Gov’t prepares Puerto Rico dump closure • Solid waste office lays down plans for establishment of transfer stations

The Division on Solid Waste is planning to establish a large transfer station with a recycling facility in a three-acre land in preparation for the closure of the Puerto Rico dump.

At the same time, the government is looking at the possibility of setting up two or three convenient centers to help residents in villages dispose of their garbage efficiently, according to John Harder, municipal waste management manager.

The large transfer station and the recycling facility may be located between the area near Puerto Rico dump and the Lower Base area. However, the recycling facility may be run by a private company.

Harder said a public hearing would still be conducted first to find out if the people wanted the convenient centers located in their villages.

In implementing the tipping system, Harder said the government may most likely adopt the coupon system for the haulers for easy collection of payment, adding that they have not made a decision yet on the fee structure.

“There is nothing final yet, we are still open for suggestions from the public,” he added.

Currently, the government is subsidizing waste disposal which has been costing the administration huge amount of money. “We will never get anybody to recycle as long as it is cheaper to throw things away than to recycle,” said Harder.

Tipping fee for businesses was decided to find a way to cover the expensive operations cost and encourage people to reduce waste disposal.

The administration is targeting the closure of Puerto Rico dumpsite at the end of the year 2000. At that time, the Marpi landfill should be in operation.

A Hawaii-based consultancy firm, Harding Lawson Associates, has been hired to design a new landfill in Marpi and develop an island-wide solid waste management plan.

Among the various tasks given to the company include conducting an analysis of the waste currently being taken to Puerto Rico, implementing a year-long education campaign, drawing up a conceptual design of waste energy and recycling facilities, and designing a transfer station that will eventually replace the present dumpsite.

The CNMI is hoping to implement an Integrated Solid Waste Management which involves balancing available options based on total costs, environmental issues and local capabilities.

Pacific Islands should aggressively pursue island-based solutions just like other island communities which have become successful in developing solutions for specific waste materials, Harder said.

He is optimistic that recycling will work on Saipan despite all the negative factors such as high collection costs, inefficient processing capacity and lack of markets.

While awaiting for the new dumpsite to open, the administration is also looking at other projects to develop Puerto Rico into a park to complement the adjacent American Memorial Park.