The scrubber can neutralize acid gases, remove particulate matter and may also capture heavy metals and other toxic compounds that are not treated by combustion alone. Photo: ecosolutions.com

The new incinerator.

No timeline was given for its arrival.

However, he noted that the equipment has in no way influenced the effectiveness of how the incinerator is currently working. According to the Health Minister, the scrubber will cement Government’s purpose of making sure the waste facility is environmentally safe.

“The new system [scrubber] is equipped with state-of-the-art air pollution control devices to capture particulate and gaseous emission contaminates. There are still many health concerns connected with incineration systems, especially for populations living near incinerators,” Hon. Skelton explained.

His last visit to the facility was in January.

However, the stringent regulations that have been enacted by health regulators ensure that the design, operation, testing, and maintenance of these systems [scrubbers] provide maximum safety and minimum risk to the surrounding area and inhabitants.

The incinerator, located in Pockwood Pond, was installed by the previous Government – the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in September 2011. The then Minister for Health and Social Development Dancia Penn QC, had stated that once fully operational, the incinerator will be able to process 100 tonnes of waste with an average life expectancy of ten years from the date of operation.

When combined with the existing incinerator unit the plant waste processing capacity will increase to 140 tonnes a day, she had added.