Two illegal scrap metal processing companies have been ordered to cease immediate operations following an early morning exercise carried out by a multi stakeholder team which visited the scrap yards of the two companies on Monday 18th December 2023.
Officers of the Ministry of Climate Resilience, Renewable Energy and Environment, GSWMA, Physical Planning Authority, Ministry of Health and RGPF with support from Rainbow Waste Services, solid waste contractors for the affected River Road community, conducted inspections of the premises of the companies with a view to seeing their operations first hand and making a determination as to any future operations of the facilities.
The scrap metal salvaging sites located at River Road and Calliste in St. George’s were determined to have a multiplicity of issues emerging from their operations and were cordoned off with police caution tape following discussion with the operators and instructions to not go beyond the installed caution line while they await word from the team on the next course of action.
The action was taken in light of ongoing public health, environmental, social and traffic concerns emerging from the operations as well as risks presented to adjoining properties such as fires from burning of waste, and exposure of residents and commuters to chemicals and other poisonous substances.
Both site operators were appraised of the contents of legislation pertaining to their illegal operations by the attending police officer.
Compliance Manager at the Solid Waste Management Authority, Mr. Godfrey Fleming stated that operations of a similar nature will be carried out during the yuletide season as the Authority aims to effect legislation pertaining to improper waste management. The early morning exercise was witnessed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Ms Peron Johnson.