The RIVM, in collaboration with the Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB), has begun measuring air quality around the Lagun Waste Management Center. Deputy Martinus and State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management Annet Bertram today launched the Lagun Monitoring Plan. They presented the first monitoring sensors to the ProLagun Foundation, which has made the first location available for air quality monitoring.
Local residents have long been concerned about air quality around Lagun and the potential health impacts. The RIVM therefore recommended quickly gathering information on air and water quality in the area.
In the coming months, the OLB and the RIVM will select various locations for installing sensors. BONLAB will install and maintain the sensors. The first sensors will measure particulate matter. Later, other substances will also be measured using additional or different equipment. The measurement results are public and can be viewed via the RIVM’s “Samen Meten” platform.
The RIVM, OLB, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management are also working on a plan to measure the quality of the groundwater beneath and around the landfill. With this information, the organizations involved can determine what measures are needed to limit the potential spread of contaminants.
During the working visit, the parties involved will also discuss the amendment to the IAB BES. This amendment will give the national government a greater role with regard to organizations and companies that process waste. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), and the OLB will sign a cooperation agreement to this end. In this agreement, they will set out how they will work together in the coming period to support the OLB in granting permits, conducting oversight, and enforcing regulations related to waste processing.