MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTANT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN …€¦ · Therese Burns Bruce Graham Andrew Munro Ian Wallis May 2000 South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) SPREP Library

MANAGEMENT OF

PERSISTANT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS

IN PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES

WASTE AND OBSOLETE CHEMICALS

AND CHEMICAL CONTAMINATED SITES

Therese BurnsBruce GrahamAndrew MunroIan Wallis

May 2000

South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

SPREP Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Management of persistant organic pollutants in

Pacific island countries : waste and obsolete chemicalsand chemical contaminated sites / [by] Therese Burns,Bruce Graham, Andrew Munro, Ian Wallis. – Apia,Samoa : SPREP, 2000.

71 p. + annexes : tables ; 29 cm.

ISBN: 982-04-0215-8

1. Organic wastes – Oceania. 2. Persistent pollutants –Oceania. 3. Pollution – Environmental policy – Oceania.4. Pollution – Environmental aspects – Oceania. 5. Pollution- Control – Oceania. 5. Hazardous waste sites – Oceania.I. Burns, Therese. II. Graham, Bruce. III. Munro, Andrew.IV. Wallis, Ian. IV. South Pacific Regional EnvironmentProgramme (SPREP).

363.738’09

Published in August 2000 by theSouth Pacific Regional Environment ProgrammePO Box 240Apia, Samoawww.sprep.org.ws

Produced by SPREP’s SPREP’s South Pacific Regional

Pollution Prevention, Waste Minimization and Management Programme

Prepared for Publishing by SPREP’s Publications UnitLayout and design by Helen Dean DesignCover photo Dr Bruce GrahamWaste Management & Pollution Prevention CoordinatorSouth Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Typeset in 10/12 Times New RomanPrinted on recycled paper

© South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, 2000.The South Pacific Regional Environment Programmeauthorises the reproduction of this material, whole or inpart, in any form provided appropriateacknowledgement is given.

MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES

PAGE 1

MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTENT

ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN

PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES



THERESE BURNS

BRUCE GRAHAM

ANDREW MUNRO

IAN WALLIS

MAY 2000


PAGE 2


PAGE 3

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Ms. Therese Burns is a Senior Environmental Engineer with Dames and Moore Pty,Brisbane and was formerly with Kinhill Pty. Ltd., Brisbane, Australia

Dr. Bruce Graham is Co-ordinator - Waste Management and Pollution Prevention,SPREP, Apia, Samoa, and was formerly Director, Graham Environmental ConsultingLtd., Auckland, New Zealand

Mr. Andrew Munro is Development Engineer, Burnett Shire Council, Queensland,Australia, and was formerly Waste Management and Pollution Prevention Officer,SPREP, Apia, Samoa

Dr. Ian Wallis is a Director and Principal Environmental Engineer, ConsultingEnvironmental Engineers, Melbourne, Australia


PAGE 4


PAGE 5

PREFACE

The world’s environment has enjoyed a greater prominence in political and socialreasoning over recent years. This has allowed the concept of sustainable developmentto flourish and many countries are embracing this goal with enthusiasm. This isparticularly true in the developed nations of the world but in some regards sadlylacking in some developing countries, where inevitably economic sustainability isperceived to be the first priority. The small island nations of the South Pacific regionare no exception. While most of these countries have made significant steps towardsprotecting the environment, much remains to be done. There are also a number oflegacies of the past to be addressed, and one of those legacies is the result ofmismanagement of chemicals and hazardous wastes.

The management of chemicals and hazardous wastes is particularly difficult for PICsfor the following reasons:

• A lack of information on the types and volumes’ of materials being brought intothecountries, or already there.

• A poor understanding within the wider community of how these should beused,stored and disposed.

• Limited knowledge of the threat that certain chemicals pose for community andenvironmental health.

• An absence of appropriate disposal facilities.

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has recognised theneed for improved waste management expertise and facilities throughout the regionand undertook a pre-feasibility study of potential waste management projects in theregion in April 1997. The study recommended thirteen areas in which assistance wasneeded ranging from waste water to landfill management. The management of wastechemicals was rated as highest priority and the Persistent Organic Pollutants in PacificIsland Countries (POPs in PICs) project was developed to address this component.

The long-term objective of POPs in PICs is to upgrade regional capacity for theeffective management of chemicals, in order to eliminate the threat posed by POPsand related chemicals towards the environment and human health. This projectconcentrates on assessments of stockpiles of waste and obsolete chemicals andchemical contaminated sites in PICs. No attempt is made to consider pollution orcontamination from current industrial or agricultural activities.

This report covers some of the work carried out for Phase I of the POPs in PICsproject, namely an assessment of stockpiles of waste and obsolete chemicals and the


PAGE 6

identification of contaminated sites in thirteen Pacific Island Countries. Other activitiesin this stage include education and awareness programmes in each country and areview of relevant legislation. Subsequent stages of the project will be directed atdisposal activities and the clean up of contaminated sites.


PAGE 7

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The work described in this report was funded by AusAID.

Much of the work was carried out in-country by the three specialist consultants.Additional information on legislation was provided by SPREP legal officersMr Andreas Volentras and Mr Jacques Mougeot.

Finally, we should note that most of this work would not have been possible withoutthe able assistance of many people within the Pacific Island Countries, including thefollowing government officials who acted as local counterparts:

Mr. Ned Howard, Director of the Environment Service, Ministry of Works,Environmental Protection and Planning, Cook Islands; Dr. Eliuel Pretrick, Departmentof Health, Education and Social Affairs, Federated States of Micronesia;

Mr Joseph Kono, Executive Director, Chuuk State Environmental Protection Agency,Federated States of Micronesia; Mr Simpson Abraham, Program Director, KosraeState Government, Federated States of Micronesia; Mr Elden Helen, Director, PohnpeiEnvironment Protection Authority, Federated States of Micronesia; Mr Abdom Martem,Pesticide Control Officer, Yap Environmental Protection Agency, Federated States ofMicronesia; Mr Moti Lal Autar, Principal Plant Protection Officer, Ministry ofAgriculture, Forests and Fisheries, Fiji; Mr. Taulehia Pulefou, Pollution Control Officer,Ministry of Environment and Social Development, Kiribati; Mr Jorelic Tibon, GeneralManager, Environment Protection Authority, Republic of the Marshall Islands; MrJoseph Cain, Department of Island Development and Industry, Nauru; Mr. SauniTongatule, Director, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Niue; MrJoseph Tiobech, Pesticide Specialist, Environmental Quality Protection Board,Republic of Palau; Mr Emil Edesomel, Pollution Control Officer, EnvironmentalQuality Protection Board, Republic of Palau; Mr. Lavaasa Malua, SeniorEnvironmental Planning Officer, Division of Environment and Conservation,Department of Lands, Surveys and Environment, Samoa; Mr Moses Biliki, Head,Division of Environment and Conservation, Ministry of Forestry, Environment andConservation, Solomon Islands; Mr. Uilou Samani, Principal Ecologist, Ministry ofLands, Survey and Natural Resources, Tonga; Mr. Afele Pita, Secretary, Departmentof Natural Resources and Environment, Tuvalu; Mr Baigeorge Swua, Plant ProtectionOfficer, Vanuatu Quarantine and Inspection Service; and the Department of Agricultureand Horticulture, Vanuatu.

The following people were engaged as local consultants for the project:

Mr Tom Wichman, Cook Islands;

Mr William Peter, University of the South Pacific, Fiji; and

Mr. Tom Lolomae, Solomon Islands.


PAGE 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PAGE 9

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report describes the work undertaken for Phase I of the POPs in PICs project.This included assessment of stockpiles of waste and obsolete chemicals, preliminaryassessment of contaminated sites, and a review of relevant legislation. Additionalwork on education and awareness programmes for both government employees andthe general public is still to be completed.

POPs are defined by the international chemical community as organic chemicals whichare persistent, bioaccumulate, and can have adverse effects on human health and theenvironment. For the purposes of this project however the term POPs has beeninterpreted rather broadly and covers all hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicalsincluding pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), general industrial chemicals,medical wastes, laboratory chemicals, oil, bitumen, timber treatment chemicals andfertilisers.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Phase I of the project was carried out amongst all SPREP members with the exceptionof Papua New Guinea, i.e. the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji,Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvaluand Vanuatu. It is intended to include Papua New Guinea in subsequent phases of theproject.

Most of the work was done during 1998, but with some additional follow-up workduring 1999. The country visits were carried out by three specialist consultants withexpertise in chemical hazard management, contaminated site assessments and wastemanagement and disposal. Each country was visited by one of the specialists andtheir main objective was to identify and assess all existing stockpiles of wastechemicals, and potentially contaminated sites. The work was done with the assistanceof local counterparts and consultants, which was important for the educational part ofthe project. These people received on-the-job training in matters such as chemicalidentification, safe handling, sample collection, assessment of storage facilities,repackaging and storage, and the identification and assessment of contaminated sites.

Narrative reports on the consultants’ activities and findings were presented in individualcountry reports, copies of which are given in Annex A of this document. Informationon the waste and obsolete chemicals identified during the survey was also enteredinto a database. This includes details such as the chemical and brand names, quantities,current condition and suggested disposal options. Information on contaminated siteswas entered into another database, and this included an assessment of the relativerisks at each site, on the basis of a numerical hazard ranking. Information from thedatabases is included as Annex B of this report.



Other matters considered during the project and included in this report are as follows:

• An assessment of facilities and expertise in each country relevant to chemicalmanagement.

• An assessment of current legislation and infrastructure in each country.

• Assessment and recommendations of disposal options for the various chemicals.

• Assessment of the international transport requirements for hazardous wastes andunidentified chemicals.

• Assessment of remediation options for the various contaminated sites.

• Provision of guidelines on specific aspects of chemical or waste management.


Information on the major stockpiles of waste and obsolete chemicals is summarisedin the table below. This includes some suggested disposal methods and an indicativerange of costs. The actual cost for disposal will depend on the method chosen and thelocation of the disposal facility.

Chemical Quantity Disposal Cost Comments(tonnes) Estimate (Au$)

Polychlorinated 131 $950,000 to $2,850,000 Off-island disposalbiphenyls (PCBs) by chemical treatment

or incineration

Pesticides 42 $300,000 to $650,000 Off-island disposal(including 7 tonne by incineration

of packaging)

11 $44,000 On-island disposalby chemical and

biological treatment

DDT 10.4 $60,000 to $140,000 Off-island disposal bychemical treatment

or incineration

Timber Treatment 10.15 $20,300 Off-island disposal byChemicals returning to manufacturer

1 $5,000 On-island disposal bychemical treatment

Bitumen 330 $30,000 On-island disposalusing landfill or burial pits

TOTAL COST Au$1,409,300 to $3,739,300

As shown, some of the materials are suitable for on-island disposal, however mostare not. Generally these can only be disposed using specialised chemical treatmentfacilities or by high-temperature incineration. There are no such facilities availablein Pacific Island Countries.

Clean-up, re-packaging, and transportation of chemical wastes are specialised activitieswhich should only be carried out by skilled personnel using specialised equipment.It is therefore recommended that this be carried out on a contractual basis usingcompanies with extensive experience in this type of work. Contractors should bechosen using a tendering system with the proposals being assessed against a variety



of factors including track record, personnel, equipment and facilities, proposedmethodology, proposed environmental management procedures, and price.

The selection of a disposal facility and method should also be done by tender, with asimilar assessment process to the above. There are a variety of possible treatmentfacilities available in Australia, Japan, North America and Europe. Most of the facilitiesin Australia use specialised chemical and physical treatment processes which havebeen shown to achieve very high destruction efficiencies, but are limited in the rangeof wastes able to be treated. This is much less of a problem with high-temperatureincinerators, which are available in North America, Europe and Japan. However,incineration is sometimes criticised because of the potential for toxic air emissionsand other adverse effects. The recommended approach is to use chemical and physicaltreatment methods if possible, with incineration as the fall-back option.

CONTAMINATED SITES

Contaminated sites are those at which hazardous substances are present in the soiland/or groundwater. The contamination sometimes arises from the normal siteoperations (e.g. timber treatment sites or solid-waste landfills) but is more commonlycaused by spillages, uncontrolled dumping, or other waste disposal activities. Typicalcontaminants include toxic heavy metals, pesticides, timber treatment chemicals, oils,tars and a wide range of other possible substances.

Situations were found where hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, had been disposedby burial. DDT has been buried at sites in Pohnpei (FSM) and Palau, and mixtures ofpesticides have been buried at two sites in Fiji and one in Samoa. Burial can beeffective in reducing the immediate risks from these chemicals, and some of thechemicals will gradually break down in the soil. However, there can be a significantrisk of contaminating any nearby groundwater supplies. There is also a risk of problemsin the future if the site is redeveloped for other uses, such as residential housing(which has happened in Fiji). Prior to any site remediation the extent of contaminationmust be determined and this in itself, can be a costly exercise.

The contaminated sites identified in the survey were given a preliminary hazardassessment using the Rapid Hazard Assessment Scheme. This provides a ranking ofthe sites on a scale of 0 to 100. Those with a score of less than 30 were not consideredto warrant further investigation. Over one hundred sites were inspected during thesurvey with 86 scoring 30 or more.

Further work is proposed for 54 of the sites identified in the country surveys. Thiswill involve a programme of more extensive investigations at each site, to establishthe extent of the contamination. At present the sites have been identified as beingcontaminated, but there is generally no information on how far that contaminationhas been spread, both across the site surface and into the ground. This work wouldthen be followed by remediation and disposal operations, as required. The overallcosts for the programme are summarised in the table below.

Ideally, the PCB, pesticide and DDT remediation and disposal work should be carriedout in conjunction with the related disposal work for waste stockpiles.



Contaminant No. of Assessment Remediation/ Remediation/sites Cost disposal costs disposal Method

PCBs 3 $30,000 $195,000 Excavation, –$870,000 export for disposal

Buried pesticides 3 $150,000 $600,000 Excavation,- $1,350,000 export for disposal

Pesticide storage sites 13 $130,000 $170,000 Clean, decontaminate- $390,000 and export wastes

Buried DDT 2 $100,000 $385,000 Excavation,- $900,000 export for disposal

Timber treatment sites 4 $100,000 $100,000 Excavate, treat anddispose locally

Oil-contaminated sites 10 $30,000 Bioremediation

Oil-contaminated 11 $2,200,000 In situ bioremediationgroundwater

Landfills 18 $900,000 Not included in programme

Sub-totals: $1,410,000 $3,680,000- $5,840,000

Total Estimated Costs: Au$5,090,000 - $7,250,000

WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES

Two areas were identified in the survey that would be best addressed through thedevelopment of specific management programmes, rather than one-off disposalexercises. These are the management and disposal of laboratory chemicals, and themanagement of infectious medical wastes.

The disposal of surplus and obsolete laboratory chemicals was a common problemthroughout the region and in all types of laboratories, including schools, hospitalsand government departments. Many of the staff in these organisations were aware ofthe need for, and the general principles of, safe storage and disposal. However, mostlacked the detailed knowledge and resources to be able to deal with the issue safely,and with confidence. It is recommended that a regional programme be developed toupgrade chemical management capabilities in laboratories throughout the region. Theprogramme should involve a combination of training and development, and hands-ondisposal exercises. This latter element should help to address the existing stockpilesof unwanted chemicals. The total cost of the programme will be at least Au$400,000.

The management and disposal of infectious wastes in hospitals and other medicalestablishments is another area that needs considerable upgrading. In some countriesthe hospitals are equipped with dedicated incinerators, but most of these are eitherfairly primitive and/or in very poor condition. In those countries where there are nosuch facilities, the current practices consist of a fairly basic level of waste segregationcoupled with controlled disposal at the local dump. It is recommended that acomprehensive programme be developed to upgrade medical waste managementfacilities throughout the region. This programme would be best co-ordinated throughthe World Health Organization, and is likely to cost at least Au$600,000.



CONCERNS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

This work has highlighted some significant examples of inadequate chemicalmanagement practices, including the following:

• DDT stored adjacent to a residential building with uncontrolled access, asevidenced by children’s fingerprints in the powder.

• Pesticides buried in the yard of an agriculture research station in Fiji. The landhas since been sold and developed as a private residence.

• A pesticides storage shed on Metapona Plains, Solomon Islands, which waseffectively abandoned for over ten years, during which time local villagersvandalised the building and removed some of the pesticides, which were laterused for killing fish.

On the other hand there are countries in which some types of hazardous materialshave obviously been managed very well. This would include pesticide managementin Tonga, medical waste disposal in Palau, and the replacement and disposal of PCBsin Fiji. The municipal landfill in Port Vila, Vanuatu was also noted as an excellentexample of a properly designed and operated waste management facility.

The project has been effective in providing immediate solutions to some of the problemsencountered during the surveys, including the following:

• Reuse of a variety of chemicals which were being stored for quarantine purposes(but no longer required) in Vanuatu.

• Repackaging and placement into safe storage of the DDT referred to above(Solomon Islands).

• Improvements to the storage shed on Metapona Plains by fitting of a new doorand a lock.

• Repackaging and placement into safe storage of about 4 tonnes of pesticidesheld on Pohnpei.

• Sorting and partial repackaging of about 1 tonne of pesticides held on Niue.

• Sorting, local treatment and disposal (where possible), and placement into safestorage of about 600 kg of laboratory chemicals held at a school on Pohnpei.

• Assistance with the repackaging of a stockpile of 65-70 tonnes of mixedagricultural chemicals (mainly copper sulphate) which was stored in a run-downshed in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Over half of this material was shipped back toNew Zealand for reuse.

• Relocation of various small stocks of pesticides and laboratory chemicals intosecure storage at an agriculture research centre, in Rarotonga.

• Safe disposal of potentially explosive picric acid, from a laboratory inRarotonga.

The project has provided on-the-job training of about 30 local counterparts andconsultants in the identification, safe handling and storage of hazardous chemicals. Ithas also led to a heightened awareness amongst government officials throughout theregion of the potential dangers associated with the mismanagement of hazardouschemicals.



WHERE TO NOW?

There is one aspect of Phase I of the POPs in PICs project which remains to becompleted, namely the education and awareness programmes in each country. Thistask will be completed over the next few months.

Phases II and III of the project were intended to cover the development of safe storagefacilities in each country, and disposal activities, respectively. However, it is nowproposed that in most cases the storage phase of the work should be omitted, andpriority should be given to the disposal operations.

Nonetheless it must be recognised that there are some storage situations which willneed to be addressed in the near future if the disposal activities are delayed. In thefirst instance, this option should be considered for the following sites, which wereassessed by the consultants as having the greatest potential for causing adverse healtheffects:

• The agricultural chemical storage shed on Metapona Plains, Solomon Islands.

• A shipping container used for storage of agricultural chemicals in Weno, Chuuk,Federated States of Micronesia.

• The agricultural chemical storage shed at Lomaivuna Research Station, Fiji.

• It is also recommended that the stocks of chemicals held at the formeragriculture station and at the Amak Women’s Unit, both on Tarawa, Kiribati, bemoved to more appropriate storage facilities.

The cost of this work would be about Au$60,000.

The primary activity for Phase II/III of the project will be disposal of the stockpiles ofobsolete and unwanted chemicals, contaminated site remediation, and other targetedwaste management activities. The total cost of these activities will be as follows:

Chemical waste disposal: Au$1.41 – $3.74 million

Contaminated site assessment: Au$1.41 million

Contaminated site remediation: Au$5.09 – $7.25 million

Laboratory waste management programme: Au$0.4 million

Medical waste management programme: Au$0.6 million

Interim site improvement (contingency): Au$0.06 million

Quite clearly, this amount of money is well in excess of that likely to be availablefrom any one source. It is therefore proposed that the work be undertaken in a seriesof discrete work packages ranging in size from about $6,000 to about $1 - $3million.A number of possible donors will be approached for support for this work.

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING

(CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES)

The efficient and effective management of chemicals is a complex task and theconsequences of inadequate management can be severe. One important aspect ofstrengthening national programmes for the sound management of chemicals is theneed to develop integrated activities which cover and link all aspects of the chemical



life cycle including production, import, export, storage, transport, distribution, useand disposal. This can be referred to as “life-cycle” or “cradle-to-grave” management.It is clear that this approach is needed in Pacific Island Countries.

The POPs in PICs project concentrates on the disposal of waste and obsolete chemicalsand remediation of chemical contaminated sites, but also aims to assist countries withthe development and implementation of long-term strategies for the management ofhazardous and potentially hazardous chemicals and other materials. The project willhelp to provide some first steps in this direction, through the provision of local trainingcourses and community education activities.

Much remains to be done in this area. However, SPREP is confident that with anincreased level of participation by Pacific Island Countries in international chemicalmanagement programmes, and regional assistance programmes including the NZODA-funded Development of Hazardous Waste Management Strategies project, the goal ofefficient and effective chemical management throughout the region can be attained.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The report concludes with the following recommendations:

1. The proposed phases II and III of the POPs in PICs project should be mergedinto a single programme, with the primary emphasis on waste disposal andcontaminated site remediation.

2. Approaches should be made to AusAID and other donor agencies for financialsupport for individual sub-parts of the proposed programme.

3. Funding (Au$60,000) should also be sought for interim improvements to someof the pesticide storage facilities, as listed in Section 7.5

4. Pacific Island Countries should take action to implement local disposalprocedures for those chemicals identified as being solely their responsibility.

