The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is reminding all haulers transporting sargassum to the Bovoni Landfill that no trash or debris should be mixed with sargassum loads.
Although seaweed itself is generally considered non-flammable due to its high salt, water, and moisture content, sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide gas as it begins to decompose. Hydrogen sulfide gas is highly flammable and may create dangerous conditions when mixed with combustible materials.
When plastic, glass, aluminum cans, and other debris are combined with sargassum, any ignition source involving those materials could result in a fire that may otherwise have been prevented.
To ensure the safety of landfill operations and surrounding areas, haulers are asked to comply with the following requirements:
• Sargassum delivered to the landfill must be free of trash and other debris.
• Open bins containing seaweed should not be stored overnight or left unattended for extended periods where members of the public may place trash into the bins.
• Loading of bins should be monitored to ensure they contain only sargassum.
• All trash must be removed before transporting sargassum to the landfill.
The Division of Environmental Enforcement will be monitoring sargassum loads to ensure compliance with these requirements.
VIWMA appreciates the cooperation of all haulers and contractors in helping to maintain safe operations at the Bovoni Landfill and protecting the community from preventable fire hazards.
For more information, contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-715-9100 or email communications@viwma.org. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates.
