MV X-PRESS PEARL: Declare debris strewn area as ‘hazardous’: CEA

 

While issuing guidelines and proposals on managing mixed hazardous waste from the fire engulfed X-Press Pearl vessel, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) said the coastal and other areas where the debris and waste from the vessel have accumulated, should be declared as ‘hazardous areas’.

The CEA said the guidelines, which was issued under the Gazette notification No. 1534/18 dated 01.02.2008 had been sent to the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and to other relevant authorities.

Accordingly, the following guidelines have been issued;

1. The areas where the debris and waste have gathered should be declared as ‘hazardous areas’. People should be notified not to reach debris.

2. The labourers and officers who are involved in cleaning the debris should use safe techniques and proper accessories.

3. Pertinent measures should be taken to safely collect and store the debris as temporary consignments.

4. The relevant consignments should be kept in a proper manner at suitable locations and absorbents should be applied to prevent any leakages.

5. Security should be provided to the places where consignments are stored to prevent any outsiders from loitering in the area ( Sri Lanka Police & Navy).

6. The consignments should be transported in closed vehicles. The drivers and other persons should follow safety measures.

7. People who deal with the waste management should be equipped with necessary knowledge to follow safety measures.

8. Only institutions, which have obtained licence from the CEA should be involved in the procedure of hazardous waste management.

9. The cost incurred on waste disposal and other related matters should be borne by the company that owns that Ship.

10. The environmental damage caused due to the fire should be estimated by the environmental economic scientists and the cost should be recovered from relevant parties or from the company. 

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