5. Pacific Island Countries should be encouraged to participate fully in the currentinternational and regional activities directed at capacity building and institutionalstrengthening in the areas of chemical management.

6. Pacific Island Countries should consider the development of specific legislationdirected at the appropriate management of hazardous chemicals, using a lifecycle approach.

7. Pacific Island Countries should actively participate in the current negotiationsfor a legally binding instrument for certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

8. Pacific Island Countries should urgently recognise the desirability of ratifyingboth the Basel and the Waigani Conventions.

4. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS 37

4.1 Hazardous Waste Management 37

4.2 Contaminated Site Management 38


PAGE 16 CONTENTS


CONTENTS PAGE 17

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 27

1.1 Background 27

1.2 Objectives 27

1.3 Scope 27

1.4 Project Outputs 28

1.5 Related Work Programmes 29

2. SITE INSPECTIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES 31

2.1 Country Visits and Site Inspections 31

2.2 Waste and Obsolete Chemicals 31

2.3 Contaminated Site Identification and Assessment 32

2.4 Sampling and Analysis 32

2.5 Interim Remedial Actions 32

2.6 Training and Development 33

2.7 In-Country Facilities and Expertise 33

2.8 Legislation 33

3. REGIONAL CONCERNS 35

3.1 Polychlorinated Bi-Phenyls (PCBs) 35

3.2 Pesticides 36

3.3 DDT 39

3.4 Timber Treatment Chemicals 41

3.5 Waste Oil 43

3.6 Bitumen 45

3.7 Laboratory Chemicals 46

3.8 Medical Wastes 47

3.9 Landfills 48

3.10 Other Concerns 48

3.11 Implications for Pacific Island Countries 49


PAGE 18 CONTENTS

4. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS 51

4.1 Hazardous Waste Management 51

4.2 Contaminated Site Management 51

4.3 Waste Treatment Methods 52

4.4 Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities in Pacific Island Countries 53

4.5 Regional Waste Treatment and Disposal Services 53

5. DISPOSAL OPTIONS AND COSTS 55

5.1 PCBs 55

5.2 Pesticide Wastes 56

5.3 DDT 57

5.4 Timber Treatment Chemicals 58

5.5 Waste Oil 58

5.6 Bitumen 59

5.7 Laboratory Chemicals 60

5.8 Medical Wastes 60

5.9 Landfills 60

5.10 Other Concerns 61

5.11 International Transport Issues 61

6. CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 63

6.1 A ‘Life-Cycle’ Management Approach 63

6.2 Current Legislation 63

6.3 Future Legislation Requirements 64

6.4 Institutional Support 65

6.5 International Activities and Conventions 65

6.6 Regulations and Codes of Practice 65

6.7 Capacity Building 65

6.8 Public Education and Awareness 66

7. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 67

7.1 Waste and Obsolete Chemicals 67

7.2 Contaminated Sites 68

7.3 Other significant Issues 68

7.4 Other Waste and Contaminated Site Issues 68

7.5 Overall Strategy 69

7.6 Legislation and Capacity Building 69

7.7 Recommendations 69

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY 71


CONTENTS PAGE 19

ANNEX A : COUNTRY REPORTS A1

A.1 COOK ISLANDS A3

1. Overview A3

2. Major Findings A3

3. Recommendations A4

4. Waste Management Infrastructure A4

5. Summary Of Waste Stockpiles And Contaminated Sites A5

6. Legislation And Administration A5

A.2 FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA A7

1. Overview A7



4. Chuuk A9

4.1 Site Inspections A9

4.2 Survey Findings A9

4.3 Current Waste Management A10

5. Kosrae A10




6. Pohnpei A11




7. Yap A13




8. Environmental Law Review A14

8.1 National Government A14

8.2 Chuuk State Government A15

8.3 Kosrae State Government A15

8.4 Pohnpei State Government A15

8.5 Yap State Government A16

8.6 International Conventions A16


PAGE 20 CONTENTS

A.3 FIJI A17

1. Overview A17



4. Obsolete Chemical Wastes A18

5. Timber Industry Wastes A19

6. Surplus Laboratory Chemicals A20

7. Waste Hydrocarbons A20

8. Polychlorinated Bi-Phenyls (PCBs) A20

9. Landfills (Municipal Waste Dumps) A20

10. Contaminated Sites A21

11. Fiji Waste Inventory A21

12. Re-Use Options A21

13. Legislation A21

14. Laboratory Facilities A22

A.4 KIRIBATI A23

1. Overview A23



4. Site Inspections A24

5. Survey Findings A24

6. Current Waste Management A26


A.5 MARSHALL ISLANDS A27

1. Overview A27



4. Waste Stockpiles and Contaminated Sites A28

5. Waste Management nfrastructure A29


A.6 NAURU A31

1. Overview A31



4. Waste Stockpiles AndContaminated Sites A32




CONTENTS PAGE 21

A.7 NIUE A35

1. Overview A35



4. Waste Stockpiles And Contaminated Sites A36



A.8 PALAU A39

1. Overview A39



4. Site Inspections A40

5. Survey Findings A41

6. Current Waste Management A41


A.9 SAMOA A43

1. Overview A43






A.10 SOLOMON ISLANDS A47

1. Overview A47



4. Agricultural Chemicals - Metapona Plains Storage Shed A49

5. Other Obsolete Chemicals A50

6. DDT Use For MosquitoControl A50

7. PCB Contaminated Oil A51

8. Laboratory Chemicals A52

9. Waste Oil A52



12. Landfills (MunicipalWaste Disposal) A52

13. Legislation and Management A53


PAGE 22 CONTENTS

A.11 TONGA A55

1. Overview A55



4. Waste Stockpiles AndContaminated Sites A56



A.12 TUVALU A59

1. Overview A59





6. Legislation and Administration A61

A.13 VANUATU A63

1. Overview A63



4. Obsolete AgriculturalWastes A64

5. DDT A65


7. Miscellaneous Wastes A66

8. Waste Hydrocarbons A66

9. PCBs A67

10. Landfills (MunicipalWaste Disposal) A67


12. Legislation A67

ANNEX B: INVENTORIES B1

ANNEX C: GUIDELINES C1

C.1 SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF UNKNOWN CHEMICALS C3

Handling Precautions C3

Sampling C3

Sample Containers C3

Sample Storage C3

Packaging for Transport C3

Transport C4

Analysis C4


CONTENTS PAGE 23

C.2 LABORATORY FACILITIES C5

Australia C5

New Zealand C5

Fiji C5

Guam C5

C.3 PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PITS C7

C.4 DISPOSAL OPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC PESTICIDE WASTES C9

C.5 DISPOSAL OF EMPTY PESTICIDE CONTAINERS C11

Recycling C11

Disposal by Incineration C11

Disposal by Landfill C11

C.6 MODEL CODE OF PRACTICE: TIMBER PRESERVATION PLANTS1 C13

1. General C13

2. Transportation and Labelling C13

3. Plant Siting C13

3.1 Water Bodies andFlooding C13

3.2 Air Emissions C13

3.3 Rain Water Discharge Outlets C13

3.4 Treated Timber Storage Area C14

3.5 Future Land Use C14

4. Plant Layout C14

4.1 General C14

4.2 Holding Capacity C14

4.3 Containment ofSpillages C14

4.4 Working Areas C14

4.5 Storage Areas for Treatment Chemicals and Treated Timber C14

4.6 Unroofed Areas C14

4.7 Site Access and Activity Separations C14

4.8 Plant Entry, Changing and Toilet Facilities C15

4.9 Emergency Showers, Washing and Eye Washing Facilities C15

4.10 Eating Facilities C15

5. Worker Safety C15

5.1 General C15

5.2 Protective Equipment C15

6. Equipment Design and Operation C15

6.1 General C15

6.2 Pressure Plants C16

6.3 Vacuum Pumps C16


PAGE 24 CONTENTS

6.4 Treatment Vessel Doors C16

6.5 Fire Fighting Equipment C16

6.6 Tanks and Fittings C16

6.7 Automatic TreatmentPlants C16

7. Disposal of Waste C16

7.1 General C16

7.2 Copper Chrome Arsenic C16

7.3 Creosote C17

7.4 Boron Compounds andSodium Fluoride C17

7.5 Treated Wood, Sawdust and Shavings C17

7.6 Containers C17

8. Monitoring C17

8.1 Employee Health C17

8.2 Stormwater Discharges C17

8.3 Groundwater C17

8.4 Soil Samples C18

8.5 Interpretation of Results and Follow-up Actions C18

C.7 DISPOSAL OF WASTE CCA SLUDGE C19

Preparation of Sludge for Treatment C19

Technical note: C19

Waste Generation C21

Potential Effects C21

C.8 WASTE OIL MANAGEMENT AT POWER STATIONS C21

Waste Oil Management C21

Waste Reduction C21

Oil Recycling C22

Oil Disposal C22

C.9 ON-ISLAND HYDROCARBON REMEDIATION (LANDFARMING) C23

Overview C23

Procedure C23

C.10 IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF HYDROCARBON

CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER C25

Overview C25

Operating Parameters C25

Procedure C26

C.11 DISPOSAL METHODS FOR MEDICAL WASTES C27


CONTENTS PAGE 25

C.12 BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SANITARY LANDFILLS C29

Site Locations C29

Site Security C29

Design and Construction C29

Operation C29

Waste Acceptance C30

C.13 DISPOSAL OF BURIED MEDICAL WASTES (PALAU) C31

Administration C31

Preparation and Equipment C31

Disposal C31

C.14 MISCELLANEOUS CHEMICAL WASTES C33

Calcium Hypochlorite C33

Cyanide Canisters C33

Car (lead-acid) Batteries C33

Dry-cell Batteries C33

Fertilisers and Nutrient Mixes C34

Paints and Resins C34

Sodium Hydroxide C34

C.15 REMOVAL OF LEAD-BASED PAINT FROM STEEL STRUCTURES C35

Overview C35

Identification C35

Paint Removal Methods C35

Personal Protection C35

Environmental Protection C36

Waste Disposal C36

Further Information C36

C.16 A GUIDE TO THE IMPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

TO AUSTRALIA C37

The Requirements of the Basel Convention C37


PAGE 26 CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1 Total Volumes of Oil Potentially Contaminated with PCBs 36

Table 3.2 Sites Identified as Potentially Contaminated with PCBs 36

Table 3.3 Pesticide Stockpiles Identified in the Surveys 37

Table 3.4 Examples of Pesticide Contaminated Sites 38

Table 3.5 DDT Stockpiles 39

Table 3.6 DDT Contaminated Sites 39

Table 3.7 Waste Timber Treatment Chemicals 41

Table 3.8 Potentially Contaminated Timber Treatment Sites 42

Table 3.9 Waste Oil Stockpiles 43

Table 3.10 Oil Contaminated Sites 44

Table 3.11 Sites with Suspected Groundwater Contamination 45

Table 3.12 Stockpiles of Waste Bitumen 45

Table 3.13 Bitumen Contaminated Sites 46

Table 3.14 Stockpiles of Laboratory Chemicals 47

Table 4.1 Hazardous Waste Treatment Systems and Service in the South Pacific Region(including developing technologies) 54

Table 5.1 Approximate Treatment / Disposal Costs (Au$) 55

Table 7.1 Disposal Options and Costs for Waste Chemicals 67

Table 7.2 Contaminated Site Cost Estimates (Au$) 68


INTRODUCTION PAGE 27

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Waste management has become of increasing significance to Pacific Island Countries (PICs)over recent years, and this has been recognised in the current SPREP Action Plan, 1997-2000.The Waste Minimisation, Management and Pollution Prevention Programme, which wasendorsed by SPREP member countries at a meeting in Tonga in 1994, provides the umbrellaunder which all SPREP’s waste management projects are implemented. An important aspect ofthis programme is the management of chemicals and hazardous wastes.

chemicals, in order to eliminate the threats posed bythese towards the environment and human health. Thisproject concentrates on the identification and disposal ofwaste and obsolete chemicals and the assessment andremediation of contaminated sites.

In order to achieve the objective, the project will assistPICs in the management of POPs by:

• Assessing the types and quantities involved.

• Assessing the current extent of contaminationresulting from the use and/or disposal of hazardouschemicals.

• Assessing the facilities and expertise available todeal with these materials.

• Developing improved handling, disposal andremediation procedures.

• Recommending measures including legislation, toensure that PICs can start to move towards thedevelopment of effective management systems andprocedures.

1.3 SCOPE

The term POPs has been interpreted rather broadly andfor the purposes of this project includes much more thanthose chemicals internationally defined as POPs. POPsare defined here as all hazardous or potentiallyhazardous chemicals and include pesticides,polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs), industrialchemicals, medical wastes, laboratory chemicals, oil,bitumen, timber treatment chemicals and fertilisers.

The groups being targeted by the project includeGovernments, industry, farmers and fishermen in theregion. Other groups affected by the project includelocal residents, who will benefit from the removal or

AusAID has recognised the need for improved wastemanagement throughout the region and undertook a pre-feasibility study of potential waste management projectsin April 1997. The study recommended thirteen areas inwhich assistance was needed, ranging from waste watertreatment to landfill management. The management ofwaste chemicals was rated as highest priority and thePersistent Organic Pollutants in Pacific Island Countries(POPs in PICs) project was developed to address thiscomponent.

The management of chemicals, including pesticides,solvents, PCBs and waste oils has been recognised forsome time as an environmental issue of majorsignificance in the South Pacific region. Thesematerials represent a serious threat to human healththrough contamination of soil and water resources andalso to major ecosystems (mangroves, coastal lagoons)as a result of poor handling and disposal. Theseproblems are particularly difficult for PICs because of:

• A lack of information on the types and volumes ofchemicals being stored

• A poor understanding within the wider communityof how chemicals should be used and stored

• Limited knowledge of the threat that certainchemicals pose for community and environmentalhealth

• An absence of appropriate disposal facilities

• Government and community resources directed toother (seemingly) more urgent matters.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

The objective of POPs in PICs is to upgrade regionalcapacity for the management of POPs and related


PAGE 28 INTRODUCTION

remediation of existing hazardous substances, andpeoples of the Pacific generally, who will benefit overallfrom the better management of these environmentallyhazardous substances.

It should be noted that the project is only targetingstockpiles of waste and obsolete chemicals, andchemical contaminated sites. It is not consideringpollution or contamination from existing or recentindustrial or agricultural activities. Radioactive wastesand unused munitions from World War II were alsoexcluded.

1.4 PROJECT OUTPUTS

The project as originally proposed, was to beundertaken in three Phases with outputs as follows:

PHASE 11. A comprehensive database on the stocks of waste

chemicals and unused pesticides, including typesand quantities, the location and state of the currentstorage, and relevant technical information on eachsubstance identified. The Chemical Consultants willprovide on-the-job training to counterparts insampling, identification, handling and storage.Mechanisms will also be established to ensure thatdatabases will be updated.

2. A comprehensive database containing informationon the types and extent of chemically contaminatedsites (including those contaminated by oil products)in Pacific Island Countries. The ChemicalConsultants will also provide on-the-job training tocounterparts in preliminary identification ofchemical contaminated sites. Mechanisms will alsobe established to ensure that these databases will beupdated.

3. A report assessing the facilities and technicalexpertise available in the Pacific Island Countries todeal with the management of waste chemicals,pesticides and contaminated sites.

4. A report reviewing government measures, includinglegislation and regulations, in each Pacific IslandCountry relating to the management of wastechemicals, pesticides and contaminated sites. Thereview will include:

• A preliminary assessment of the effectiveness ofcurrent legislation, and an examination of currentchemical management capabilities.

• Recommendations for improvements required toeffect satisfactory management of thesematerials.

• An assessment of the implications of relatedinternational conventions and recommendationsas to their applicability.

• Recommendations for further in-depth reviewsof Pacific Island Countries’ legal andadministrative capabilities to manage chemicals.

5. A technical document describing appropriatestandard procedures for the identification ofunlabelled substances, including sampling andtransport procedures, and a listing of relevant testingfacilities.

6. Plans for appropriate storage facilities in eachcountry where materials may be safely housed priorto final disposal.

7. A report assessing disposal options for wastechemicals and pesticides, including decision-makingcriteria to ensure that each product is transported in amanner complying with relevant regional andinternational best practices and treated at anappropriate facility. The report will include ananalysis of disposal options for each chemical typeidentified as recommended by the TechnicalWorking Group to the Secretariat to the BaselConvention, for their suitability in the region. Thereport will also consider disposal options for eachchemical type identified as recommended byEnvironment Australia for their suitability in theregion. The report will consider the option oftransporting the disposal facility to the wastes as analternative to transporting the wastes to the disposalfacility. Social, economic and environmentalconsiderations will be included as decision-makingcriteria for assessing disposal options.

8. A report assessing remediation options for eachcontaminated site examined.

9. Reduction of future hazardous waste and sitecontamination problems through education andawareness and capacity building. Capacity buildingprogrammes will include formal training of one-week duration for technical staff and multi-mediapublic education and awareness campaigns in eachPacific Island Country.

10. A report analysing the probable effectiveness anddesirability of proposed legislation to mitigate theproduction of waste and ensure proper disposalprocedures are adopted.

11. Based on the results of Phase I of the project adetailed project document including costingsdescribing Phase II of the project.

PHASE IIPhase II of the project will involve implementation ofthe provision of storage facilities in Pacific IslandCountries to house the materials requiring disposal inleak-proof and cyclone proof premises, prior to actualdisposal occurring.

PHASE IIIPhase III will see the safe disposal of these hazardousmaterials in all Pacific Island Countries.

It is now proposed to combine the work of Phase IIIwith that of Phase II to save unnecessary costsassociated with storage facilities.


INTRODUCTION PAGE 29

Phase I of the project was located in 13 SPREP memberisland countries. These were the Cook Islands, FederatedStates of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,Tuvalu and Vanuatu. It is intended to include Papua NewGuinea in subsequent phases of the work.

1.5 RELATED WORK

PROGRAMMES

Related projects undertaken by or involving SPREPinclude:

• The NZODA funded Development of HazardousWaste Management Strategies project. In addition toco-ordinating PICs involvement in other internationalchemical-related activities, this project will assistPICs to develop and implement integrated nationalprogrammes for the management of hazardouswastes.

• The UNITAR-developed National Chemical Profiles,which assess the capacity of countries to safely andefficiently manage hazardous chemicals. Profileshave now been completed for Kiribati and Vanuatuand are currently in preparation for Papua NewGuinea and Tonga.

• The Global Programme of Action for the Protectionof the Marine Environment from Land-BasedActivities. SPREP is co-ordinating the developmentof a South Pacific Regional Programme of Action forthis project.

• ‘PACPOL’ which targets ship-sourced PACificPOLlution and includes development andimplementation of marine oil pollution responseprogrammes, and the implementation of IMOConventions, including MARPOL and the LondonConvention.

• The Basel and Waigani Conventions. SPREP will actas secretariat to the Waigani Convention upon itsentry into force following ratification by ten of thesixteen Forum Countries. Compliance with the BaselConvention will be essential to enable Phase II/III ofPOPs in PICs to proceed.

• The Pacific Regional Waste Education and AwarenessProject (WASTE), which is funded by the EuropeanUnion. WASTE targets solid waste public educationin the eight Pacific countries with historical ties to theEuropean Union.

POPs in PICs very much complements these otherchemical related activities.


PAGE 30 SITE INSPECTIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES


SITE INSPECTIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES PAGE 31

2. SITE INSPECTIONS

AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

2.1 COUNTRY VISITS AND SITE INSPECTIONS

Most of the work for Phase I was carried out during 1998, but with some additional follow-upwork during 1999. The bulk of the work was done by three specialist consultants with expertisein chemical hazard management, contaminated site assessments and waste management anddisposal. Each country was visited by one of the consultants, with local assistance beingprovided by government officials, who acted as local counterparts. Local consultants were alsorecruited in some countries to assist with the work.

• Unlabelled materials were sometimes able to beidentified on the basis of inventory records and/orstaff knowledge. Samples were occasionally takenfor analysis, to assist with the identification.However, this option was only used whereabsolutely necessary, because of the high costsinvolved.

• In the case of transformer oils, samples were testedon-site using the Chlor-n-Oil test kits, which give asimple colour indication for the presence ofpolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

• The quantities of materials were estimated usinglabel information and container size.

• Details of the chemicals, their quantities and generalcondition were recorded, for later entry into theChemicals database.

• The stockpile was discussed with local personnel,including the reasons for its existence, safety andsecurity issues, and possible options for re-use ordisposal.

The Chemicals database generated by this surveycontains over 600 entries. It is not attached tothis report due to its length (65 pages). However,the key information has been extracted intoAnnex B1 (pesticides), Annex B2 (PCBs andhydrocarbons), and Annex B3 (othermiscellaneous materials, including timbertreatment chemicals and fertilisers).

The work in each country was based around inspectionsof known chemical stockpiles and contaminated sites,plus visits to a variety of other locations with thepotential for similar problems. The range of possiblesites included the following:

• Government agriculture offices and research centres

• Power stations

• Waste disposal facilities (eg. landfills)

• Hospitals

• School laboratories

• Port quarantine facilities

• Vehicle maintenance depots

• Industrial and manufacturing operations.

