KOROR (Palau Horizon) – In order to ensure the protection of public health and safety and the environment of Palau, the Environment Quality Protection Board (EQPB) has decided to temporarily ban all open burning and request the support of the public in this effort.
EQPB Executive officer Portia Franz, said that effective on March 15, 2010 the EQPB will stop issuing permits for open burning. This ban on open burning will remain in effect until April 30, 2010.
The ban is being imposed because of the current and anticipated drought-like conditions found throughout Palau.
Rainfall is normally lowest during the months of February, March and April. There have already been major uncontrolled wild fires recorded on Babeldaob during the last several weeks, Fires that begin as efforts to clear land or burn trash may potentially get out of control because of the current dry conditions.
Uncontrolled burning presents an immediate danger to public health and safety. In addition, the burnt land is difficult to re-vegetates leading to increased soil erosion and possible landslides.
This ban is imposed pursuant to the authority delegated to EQPB under 34 PNC &501 and EQPB Air Pollution Control Regulations on the Control of Open Burning at Chapter 2401-71-40. The ban will be enforced by EQPB with the continuing assistance of the Bureau of Public Safety. Failure to stop open burning during this period may result in a fine of up to $10,000 per day of violation.
Earlier, several cases of bushfire were reported to the Division of Fire and Rescue
Thousands meters of wild land, trees and animals were affected by the bushfire at Meyuns in Koror State, Airai and Melekeok States and others.
Fire Division Chief Benhart Baulechong said that bushfire is common during this dry season. But he added that there are instances that the bushfire are either set by an arsonist or fire spread to lands when farmers burn leaves unattended.
With this new directive issued by the EQPB the fire incident maybe prevented during this dry season.
