock that the true extent of the pollution became clear. We descended back down and within just a small area there were a couple of large powerboat engines and other mechanical equipment, a couple of tyres that were probably used as fenders on a boat and two large barrels one full of concrete previously used as a mooring.

Most of the stuff had either sunken into the sand or was just too heavy to bring up but we did manage to hook up one of the tyres and another battery. I decided to go and explore by myself as close to the dock as I could get and was amazed to see the amount of household trash that had been dumped there.

There was a porcelain toilet, a patio umbrella, cups, plates, bottles all merging into the seabed. I could have spent hours bringing the smaller items up but Richard said he'd take large baskets next time as well as some heavy duty hooks for the larger stuff.

Although we didn't come out of the dive with tons of rubbish I certainly came out with a heavy heart knowing how little regard some people have for their marine environment. I'd like to go along to the next clean up at the site to see the real action.

FOOD SAFETY A PRIORITY THIS CROP OVER - SSA JOINS WITH BLACKROCK POLYCLINIC TO EDUCATE VENDORS

In preparation for this year’s Crop Over Festival, the Ministry of Health will be continuing its efforts to improve food handling techniques so as to minimise food borne diseases. This will be done through a five day Health Exposition.

 It will come off on the grounds of the Black Rock Polyclinic, from Monday, July 21, to Friday July 25, under the theme ‘Eating at your Festival is Safe’. 

 It is expected that on each day of the Exposition some 60 food handlers will attend the session and they will be issued with permits at the end.

On Monday, July 21; Wednesday, July 23; and Friday, July 25; the sessions start at 6:00 p.m.; while on Tuesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 24, they will start at 5:00 p.m.

Facilitators for the event include representatives from the Fire Service, who will give tips on fire prevention and safety; the Sanitation Service Authority and the Solid Waste Management Unit, who will speak on methods of managing refuse in outdoor catering; and Health Sisters from the polyclinic, who will discuss health issues including first aid and safety.

Environmental Health Officers will focus on food safety and sanitation, through practical displays showcasing equipment used in the food service industry. They will also provide tips on disaster preparedness.

In addition, chefs and stall holders will assist with demonstrations on accurate food preparation, storage and transportation methods.

Persons interested in obtaining further information on the Health Exposition, may contact the Black Rock Polyclinic, at 421-7209, 438-9624 or 425-6950 Ext. 5026, 5034,5035, or 5036. 

PROPER HYGIENE PRACTICES FOR HANDLING FOOD AT ALL TIMES INCL. CROP OVER & KADOOMENT

A valid medical certificate is a must for stall owners and food handlers dealing with the preparation and sale of food at Crop Over events.

This reminder comes from the Chief Environmental Health Officer (Ag), Desmond King, who is also advising individuals that the certificate should be presented on the request of the Environmental Health Officer.

The advice is part of guidelines, developed by the Environmental Health Division to ensure that operators and their assistants maintain proper hygiene practices when serving the public, whether at Bridgetown Market, Cohobblopot, or Kadooment.

When serving food stall owners and assistants must wear head covering or hair restraints; no nail polish should be worn and nails should be trimmed and kept clean and no jewellery should be worn on the hands or around the neck.

Food handlers are also reminded that no sleeveless tops or vests should be worn when preparing or serving food; that light and single coloured shirts, tops or aprons should be worn and smoking is prohibited in food stalls.

The Environmental Health Division is also advising that food handlers be free of infected burns, boils, cuts or respiratory illnesses. They should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly (particularly before beginning work, after handling raw foods & after using the toilet) in order to prevent the contamination of food. Food handlers should use disposable paper towels and never wipe hands on aprons or clothing.

The chewing of gum or eating while preparing or serving food is also prohibited and the Division is suggesting that food handlers refrain from picking the nose, touching pimples and scratching the head or face.

Guidelines for the handling and storage of food should be adhered to at all times during this year’s Crop Over events.

Mr King is warning stall owners and food handlers that they must cooperate fully with the Environmental Health Officer and comply with the Health Services Food Hygiene Regulations (1969 CAP. 44). 