Narrative reports on the consultants’ activities andfindings are given in individual country reports, copiesof which are attached as Annex A of this document. Alisting of all the locations where stockpiles of obsoletechemicals and/or contaminated sites were found, isgiven in Annex B1

2.2 WASTE AND

OBSOLETE CHEMICALS

The following procedure was followed when stockpilesof obsolete and/or unwanted chemicals were foundduring the survey:

• The materials were sorted and identified frominformation given on the packaging.


PAGE 32 SITE INSPECTIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

2.3 CONTAMINATED

SITE IDENTIFICATION

AND ASSESSMENT

Contaminated sites are those at which hazardoussubstances are present in the soil and/or groundwater.The contamination sometimes arises from the normalsite operations (e.g. solid-waste landfills) but is morecommonly caused by spillages, uncontrolled dumping,or other waste disposal activities. Typical contaminantsinclude toxic heavy metals, pesticides, timber treatmentchemicals, oils, tars and a wide range of other possiblesubstances.

Contaminated sites and potentially contaminated siteswere identified by the consultants on the basis ofdiscussions with local personnel at the various facilitieslisted in Section 2.2 above. In many cases thecontamination was visually obvious. In others it couldonly be deduced from information about previous wastedisposal activities (eg. pesticide burial sites).

Each contaminated site was assessed using the RapidHazard Assessment Scheme (New Zealand Ministry forthe Environment, 1993). In this system sites areassigned ratings on the basis of the extent of thecontamination, the toxicity and mobility of thecontaminants, the potential for contamination of thesurrounding areas including food and water supplies,and ease of public access to the site. The individualratings for each of these factors are then combined toarrive at an overall hazard rating for the site. The finalrating covers a range from zero (non-hazardous) to 100(extremely hazardous).

Over 100 contaminated sites were identified during thesurvey and 86 of these were given a rating of 30 orabove. This was taken as the cut-off point for furtherinvestigation, and possible remediation. Information oneach of these sites is given in Annexes B5 (pesticides),B6 (hydrocarbons) and B7 (other).

2.4 SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

As indicated in Section 2.2, a limited number ofchemical samples were taken for testing to assist withidentification. These samples were taken in accordancewith the procedures given in Annex C1 and submitted tolaboratories in New Zealand and Australia. Informationon these and other suitable laboratories are given inAnnex C2.

Testing of transformer oils for PCBs was done using theChlor-n-Oil test kits, which are manufactured by theDexsil Corporation, Connecticut, USA. The kits areintended for field use, and give a simple colourindication for the presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons.The test is not specific for PCBs, and has the potentialto give “false positive” results. More specificlaboratory testing will therefore be required at the startof any disposal exercise.

2.5 INTERIM REMEDIAL

ACTIONS

Some situations were found in the survey that warrantedimmediate remedial action to minimise the existinghazards. Others were found where the problems wereeasily dealt with on the spot. The actions taken in thesesituations were as follows:

• A variety of chemicals were being stored at a site inVanuatu for quarantine purposes but were no longerrequired. These were found to be in good conditionand were therefore distributed to other users.

• Approximately 2 tonnes of DDT were stored in alean-to alongside the Ranadi storage sheds, SolomonIslands. This structure was also being used ashousing for a local family. The DDT was relocatedto the main storage building.

• Three drums of unidentified chemicals were found atan abandoned fisheries laboratory in Honaria, SolomonIslands. All of the drums were in moderate to poorcondition and one of the drums was stored outside inthe street. This was moved inside the building, theother drums were placed upright to prevent themleaking, and the store was fitted with a lock.

• About 4 tonnes of mixed pesticides were held in twoadjacent buildings in Kolonia, Pohnpei. Many of thecontainers were in poor condition, and the site wasreadily accessible to the public. The pesticides weresorted and repacked where necessary, and stacked onpallets inside one of the buildings, which was thensecured.

• A stockpile of about 1 tonne of pesticides was heldat the Works depot in Niue. Some of this materialhad been previously placed into drums, but theremainder (in sacks and cardboard drums) was piledloosely about the floor. This material was sorted andplaced into used tar drums.

• The Science storeroom at Pohnpei High Schoolcontained about 600 kg of old laboratory chemicals,including some which were potentially verydangerous. The chemicals were carefully sorted.The common acid reagents were neutralised bymixing with alkalis, and then flushed down thedrain. Non-hazardous materials were set aside fordisposal at the local landfill. The remainingchemicals were packed into plastic drums and arenow in secure storage awaiting disposal.

• A stockpile of 65-70 tonnes of mixed agriculturalchemicals was stored in a run-down shed inRarotonga. The Cook Islands government hadalready made arrangements for this material to berepackaged and removed from the store. TheSPREP consultant assisted with this operation,including advising on worker safety, possiblealternative uses for the chemicals, disposal options,and site clean-up. Most of the material was shippedto New Zealand for reuse.


SITE INSPECTIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES PAGE 33

• Small stockpiles of pesticides and laboratorychemicals were found at various locations aroundRarotonga. These were collected up and placed intosecure storage with other pesticides held at theAgriculture research centre, Totokiutu.

• Inspection of a hospital laboratory in Rarotongashowed the presence of nearly 1kg of potentiallyexplosive picric acid. This material was disposed byburning at a remote location, with the assistance ofthe airport Fire Rescue Service.

2.6 TRAINING

AND DEVELOPMENT

A key component of this project is institutionalstrengthening through training and development of localpersonnel. This will mainly be addressed through the 1-week training courses in each country, which areplanned for later in the year. However, it should also benoted that a significant amount of on-the-job traininghas already taken place, as a result of the involvementof local personnel with the site inspections andremediation work. A total of about 30 people havealready been given invaluable experience in chemicalidentification, safe handling, sample collection,assessment of storage facilities, repackaging andstorage, and the identification and assessment ofcontaminated sites.

2.7 IN-COUNTRY FACILITIES

AND EXPERTISE

The existing in-country facilities for waste managementand disposal were assessed by the consultants, as part ofthe site inspection work. Particular attention was paidto solid waste landfills and waste incineration facilities,especially those used for medical and quarantine wastes.Other supporting facilities, such as laboratories, wereassessed in the same way.

The consultants were also required to assess the currentlevels of in-country expertise. While this was not donein any formal sense, a good indication was gainedthrough working directly with the various localcounterparts and local consultants.

2.8 LEGISLATION

Information on the existing legislation in each countrywas taken from the existing NEMS reports, whereavailable, and through discussions with the localcounterparts. This information is summarised in thecountry reports given in Annex A.


PAGE 34 REGIONAL CONCERNS


REGIONAL CONCERNS PAGE 35

3. REGIONAL CONCERNS

This section of the report describes the main problems that were found during the countrysurveys. The presentation is based around the individual chemicals or groups of chemicals thatwere identified in stockpiles of waste and obsolete materials, or were believed to be present atcontaminated sites. It was quite common for both of these situations to be found at the one site,in that sub-standard storage conditions or mis-handling had resulted in contamination of thesurrounding area.

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

PCBs are amongst the most stable organic compoundsknown and they break down only very slowly in theenvironment. In water they can be taken up byfreshwater and marine organisms, includingphytoplankton. As phytoplankton is the primary foodsource (directly or indirectly) of all marine animals,transfer of PCBs up the food chain readily occurs in acontaminated environment.

Some PCBs are confirmed human carcinogens. PCBscan enter the body through the lungs, gastrointestinaltract and skin. They can be circulated through the bloodstream and are stored in fatty tissue. Exposure duringpregnancy can result in developmental problems in thefoetus. PCBs can also be transferred through breastmilk. Skin exposure can result in a severe and painfulirritation, known as chloracne. Animal toxicologicaldata suggests that some PCBs may have negativereproductive effects in humans.

Burning of PCBs can produce other highly toxicchemicals, including polychlorinated dibenzodioxinsand furans. This is a particular concern with oldtransformers, because these can occasionally catch fire.

SURVEY RESULTS – CHEMICAL STOCKPILES

PCBs were identified in the survey by testing samplesof oil taken from old transformers, most of which wereno longer in use. Only a limited number of tests weretaken in each country, but the results were thenextrapolated to the remaining stock by considering therelative age of all of the units (both in and out of use).The Chlor-n-Oil test kits give a positive result for PCBconcentrations greater than 50 parts per million (ppm).

The total volume of PCB oil identified in the surveys issummarised in Table 3.1 below. The values reported arenecessarily conservative because of the limited numberof tests carried out. In the absence of any test results,transformers more than about 20 years old wereassumed to contain PCBs.

3.1 POLYCHLORINATED

BI-PHENYLS (PCBS)OCCURRENCE AND USE

The term PCBs is an acronym for a class of organicchemicals referred to as polychlorinated biphenyls.PCBs are characterised by having one or more chlorineatoms attached to a double benzene (biphenyl) group.As one of the most stable organic compounds known,PCBs have had a variety of uses, the most commonbeing as dielectric fluids for high voltage electricalequipment, such as transformers. They were also usedas heat transfer and hydraulic fluids, and in pigmentsand carbonless copy paper. PCBs have been sold undera number of common trade names, including thefollowing:

Arochlor; Arochlor B; ALC; Apirloio; Asbestol;Askarel;Adkarel; Capacitor 21; Chlorextol;Chlorinol;Chlorphen;Clophen; Clorinol; Diaclor; Dykanol; EEC-18; Elemex;Eucarel;Fenclor; Hyvol; Inclor; Inerteen; Keneclor;Kenneclor; Magvar; No-Flamol; Nepolin;Pheboclor;Pydraul; Pyralene; Pyranol; Pyroclor; Saf-T-Kuhl;Santotherm; Santovac 1 Santovac 2.

Arochlor was one of the few materials to be based on100% PCB oil. More commonly the PCBs were dilutedwith other organic liquids, particularly the chlorinatedbenzenes. This was generally the case for transformeroils.

In 1976, the United States restricted the manufacturingof PCBs under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Mostdeveloped countries subsequently adopted similarlegislation and PCBs are now no longer used in mostparts of the world. Transformers are now filled withnon-toxic oils based on hydrocarbons or silicones.However, it is not uncommon for this to becomecontaminated with PCB residues left over from pastuses, especially in older transformers.



3.2 PESTICIDES

OCCURRENCE AND USE

The term pesticides has been defined by the FAO as“Any substance or mixture of substances intended forpreventing, destroying or controlling any pest, includingvectors of human or animal disease, unwanted speciesof plants or animals,.. or which may be administered toanimals for the control of insects, arachnids or otherpests in or on their bodies”. This rather broaddefinition therefore encompasses chemicals usedthroughout agriculture, as well as domestically tocontrol rodents, fleas, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and soon. For the purposes of this report however, DDTwhich has been used to control mosquitoes as part of themalaria control strategy in the Pacific, has been coveredin a separate section (3.3).

Pesticides are used to varying degrees in all of thecountries covered by the survey. In countries such asNauru and Tuvalu, the use is minimal, no more than afew kilograms per year. However in countries such asFiji, the usage is in the order of hundreds of tonnes peryear. A wide range of pesticides (approximately 300chemicals) was identified in this survey as requiringsafe storage and disposal. Many of these chemicalswere brought for experimental crops and/ordevelopment projects that have now been abandoned,and there is no feasible local use for the chemicals.


The agricultural pesticides located during this surveycover a wide range of toxicities and potential effects.However, as a generalisation, pesticides are designed tokill unwanted plants or animals with low doses, andtherefore must be considered to be hazardoussubstances. Some examples of the possible health andenvironmental effects are given below, for some of thepesticides that were found in relatively large quantitiesduring the survey.

Propanil (10.2 tonnes) This herbicide is classified byWHO as moderately toxic (class II) to humans viaingestion and inhalation. It can also be irritating to theeyes and skin. It is moderately toxic to birds, and

TABLE 3.2 SITES IDENTIFIED AS POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED WITH PCBS

Country Site Description Hazard Rating

Nauru Nauru Phosphate Storage shed for old machinery including 64Corporation #2 Bin 100 transformers, most pre 1970,

significant oil spillage to soil on floor

Samoa Electric Power Transformer maintenance, 64Corporation depot visible oil contamination of soiland store, Vaitele

Samoa Electric Power Transformer maintenance, 32Corporation power visible oil contamination of soilstation, Salelologa

TABLE 3.1 TOTAL VOLUMES OF OIL

POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED WITH PCBS

Country Quantity (metric tonnes)

Cook Islands 4.0

Fiji Nil

FSM 55.0

Kiribati 5.5

Marshall Islands 0.8

Nauru 7.0

Niue 1.0

Palau 18.0

Samoa 10.0

Solomon Islands 0.8

Tonga 8.0

Tuvalu 8.0

Vanuatu 13.0

TOTAL 131.1

Additional testing will be required at the start of anyPCB disposal operation. This should be done after thetransformers have been moved to a single staging pointwithin each country. This will allow all units to betested in a systematic and consistent way.

SURVEY RESULTS – CONTAMINATED SITES

The sites identified as most likely to be contaminatedwith PCBs are shown in Table 3.2 below. As indicated,all of these sites involve situations where transformershave leaked and contaminated the surrounding soil. Allof these sites require further investigation to determinethe extent of contamination and a recommendedremediation plan.



moderately to highly toxic to a wide range of aquaticspecies. This is a particular concern as Propanil issoluble in water and absorbs only weakly to soilparticles. Micro-organisms in the soil break it downwithin 7 days so there is generally low potential forgroundwater contamination.

Trichlorfon (6.7 tonnes) This is an organophosphateinsecticide in toxicity class II - moderately toxic, viaingestion and skin absorption. Trichlorfon primarilyaffects the nervous system through inhibition ofcholinesterase, an enzyme required for nerve function,and other target organs are the liver, lungs and bonemarrow. It has been shown to have negative effects onreproduction in rats, although these effects are unlikelyto occur in humans at normal exposure levels (when thechemical is used at recommended rates). Trichlorfon ismoderately to highly toxic to birds, and very toxic tomany aquatic species. It is broken down by micro-organisms in the soil within a month but is very mobilein soil so there is a high potential for groundwatercontamination.

Carbaryl / Sevin (4.4 tonnes) This is a carbamateinsecticide in toxicity classes I and II, depending theformulation - highly toxic for the concentrated form andmoderately toxic for formulations such as Sevin. It canproduce adverse effects in humans by skin contactinhalation and ingestion. Direct contact with the skin oreyes with moderate levels of this pesticide can causeburns. Inhalation or ingestion of large amounts can betoxic to the nervous and respiratory system. Othersymptoms of high doses include sweating, blurredvision, lack of co-ordination and convulsions. Carbarylis practically non-toxic to birds, but moderately toxic toaquatic species. It is broken down by sunlight andbacterial action in the soil within a month, and isgenerally bound to the soil so there is a low potential forgroundwater contamination.

Maneb (2.2 tonnes) Maneb is a fungicide which isclassified as unlikely to present acute hazard in normaluse (class IV). However contact with the skin causesinflammation and acute exposure may result inhyperactivity, loss of co-ordination, nausea, vomiting,diarrhoea, blurred vision, slowed reflexes andconfusion. Maneb is practically non-toxic to birds but ishighly toxic to fish and other aquatic species. It isstrongly bound and persistent in soil and not highlysoluble in water. Maneb breaks down rapidly in waterunder anaerobic conditions.

Furadan (Carbofuran, 0.9 tonnes) Furadan is abroad-spectrum insecticide in toxicity class I - highlytoxic by inhalation and ingestion. Death may result athigh doses from respiratory system failure. Othersymptoms of high doses include nausea, vomiting,cramps, sweating, weakness, blurred vision, lack of co-ordination and breathing difficulty. It is highly toxic tobirds (one granule will kill a small bird) and also highlytoxic to many fish. It is persistent in soil and soluble inwater and has a high potential for groundwatercontamination.


The total volumes of pesticides identified during thesurveys are summarised in Table 3.3. Surplus andobsolete pesticides were identified in all countriesexcept Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu. Larger quantitieswere identified in the countries with larger agriculturalsectors (ie. Fiji, Solomon Islands) and in the FederatedStates of Micronesia.

TABLE 3.3 PESTICIDE STOCKPILES IDENTIFIED INTHE SURVEYS

Country Total Quantitiesof Pesticides (tonnes)

Cook Islands 5.7

Fiji 19.0

FSM 7.4

Kiribati 0.71

Marshall Islands 0.1

Nauru Nil

Niue 1.5

Palau 0.1

Samoa 0.2

Solomon Islands 11.02

Tonga Nil

Tuvalu Nil

Vanuatu 0.3

TOTAL 46.0

1. An unknown quantity of waste pesticides is alsoknown to be stored at Canton Island in Kiribati.

2. Plus approximately 7 tonnes of contaminatedpackaging at Metapona Plains, Solomon Islands.

CONGRATULATIONS TONGA

The Kingdom of Tonga is well known ashaving a highly agricultural economy.Despite this no waste pesticides norpesticide contaminated sites werelocated in the survey. For this Tonga isto be congratulated.




Pesticide contaminated sites generally fall into twocategories; those where old pesticides had beendisposed by burial, and sites contaminated by spillages.Pesticide disposal by burial can be effective in reducingthe immediate risks from these chemicals, and somewill gradually break down in the soil. However, therecan be a significant risk of contaminating any nearbygroundwater supplies. There is also a risk of problemsin the future if the site is redeveloped for other uses,such as housing (as found in Fiji).

A full schedule of pesticide contaminated sites is givenin Annex B.5, but the most significant are summarisedbelow. A total of 16 contaminated sites were identified,and all of these will require further investigation todetermine the extent of contamination, followed byremediation.

PESTICIDES WITH YOUR FISH?Approximately 10 tonnes of pesticides arestored in an abandoned shed in the formerMetapona Plains rice growing area nearHoniara. This rice farm was developed in1980 as a joint project (55 % US interests/45% Solomon Islands Government) but the USpartner withdrew in 1982 and the farm wasabandoned after Cyclone Nama in 1986.The chemicals were repackaged in 1994 withthe aim of transporting them overseas fordisposal. However no agency or Ministryhas been able to safely dispose of thesechemicals. In the meantime, the containerscontinue to deteriorate and leak, and thechemicals are gradually seeping into thesurrounding soil and streams. Localvillagers have broken into the shed andstolen pesticides that they used to kill fishfor human consumption. A complete cleanup is urgently needed.


FSM (Chuuk) Weno, private property 900 kg waste pesticides repackaged 100 in residential area by WHO in 1994 into a container.

The container is leaking and childrenliving nearby have been affected.

FSM (Pohnpei) DoA storage shed, 470 kg waste pesticides repackaged 100Kolonia by WHO in 1994.

Over 2 tonne of other loose pesticidesincluding DDT and Chlordane added later.

FSM (Pohnpei) DoA storage shed, 1,300 kg of agricultural chemicals 100Kolonia including DDT and carbamates

in an area frequented by tourists.

Fiji Former MAFF research Over 3 tonnes of old pesticides 90station, Lamaivuna stored in poor condition,

close to a residential area.

Solomon Islands Storage shed Chemicals abandoned in 1986, 85on former rice farm, repackaged by SPREP and WHO

Metapona Plains in 1996 but since vandalised again.

Fiji MAFF research station, Over 2 tonnes of pesticides buried near 80Lakena this site, on land which has since been

sold for residential use.

FSM (Yap) DoA research station 800 kg waste pesticides repackaged 80by WHO in 1994.

Fiji MAFF research station, Pesticide leakage inside store, 60Dreneki and dicidex buried beside the store.

Samoa MAFF&M research station, A total of about 2.5 tonnes of pesticides 60Nu’u buried in three locations.

TABLE 3.4 EXAMPLES OF PESTICIDE CONTAMINATED SITES



3.3 DDTOCCURRENCE AND USE

DDT was originally used as a broad spectruminsecticide. However, most applications have beendiscontinued because of its known health andenvironmental effects. DDT is now mainly used forvector (mosquito) management in the control of malaria,and this use tends to be restricted to those parts of theworld where malaria is still a major health problem.WHO has spearheaded the global campaign to controlmalaria and has supported the use of DDT in manydeveloping countries including Papua New Guinea, theSolomon Islands and Vanuatu. The chemical is stillmanufactured in a number of countries, including Chinaand India, with India for example, producing about10,000 tonnes annually.


DDT is classified by WHO as only moderately toxic tohumans. There is no evidence of teratogenic ormutagenic effects in humans, but it has been classifiedas a “possible human carcinogen” on the basis ofobserved effects in other species. DDT is stored in fattytissue, and released very slowly. DDT or metabolitesmay be released via mother’s milk to babies.

DDT is only slightly toxic to birds but very toxic toaquatic invertebrates and fish. In addition, DDT maybioaccumulate in fish and other species, leading to longterm chronic exposure. It is highly persistent in theenvironment, with a reported half-life of 2 to 15 years,and is immobile in most soils. Breakdown products areDDD and DDE, which have similar chemical andphysical properties to DDT.


Solomon Islands MHMS hardware store, Significant DDT contamination 80Ranadi

Palau Disposal site, Ngatpang, 6 x 200 litre drums, partially buried 80Babeldoab

FSM (Pohnpei) Ex-hospital site, 2 tonnes buried in a residential area 80Kolonia

Solomon Islands MHMS rural water Significant DDT contamination 30supply store, Ranadi

(MHMS = Ministry of Health & Medical Services)


Stockpiles of DDT identified in the surveys are asshown in Table 3.5 below.

