The landfill of the city of Vega Baja, is one of the few at the island level to comply in full with the regulations established by state and federal monitoring and environmental protection agencies
The landfill of the city of Vega Baja is one of the few on the island to fully comply with the regulations established by state and federal monitoring and environmental protection agencies.
The new cell extends the useful life of the landfill system more than 10 years. Vega Baja Mayor Marcos Cruz Molina and Luis Hernández, President of La Vega Landfill & Resources Inc., inaugurated the new cell of the Sanitary Landfill System (SRS), located in the Sabana Vega Baja neighborhood, which will manage solid waste disposal for the next decade.
With an investment of over $3.7 million, the Vega Baja SRS complies with the environmental consent order issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and meets all state-level environmental regulations. “In April 2013, we received the endorsement of the Environmental Quality Board for the creation of the new cell, which had been under review by this agency since 2008. Today, it is a reality that guarantees the effective management of solid waste while protecting nearby water bodies and agricultural lands,” stated Vega Baja Mayor Marcos Cruz Molina.
Luis Hernández, President of La Vega Landfill, explained that the improvements include “a new cell designed for the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste, which features a three-layer resistant plastic lining as well as a granulated cover material that ensures up to 95% waterproofing. The leachate, which is the liquid produced by decomposing waste, is directed to the lowest point of the cell, pumped into a collection tank, and then transported to the AAA treatment plant in Barceloneta, for which we have a disposal permit.”
He added, “This system ensures the protection of agricultural lands and nearby water bodies, such as the Cibuco River, which had been a significant concern in the past. The system also includes runoff water management that separates rainwater from leachate, as well as facilities to monitor groundwater quality and gas emissions, among other improvements.”
In addition, Mayor Cruz Molina emphasized that 700 households are currently part of a Pilot Recycling Plan, which will eventually be expanded citywide. “We are committed to the environment and have worked closely with the EPA to meet environmental demands. As part of the transition to better solid waste management, we are implementing a pilot recycling plan that will impact all communities in Vega Baja.”
He further explained, “The first stage involves rehabilitating municipal property to create a collection center for recyclable materials. Currently, over 700 residences are involved, and our goal is to reach 3,000 residences annually over the next three years. In the second stage, we plan to develop a recovery plant for recyclable materials capable of processing 250 tons of solid waste per day and achieving a 25% recovery rate of recyclables, with private investment.”
Primera Hora. (2015, 5 de octubre). Vega Baja en ley vertedero. Primera Hora. https://www.pressreader.com/puerto-rico/primera-hora/20151005/281736973274675
