Filenews 18 July 2023 - by Angelos Nicolaou
A serious problem has arisen with the management of Green Dot's recyclable materials after the complete destruction of the factory of the company "Ecobalance Recycling Ltd" in Yeri.
All streams of recyclable materials, paper and plastic, that ended up in this unit temporarily end up in an adjacent recycling materials management unit. However, everyone involved in the issue is looking for a permanent solution, at least until the end of the year.
Processes are in progress and unless unexpected, the mixed recycling materials collected by Green Dot vehicles will end up at the Koshi plant where the integrated waste management facility operates.
According to "F" information, from the preliminary contacts, the contractor of OEDA Koshi, despite the enormous pressure he is under due to the management of all waste from the districts of Nicosia, Larnaka and Famagusta, declared his willingness to undertake without any charge.
However, in order for the agreement to be reached, the operator, which in this case is the Larnaca-Famagusta Exploitation Council, must first give its consent.
It is noted that the latest fire in the inner courtyard and in a fenced area, under the constant presence of a guard, of the company "Ecobalance Recycling Ltd" was anything but lightning in the sky for the Department of Environment, which is concerned that similar incidents that had occurred in the past, will occur in the future due to the high temperatures prevailing in the summer.
According to "F" information, during the months of May and June, inspectors of the Department of Environment carried out a number of inspections in several waste management facilities operating within the industrial zone of heavy industry of Dali and Geri and found that most of the facilities either do not have an integrated fire safety system or have taken some individual measures.
A meeting was held on 15/6/2022, with the mayors of Yeri and Dali, in order to better coordinate for the prevention and avoidance of fire incidents. Subsequently, on 23/6/2022, the Department of Environment sent a letter to the Director of the Cyprus Fire Service, requesting that the fire safety systems available in the facilities be checked and make the necessary recommendations for their improvement, while also requesting information if the number and location of water spouts in the area is considered satisfactory.
On 24/6/2022, the Director of the Department of Environment, in the presence of the mayors of Yeri and Dali, had a meeting with all operators of waste management facilities located in the industrial zone of heavy nuisance Geri-Dali, with the exclusive topic of the necessary actions to prevent and avoid fire incidents. At the meeting, the issue of risk reduction in their plants was rigorously explained to the industrialists and that they would be monitored more intensively thereafter.
For last Sunday's incident, the Department of Environment will assess the situation and if responsibilities arise it will take the measures provided by law. In addition, immediately after eliminating the risk of fire, he will ask the company for a management and restoration plan for both the site and the burned waste.
Also, the latest fire highlights another issue of the absence of a special Environmental Audit Service unit, a commitment that has also been made in Nikos Christodoulides' governance program. Today, only eight inspectors carry out inspections all over Cyprus, while 45 new inspectorships are required for its creation.