TABLE 3.5 DDT STOCKPILES

Country DDT (metric tonnes)

Cook Islands Nil

Fiji Nil

FSM 0.1*

Kiribati Nil

Marshall Islands Nil

Nauru Nil

Niue Nil

Palau Nil*

Samoa Nil

Solomon Islands 8.3

Tonga Nil

Tuvalu Nil

Vanuatu 0.9

TOTAL 9.3

(*Additional quantities of DDT have been buried in FSM andin Palau – see entries under contaminated sites below)


A list of DDT contaminated sites identified in thesurveys is given in the table below. All sites requirefurther investigation to determine the extent ofcontamination.

TABLE 3.6 DDT CONTAMINATED SITES



DDT IN HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS

SPREP Chemicals Consultant, Dr Ian Wallis, sent the following report of hisinspections on 14 July 1998 (abridged):

On Tuesday 14 July, the storage sheds owned by the Ministry of Health and MedicalServices were inspected by the SPREP Chemicals Consultant in the company of twoofficers from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the medical director ofSIMTRI and two officers of WHO.

The Hardware Shed contained a large range of plumbing fittings, a large quantity ofbed netting and 3.5t (100 cardboard boxes each containing 35kg) of DDT recentlypurchased from China (February 1998). The storage was generally neat and tidy,and the shed was locked and secure.

On the roadway outside this shed was a blue 200 L drum labelled DDT ICI Batch40135 25% EC. The drum was corroded and empty, but smelled of DDT andapparently had recently discharged the contents onto the ground.

The Rural Water Supply Shed contained a large quantity of cement, 19 outboardmotors, 2 air conditioning units, and a quantity of files, furniture, chemicals,toolboxes and miscellaneous effects. From the perspective of chemicals, the majoritems were as follows:

• five 200 L drums of DDT powder packed in polythene bags,

• two cardboard boxes of DDT powder each containing about 75kg;

Outside, on the East Side of the building, were 13 drums of DDT labelled DDT ICIBatch 40135 25% EC. Ten of the drums were full; three were empty. One theorydiscussed by those present was that these drums were originally to be shipped to theprovinces but had leaked at the wharf and had been temporarily removed to this site.No one at the inspection had been aware that these drums of DDT still existed. Thedrums were generally damaged, perhaps by rough handling during transport. It isprobable that the contents of three drums (600 L) had leaked into the ground.

One or two families were occupying a lean-to built on the West Side of the building.An inspection inside this room revealed cooking equipment, two beds, two childrenand 7 drums of DDT powder plus 2 cardboard boxes of DDT powder. Thepolyethylene packages had been ripped open and there were finger marks in thepowder. One person said that powder was taken to kill fish. In any event, the DDT isNOT stored properly and is readily available to small children.

Overall, there are a total of 11 full drums of DDT liquid, 12 full drums of DDTpowder and 6 empty drums, as well as 4 cardboard boxes of DDT powder. With theassistance of personnel from WHO and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,all full and empty drums were moved inside the store, and the cardboard boxes ofDDT powder were repacked into steel drums and also locked in the store.



3.4 TIMBER TREATMENT

CHEMICALS

OCCURRENCE AND USE

Timber treatment chemicals are used to preserve timberfrom fungal degradation and from attack by insects,especially borer. A range of different preservatives isused, with those that are chemically fixed to the timberbeing the most effective.

The simplest form of timber treatment process is the“dip” system, in which the wood is simply dipped into atrough of chemicals. Alternatively, the chemicals maybe simply applied to the wood with a brush. At theother end of the scale are the pressure processes inwhich the chemicals are forced into the wood underpressure. The timber is first dried, using either airseasoning or heat. It is then placed inside steelcylinders or retorts, typically 1.5 to 3 meters in diameterand up to 10 to 50 meters in length. The cylinder isclosed and filled with preservative. Applied pressureforces the chemicals into the wood. The amount ofchemical absorbed is determined by the concentration ofthe treatment solutions, the amount of pressure applied,and the treatment time. At the end of the treatmentcycle the tank is drained, and the load is then removedto a drip area and allowed to dry.


Some of the chemicals commonly used for timbertreatment are as follows:

Boron salts These are rapidly absorbed by humans, bothorally and through the skin, but are also rapidlyeliminated from the body. Boron exposures can result ina variety of health effects including nausea, abdominalpain, diarrhoea and violent vomiting. Boron compoundsare also irritating to the eyes, nose, respiratory tract andthe skin. However, most of these effects have only beenobserved in cases of severe exposures, well above thelevels that should occur during normal use.

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Pentachlorophenol iscommonly used in two forms, petroleum solutions ofPCP itself and as the water-soluble sodiumpentachlorophenate. Chronic exposure to PCP can resultin a range of adverse health effects, including irritation ofthe skin and mucous membranes, chloracne,neurasthenia, depression, headaches and changes inkidney and liver function. In addition, PCP has beenclassified as a probable human carcinogen. PCP is highlytoxic to aquatic life and is also known to bioaccumulatethrough the food chain. Technical-grade PCP is also aconcern because of the presence of impurities such as thepolychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinateddibenzofurans (dioxins and furans). These chemicals arehighly persistent and bioaccumulate, and some are knownhuman carcinogens.

Copper/chrome/arsenic (CCA) CCA preservatives aremade up of mixtures of a variety of compounds ofcopper, chromium and arsenic. Arsenic is sometimes alsoused on its own.

Chromium salts are commonly found in two differentoxidation states, +3 and +6, and the environmentalproperties and potential health effects of these differmarkedly. Hexavalent chromium (+6) is classified as aknown human carcinogen, for inhalation exposures. Bothforms of chromium cause irritation of the skin andmucous membranes, and chromium (+6) can also causesensitisation and ulceration. Both forms are toxic toaquatic organisms, although the +6 form is much moretoxic than the +3 state.

Copper has been associated with a wide range of chronicand acute adverse health effects in humans, includingskin and eye irritation, nausea and vomiting, andulceration of the mucous membranes. However theseeffects are usually only caused by severe exposures.Copper is a necessary trace element in soils, but can betoxic to plants in high concentrations. It is moderatelytoxic to aquatic organisms.

Arsenic has been associated with a range of adversechronic health effects in humans, particularly effects onthe central nervous system. In addition, the chemical isclassified as a human carcinogen. Other health effectsafter high doses of arsenic are gangrene of the feet, skinand lung cancers, anaemia and optic nerve degeneration.Arsenic is toxic to plants, and can also accumulate tounacceptable levels in crops grown in contaminated soil.It is only moderately toxic to aquatic organisms, but isreadily absorbed by phytoplankton and can thereforeenter the food chain by this route.


The volumes of waste timber treatment chemicalsidentified in the survey are summarised in Table 3.7. Byfar the largest quantity is 127 tonnes stored in two pits ona timber mill at Santo, Vanuatu. However this material isclearly the responsibility of the mill owner and itsremoval is not recommended as part of this project.

TABLE 3.7 WASTE TIMBER TREATMENT CHEMICALS

Country Quantity, tonnes

Cook Islands Nil

Fiji Nil

FSM Nil

Kiribati 1

Marshall Islands Nil

Nauru Nil

Niue Nil

Palau Nil

Samoa 10

Solomon Islands 0.15

Tonga Nil

Tuvalu Nil

Vanuatu 127

TOTAL 138.15



HIDDEN DANGER

A small abandoned treatment site in Tonga indicates the possible extent of contamination.The site is about 30m x 30m and was previously part of a Government Stores complex. Thesite is well fenced, but the nearest houses are only a few metres away on the other side ofthe fence. The only evidence of the treatment plant is a small concrete pit about 2m x 1m x1m. The concrete shows only minor signs of staining from CCA chemicals. However, soilsamples taken from the site showed the following results:

Arsenic: 180 to 4600 mg/kg

Copper: 180 to 3100 mg/kg

Chromium: 84 to 2400 mg/kg

These results are well above the “acceptable” limits of 20, 60 and 50 mg/kg, for arsenic,copper and chromium, respectively *.

The Tonga site would be a major health risk if it was ever sold for redevelopment as aresidential property.

(* These are the investigation limits recommended by the Australia and New Zealand Environment

and Conservation Council for contaminated land.)


Most timber treatment sites are known to becontaminated by the chemicals used at the site. This isdue to the cumulative effects of drips, leaks, spillagesand waste disposal practices. The contamination isusually concentrated around the treatment areas, and thepads where the treated timber is allowed to drip dry. Inaddition, the process generates a contaminated sludge,which is sometimes disposed by dumping on the site.

A list of sites potentially contaminated with timbertreatment chemicals is shown in Table 3.8.

TABLE 3.8 POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED TIMBER TREATMENT SITES


Samoa Development Bank of Samoa, Abandoned site, visible evidence of 80leased to Bluebird Transport Ltd. CCA contamination, treatment cylinder

Previous use as timber containing sludge and chemicalstreatment facility. tank remaining, nearby residences

Vanuatu Former Forestry research station, Anecdotal evidence of two drums 50Espiritu Santo of arsenic pentoxide buried in

a concrete lined pit

Samoa Samoa Forest Corporation Ltd. Mill operational, treatment facility 48timber mill, Asau abandoned, visible evidence

of CCA contamination

Tonga Government stores, Significant CCA contamination 40ex timber treatment site of entire site

A total of ten sites were identified in the survey, butmost are private concerns and any remediation isconsidered to be the responsibility of the owner. Thesites shown in the table are owned by Governmentagencies and are recommended for remediation underPhase II of this project.



3.5 WASTE OIL

OCCURRENCE AND USE

Oil is typically used as an all-purpose lubricant andinsulator in diesel engines, gearboxes and hydraulicsystems. Waste oil is generated primarily throughreplacement of the lubricants and spill events.The major contributors to waste oil generation in theSouth Pacific Island nations are; power generation,motor vehicles and fishing vessels. Much of theequipment is ageing and poorly maintained.Consequently, the oil requirements are high due tofrequent leakage and top ups.


Oils themselves are not particularly toxic to humans,although they can become contaminated through the useof additives, solvents and the generation of breakdownproducts. Waste oil is a combination of hydrocarbongroups including aromatic, polyaromatics and longchain alkanes. Hydrocarbons can have a potent narcoticeffect in high doses, with acute intoxication leading todepression of the central nervous system. Some of thepolyaromatic components are confirmed or suspectedcarcinogens. The heating action experienced by oil inan engine can also produce a variety of complexhydrocarbons. Waste oil contains elevated levels ofheavy metals produced by engine wear. Waste oils maybe also be inadvertently contaminated with traces ofmore toxic chemicals such as PCBs and chlorinatedsolvents.

In the aquatic environment, a waste oil spill can have asmothering effect, particularly on plants and benthicorganisms. The more common problems includecoating of fish gills, causing them to suffocate, andcoating of bird feathers, which prevents them fromflying. Oil spills on land result in vegetation stress anddie-back. Spills or inappropriate storage of waste oilcan also pose a fire hazard.

While essentially insoluble in water, an oil spill whichcontaminates a groundwater aquifer, can impartsignificant taste and odour, often making the waterundrinkable.


No attempt was made during the surveys, to obtain dataon current waste oil generation rates. However, asurvey of the existing stockpiles was carried out, and theresults from this are summarised in Table 3.9.

TABLE 3.9 WASTE OIL STOCKPILES

Country Volume, Litres

Cook Islands 20,000

Fiji 8,000+

FSM 126,000

Kiribati 7,000

Marshall Islands 2,000

Nauru 2,000

Niue 10,000

Palau 10,000

Samoa Nil

Solomon Islands 4,000+

Tonga 2,000

Tuvalu 2,000

Vanuatu 15,000+

TOTAL 208,000+


At least 30 oil-contaminated sites were identifiedthroughout the region, with the main sources being asfollows:

• Bulk fuel storage depots can be contaminated due toleakage of fuel and oil. Significant volumes of oil-contaminated water can be generated from theflushing of pipes, and from stormwater run-off,although most of this is passed through oil/waterseparators prior to discharge. The separators are apotential source of oil-contaminated sludges, andsludges are also produced during tank cleaning.

• Most of the power stations in Pacific IslandCountries are fired on diesel or light fuel oil. Thesecan be a significant source of waste oil, which ismainly produced during engine servicing. The oil isoften disposed by dumping on part of the site.Cooling water discharges are another source ofcontamination.

• Vehicle workshops are another significant source ofoil contamination, with many facilities oftendisposing of waste oil by dumping it on the ground.

A full list of the oil contaminated sites identified duringthe surveys is given in Annex B.6. Many are privatefacilities and any remediation should be theresponsibility of the owner. A list of the most highlycontaminated Government-owned sites is given in Table3.10 below. These sites are considered to warrantremediation under Phase II of this project.



TABLE 3.10 OIL CONTAMINATED SITES


FSM (Chuuk) Ex World War II Up to 15,000 m3 of contaminated soil 81Japanese bulk fuel depot and 60,000 m3 of free diesel product

Kiribati Power station, Betio 800 m3 contaminated soil, 64plus significant groundwater contamination

FSM (Pohnpei) Pohnpei Utility Corporation Significant diesel spill in 1996 64power station, Kolonia

Nauru Nauru Phosphate Corporation, Disused machinery storage, 64#2 Bin oil spillage

Samoa Electric Power Corporation Visible oil contamination on ground 64depot and store, Vaitele

Kiribati Public Vehicle Unit, Betio 200 m3 contaminated soil 58

FSM (Pohnpei) Transport Authority, Significant fuel and oil spills, 58vehicle maintenance depot widespread soil contamination

& oil slicks in adjacent creek

FSM (Yap) Yap power station Unlined waste oil disposal pit, 58approximately 400 m3

of highly contaminated soil

Fiji Fiji Fire Authority, Suva Significant oil contamination 55of soil from adjacent steel works

Kiribati Power station, Bikenibue Approximately 300 m3 of 51oil contaminated soil

WASTE OIL - THE FORGOTTEN POLLUTANT

Waste oil has been a major problem in the region for decades. The need forenvironmentally acceptable disposal procedures has largely been ignored, and whereGovernments have had powers to ensure that such procedures are in place, they havefrequently failed to enforce them. In Yap (FSM) for example, thousands of litres of wasteoil have been burnt in an open pit each year.

With increasing urbanisation the volumes of waste oil produced in Pacific Island Countrieshave steadily increased. In 1996 the Forum Secretariat estimated that 10.5 million litresor waste oil was generated in the region, in that year alone.

There is a bright light on the horizon however and the Forum Secretariat has now reachedan agreement in principle with the major fuel suppliers operating from Fiji, to implement awaste oil collection program. Mobil have commenced transporting waste oil from othercountries, for use as a supplementary fuel in the Suva Steel Mill. With a lot of effort bymany people and organisations, residents of the Pacific may soon have no need to remainconcerned about whether waste oil from the cars and buses they use will end up in thelagoons in which they swim.



TABLE 3.11 SITES WITH SUSPECTED GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION

Country Location Contaminant

FSM (Chuuk) Former Japanese fuel depot, Tonoas Island, Diesel

FSM (Kosrae) MPC bulk fuel depot (former Mobil site) Diesel

FSM (Yap) Power station, Yap Waste oil

FSM (Yap) Mobil bulk fuel depot (former power station), Yap Diesel, waste oil

FSM (Pohnpei) Former power station, Pohnpei Diesel, waste oil

Kiribati Betio power station, Tarawa Waste oil

Kiribati Bonriki airport, Tarawa Bitumen

Kiribati Former British fuel depot, Christmas Island Diesel

Kiribati Bitumen disposal area, Christmas Island Bitumen

Nauru Wartime oil storage sites Waste oil

Palau Ngerbeched landfill, Koror Waste oil

SURVEY RESULTS –CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER

Contamination of the underlying groundwater is analmost inevitable consequence of waste oil disposal bydumping on the ground. This is a particular issue onmany Pacific islands because the groundwater suppliesare often no more than a few metres below the surface.Evidence of possible groundwater contamination wasidentified at the locations shown in Table 3.11.

3.6 BITUMEN

OCCURRENCE AND USE

Bitumen is used extensively in road and runwayconstruction projects. Foreign contractors undertakemost large infrastructure works in the South Pacific.Crude bitumen and the necessary cutters and emulsifiersare imported on a project specific basis, typically inbatches of 200 litre drums. As most roads require 50 to80 cubic metres of bitumen per kilometre, hundreds orthousands of drums can be imported for a given project.Leftover drums from these projects degrade rapidly inthe tropical climate, ultimately spilling bitumen onto theground.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH EFFECTS

Bitumen is comprised primarily of high molecularweight long-chain hydrocarbon molecules. It can alsobe rich in aromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons(PAH). Some of the more common PAHs includenaphthalene, fluorene, pyrene and benzopyrene. SomePAHs are confirmed carcinogens, many are suspectedcarcinogens and all are considered to pose a potentialhealth risk.

Bitumen is typically a viscous liquid at ambienttemperature. Many of the components have low vapourpressures and readily volatilise. Although not misciblewith water some PAH components such as naphthalene,

are moderately water-soluble and can contaminateground and surface water flows. Spilt bitumen readilybecomes molten in the hot tropical climates, whichassists the spread of contamination. The material canalso act as a sticky trap for birds and other smallanimals.


The stockpiles of waste bitumen identified in thecountry surveys are summarised in Table 3.12.

TABLE 3.12 STOCKPILES OF WASTE BITUMEN

Country Quantities metric tonnes

Cook Islands Nil

Fiji Nil

FSM 20

Kiribati 200

Marshall Islands 20

Nauru 30

Niue Nil

Palau Nil

Samoa Nil

Solomon Islands Nil

Tonga Nil

Tuvalu 60

Vanuatu Nil

TOTAL 330




All of the sites where waste bitumen is stored wereconsidered to be contaminated sites. The hazardsassessment ratings for these sites are summarised inTable 3.13 above. This also includes one currentlyoperational manufacturing plant.

TABLE 3.13 BITUMEN CONTAMINATED SITES


Kiribati Bonriki airport, and adjacent 100,000 litres waste bitumen 100private property and beach

FSM (Pohnpei) Asphalt manufacturing plants, Spills and leaks of bitumen and 64Madolenihmw, Palikir and Uh asphalt additives, pooling of

chemicals evident at Palikir

Tuvalu Public Works depot 60,000 litres waste bitumen 55

FSM (Yap) Old airport 230 drums of old bitumen 45

Marshall Islands Kwajalein island 100 drums of leaking bitumen 32

Kiribati Linnex Public Works Division, More than 500 drums stored 30Christmas Island at various sites and about

50,000 buried drums (empty)

3.7 LABORATORY CHEMICALS

OCCURRENCE AND USE

One revelation of great concern during the surveys wasthat many secondary school science laboratories appearto have had a remarkable ability to obtain quantities ofchemicals which they do not need and do not know howto deal with. However this problem is not unique to thePacific Islands. In the past, school laboratories in manyparts of the world were set up to carry out demonstrationsand experiments using a wide range of differentchemicals. Many of these experiments have now beendiscontinued, partly because of the high costs and alsobecause of the potential hazards associated with manyof the chemicals.

The problem of surplus chemicals was also not confinedto school laboratories. Similar stockpiles of unwantedand obsolete chemicals were also found in hospitallaboratories and government research centres. Thesewere sometimes caused by poor stock control andpurchasing practices, and sometimes because thelaboratories were no longer carrying out some of thetests had for which the chemicals were bought.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH EFFECTS

Laboratory chemicals can include a wide range ofhazardous materials such as acids, alkalis, solvents,cyanides, aldehydes, chlorinated hydrocarbons, andmetal salts. The potential effects of some of these are asfollows:

• Cyanides Cyanide salts are highly toxic ifswallowed, and liberate the highly toxic hydrogencyanide gas when mixed with acids.

• Formaldehyde Solutions of formaldehyde give offa vapour, which is highly irritating to the eyes andlungs. Formaldehyde is also classified as asuspected human carcinogen.

• Mercury Exposure to mercury vapour can lead toadverse effects on the central nervous system.

• Lead, arsenic, chromium, nickel and other heavymetals All of these metals can have adverse effectson the central nervous system, and some are knownor suspected human carcinogens

• Laboratory acids (nitric, hydrochloric, sulphuric,perchloric) These acid are all highly corrosive andgive off fumes which can be highly irritating to thethroat and lungs. Some are strong oxidisers and canreact violently with a variety of other materials.

• Sodium hydroxide and other alkalisThese materials are also highly corrosive and cancause severe burns to the eyes and skin.

• Chlorinated solvents (chloroform, carbontetrachloride, dichloroethane, etc) Most of thesesolvents can have narcotic effects. Prolongedexposures can cause damage to specific body organssuch as the liver. Some are known or suspectedcarcinogens.

• Hydrocarbon solvents (benzene, toluene, xylene,etc) All of these have narcotic effects and some cancause organ damage. Benzene is a known humancarcinogen.

• Metal powders Finely divided metal powders burnreadily and have sometimes been know tospontaneously ignite.

• Picric acid This material is a shock-sensitiveexplosive and bottles have been known to explodewhen handled carelessly.



