The north’s chamber of environmental engineers on Monday sounded the alarm over the prospect of fires breaking out at the north’s landfill in Koutsoventis due to increased temperatures over the summer. The chamber’s chairwoman Sibel Paralik said the landfill had been designed for 30 years’ worth of storage in 2013, but is now almost full, and that rubbish is now being stored in an “atrocious” manner there.
“Due to the failure to reduce waste, reuse, or recycle it, the landfill will be closed very soon. It has been filled already and it is approaching the end of its life,” she said.
Rising Temperatures and Fire Risks
On the prospect of fires, she said, “it has been observed that the waste dumped in the immediate vicinity of the landfill in recent months has burned together. With the arrival of summer, these fires will continue and grow exponentially.”
As a result, she called on the north’s authorities first to deal with the problem at source, by reducing the amount of waste produced, encouraging consumers to reuse materials and to recycle.
Call for Immediate Action
In addition, she said the ‘government’ and municipalities should allocate budgets to deal with the issue and implement longer-term plans to better manage waste.
The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated. The combination of rising temperatures and improper waste management practices creates a perfect storm for potential disasters. The chamber’s plea is not just a call to action but a dire warning that without immediate intervention, the region could face severe environmental and public health crises.
As summer approaches, the focus on sustainable waste management practices becomes even more critical. Authorities must prioritize reducing waste at its source, promoting recycling programs, and ensuring that landfills are managed in a way that minimizes fire risks. The future of Koutsoventis depends on swift and decisive action.