The penalty for violating the Regulations is a fine of $5,000 and, or imprisonment for 12 months.

There are several food handling and storage guidelines, which have been developed by the Environmental Health Division.

Individuals are reminded that they should store all foodstuff and water at least 18 inches from the ground; food and potable water must be stored in clean, covered containers and water storage containers should be fitted with taps.

Raw and prepared foods should be stored properly, for instance in covered containers, and they should be stored separately. Raw meat and meat products must be stored in small parcels.

According to the Division, all potentially hazardous foods including meat, chicken, fish and sausages, must be stored between layers of ice so as to keep the food at or below 40ºF.

There should be a constant supply of ice, and ice used for the storage of meat, fish or drinks, must not be used in the drinks when serving.

In addition, food handlers and assistants should never store or drag ice on the ground. When serving ice, scoops should be used, and the handle must never come in to contact with the ice.

Only wholesome canned foods should be used. Contents should be removed from the can immediately after opening or piercing, particularly in the case of high acid foods, such as fruit juices and sauces. Egg should not be used in batters and fish cake batters should not be stored in large containers (e.g. five gallon pails) but rather in containers small enough to be kept at a temperature of less than 40ºF.

Food handlers should not prepare large amounts of food unless there is provision to keep the food at or above 140º F or below 40ºF. They should use tongs when serving food (hands should not be used to serve food). All equipment and implements should be kept clean and sanitised.

Clean glasses or cups must be picked up by their bases but stall owners should consider the use of disposable cups and plates. Operators are further reminded that they should not touch the food contact surfaces of plates, and forks with their hands and should clean and sanitise knives and other utensils when switching from one product to another (for instance raw chicken to bread) to prevent cross contamination. 

Town Hall Meeting at St Luke’s Skills Training Centre on Wed. 05/03/2008

The St George South District Emergency Organisation with the Ministries of Environment & Health will be hosting a Town Hall meeting at the St Luke’s Skills Training Centre at 7:00 pm on Wednesday 5^th March 2008.

This meeting is for the following areas only – French’s, Upper Brighton, Melverton, The Mount, The Mount Tenantry and The Mount Development – persons from the community will be brought up to date on the best ways for combatting illegal dumping and the benefits of recycling.

Talks at the St Luke’s Skills Training Centre will be given by – the Sanitation Service Authority, the Environmental Protection Department, the Solid Waste Project Unit and the Vector Control Unit.

A question and answer session will be run after the presentations – all residents from – French’s, Upper Brighton, Melverton, The Mount, The Mount Tenantry and The Mount Development – are asked to make a special effort to attend the St Luke’s Skills Training Centre at seven o’clock, Wednesday night on 5^th March 2008. Together, we can all keep Barbados clean!

US Supermarket chain's trucking fleet shifts to biodiesel

Safeway grocery trucks no longer just deliver vegetables. In a sense, they now run on vegetables, too. Safeway, the nation's third-largest grocery chain, said Friday that its entire nationwide trucking fleet now uses biodiesel, a renewable fuel that can be made from plant oils, used cooking grease or animal fat.

In Safeway's case, the biodiesel comes from soy oil or canola oil. It is blended with regular petroleum diesel before being pumped into the company's more than 1,000 trucks. The move is part of Safeway's broader effort to green its operations.

The Pleasanton company buys much of its electricity from wind farms, has switched to energy-efficient refrigeration and lighting, and is installing solar panels on 24 of its California stores.

Biodiesel generally produces less air pollution than diesel made from petroleum. And it helps rein in greenhouse gas emissions because the plants used to make it absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Safeway won't reveal how much fuel it's buying or the price it's paying. Biodiesel typically costs more than regular diesel.

The price increased last year as some farmers switched from growing soybeans to growing corn, hoping to tap into the growing market for another alternative fuel - corn-based ethanol. Safeway estimates that using the biodiesel blend will cut the company's carbon dioxide emissions by 75 million pounds each year, the equivalent of taking 7,500 cars off the road.