PENNIES FROM HEAVEN

Government laboratories are notimmune from chemical disposalproblems:

In Honiara in the Solomon Islands aFisheries Laboratory was establishedunder an AusAID project some yearsago. In an outside store there weretwo full 200 L drums of anunidentified chemical. Both drumswere rusting, and one had rusted tothe extent that the polyethylene linerwas partly visible. A further drumwith similar labels was stored outside.

The Australian High Commission wascontacted and efforts were made toidentify the contents. Advice wasreceived from CSIRO MarineFisheries that the contents were likelyto be formaldehyde or ethyl alcohol,but no positive identification could bemade.

Also in Honiara a large bait fishlaboratory was established withsupport from both Japan andAustralia. The laboratory was fullyequipped with laboratory equipmentand reagents. The bait fish projecthas been completed and thelaboratory was closed without anyaction to remove, reuse or dispose ofsurplus chemicals. There is a largequantity (80 litres) of acids in thestore, many in their originalpackaging and bottles, which are in“as new” condition and could bereused by another laboratory.


The stockpiles of laboratory chemicals identified in thecountry surveys are summarised in Table 3.14.

TABLE 3.14 STOCKPILES OF LABORATORY

CHEMICALS

Country Quantities, (kg and/or litres)

Cook Islands 380

Fiji 36,400

FSM 800+

Kiribati 2300

Marshall Islands Unknown

Nauru Nil

Niue Nil

Palau 7300

Samoa 400

Solomon Islands 300

Tonga Unknown

Tuvalu Minor

Vanuatu 100+

TOTAL 47,980+


No sites contaminated with laboratory chemicals werespecifically identified during the surveys. However,most of the laboratory storerooms are likely to bemoderately contaminated due to periodic spillages.

3.8 MEDICAL WASTES

OCCURRENCE AND USE

The wastes produced by hospitals and other health carefacilities are usually classified into two groups; generalwastes (e.g. kitchen wastes and packaging) and specialwastes. The special wastes include the following:

• Anatomical wastes (i.e. amputations, foetuses,placentas, and blood, together with related swabsand dressings)

• Soiled dressings, swabs and all other contaminatedwastes from treatment areas

• Materials used in the treatment and care of patientssuffering from infectious diseases

• Disposables (syringes, needles, scalpel blades, andplastic articles such as probes, tubes, specimencontainers, gloves, masks, and empty bottles)

• Laboratory wastes

• Pharmaceuticals and other chemical wastes

• Wastes from the preparation and use of cytotoxicdrugs, and radioactive materials.



Special wastes can be hazardous or aestheticallyoffensive, and it is important that they be disposedsafely. Some form of sterilisation is required because ofthe risk of infection. It is also desirable for the wastesto be made unrecognisable. The method of finaldisposal should be done in such a way as to minimiseany future human exposures.

SURVEY RESULTS

Medical waste management was not examined in detailin any of the country surveys but numerous exampleswere noted of inadequate management procedures andsub-standard (or non-existent) disposal facilities.The general comment could be made that medical wastemanagement is seriously deficient in most Pacific IslandCountries. Little attention is paid to segregation ofwastes, storage and transportation is shoddy, and thereare many hospital incinerators in a poor state of repair,or completely inoperative.

Another recurring issue in the survey was stockpiles ofunwanted medical supplies. It is understood that someof these drugs were provided by donors (includingNGOs) and in many cases the drugs are simplyinappropriate, unsuitable for their intended purpose,or past their expiry date and hence unusable. In theFederated States of Micronesia, for example,such stockshave amassed to 18 tonnes.

To allow such an accumulation to occur shows evidenceof poor management by the relevant authorities andmust be a serious concern. The implied message topotential donors must also be heeded.

3.9 LANDFILLS

Most Pacific Island Countries have designated areas forthe dumping of household rubbish and other municipalwastes. This is an important first step towards aneffective disposal system for household rubbish.However, none of the disposal sites identified in thissurvey could really be described as a sanitary landfill,which is one of the preferred methods for rubbishdisposal in many parts of the world. Most of thedisposal sites in PICs are best described as rubbishdumps, with all of the associated problems that areimplied by this term. It must be acknowledged howeverthat some landfills are better managed than others withthose at Port Vila, Vanuatu and Rarotonga, Cook Islandsbeing among the best. Some other Pacific IslandCountries are well advanced with plans to close poorlymanaged landfills and open high quality sanitarylandfills. The proposed new landfill at Suva, Fiji, willinclude a leachate management system and facilitiesfor segregation of hazardous wastes.

The main hazards from rubbish disposal sites are liquidleachate and flammable gas. Landfill leachate is ahighly contaminated liquid, which is formed as a resultof rainfall infiltrating the waste and extracting solublematerials. The leachate is usually quite acidic, containshigh concentrations of dissolved metals, and has high

loadings of suspended solids and organic matter.Landfill gas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide,along with traces of other vapours, some of which canbe very odorous. The gas is flammable and can beextremely hazardous if allowed to accumulate inenclosed spaces.

A moderate to high level of contamination can beexpected at most landfill sites because of the numeroushazardous materials present in municipal wastes. Thiscan include old batteries, waste oil, paints and otherhousehold chemicals, plastics, and industrial wastes.

3.10 OTHER CONCERNS

ASBESTOS WASTES

Asbestos is the generic name used for a group ofnaturally occurring mineral fibres. Common forms ofasbestos include amosite (brown), anthophyllite (grey),chrysotile (white) and crocidolite (blue). All forms ofasbestos are confirmed carcinogens, primarily effectingthe respiratory system. Inhalation of asbestos mayresult in scarring of the lungs, referred to as asbestosis,or mesothelioma, which is a severe form of lung cancer.These diseases have long latency periods and may notbe evident for 10 to 50 years after exposure.

Asbestos is commonly used for its insulation andchemical resistant properties and may be found inlagging and fire retardant materials. Other uses includeroof tiles and wall sheeting, and brake and clutch pads.Asbestos fibres are very stable in the environment anddo not evaporate, dissolve in water or breakdown overtime.

The only stockpile identified in the surveys was aquantity of cement-asbestos water pipe (300 m3) inPalau. However, this is likely to be a recurring issuethrough the Pacific Island Countries because cement-asbestos building materials have been widely used inthe past. The issue particularly arises when buildingsare being demolished.

BURIED MEDICAL WASTE - PALAU

Several areas containing partially buried medical wastehave been identified in the Jungle in Ngatpang, Palau.The sites contain hundreds, if not thousands, of smallvials (100-500mL) of coloured liquids and powders.The material was reportedly disposed by Japanesetroops at the end of WWII. One of the few legiblelabels identified a group of vials as being a Japanesedisinfectant. Analysis of the chemicals and thesurrounding soil is now required to confirm theexpectation that the materials are medical wastes.

MISCELLANEOUS WASTES

A large number of one-off waste materials were alsoidentified during this survey. The specific problems andhazards associated with each of these are noted below:

• Calcium hypochlorite This chemical is used forwater treatment and, in diluted form, as householdbleach. The concentrated chemical is very corrosive



and give off an irritating gas (chlorine). It is apowerful oxidiser, and can react violently with awide range of organic materials.

• Car batteries These contain sulphuric acid andlarge amounts of lead. The acid is extremelycorrosive, while lead is toxic to humans, and canhave serious effects on the central nervous system.

• Dry-cell batteries Many older dry-cell batteriescontained mercury, although much of this use hasnow been phased out. Most rechargeable batteriescontain nickel and cadmium, which are both toxicto humans. Batteries generally are a source of othertoxic metals such as zinc and manganese, andalkaline or acidic materials.

• Fertilisers Fertilisers and nutrient mixes caninclude NPK fertilisers, urea, superphosphate,lime, and trace additives such as iron, copper andmanganese sulphates. None of these materials isespecially hazardous. However, there can bedifficulties in disposing of large quantities due tothe creation of nutrient imbalances in the soil, ornutrification of marine environments.

• Lead-based paint Lead is a neurotoxin and is alsoharmful to most animals and to aquatic life. Lead-based paint can be especially hazardous when thepaint is being removed from structures such assteel bridges prior to repainting. This is due tothe generation of large amounts of lead dust.

• Paints and resins These contain numerouspotentially hazardous chemicals. However, mostof these hazards are effectively “neutralised” in thefinal cured or dried form.

• Sodium hydroxide This chemical is also known ascaustic soda. It is an extremely corrosive, alkalinematerial, and is especially damaging to the eyes.It has numerous industrial uses, and can also be usedas a cleaning.

• Sodium pentachlorophenol This chemical hasbeen used as a fungicide, as an oil additive, and intimber treatment. Chronic exposure topentachlorophenol can cause irritation of the skin,mucous membranes and respiratory tract, signs ofchloracne, headaches, and changes in kidney andliver function. The chemical is also classified as apossible human carcinogen. Commercial grades ofpentachlorophenol are usually contaminated withhighly toxic polychlorinated dibenzodioxins.

• Mustard gas The chemical name for mustard gas isbis (chloroethyl) sulphide. The effects of mustardgas exposure include reddening and blistering of theskin, blistering of the lungs, and blindness.Extreme exposures can be fatal. Specialiseddisposal facilities are needed for this chemicalbecause of its hazardous nature. Assistance shouldbe sought from the US military.

• Cyanide canisters These are used for fumigationand contain a mixture of cyanide salt and an acidwhich, when activated, releases hydrogen cyanide,which is a highly toxic gas.

3.11 IMPLICATIONS FOR PACIFIC

ISLAND COUNTRIES

It is instructive to consider the causes of some of theproblems described in this chapter of the report. Whilethe reasons for individual problems may vary, there area number of common themes running through many ofthem, which can be summarised as follows:

PCBs discontinued use, but with nocontrolled withdrawal, storageand disposal programmes.

Pesticides surplus stocks and discontinuedprojects. Inadequate storageconditions.

DDT poor stock management andinadequate storage conditions.

Timber treatment abandoned plants plus poorcontrols on operational sites.

Waste oil no disposal or recycling systems.

Bitumen left over materials, indiscriminatedumping.

Lab Chemicals discontinued use, poor storage,no disposal facilities.

Medical wastes inadequate waste managementand disposal facilities.

The overall message that can be taken from these, is theneed for significant improvements in the managementof hazardous materials in Pacific Island Countries.This needs to start from the time these materials arebrought into a country, with much more thought beinggiven to matching purchasing with actual requirements.In the case of development projects there should besome provision for unwanted materials to be returnedto the point of supply.

There needs to be better controls over the use ofhazardous materials, including the provision of adequatestorage facilities, spill contingency measures, andprocedures for waste management.

And there is a need for effective waste treatment anddisposal facilities. In some cases this might includerequirements for waste materials to be returned to thecountry of origin, rather than being treated on-island.

The requirements for effective chemical managementstrategies are discussed in more detail in Section 6 ofthis report.


PAGE 50 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS


MANAGEMENT OPTIONS PAGE 51

4. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

4.1 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Most of the materials identified in this survey can be classified as hazardous wastes. As such,these wastes should be managed in accordance with a commonly accepted protocol, also knownas the waste management hierarchy, which is as follows: reduce, re-use, recycle or recover,treat and dispose. The significance of each of these options to this project is discussed below.

neutralisation or solidification), treatment to reduce theoverall quantities (e.g. by incineration), and ultimatedisposal (e.g. to a landfill). The various options withinthis category are discussed in more detail in Section 4.3below.

The options for waste treatment and disposal withinPICs are very limited. There are no specialised wastetreatment facilities and most waste incinerators are inpoor condition. In addition, the basic disposal systemssuch as landfills are often poorly sited and designed.Despite this situation, local disposal options should beadopted whenever possible, provided this can be donewithout causing any adverse effects. Economics will beanother significant factor in this decision, because of thehigh costs involved in shipping wastes to othercountries. However, the development and use of localsystems is also relevant to capacity building, because ithelps to establish local facilities and expertise fordealing with similar problems in the future. Exportingwastes to other countries should be considered when theonly suitable disposal option involves the use ofspecialised facilities that are not available locally.

4.2 CONTAMINATED SITE

MANAGEMENT

The management procedures for contaminated sitesfollow a similar hierarchy to those given above; i.e.prevent further contamination, recover spilled ordumped material where possible, implementmanagement procedures to contain the contaminants onsite, and finally treat on site or remove the residues fordisposal elsewhere. The requirements for each of thesestages are discussed in more detail below.

PREVENTION

It is essential that action be taken as soon as possible toprevent further contamination from occurring. In thecase of a current operation, this might involve making

WASTE REDUCTION

This should be the first consideration in any wastemanagement system. The goal in waste reduction is toprevent the generation of waste at its source rather thanto control, treat or manage the wastes after they havebeen generated. Various options are available forreducing wastes at source, including processmodifications, changes in raw materials, goodhousekeeping practices, changes in equipment, andrecycling within the process.

The waste reduction option is generally not relevant forthe wastes identified in this project, because most weregenerated some time in the past. However, this optionshould not be ignored altogether because systemsshould now be put in place to ensure that similarproblems do not arise in the future.

RE-USE, RECYCLING AND RESOURCE RECOVERY

Waste is disposed of because it has no direct value to itsowner. However this often overlooks the fact that thematerial may be of value to somebody else.Alternatively, the waste may be a potential source offuel or energy. Re-use involves the use of the waste forits original purpose; for example the cleaning and re-useof glass drink bottles. In recycling, the waste is re-processed to give a useful product; for example therecycling of paper and cardboard to make egg cartons.Resource recovery involves the recovery of rawmaterials (e.g. recycling aluminium cans to recover thealuminium metal) or the recovery of energy values byuse of the waste as a fuel.

These options should be given a high priority in PICsbecause of the potential benefits. In addition, they willusually cost far less than any of the disposal optionsdiscussed below.

TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

If waste materials are unable to be used then they mustbe disposed. This can involve a number of steps;treatment to eliminate or reduce any hazards (e.g. by



alternative arrangements for waste disposal, introducingspill management procedures, or changing the processto prevent further discharges.

RECOVERY

It will sometimes be possible to recover at least some ofthe spilled or dumped material. This is especiallyimportant where site containment is poor, and there is asignificant risk of off-site contamination due to surfacerun-off or leaching into groundwater.

SITE MANAGEMENT

Steps should be taken to minimise any potential risksfrom the contaminants. This could include restrictionson site access to prevent direct exposures, and thedevelopment of containment systems, such as bundingto prevent surface run-off.

TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

There are two general options for cleaning upcontaminated sites: on-site treatment or excavation andremoval to a treatment facility elsewhere. If neither ofthese is immediately possible (or practical), then thefollowing options should be considered:

• Removal of contaminated soil to a more suitabledisposal site or storage facility.

• Isolation of the soil by covering with a layer ofconcrete or clay, or some other suitable protectivelayer.

• Leave the material where it is. This option wouldonly be acceptable if an effective site managementsystem was being used to prevent site access, and ithad been shown that there were no potential risks,such as those due to surface run-off or groundwatercontamination.

Generally, the treatment options for contaminated soilare much the same as those available for hazardouswastes, and are discussed in Section 4.3 below.

4.3 WASTE TREATMENT

METHODS

CHEMICAL TREATMENT PROCESSES

There are numerous options available here, but ingeneral terms, most can be classified as neutralisation,oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, or precipitation. Eachof these options can be illustrated by the followingexamples:

• Neutralisation Mixing equal quantities of acidicand alkaline materials to give a neutral product (e.g.treatment of acid wastes by mixing with lime or sodaash).

• Oxidation Cyanides can be converted to carbondioxide and nitrogen by treatment with an oxidisingagent such as hydrogen peroxide.

• Reduction Treatment of chromic acid wastes with areducing agent such as sulphur dioxide, converts the

chromium from the highly toxic +6 state to the lesstoxic +3 state.

• Hydrolysis Most organophosphate pesticides breakdown slowly in the environment by reaction withwater. These reactions can be accelerated in atreatment system by carrying out the process underalkaline conditions and at elevated temperatures.

• Precipitation Many metal wastes can be treated byprecipitating the metal in the form of its hydroxideor sulphide salts. These salts usually have very lowwater solubility, which makes the wastes suitable fordisposal in a landfill.

Chemical treatment is not a complete disposal optionbecause the reaction products still have to be disposed.This can include significant volumes of wastewater andsludges. In addition, excess reagents may have to beneutralised prior to disposal.

The major cost element in chemical treatment is for thetreatment chemicals, which can be quite high. In PICsshipping charges for these chemicals will also increasethe cost. Equipment such as tanks, pumps and mixerswill also be required, and there is usually a need fortrained operators, often with laboratory support.

PHYSICAL TREATMENT PROCESSES

These processes include solidification, encapsulation,absorption, and desorption.

Solidification and encapsulation In these techniquesthe wastes are trapped inside a solid material such asconcrete or glass. The essential components of thewaste are unchanged, but the hazards are removedbecause the chemicals are locked inside an inert solid.This method is generally only applicable to water-soluble materials, although a range of proprietarymaterials is also available (at significant cost) fororganic wastes.

Absorption This involves trapping the waste chemicalsonto a solid, such as activated carbon. The method iscommonly used for removing contaminants fromwastewater streams.

Desorption This is the opposite of absorption, and isone of the techniques specifically developed for theclean up of contaminated sites. Thermal desorptioninvolves heating the soil to drive off any volatilecontaminants, while solvent extraction techniques canalso be used.

BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT PROCESSES

Biological treatment involves the use of microbes todegrade waste materials. Wastewater treatment plantsuse biological processes, and these will sometimes beeffective on chemical wastes, but only after dilution.The degradation processes in municipal landfills arealso due to biological action.

A number of specialised biological treatment processeshave also been developed for specific wastes. Theseinvolve the use of specially cultivated microbes, which


MANAGEMENT OPTIONS PAGE 53

have been found to thrive on specific chemicals. Thesesystems are very specialised and require a high degreeof operator expertise and control.

Landfarming is another form of biological treatment,which is commonly used with waste oil and oil sludges.The wastes are mixed into the top few centimetres ofsoil, and the surface is periodically cultivated toencourage microbial activity. Fertiliser may also beadded.

THERMAL TREATMENT PROCESSES/INCINERATION

The most common thermal treatment process isincineration, which effectively involves the hightemperature oxidation of waste materials. Incinerationis used mainly with organic substances, where thewastes are broken down into carbon dioxide and water,and other simple molecules. Incineration is not suitablefor metal-containing wastes, because these can not bedestroyed. However, it may be effective in reducing thevolumes of some of these wastes.

There are three parameters which are critical to ensuringeffective combustion: temperature, turbulence andresidence time (the so-called 3-Ts). Many wastes, suchas non-chlorinated solvents, are not particularlydemanding in the conditions required for theirdestruction. In these cases incineration in a boiler, orsome other simple combustion system can be used todestroy the wastes. However, other materials, such asthe PCBs and other chlorinated organics, are much moreintractable and require exposure to high temperatures(1500 to 2000 ×C) for significant periods of time (1 to 4seconds). These conditions are only achieved inspecialised high temperature incinerators.

Waste incineration can have some significantenvironmental impacts. There is usually a residue in theform of ash, which may be highly alkaline and containhigh concentrations of hazardous elements, such as theheavy metals. The flue gases can also contain a varietyof toxic gases and vapours, including acid gases,volatile metals such as mercury, and traces ofchlorinated organics, including the highly toxic dioxins.Most of these emissions can be controlled through theuse of scrubbers and other gas treatment systems.However, this inevitably adds to the complexity andalso the cost of incineration as a disposal option.

DISPOSAL TO LANDFILL

Landfill is commonly used for the disposal of municipalwastes, and it can also be used for the disposal of somehazardous wastes, especially after these have beentreated. There are two basic types of landfill, dilute-and-disperse, and containment. In the former, thewastes are mixed with other materials and somecomponents may slowly disperse into the surroundingenvironment (e.g. as leachate). In the latter, the wastesare effectively placed into in-ground storage, andcompletely isolated from the surrounding environment.

Hazardous wastes are sometimes treated in a landfill byco-disposal with municipal wastes. This practice makes

use of some of the special properties of landfilledwastes, including their capacity for absorption of oilsand other liquids. Some materials may react chemicallywith the wastes to form stable complexes or insolubleprecipitates. The normal chemical and biologicalprocesses that occur during decomposition of the refusewill also be effective in breaking down some of thewastes. Expert advice must be sought however beforedisposal of any hazardous wastes to landfill.

4.4 WASTE TREATMENT

AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES

IN PACIFIC ISLAND

COUNTRIES

The current situation regarding waste treatment anddisposal facilities in Pacific Island Countries can besummarised as follows:

Solid Waste Landfills The standard of landfills isgenerally very poor, the only exceptions being a fewfacilities in the Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji. Thenew Suva landfill is the only one with the capability toaccept hazardous wastes.

Wastewater Treatment Plants The only countries withoperational municipal wastewater treatment plants areFiji and the Marshall Islands. These facilities may besuitable for disposal of small quantities of some of thelaboratory chemicals.

Waste Incinerators Many of the medical andquarantine waste incinerators in the region are in verypoor condition and barely suitable for their current use.However, the few that are in good working order maybe suitable for disposal of some of the less hazardousorganic wastes. This could include limited quantities ofwaste oil and other hydrocarbons, some of thelaboratory chemicals and a few of the pesticides. Theyshould not be used for any of the organochlorine wastes(eg. PCBs, DDT and some other pesticides).

