Debris processing begins at Frank Sound

Different kinds of debris are sorted and dealt with
using different processes. Here a chipper is chipping
tree branches into a re-useable mulch.

Debris processing begins with burning at the Frank
Sound site

Friday, April 8, 2005

Now that all the debris has been moved to the central site at Frank Sound, MC Restoration, the US based company awarded the clean-up contract is beginning the processing phase of the operation.

Different kinds of debris are being processed in different ways, with much of the vegetation either ground down to form a re-useable mulch, or burnt, using a special technique called ‘Air Curtain Burning,’ which involves combustion in an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The air curtain burning process requires a special machine, called a curtain burner, which hasn’t yet arrived on the site. When it arrives the curtain burner, which can process as much as 10 tonnes per hour, will convert the rest of the debris into ash.

However, it appears that burning has already begun on the site without the machine, and a large plume of smoke can be seen drifting over the scrubland towards Frank Sound road.

A worker at the Frank Sound site said that there had not been any complaints about the smoke, but some motorists using the road have complained of smelling a strong and acrid odour while driving past.

MC Restoration is also waiting for a vegetation-grinding machine called a Tub Grinder, that will shortly be moved from George Town to the Frank Sound site. 

The new equipment will reduce the bulk of the debris, and where mulch is produced, may also render a useful bi-product, as mulch has been recommended by the Department of Agriculture as a good way of reducing soil erosion, conserving soil water, and discouraging weed growth. 

Metal goods will be baled and shipped off Island as scrap metal. White goods such as washing machines, household appliances and fridges will also be baled as scrap metal, but only after all hazardous materials have been removed. The Freon gas extracted from air conditioners and fridges will be stockpiled in large storage containers for safe disposal. To prevent environmental damage, other hazardous materials, including batteries and paint cans, will be taken to a staging area and placed in lined pits. 

Site manager Benjamin Bodden said, “We prepared a good buffer at the edge of the land to keep the processing activities out of public view. The whole idea behind debris processing is to help the environment by reducing the volume of waste and creating beneficial bi-products. 

“The public can play its part by sorting everything before it is dumped,” he said.

It is hoped that sorting before collection will cut processing time “keeping metal and white goods and hazardous material apart from other debris will greatly be appreciated,” he added.

Back...