WILLEMSTAD – The September 10 fire at the tire recycling area of the Malpais landfill was caused by an explosion involving hazardous and flammable materials that had been dumped earlier that afternoon without prior notification, according to preliminary findings from waste management company Selikor.
Selikor Director Wesley Kook said a truck arrived at the landfill at approximately 3:45 p.m. carrying boxes containing hazardous and flammable materials.
According to Selikor, management at the Malpais landfill had not been informed in advance about the nature of the materials being delivered. Prior notification is particularly important when potentially dangerous waste is involved because special precautions may be required for its handling and disposal.
The materials subsequently came into the possession of third parties who, according to Selikor, handled or used them improperly. This resulted in an explosion, followed by a fire in the area used for tire recycling.
The incident generated significant smoke that could be seen from surrounding areas. Residents of nearby neighborhoods were advised at the time to keep their windows and doors closed because of the smoke.
Selikor's investigation into the incident is continuing.
The waste management company is now seeking to establish the exact origin of the hazardous materials and determine which company was responsible for delivering them to Malpais without providing advance notice.
The preliminary findings raise questions about the procedures used by companies and waste transporters when disposing of hazardous substances at the landfill.
Selikor is urging businesses and waste transportation companies to notify the landfill in advance whenever they intend to deliver hazardous or potentially infectious materials.
According to the company, providing that information before arrival allows landfill personnel to take the necessary safety precautions and ensure that potentially dangerous waste is handled appropriately.
The investigation has not yet been completed, and Selikor has not identified the company believed to have delivered the materials involved in the September 10 incident.