Chemical Treatment Facilities There are nospecialised chemical treatment facilities in the PacificIsland Countries.

4.5 REGIONAL WASTE

TREATMENT AND

DISPOSAL SERVICES

Table 4.1 below lists the known hazardous wastetreatment and disposal services, plus a few developingtechnologies, available in Australia and New Zealand.Some of the companies shown are simply acting as localagents for European organisations. Many othertreatment facilities are available in Japan, Europe andNorthern America.



TABLE 4.1 HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND SERVICE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION

(INCLUDING DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGIES)

Company Name Technology Treatment Range

BCD Technologies Pty Ltd, • Base catalysed dechlorination • PCB oilQueensland • Thermal desorption • Contaminated soil

Ph: (61) 7 3203 3400 • Plasma arc • Contaminated equipment• Solids, liquids and sludges

Technosafe Waste Disposal, • Base catalysed dechlorination • PCB oilVictoria • Solvent steam • Contaminated equipment

Ph: (61) 3 9706 7439 • Solids, liquids and sludges

Eco Logic, • Sequencing batch vaporiser • PCB oilWestern Australia • Hydrogenation • Contaminated equipment

Ph: (61) 8 9439 2362 • Solids, liquids and sludges

SRL Plasma Ltd, • Mobile plasma arc units • PCB oilVictoria • High and low volatility liquids

Ph: (61) 3 9726 6222

Medical Waste Group Ltd, • High temperature incineration • Specialist provider ofAuckland medical waste treatment

Ph: (64) 9 273 9320 and disposal servicesFax: (64) 9 273 9328

Tredi New Zealand Ltd, • High temperature incineration • Local office for a organisationAuckland • Special chemical treatment services with facilities in Europe

Ph: (64) 9 525 1550Fax: (64) 9 525 3550

United Environmental • Specialist treatment facilities • Liquid and solid inorganic wastes,Auckland and industrial solvents

Ph: (64) 9 274 7963 • OrganochlorinesFax: (64) 9 274 1065

CSIRO Division of • Catalytic treatment • PCB oil (with product regeneration)Coal and Energy Technology • Low volatility liquids

Ph (61)2 9490 8666

Molten Metal Technology Inc, • High temperature fluid • PCB oilVictoria phase combustion • Contaminated equipment

Ph (61)2 9490 8666 • High and low volatility liquids

Queensland University • Supercritical water oxidation • PCB oilof Technology, Australia • Solids, liquids and sludges

Ph: (61)73864 2967


DISPOSAL OPTIONS & COSTS PAGE 55

High Temperature Incineration This is a well-established and proven technology for the destruction ofPCBs, with some units being designed to handle allpossible waste types, including concentrated PCBliquids, contaminated equipment (such as transformers),and contaminated soil. Destruction efficiencies of betterthan 99.9999% are achieved by the best performingunits. These would normally be fitted with anindependently controlled post combustion chamber; anefficient acid gas scrubbing plant; and other state of theart emission control equipment.

Plasma Arc This process operates by pyrolysis atextremely high temperatures, usually in an inertatmosphere, to break down complex organic molecules.The high temperatures are generated by an electricaldischarge Destruction efficiencies are reported to bebetter than 99.9999%. Plasma arc units are relativelysmall, and therefore have the potential to be set up assemi-portable units, which could be transported tospecific waste sites. However, they are only suitable foruse with liquid or gaseous wastes. Additional thermaldesorption or solvent extraction facilities would berequired for the treatment of contaminated equipment orsoil.

Chemical/Physical Treatment There are a number ofdifferent treatment technologies in this category, but they

all involve the use of powerful chemical reagents, usuallyat high temperatures and pressures, to break down thePCB molecules. Once again, the processes are bestsuited to the treatment of liquid wastes, and additionalthermal desorption or chemical extraction processes arerequired for contaminated equipment and soils.

Table 5.1 provides a summary of the PCB treatmenttechnologies currently available in the South Pacificregion, along with the indicative treatment costs. Thecompanies listed hold appropriate environmental licencesand are recognised by the relevant State environmentalauthorities. The companies provide a disposal serviceonly, and other waste management contractors wouldneed to be used for the collection and transport of thePCB wastes. The cost estimates shown in Table 5.1 donot include the costs for this additional work.

There are no high temperature incineration facilities forPCB wastes in either New Zealand or Australia.However, these facilities are available in Japan, NorthAmerica and Europe. Some of the operators of thesefacilities, such as AVR International (Netherlands) andTredi (see Table 4.1), are already assisting with wastedisposal operations in the region. The indicative costsfor PCB disposal by incineration are in the range ofAu$3000-$7000 per tonne.

5. DISPOSAL OPTIONS AND COSTS

5.1 PCBS

The currently recognised best practice disposal options for PCB oils, and soil contaminated to alevel of greater than 50 ppm with PCBs, are as follows:

• High temperature incineration; • Plasma arc; and • Chemical/physical treatment.

TABLE 5.1 APPROXIMATE TREATMENT/DISPOSAL COSTS (AU$)

Company Name Item Cost per tonne

BCD Technologies Pty Ltd Pure PCB oil $7,000Contaminated oil $1,500

Contaminated equipment $10,000

Technosafe Waste Disposal Pure PCB oil + transformer $5,800Contaminated oil + transformer $2,800

Eco Logic All PCB oils $6,800Contaminated equipment $7,000

SRL Plasma Ltd Mobile plasma arc (this unit Unknown can be purchased at a cost of $1,600,000)


PAGE 56 DISPOSAL OPTIONS & COSTS

COST ESTIMATES – PCB WASTES

The current estimate of PCB contaminated oil in thethirteen PICs covered by the surveys is 131 tonnes. Theestimated disposal costs could therefore range fromAu$196,500 to $990,800. The cost for disposing of theestimated 500 contaminated transformer units will be anadditional $500,000 to $1,000,000. These figures donot include the cost of siteworks, transport andhandling. Siteworks costs alone are likely to be of thesame order of magnitude as disposal costs. Shippingcosts are estimated at Aus$220 - $400/tonne (total:$30,000 to $50,000), depending on the port of origin.

Total disposal costs are therefore likely to be in therange of Aus$950,000 to $2,850,000 (rounded up to thenearest $50,000).

COST ESTIMATES – PCB CONTAMINATED SITES

There were only three sites identified as beingpotentially contaminated with PCBs (see Table 3.2),although more sites could be “discovered” as the PCBclean up proceeds. Remediation of contaminated sitesrequires an initial site assessment phase, using samplingand analysis to establish the extent of contamination.This would be followed by the actual clean-up work,which in the case of PCBs would involve excavationand removal of the contaminated soil, for disposal inone of the facilities noted above. Ideally this workshould be done at the same time as the bulk disposal ofPCB oil and contaminated equipment.

A broad estimate of the cost for the assessment phase ofthis work is about Au$10,000 per site. Disposal costswill depend on the volume of contaminated soil thatneeds to be removed. If we assume a volume of 20cubic metres per site (which seems reasonable for thesites given in Table 3.2), then the estimated costs for siteworks, shipping and disposal would be between aboutAu$65,000 and $290,000 per site.

The total remediation costs for the three sites would beAu$30,000 for the assessment phase and $195,000 to$870,000 for site clean-up and disposal.

ON-ISLAND DISPOSAL

The above costings are for off-island disposal of thePCB wastes. The alternative approach of on-islanddisposal using a mobile plasma arc unit (purchase orlease) should also be considered. However, this isunlikely to be cost effective or practical. The totalequipment costs would be well in excess ofAu$2million, given that additional processingequipment would be required for the treatment ofcontaminated soil and equipment. There would besignificant costs involved, not to mention practicalconstraints, in setting up the unit in each country. Andoperating costs are also likely to be very high. Thisoption is therefore not recommended.

5.2 PESTICIDE WASTES

A total of 46 tonnes of waste pesticides were identifiedin the surveys (see Table 3.3), plus an additional 7tonnes of contaminated packaging. However, thesituation is complicated by the fact that individualstockpiles range in size from just a few kilogramsthrough to several tonnes. In addition, there are about300 different pesticides present, and the possibledisposal requirements for these can vary.

The simplest disposal option for nearly all pesticides ishigh temperature incineration. This can handle virtuallyall of the different types of chemicals, and formulations(solid and liquids). It is also suitable for smallquantities of unidentified materials. It is however, anexpensive option for those pesticides which are able tobe disposed using much simpler methods. There are anumber of these alternative options, including thefollowing:

• Land application, which can effectively range fromuse of the pesticides as intended, through tocontrolled application on waste land.

• Treatment with lime prior to burial at a landfill isalso recommended for those materials which areamenable to alkaline hydrolysis.

• Treatment in a disposal pit is recommended for someother materials of low toxicity. A discussion ofdisposal pits and their use is given in Annex C3.

All of these options can be applied on-island, providedsuitable disposal sites can be identified.

For the purposes of this project, the pesticides have beenbroken down into those that can be disposed on-island,and those that cannot. The pesticides in the latter groupwere identified using a number of international criteria,as follows:

• Chemicals listed under the proposed POPsconvention;

• Chemicals listed under the recently signed PriorInformed Consent convention;

• WHO Class 1A (high toxicity) pesticides;

• Greenhouse gases or Ozone depleting substances(Methyl bromide); plus

• Those chemicals considered to be difficult to disposeof in country.

Other chemicals were also included because they areknown to have persistent and/or toxic breakdown products.The chemicals identified on this basis, are as follows:

2,4,5-T DDT Fenamiphos Propanil

Aldicarb Dieldrin Isoprocarb Oxymal

Carbaryl Disulfoton Lindane Sodium PCP*

Carbofuran Ethoprophos Methyl bromide Trichlorfon

Chlordane Ethylene Parathion Zinc Phosphidedibromide

(PCP = pentachlorophenol)



Analysis of the stockpiles listed in Annex B results inthe following pesticide disposal requirements for theregion:

• 35 tonnes of waste pesticides and 7 tonnes ofassociated packaging need to be disposed using anoff-island treatment facility; and

• A further 11 tonnes should be disposed locally.

COST ESTIMATES - OFF-ISLAND DISPOSAL

Destruction costs at a high temperature incinerator suchas those in France, Germany or the Netherlands arelikely to be in the order of Au$3,000 to$7,000 per tonne.It is therefore estimated that the costs for pesticides andpackaging to be disposed in this way will range fromAu$126,000 to $294,000. As with PCBs, sitework costsare expected to be of a similar order, while shippingcosts could be somewhat higher at Au$400 - $1,000/tonne ($16,800 to $42,000).

The total off-island pesticide disposal costs are thereforelikely to be in the range of Au$300,000 to $650,000(rounded up to the nearest $50,000).

COST ESTIMATES - LOCAL DISPOSAL

Specific recommendations for the methods to be usedfor disposal of some of the pesticides are given inAnnex C4. Guidance on the disposal of empty pesticidecontainers is given in Annex C5. The unit costs for theon-island disposal options are estimated to be aboutAu$4,000 per tonne. The total cost is thereforeapproximately Au$44,000.

CONGRATULATIONS DU PONT

It must be acknowledged that the chemicalindustry is known to be adopting aresponsible attitude internationally to themanagement of chemicals. A large wastepesticides disposal programme iscurrently underway in Africa and the Foodand Agriculture Organisation (FAO) hasreported that in a number of instances thechemical industry has assisted the clean-up efforts, with contributions of 10% ofthe overall cost being typical.

In the South Pacific region Du Pont inNew Zealand has indicated that they areprepared to dispose of any Du Pontchemicals on our database. Thisunsolicited assistance is very muchappreciated and Du Pont is to becongratulated for their positive attitudetowards environmental issues such as this.

PESTICIDE CONTAMINATED SITES

A total of 16 pesticide contaminated sites were identifiedin the surveys and all of these require remediation. Threeof the sites have significant quantities of buried pesticideswhile the remainder are pesticide storage sites.

The pesticide burial sites will require extensiveassessment work, followed by site excavations, andremoval of the contaminated soil and residual pesticidesto an off-island disposal facility. The quantity ofpesticides buried at each site is about 2 to 3 tonnes.However, the likely volumes of contaminated materialcould be up to 10 times this amount. Site assessmentcosts are likely to be very high, say Au$50,000 per site.Disposal costs will be the same as for the waste pesticides,say Au$3000 to $7000 per tonne, or Au$90,000 to$210,000 per site (assuming 30 m3). Site works andshipping costs should be much the same as for wastepesticides, which gives a total cost of Au$50,000 plusAu$192,000 to $450,000 per site.The total costs for these three sites would therefore beAu$150,000 for the assessment phase and Au$600,000to $1,350,000 for site clean-up and disposal.

Remediation of the 13 pesticide storage sites wouldmainly consist of sweeping, washing and decontaminationof the building surfaces, and excavation and removal ofany contaminated soil in the surrounding areas. Siteassessment costs would be relatively low, say Au$10,000per site, while the quantities of material for disposalshould be no more than about 2 tonnes per site. If weassume the same unit costs for site works, shipping anddisposal as above, the cost per site would be Au$12,800to $30,000. The total cost for the 13 sites would thereforebe Au$130,000 for site assessments and Au$170,000 to$390,000 for site clean-up and disposal.

5.3 DDTThe current estimate of DDT wastes to be disposed inthe four PICs where they have been identified is asfollows (Tables 3.5 and 3.6):

• FSM: 2 tonnes buried; plus minorquantities inadequately storedwith other pesticides

• Palau: 1.2 tonnes partly buried

• Solomon Islands: 8.3 tonnes stored

• Vanuatu: 0.9 tonnes stored

The disposal options for DDT waste are the same as forPCBs and organochlorine pesticides, with hightemperature incineration being the most effectiveoption.

COST ESTIMATES – DDT STOCKPILES

Destruction costs for the 9.2 tonnes of DDT held instockpiles would be Au$3,000 to Au$7,000 per tonne,with the associated site works and transportation costsas given for other pesticides above. This gives anoverall unit cost of Au$6,400 to $15,000 per tonne and atotal disposal cost of about Au$60,000 to $140,000.



COST ESTIMATES – BURIED DDTThe unit costs here would be the same as for otherburied pesticides; ie. site assessment costs of Au$50,000per site and site works, shipping and disposal costs ofAu$192,000 to $450,000 per site. The total costs for thetwo sites would be Au$100,000 plus $385,000 to$900,000.

The two other contaminated sites shown in Table 3.4 arepesticide storage facilities which have already beenincluded in the cost estimates for pesticide sites.

5.4 TIMBER TREATMENT

CHEMICALS

Guidelines for the proper management of timbertreatment plants are given in Appendix C6. Observanceof these guidelines will ensure that the environmentaleffects of timber treatment operations are minimised.However, they do not address the issue of stockpiles ofwaste chemicals, or site remediation.

The quantities of waste timber treatment chemicalsidentified in the surveys are as follows (see Table 3.7):

• Kiribati 1 tonne copper/chrome/arsenic(CCA) sludge

• Samoa 10,000 litres CCA solution

• Solomon Islands 150 kg arsenic pentoxide

There were also four contaminated sites identified inthe surveys. (This excludes those situations where it isbelieved the owners should take responsibility fordisposal.)

Copper, chromium, and arsenic are all hazardouschemicals, which can move readily through theenvironment and cannot be destroyed. The mosteffective disposal methods are those which render thechemicals insoluble or “immobile”, while at the sametime preventing any future contact with humans oranimals. This is normally achieved through treatmentwith lime or some other alkaline agent, which convertsthe metals into insoluble forms.

A treatment method recommended by some of thesuppliers of CCA timber treatment chemicals involvesmixing the chemicals with Portland cement, sand andlime. The exact ratio of the ingredients needs to bedetermined for each individual waste, but as a generalguide it should be about 100 parts waste (sludge) to 100parts cement, 10 parts sand and 10 parts of lime. Oncethe mixture has solidified it should be suitable for burialin a landfill or other suitable disposal site.Further details are provided in Annex C7.

COST ESTIMATES – CCA WASTES

Ideally, the first disposal option for the CCA chemicalsolution and the arsenic pentoxide should betransportation to another treatment facility for use.Alternatively the materials should be returned to amanufacturer for reformulation and use. The packaging

and shipping costs should be no more than aboutAu$2000 per tonne, giving a total disposal cost ofAu$20,300.

The CCA sludge on Kiribati could potentially bedisposed by encapsulation and burial. However thelikelihood of finding a suitable disposal site on Kiribatiis extremely low. The most likely disposal option hereis removal to an of-island treatment facility. Treatmentand disposal costs for this option would be about $3000per tonne and shipping costs would be as above, givinga total disposal cost of about Au$5000.

The total disposal costs for all of the timber treatmentchemicals would be about Au$25,300.

COST ESTIMATES – CONTAMINATED SITES

The site assessment costs for the timber treatment siteswould be lower than those for pesticide sites because ofthe lower analytical costs, say Au$25,000 per site.The total quantities of contaminated soil at each sitecould be very high, possibly 50 cubic metres or more.This material would be best disposed by burial at a locallandfill, with the most contaminated materials beingpre-treated by mixing with cement. The treatment anddisposal costs would be about Au$500 per tonne, or atleast Au$25,000 per site.

The total costs for the four contaminated sites would beAu$100,000 for the site assessments and Au$100,000for treatment and disposal.

5.5 WASTE OIL

The primary management options for waste oil arereduction at source, reuse, and recycle. Power stationsare one of the main sources of waste oil in the Pacificand some guidelines on the way these options can beimplemented are given in Annex C8. Waste oil hassignificant value as an energy resource, so use as asupplementary fuel (either on-island or at facilitieselsewhere) should be given serious consideration inmost Pacific Island Countries.

In June 1998 the Forum Secretariat reached anagreement in principle with major fuel suppliers, toimplement a waste oil collection program for thosePacific Island Countries supplied from Fiji. Mobil havecommenced transporting waste oil to the Suva SteelMill for use as a supplementary fuel. The steel mill hasthe capacity to dispose a significant volume of theregion’s waste oil (~1 million litres/year), but iscurrently receiving only 8% of this volume.

It is understood that Shell and BP are in the process ofdeveloping similar collection programs. The ForumSecretariat is also pursuing further agreements with fuelcompanies supplying to the region from Papua NewGuinea, Guam and New Caledonia.



GOOD CITIZEN AWARD TO

MICRONESIA PETROLEUM

The efforts of Micronesia PetroleumCompany (MPC) in this area should beacknowledged. In August/September1998, the company conducted a waste oilcollection programme on Kosrae andYap in the FSM. The programmetargeted several long-term stockpiles ofwaste oil, which were considered to posean environmental risk. The initiativewas provided as a service to the Stategovernments and was undertakenentirely at MPC’s expense. The waste oilwas transported to a recycling facility inTownsville, Australia.

VOLATILE AROMATICS WITH

YOUR DRINKING WATER?

On the island of Betio, South Tarawa inKiribati, local communities supplementthe reticulated water supplies with handdug wells into the water table. Also onthe island of Betio generators at thepower station have been leaking oil formany years. The water lens is nowoverlain with a 20-mm thick layer of oil.The extent of this obvious contaminationis restricted to the immediate vicinity ofthe power station but the nature of oil issuch that the more soluble componentswill have spread through a greaterproportion of the water lens.

The current waste oil collection program is targeting‘clean’ oils, i.e. oils removed during routinemaintenance, as opposed to tank sludges, oil spills, bilgewaste etc. As a result, this system will not provide adisposal outlet for all of the region’s waste oil.In particular, alternative disposal options for potentiallycontaminated oil are still required. Recycling would bethe preferred option in most situations.

In the case of oil contaminated sites, treatment bybioremediation is likely to be the most cost effectivetechnique. The method can also be applied to thedisposal of a range of heavy end hydrocarbons,including waste oils and tank sludges. The simplestapplication of bio-remediation is referred to as landfarming. While not advocated for bulk oil disposal, it isrecommended for the on island remediation of oil spillsand contaminated soil. Waste hydrocarbons are appliedto suitable soil at a controlled rate and ploughed into thetop 300-500 mm. Naturally occurring bacteria andchemical processes in the soil degrade the waste,producing carbon dioxide and water. Treatment timestypically range from 6 to 12 months. The addition ofnutrients (e.g. fertiliser) and regular ploughing help toaccelerate the process. Stringent environmental controlsand monitoring are required to ensure the surroundingarea does not become contaminated. Further detailsregarding bio-remediation are included as Annex C9.

Bioremediation is also the preferred option forcontaminated groundwater. However, this is aconsiderably more demanding process than landfarmingand requires careful management and extensivemonitoring, to ensure that adjacent groundwater sourcesare not adversely affected by the operation. Detailedprocedures for this operation are given in Annex C10.

COST ESTIMATES – WASTE OIL

There should be little or no costs (to PICs) associatedwith the disposal of waste oil by reuse as asupplementary fuel. Ideally, the costs for transportationof contaminated oil to a recycling facility, should beborne by the oil companies. This should in fact beminimal, because the transportation can be provided byoil tankers as they return to their supply bases.

COST ESTIMATES – CONTAMINATED SITES

There are ten oil contaminated sites listed in Table 3.9for remediation. The costs for this work should beminimal, say no more than Au$3000 per site foranalytical costs and local technical support.

