Toxic fumes from burning tip

IMMEDIATE action is necessary to stop the emission of toxic gases affecting those living near a burning waste tip on the Pilar side of the border of Orihuela Costa and Pilar de la Horadada.

That’s the conclusion by Juan Ponce, Compromis Party Deputy of the Valencia Parliament who visited the site along with Vicente Perez Basante of Vertivega and C.L.A.R.O. Councillor, Bob Houliston.

They all urged the Environment Department of the Valencia government to investigate, without delay, the state of the now abandoned tip which is a clear danger to health and to the environment, as previously reported in The Euro Weekly News: “In the conditions of lack of supervision of the site and the hot, dry weather, there is a serious danger of fire spreading to the surrounding area, including Sierra Escalona natural park.” Juan Ponce described the great variety of waste dumped at the site over the period of many years, including car tyres, furniture, domestic appliances, plastic and glass containers. The strong smells of methane gas and columns of smoke emerging from the ground are signs of the decomposition of the contents of the waste tip and proof of the need for immediate action to put an end to the dangers to health and to the environment.

During a press conference following the visit, the trio agreed to follow up in their different areas of competence to ensure that action is taken urgently to deal with the situation. A formal complaint from the Las Ramblas residents, who are particularly affected by the waste site, to Seprona, the environment arm of the Guardia Civil, and to the Environment Prosecutor, will also be made.