COST ESTIMATES – CONTAMINATED

GROUNDWATER

The remediation of each of these sites could cost up toAus$200,000. There are 11 sites listed in Table 3.11, sothe total costs could be as high as Aus$2,200,000.

5.6 BITUMEN

The most practical and cost effective disposal option forwaste bitumen is to reuse the material on island. Thiscould include use for road and runway maintenance, theconstruction of sporting facilities (e.g. basketball courtsand running tracks), for stabilisation of embankments,protection of wharf piles and rust proofing.

As bitumen ages, the more volatile components willevaporate and the addition of cutters (e.g. solvents orkerosene) may be necessary to achieve a workableconsistency. Reuse of spilt bitumen is feasible asentrained soil and stones do not have a significantimpact on the required properties of roadbase material.



Other solid contaminants (e.g. timber, metal) may beable to be separated and removed during heating.The bitumen mixing/spraying equipment used must becarefully selected and maintained as entrained debriscan damage pumps and spray nozzles.

In some cases, the material may have degraded to suchan extent that it is no longer fit for use in roadconstruction. This is particularly true where thebitumen has been exposed to direct sunlight causingoxidation. The potential health and environmental risksassociated with waste bitumen are relatively low,making it difficult to justify the high cost of off-islanddisposal. On-island disposal is not an ideal solution, butcan be undertaken in an environmentally sound manner.Solidified bitumen may be disposed in purpose designedcells, located away from potential groundwater sources.Installation of an impermeable cell liner may berequired, depending on the local soil characteristics.

Siting and design of the containment cells shouldconsider the following:

Soil profile Low permeabilityand characteristics: soils (clays) preferred.

Distance and depth Should be greater than 5m.to groundwater:

Distance to Should be greater than 100msensitive environments: (e.g. mangroves, inshore reefs).

Local topography: Flat land preferred.

Distance to Should be greater than 100m.residential areas:

Contaminated soil from the storage areas would bedisposed in the same cells.

COST ESTIMATES – WASTE BITUMEN AND

CONTAMINATED SITES

Simple earthworks of the type required for on-islanddisposal, typically cost in the range of Au$30-40/m3,including operation of the necessary earthmovingequipment and soil handling. Other support costs forthe disposal operations could be about the same amountagain. If all of the existing bitumen stockpiles andassociated contaminated soils were disposed in this way,the total cost would be about Au$30,000.

5.7 LABORATORY CHEMICALS

The disposal of surplus and obsolete laboratorychemicals was a common problem throughout theregion and in all types of laboratories, includingschools, hospitals and government departments.Many of the staff in these organisations were aware ofthe need for, and the general principles of, safe storageand disposal. However, most lacked the detailedknowledge and resources to be able to deal with theissue safely, and with confidence. It is recommendedthat a regional programme be developed to upgradechemical management capabilities in laboratories

throughout the region. The programme should involve acombination of training and development, and hands-ondisposal exercises. These disposal exercises wouldaddress some of the existing stockpiles of unwantedchemicals. The remaining wastes would then be dealtwith by the individual laboratory staff.

The total cost of the programme would be at leastAu$400,000.

5.8 MEDICAL WASTES

The management and disposal of infectious wastes inhospitals and other medical establishments is anotherarea that needs considerable upgrading. In somecountries the hospitals are equipped with dedicatedincinerators, but most of these are either fairly primitiveand/or in very poor condition. In those countries wherethere are no such facilities, the current practices consistof a fairly basic level of waste segregation coupled withcontrolled disposal at the local dump. Some guidelineson the correct management and disposal of medicalwastes are given in Annex C11.

Once again, it is not intended that the existing stockpilesof medical waste be addressed in this project. Rather, itis proposed that a comprehensive programme bedeveloped to upgrade medical waste managementfacilities throughout the region. This programme wouldbe best co-ordinated through the World HealthOrganization, and is likely to cost at least Au$600,000.

5.9 LANDFILLS

Landfill sites are usually extremely difficult to remediatebecause of the enormous volumes of potentiallycontaminated materials. The only practical approach forthese sites is to ensure an effective management systemis put in place to minimise any potential effects.This should include the following actions:

• A review of any site records and discussions withpast employees and officials to try and establishwhat types of wastes had been disposed at the site,and to identify any potentially hazardous materialsthat might have been included in the wastes (e.g.PCBs and pesticides).

• An extensive survey of the site, including soil andwater sampling, to determine the extent of anycontamination and to identify any possible risks topublic health or the surrounding environment.

• Where off-site contamination is found, remedialaction should be taken to stop this occurring. Thiscould include the construction of leachate collectionand treatment systems, or excavation andremediation of specific parts of the site.

• Specific actions may also be required to minimiseany public health risks. For example, this couldinclude placing a ban on the collection of shellfishfrom contaminated estuaries.



• Controls may also be required over the futuredevelopment of the site. Old landfill sites areusually not suitable for residential developments orfor public facilities such as schools and hospitals.The growing of crops or livestock production shouldonly be permitted if the soil is shown to be free fromcontaminants.

Most of the landfill sites identified in this survey have asignificant potential to cause adverse environmental orhuman health effects. In the case of operational sites,the sites should be upgraded wherever possible, to bettercomply with the appropriate standards. Detailed siteinvestigations are required at all 18 sites inspected toestablish the extent of any hazards. The sites shouldthen be managed in accordance with the guidelinesnoted above. More detailed guidelines for the designand operation of sanitary landfills are given inAnnex C12.

The only work proposed for inclusion in this project isthe initial site assessments. The cost of this work wouldbe at least Aus$50,000 per site. There were 18 landfillsites noted in the country surveys, which gives a totalcost for the assessment work of Au$900,000.

5.10 OTHER CONCERNS

ASBESTOS

The usual disposal procedure for asbestos is controlledburial and this method is recommended here.This prevents the release of airborne fibres, but it isimportant to choose a site that will not be disturbed atany time in the future.

There was only one stockpile of asbestos wastesidentified in the survey, and this was in Palau. Localdisposal is a viable option in this situation, and the costsshould be minimal. The work is not recommended forspecific inclusion in Phase II/III of this project.

BURIED MEDICAL WASTES (PALAU)A number of medical waste burial sites were identifiedin Palau, and there are reportedly numerous similar sitesscattered through the Ngatpang jungle. It should bepossible for the collection and disposal of thesematerials to be undertaken locally. Palau is one of thefew Pacific Island Countries with an effective well-operated medical waste incinerator, which will be quiteadequate for the disposal of these wastes.

A detailed description of the collection and disposalprocedure is given in Annex C13. The only significantcosts involved will be labour and equipment hire.The work is not recommended for specific inclusion inPhase II/III of this project.


Procedures for the disposal of the miscellaneous wasteslisted in Section 3.10 are given in Annexes C14 andC15. Most of these involve local disposal methods, andshould be able to be done at minimal cost. The work is

not recommended for specific inclusion in Phase II/IIIof this project.

5.11 INTERNATIONAL

TRANSPORT ISSUES

Many of the proposed disposal options will require thetransboundary movement of hazardous materials.As such it is important that due consideration be givento the requirements under the Basel Convention on theControl of Transboundary movements Solomon Islandsof Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. This globalconvention establishes a strict control for anytransboudary movement of hazardous waste that is notin principle prohibited and ensure the availability ofadequate treatment on disposal facilities for theenvironment sound management.

There are currently about 120 parties to the BaselConvention including Australia, Federated States ofMicronesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea andmany European countries. The implementation of POPSphase I/III in PICs require compliance with the BaselConvention. However under the framework of articleeleven, Parties may enter into agreements orarrangements with non-Parties to allow thetransboundary movement and management of hazardouswaste. Such agreements shall not be the base to relyupon as a long-term mode of compliance.

Therefore countries in the region are urged to becomeparties to the Basel Convention.

Transboundary movement of hazardous wastes will alsobe regulated in the future by the Convention to Ban theImportation into Forum Island Countries of Hazardousand Radioactive Wastes and to Control theTransboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes withinthe South Pacific Region (Waigani Convention). As oftoday, the Waigani Convention which has been ratifiedby only five countries will enter into force upon thedeposit of the tenth instrument of accession. The partiesto the Convention are Australia, Federated States ofMicronesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomonislands. SPREP will be the secretariat of the WaiganiConvention and the depositary is the secretary- generalfor the Forum Secretariat.

A more detailed discussion of the requirements of theconvention are given in Annex C16, especially withregard to the shipment of wastes to Australia.


PAGE 62 CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES


CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES PAGE 63

ExportsImports

UseDisposal

Recycling Distribution

Production Transport

Storage

6. CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

STRATEGIES

Most of the problems identified in this project can be attributed, at least in part, to the lack of effectivechemical management strategies and supporting legislation, in Pacific Island Countries. It should ofcourse, be acknowledged that PICs are not alone in having problems in this area. Most developedcountries have really only started to come to grips with these issues over about the last five years.

The main emphasis in this chapter is on actions thatPacific Island Countries should be considering to ensurethat similar problems do not arise in the future.

6.1 A ‘LIFE-CYCLE’MANAGEMENT APPROACH

One important aspect of strengthening nationalprogrammes for the sound management of chemicals isthe need to develop integrated activities which coverand link all aspects of the chemical life cycle includingproduction, import, export, storage, transport,distribution, use, and disposal. This is sometimesreferred to as “life-cycle” or “cradle-to-grave”management (see Figure 6.1). In many countries (notjust PICs), current chemical management systems arebased on a sectoral approach and are media specific (i.e.addressing separately air, water, and land). Individualstages of the chemical life cycle are controlled withoutadequate consideration of possible linkages andopportunities for an integrated approach. This has oftenled to inadvertent substitution of one problem foranother (e.g. end-of-pipe water pollution control leadingto an increased amount of waste sludge which needs tobe burned or dumped).

Figure 6.1

There is a need for a much better understanding ofwhich chemical-related problems, or potential problems,exist in a country and what mechanisms are available toaddress these. Concerned parties may not be fullyaware of the range of control mechanisms available,since they may be under the jurisdiction of severaldifferent agencies. Such control mechanisms may alsonot be specific to hazardous chemicals (eg. moregeneral environmental controls or laws concerning thecontrol of poisons and public health).

A sound chemical management strategy will also help toidentify important gaps or weaknesses in existingsystems as a first step in defining where further effortsmay be required. The strategy could indicate wherethere might be overlaps in controls or otherinefficiencies, which may prevent the best use of limitedresources. Thus, the process of developing a chemicalmanagement strategy should assist countries inestablishing priorities for future activities.

6.2 CURRENT LEGISLATION

Legislation reviews for each Pacific Island Countrywere included in the country reports as described AnnexA. The extensive legal regulatory framework withrespect to hazardous chemicals is split among a varietyof acts. These are mainly:

• (Public) Health Act. This usually covers theprovision and control of institutionalised healthservices, the maintenance of safe food and watersupplies, and requirements for the disposal of humanand municipal wastes. There is also usuallyprovision for preventive measures to be taken in theevent of other significant risks to public health,including communicable diseases, pest outbreaksand (sometimes) hazardous chemical incidents.



• Dangerous Goods/Toxic Substances Act. Theseprovide for controls over hazardous substances butusually only to the extent of specifying packaging,labelling and storage requirements. There issometimes provision for additional controls onspecific hazardous substances (eg. restrictions onuse, or import controls), but these are often onlyapplied after a specific problem has been identified.The Acts usually do not apply to waste materials orcontaminated sites.

• Pesticides/Agricultural Chemicals Acts. Theseprovide for the registration and control of pesticides,but once again the emphasis is on matters such aspackaging and labelling. There is usually anassumption that the chemicals will always be used asintended by the manufacturer. The approval or“registration” process is predominantly based onmatters such as efficacy and need, and historicallythere was only limited attention given to potentialoff-site or downstream environmental effects.

• Environment Act. This is usually concerned withthe control of activities with the potential to causepollution or other adverse environmental effects. Inthe case of hazardous chemicals, the main focus ison controlling the effects of any processingactivities, rather than the materials themselves.Waste disposal activities will usually be controlledto the extent that they do not cause any off-siteeffects. The legislation is often unable to deal withexisting contaminated sites, especially those causedby past activities.

• Customs and Excise. These are directed at the controlof imported goods, but primarily from the perspectiveof foreign exchange controls and revenue generation.There may be extensive powers for prohibitingspecific imports, but these are rarely applied to thecontrol of hazardous chemicals (one fairly recentexception to this is the control of imports of CFCs andother ozone depleting substances).

As shown, none of these Acts provides for the overallcontrol of the chemical life cycle. In addition, theexisting fragmented coverage is usually highlyinadequate in three main areas:

• Controls over imports of hazardous substances, tothe extent that new imports of chemicals areadequately assessed before imports are approved.

• Provisions for the control and remediation ofcontaminated sites caused by past activities.

• Controls over the production and disposal ofhazardous wastes.

Also it should be noted that sectoral laws give relevantministries responsibilities over certain aspects ofhazardous chemicals which can lead to a conflictingsituation when it comes to coordination of chemicals.This generates a number of gaps, overlaps, orinconsistencies as well as duplication of efforts andother inefficiencies.

The point should also be made that the existinglegislation in some Pacific Island Countries is nowherenear as comprehensive as that shown above. In somecases, there is almost no legislation relevant to themanagement of hazardous chemicals or wastes.

6.3 FUTURE LEGISLATION

REQUIREMENTS

There is a trend internationally towards the adoption oflegislation which provides for one co-ordinatedapproach to the management of hazardous chemicals.This legislation will not necessarily replace the variousActs listed above, but will provide an overall“umbrella” for chemical management, and alsoaddresses the existing gaps.

One such example of this approach is the New ZealandHazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, 1996.However, this is a very complex piece of legislation,and Pacific Island Countries would be better advised toconsider developing something simpler, and moreappropriate to the level of existing chemical uses andtechnologies, and the current level of institutionalknowledge about chemical hazards.

Any proposed legislation for the management ofhazardous chemicals, should include at least thefollowing:

• A definition of “hazardous” chemicals or materials(ie. what types of hazardous properties are to becovered by the legislation).

• A set of Principles which are to be taken intoaccount by persons or organisations exercisingfunctions under the Act (eg. the PrecautionaryApproach, and possibly recognition of indigenouspeoples and their rights).

• Relationships to other existing legislation (includingthe repeal of other relevant Acts).

• Transitional arrangements for chemicals already inuse.

• Administrative arrangements (who is going toexercise functions under the Act?)

• Procedures for the assessment and approval ofhazardous chemicals. This could include theadoption of a registration system.

• Details of the information required for registration orapproval, and procedures for submitting thisinformation.

• Assessment procedures, including how these will becarried out (eg. a public process or a “closed shop”),time scales, and notification procedures.

• Appeal procedures (who can appeal against whatdecisions, and how should this be done?).


CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES PAGE 65

• Procedures for reviews of existing approvals(eg. once every 10 years, or on receipt of significantnew information).

• Monitoring and enforcement provisions.

• Provisions for cost recoveries (application fees, etc).

6.4 INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

There is almost no chemical manufacturing in PacificIsland Countries, and consequently a relatively lowlevel of knowledge about the potential hazards.Most chemicals are imported and it can be difficult forgovernments to make appropriate decisions on whichchemicals to import and which to prohibit. Prospectiveimporters can make their products appear attractive andbeneficial not only for consumers but also for a nation’seconomy. It can be difficult, for example, for a countryto prohibit the importation of a pesticide whichpromises to help increase the country’s fruit exports bysignificant amounts.

However appropriate advice can be obtained from avariety of sources including the following:

• Inter-governmental organisations such as SPREP,SOPAC and SPC.

• Bi-lateral donors including Australia andNew Zealand.

• The United Nations Environment Programme,including the Secretariats to the Basel, Rotterdamand the forthcoming POPs Conventions.

• World Health Organisation; Food and AgriculturalOrganization.

The rapid growth and increasing ease of access to the‘Internet’ is also helping to provide ready access to awide range of information.

6.5 INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

AND CONVENTIONS

There are a number of international activities andconventions, which are specifically intended to assistdeveloping countries in achieving effective levels ofchemical management.

These include the following:

• The Rotterdam or ‘Prior Informed Consent’ (PIC)Convention;

• The current international negotiations for a POPsConvention;

• The Inter-governmental Forum on Chemical Safety(IFCS);

• The UNITAR developed National ChemicalsProfiles which assess the capacity of countries tosafely and efficiently manage chemicals;

• The Global Programme of Action for the Protectionof the Marine Environment from Land-BasedActivities;

• The Basel and Waigani Conventions; and

Pacific Island Countries will only obtain the maximumbenefits from these initiatives through activeparticipation in the various programmes. This includesratification of the relevant international conventions.

6.6 REGULATIONS AND CODES

OF PRACTICE

It is not realistic for small countries to develop their ownstandards to regulate many chemical managementpractices. However, there is a risk that if a country lacksstandards or regulations (eg. on the operation of bulk fuelfacilities) a private facility can theoretically be operatedas the owner wishes with no controls whatsoever. Such asituation is untenable and governments and industry mustagree to appropriate operational procedures for facilitieshandling hazardous or potentially hazardous materials,preferably prior to construction. Most large internationalcompanies will readily agree to operate their facilitiesaccording to recognised international standards. In somecases regional standards have been developed butinevitably they will need interpretation and updating andit may be easier to adopt international standards.

It should also be noted, of course, that government-operated facilities must also comply with the appropriateinternational standards.

6.7 CAPACITY BUILDING

The tasks involved in chemical management arenumerous and complex. Some may consider that it isunrealistic for governments of some small island statesto build the capacity to undertake all these tasks. It canbe attractive therefore to rely on industry to self-regulateitself, and this approach can indeed be worthwhile.However some basic knowledge of industrial processesis necessary, if only to allow governments to maintainan overview of the potential environmental and healtheffects of industrial developments. Governments alsoneed to be able to respond to emergency situations, suchas chemical spillages or sudden outbreaks ofunexplained illnesses. Those responsible for dealingwith chemical spills for example, need knowledge of theproperties of the spilled chemical and appropriate meansof handling and disposal.

Capacity building for Pacific Island Countries is clearlyrequired in many facets of chemical managementincluding:

• Development of chemical and hazardous materialsmanagement strategies.

• Drafting of legal mechanisms to implement thesestrategies.



• Education of both the Government personnelinvolved in monitoring the operation of industrialfacilities, and the personnel operating thosefacilities.

The development of chemical management capacity isan underlying objective of the POPs in PICsprogramme, and is also reflected in the proposal for1-week training programmes to be held in each country.

It is also recognised in the NZODA project for theDevelopment of Hazardous Waste ManagementStrategies and in regional workshops being undertakenby UNEP Chemicals in support of the POPs, PIC andBasel conventions and other international initiatives.

6.8 PUBLIC EDUCATION

AND AWARENESS

It has been argued that increasing the level of publiceducation and awareness can be the key to overcomingmany chemical and waste management problems.It could be for example, that the pesticides storage shed,which was vandalised in the Solomon Islands, wouldnot have suffered such a fate if the local people hadbeen educated as to the properties of the chemicalsstored. Indeed the shed may not have been allowed todeteriorate for over ten years if the general public in theSolomon Islands had been aware of its existence and itscontents. Had the shed been located in a developedcountry its state of disrepair would have generated apublic outcry.

A better-educated public can also act as a watchdogto monitor both industry and the official monitors ofindustry - the various government departments.

Community education programmes will be undertakenin conjunction with the training course proposed for thisproject. However, this should be seen as only the firstsmall step in an inevitably long and gradual process.


SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS PAGE 67

7. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 WASTE AND OBSOLETE CHEMICALS

Information on the major stockpiles of waste and obsolete chemicals identified during the countrysurveys is summarised in Table 7.1 below. This includes the suggested disposal options and anindicative range of costs. In practice, the actual disposal costs will depend on the specific methodchosen and the location of the disposal facility.

As shown, some of the materials are suitable for on-island disposal, however most are not. Generally thesecan only be disposed using specialised chemicaltreatment facilities or by high-temperature incineration.There are no such facilities available in Pacific IslandCountries.

Clean-up, re-packaging, and transportation of chemicalwastes are specialised activities which should only becarried out by skilled personnel using specialisedequipment. It is therefore recommended that this becarried out on a contractual basis using companies withextensive experience in this type of work. Contractorsshould be chosen using a tendering system with theproposals being assessed against a variety of factorsincluding track record, personnel, equipment andfacilities, proposed methodology, proposedenvironmental management procedures, and price.

TABLE 7.1 DISPOSAL OPTIONS AND COSTS FOR WASTE CHEMICALS

Chemical Quantity Disposal Cost Comments(tonnes) Estimate (Au$)

Polychlorinated 131 $950,000 to $2,850,000 Off-island disposal bybiphenyls (PCBs) chemical treatment or incineration

Pesticides 42 $300,000 to $650,000 Off-island disposal by incineration(including 7 tonne 11 $44,000 On-island disposal by chemical

of packaging) and biological treatment

DDT 10.4 $60,000 to $140,000 Off-island disposal by chemicaltreatment or incineration

Timber Treatment 10.15 $20,300 Off-island disposal by returningChemicals to manufacturer

1 $5,000 On-island disposal bychemical treatment

Bitumen 330 $30,000 On-island disposal usinglandfill or burial pits

TOTAL COST $1,409,300 to $3,739,300

The selection of a disposal facility and method shouldalso be done by tender, with a similar assessmentprocess to the above. There are a variety of possibletreatment facilities available in Australia, Japan, NorthAmerica and Europe. Most of the facilities in Australiause specialised chemical and physical treatmentprocesses which have been shown to achieve very highdestruction efficiencies, but are sometimes limited in therange of wastes able to be treated. This is much less ofa problem with high-temperature incinerators, which areavailable in North America, Europe and Japan.However, incineration is sometimes criticised becauseof the potential for toxic air emissions and other adverseeffects. The recommended overall approach is to usechemical and physical treatment methods wherepossible, with incineration as the fall-back option.


PAGE 68 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.2 CONTAMINATED SITES

Over one hundred potentially contaminated sites wereidentified in the country surveys, and further work isproposed for 54 of these. It is now necessary to embarkon a programme of more extensive investigations ateach site, followed by remediation and disposaloperations, as required. The overall costs for the workprogramme are summarised in Table 7.2.

7.3 OTHER SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

Two areas were identified in the survey that would bebest addressed through the development of specificmanagement programmes, rather than one-off disposalexercises. These are the management and disposal oflaboratory chemicals, and the management of infectiousmedical wastes.

The disposal of surplus and obsolete laboratorychemicals was a common problem throughout theregion and in all types of laboratories, includingschools, hospitals and government departments.It is recommended that a regional programme bedeveloped to upgrade chemical management capabilitiesin laboratories throughout the region. The total cost ofthe programme will be at least Au$400,000.

The management and disposal of infectious wastes inhospitals and other medical establishments is anotherarea that needs considerable upgrading.It is recommended that a comprehensive programme bedeveloped to upgrade medical waste managementfacilities throughout the region. This programme wouldbe best co-ordinated through the World HealthOrganization, and is likely to cost at least Au$600,000.

7.4 OTHER WASTE AND

CONTAMINATED SITE

ISSUES

A number of other issues were identified in the surveys,as follows:

• Significant quantities of waste oil are generated inthe region each year and there are more than200,000 litres of waste oil currently awaitingdisposal. The proposed disposal options are shippingto Fiji for use as a fuel supplement, or recycling.It is suggested that the costs for this should beminimal, and that these should be borne by the oilcompanies.

• The quantities of asbestos wastes and buried medicalwastes identified in the country surveys should bedisposed using local facilities. Costs are expected tobe minimal.

• A number of other miscellaneous chemical wasteswere also identified. Disposal recommendations forthese are given in Annex C14. The costs areexpected to be minimal.

TABLE 7.2 CONTAMINATED SITE COST ESTIMATES (AU$)

Contaminant No. of Assessment Remediation/ Remediation/sites Cost disposal costs disposal Method

PCBs 3 $30,000 $195,000 Excavation, export for disposal–$870,000

Buried pesticides 3 $150,000 $600,000 Excavation, export for disposal- $1,350,000

Pesticide storage 13 $130,000 $170,000 Clean, decontaminate and export wastessites - $390,000

Buried DDT 2 $100,000 $385,000 Excavation, export for disposal- $900,000

Timber treatment sites 4 $100,000 $100,000 Excavate, treat and dispose locally

Oil-contaminated sites 10 $30,000 Bioremediation

Oil-contaminated 11 $2,200,000 In situ bioremediationgroundwater

Landfills 18 $900,000 Not included in programme

Sub-totals: $1,410,000 $3,680,000- $5,840,000

Total Estimated Costs: Au$5,090,000 - $7,250,000

Ideally, the PCB, pesticide and DDT remediation and disposal work should be carried out in conjunction with therelated disposal work for waste stockpiles.


SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS PAGE 69

7.5 OVERALL STRATEGY

Phases II and III of the project were intended to coverthe development of safe storage facilities in eachcountry, and disposal activities, respectively. However,it is now proposed that in most cases the storage phaseof the work should be omitted, and priority should begiven to the disposal operations. This proposal is madefor a number of reasons as follows:

• With a few exceptions, the storage condition of mostof the stockpiles is now secure.

• The cost of building even temporary storagefacilities would be relatively high, and this moneywould be better spent on ultimate disposal of thecurrent stockpiles.

• Siting of the storage buildings would be difficult inmost of the countries due to problems over landownership and/or the NIMBY (not in my back yard)syndrome.

• Many of the current problems with stockpiles ofwaste chemicals are unlikely to arise again in thefuture, either because these particular chemicalshave been withdrawn from use or the activitiesassociated with them are no longer being carried out.This does not mean there will be no future problemswith waste chemicals, but the likelihood should bemuch lower.

Nonetheless it must be recognised that there are somestorage situations which will need to be addressed in thenear future if the disposal activities are delayed. In thefirst instance, this option should be considered for thefollowing sites, which were assessed by the consultantsas having the greatest potential for causing adversehealth effects:

• The agricultural chemicals storage shed onMetapona Plains, Solomon Islands.

• A shipping container used for storage of agriculturalchemicals in Weno, Chuuk, Federated States ofMicronesia.

• The agricultural chemicals storage shed atLomaivuna Research Station, Fiji.

• It is also recommended that the stocks of chemicalsheld at the former agriculture station and at theAmak Women’s Unit, both on Tarawa, Kiribati,be moved to more appropriate storage facilities.

The cost of this work would be about Au$60,000.

The primary activity for Phase II/III of the project willbe disposal of the stockpiles of obsolete and unwantedchemicals, contaminated site remediation, and othertargeted waste management activities.

The total cost of these activities will be as follows:

Chemical waste disposal: Au$1.41 – $3.74million

Contaminated site assessments: Au$1.41 million

Contaminated site remediation: Au$5.09 – $7.25million

Laboratory waste managementprogramme: Au$ 0.4 million

Medical waste managementprogramme: Au$0.6 million

Interim site improvements(contingency) Au$0.06 million

Quite clearly, this amount of money is well in excessof that likely to be available from any one source.It is therefore proposed that the work be undertaken ina series of discrete work packages ranging in size fromabout Au$6,000 to about $1 - $3million. A number ofpossible donors will be approached for support for thiswork.

7.6 LEGISLATION AND

CAPACITY BUILDING

The POPs in PICs project concentrates on the disposalof waste and obsolete chemicals and remediation ofchemical contaminated sites, but also aims to assistcountries with the development and implementation oflong-term strategies for the management of hazardousand potentially hazardous chemicals and othermaterials. The project will help to provide some firststeps in this direction, through the provision of localtraining courses and community education activities.Gaps in current legislation have also been identified.

Much remains to be done in this area. However, SPREPis confident that with an increased level of participationby Pacific Island Countries in international chemicalmanagement programmes, and regional assistanceprogrammes including the NZODA-fundedDevelopment of Hazardous Waste ManagementStrategies project, the goal of efficient and effectivechemicals management throughout the region can beattained.

7.7 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The proposed phases II and III of the POPs in PICsproject should be merged into a single programme,with the primary emphasis on waste disposal andcontaminated site remediation.

2. Approaches should be made to AusAID and otherdonor agencies for financial support for individualsub-parts of the proposed programme.

3. Funding (Au$60,000) should also be sought forinterim improvements to some of the pesticidestorage facilities, as listed in Section 7.5.


PAGE 70 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4. Pacific Island Countries should take action toimplement local disposal procedures for thosechemicals identified as being solely theirresponsibility.

5. Pacific Island Countries should be encouraged toparticipate fully in the current international andregional activities directed at capacity building andinstitutional strengthening in the areas of chemicalmanagement.

6. Pacific Island Countries should consider thedevelopment of specific legislation directed at theappropriate management of hazardous chemicals,using a life cycle approach.

7. Pacific Island Countries should actively participatein the current negotiations for a legally bindinginstrument for certain persistent organic pollutants(POPs).

8. Pacific Island Countries should urgently recognisethe desirability of ratifying both the Basel and theWaigani Conventions.


BIBLIOGRAPHY PAGE 71

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ben Boer (ed.) (1993). Strengthening EnvironmentalLegislation in the Pacific Region. WorkshopProceedings. SPREP / IUCN / UNEP / ACEL

Coconut Free Press (1995). Rubbish No More - AWaste Handbook for the Pacific Islands

Nancy Convard (1995). Land Based PollutantsInventory for the South Pacific Region. SPREP

Environment Australia (1997). AppropriateTechnologies for the Treatment of Scheduled Wastes.Review Report No. 4. Commonwealth of Australia

Environment Australia/Victorian EnvironmentProtection Authority (1997). National Framework forEcological Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites.Parts A, B & C. Commonwealth of Australia

Gretta Goldenman & Sarojini Rengam (1988). ProblemPesticides, Pesticide Problems. Second Edition.International Organization of Consumer Unions &Pesticide Action Network

Greenpeace Publication (1989). Poisons in Paradise

L. Kurukulasuriya, B. Moutou, C. Cory (1998). SouthPacific Handbook of Treaties and Other LegalInstruments in the Field of Environmental Law. UNEP/SPREP Environmental Law Publications AdvisoryCommittee

Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)(1998). Inter-Sessional Group. Third Meeting.Meeting Documents. IFCS

Koppers - Hickson Timber Protection (NZ) Limited(1990). CCA waste/Sludge Treatment Procedure.Koppers - Hickson

Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand (1993).National Rapid Hazard Assessment System forPotentially Contaminated Sites (Draft)

O. Oudinot, & D. Jourdain (1994). ARSAP/CIRAD/SPC Regional Agro-Pesticide Index Volume 2 - Pacific.South Pacific Commission

United Nations Department for Development Support &Management Services. Energy Planing & ManagementBranch (1996). RAS/94/03C. Pacific Waste Oil Study.Final Report

UNEP/FAO/WHO (1996). FAO Pesticides DisposalSeries. No.3 - Pesticide Storage and Stock ControlManual. FAO

UNEP/FAO/WHO (1996). FAO Pesticides DisposalSeries. No.4 - Disposal of Bulk Quantities of Pesticidesin Developing Countries. FAO

UNEP/FAO/WHO (1995). Provisional Guidelines -Prevention of Accumulation of Obsolete PesticideStocks. FAO

UNEP / SPREP (1997). Waste Management in SmallIsland Developing States in the South Pacific. Report ofa Regional Workshop organised by UNEP and SPREPin collaboration with Environment Australia. Canberra,ACT, Australia. 12-16 May, 1997. Volumes 1 & 2.UNEP

United Nations Institute for Training and Research(1996). Preparing a National Profile to Assess theNational Infrastructure for Management of Chemicals -A Guidance Document. UNITAR/IOMC

World Health Organization (1999). Safe Managementof Wastes from Health Care Activities, WHO, Geneva.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS PAGE A1

ANNEX: ACOUNTRY REPORTS



THERESE BURNS

BRUCE GRAHAM

ANDREW MUNRO

IAN WALLIS

MAY 2000


PAGE A2 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - COOK ISLANDS


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - COOK ISLANDS PAGE A3

COUNTRY REPORT

A.1 COOK ISLANDS

1. OVERVIEW

The South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and AusAID have designed andimplemented a programme aimed at improving the management of chemicals in the SouthPacific region. The program is being undertaken in 3 Stages as follows:

Stage 1: Preliminary chemicalsurvey and conduct oftraining in basicchemical handling anddisposal procedures.

Stage 2: Repacking ofunwanted chemicals asnecessary andprovision ofappropriate temporarystorage facilities

Stage 3: Clean-up ofcontaminated sites anddisposal of chemicalstockpiles.

The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for the CookIslands.

The visit to the Cook Islands was carried out by Dr.Bruce Graham from 30 May to 12 June. The maincontact point for the visit was Mr. Ned Howard,Director of the Environment Service, Ministry ofWorks, Environmental Protection and Planning. A localconsultant, Mr. Tom Wichman, also assisted with thework. Most of the time was spent on the island ofRarotonga, but with a one day visit to Aitutaki as well.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of the Cook Islands.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals 5,700 kg

Oil potentially contaminated 4,000 Lwith PCBs

Laboratory chemicals 380 kg

Waste oil 20,000 L

Contaminated sites 2

The chemical quantities given in this report arenecessarily conservative estimates. For example, in thecase of PCBs, the value quoted is based on tests carriedout on a representative number of transformers.Similarly, the quantities quoted for pesticides are basedon mainly visual assessment of the individualstockpiles. More specific details will need to beobtained prior to any clean-up and disposal operations.

The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in the Cook Islands include:

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS

• A total of about 64 tonnes of fertilisers and soilconditioners, of which about 36 tonnes have beenrepackaged and shipped to New Zealand, about 15tonnes have been given away for local use and 6tonnes have been repackaged and stored locally;

• A stockpile of waste pesticides at the Cook IslandsMinistry of Agriculture research centre at Rarotongawhich includes 80 litres of dieldrin and 21 kg oflindane;



• Stockpiles of pesticides including 750 kg ofcarbofuran, 650 kg of fenamiphos and 320 litres ofoxymal; and fertilisers including one tonne of coppersulphate and 750 kg of sulphur stored at the CookIslands Ministry of Agriculture agricultural servicesdepot at Aitutaki;

OTHER OBSOLETE CHEMICALS

• 400 litres of ethylene dibromide (EDB) stored at theCook Islands Ministry of Agriculture airportquarantine centre at Rarotonga;

WASTE OIL

• A total of about 20 tonnes of waste oil; and

• Oil contamination of the ground at the Aitutakipower station.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemical managementcapacity in the Cook Islands it is recommended that:

• The Cook Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP for theremoval of PCB contaminated transformer oil;

• Waste pesticides identified in the inspections at theCook Islands Ministry of Agriculture research centreand airport quarantine centre at Rarotonga and theAitutaki Ministry of Agriculture depot be included inthe regional programme under development bySPREP to dispose of hazardous materials in off-island treatment facilities;

• Other waste chemicals identified in the inspectionsbe disposed of in the regional programme for lesshazardous chemicals under development by SPREP.Disposal is to be as recommended in the main bodyof this report and the attached database summaries.

• The Cook Islands be included in the NZODA/SPREP regional programme to develop andimplement national hazardous waste managementstrategies;

• The Cook Islands be included in the internationalchemical management programmes of UNEP, WHOand FAO including those of the IntergovernmentalProgramme for Chemical Safety;

• The Cook Islands participate in current negotiationsfor a legally binding instrument for certain persistentorganic pollutants;

• The National Chemicals Profile for the Cook Islands(commenced in 1996) be completed;

• The Cook Islands consider ratification of theWaigani Convention;

• The Cook Islands be included in a regionalprogramme under development by SPREP for theenvironmentally appropriate management of wasteoil;

• The Cook Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by WHO to upgradecapacity to manage medical wastes and chemicals;

• The Cook Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP to upgradecapacity to manage school laboratory chemicals; and

• The Cook Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP to assess theextent of contamination that has resulted frominadequate management of solid waste disposalsites.

4. WASTE MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

The island of Rarotonga has a well-organised solidwaste management system with most wastes beingdisposed at a privately owned landfill at Karika.Burning is used to reduce waste volumes, and thematerial is periodically covered with soil excavatedfrom other parts of the property. This site is likely to beclosed within the next year or so, and a new landfill iscurrently under consideration.

There is an active and effective aluminium canrecycling system on the island, and some minorrecovery of bulky waste items at the landfill (e.g. oldrefrigerators used as water tanks). Waste oil from thepower station and some vehicle workshops, is collectedand shipped to Fiji for disposal in the steel mill.

Sewage and other liquid wastes are disposed in a varietyof ways including septic tanks, small packagedtreatment plants, and soakage pits. Water is drawn fromriver systems and roof collection of rainwater, and thereis no significant use of groundwater. The main risksfrom liquid waste disposal are contamination of theforeshore and fisheries.

There are two specialised waste disposal facilities on theisland. The hospital incinerator at Arorangi is a modern2-stage diesel-fired combustion unit, and is currentlywell maintained and operated. There are also two 2-stage quarantine incinerators at the airport. However,one of these has been out of service for many years,while the second one is also in need of repair.

There are no solid waste disposal facilities on Aitutaki,and rubbish is simply dumped in a number of“convenient” locations. Sewage is disposed in septictanks and soakage holes, while open burning and burialare used for the disposal of hospital wastes. Watersupplies are drawn from groundwater and roof-collection, and from a desalination plant.

The situation on all other islands in the Cook Islandsgroup is expected to be similar to that on Aitutaki.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - COOK ISLANDS PAGE A5

5. SUMMARY OF WASTE

STOCKPILES AND

CONTAMINATED SITES

The following matters were identified as part of thisproject:

FERTILISER STORE, AVARUA

Some 65 to 70 tonnes of chemicals were held in thisbuilding, mainly copper sulphate, magnesium sulphateand lime. A clean up of the store was being undertakenat the time of the visit, and advice was given on themost appropriate disposal options. Most of thematerials were repacked and shipped back to thesupplier in New Zealand.

AGRICULTURE RESEARCH CENTRE, TOTOKOITU

Approximately 1.5 tonnes of old pesticides are held atthis site, including 80 litres of dieldrin.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, AITUTAKI

A total of about 1750 litres and 650kg of pesticides, and11 tonnes of fertilisers and soil conditioners (zincsulphate, iron sulphate, copper sulphate, sulphur) arestored at this site.

ISLAND PEST CONTROL

This company had some old stocks of aluminiumphosphide (32 kg), which were collected and placed inthe Totokoitu store.

LABORATORY CHEMICALS (HOSPITAL & FOUR

SCHOOLS)Small amounts of old chemicals were being held at eachof the schools, and about 250kg at the hospital. Thisincluded small amounts of picric acid and phosphorus,which were disposed by open burning with theassistance of the Fire Services.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, QUARANTINE

SERVICE

Two drums of ethylene dibromide (EDB) are held at theairport and no longer needed.

AVIATU POWER STATION

Waste oil management is generally very good and thereis no major site contamination. Clean waste oil isremoved by Mobil, but there is about 20,000 litres ofdirty oil not covered by this system (and graduallyincreasing each year).

TRANSFORMER OIL (PCBS)Many of the transformers on Rarotonga were replacedduring a major upgrade in 1991. The new units will notcontain PCBs. However, some of the old units are nowbeing used on the outer islands, and probably do containPCBs. Ministry of Energy is holding 6 of these atAvarua for future use, and there are about 8 old units onAitutaki.

VEHICLE WORKSHOPS

Some of these were collecting their waste oil andreturning it to Mobil for shipment to Fiji. At others thewastes were simply dumped on the ground.

OLD WASTE DUMP, AVARUA

It appears that some dieldrin may have been dumped atthis site in the past, about 10 to 20 years ago. It is likelythat any residues have long since been flushed away.

AITUTAKI POWER STATION

Approximately 200 litres of waste oil is dumped in asoak hole at the back of the site, once every 3 months.Also, there appears to be an on-going problem with oilspillages around the fuel storage tanks. The site needsto be cleaned up, the area around the storage tanksshould be covered in concrete and bunded, and a systemfor waste oil disposal should be put in place.

TIMBER TREATMENT CHEMICALS, ATIU

A small amount (600 litres) of copper/chrome/arsenicmixture is being held on the island of Atiu, for treatmentof roofing shingles, while copper sulphate is being usedfor treatment of kikau roofs.

OLD PHARMACEUTICALS

On Rarotonga these are being taken to the dump fordisposal. This is generally acceptable, but thecontainers need to be broken and the wastes should beburied immediately to guard against scavenging.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH VECTOR CONTROL

DDT is no longer used for mosquito control, and hasbeen replaced by Malathion.

6. LEGISLATION AND

ADMINISTRATION

Environmental matters are currently covered under the1986-87 Conservation Act. Consideration is still beinggiven to an Environment Act, which was first proposedin 1992. This would give more specific coverage toenvironmental matters, along with the establishment ofan Environment Agency (incorporating the EnvironmentCouncil and the Environment Service).

Pesticides are controlled through registration under thePesticides Act 1987, and currently over 100 types areimported and registered. However, the Act is no longerbeing actively administered, due to recent severe staffcuts in the Ministry of Agriculture.

There are no specific provisions in any legislation forcontrols on the importing and use of hazardouschemicals (other than pesticides), or for themanagement of hazardous wastes.

No one person in the Environment Service has specificresponsibility for hazardous chemicals or hazardouswaste management. However, one officer is currentlycompleting a degree in chemistry and will be trained tofill this role.



INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

The Cook Islands is a signatory to 18 internationalconventions and agreements, which have directrelevance to the environmental conditions prevailing inthe Cook Islands. These are as follows:

South Pacific Forum Agency Convention, signed,10 July 1979

Canberra Agreement (SPC), acceded to14 October 1980

Law of the Sea Convention, signed 10 December 1982

South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (RarotongaTreaty) signed 6 August 1985, ratified 28 October 1985

United Forum Islands Countries Fishing Agreement,signed 2 April 1987, ratified 17 June 1987

SPREP Convention and its 2 Protocols signed25 November 1986, ratified 9 September 1987

Agreement establishing SPREP 16 June 1993

Apia Convention, acceded to 27 October 1987

SOPAC Agreement, signed 10 October 1990, not yetratified

Driftnet Convention (Wellington Convention), signed29 November 1989, ratified 24 January 1990

Forum Secretariat Agreement, signed 29 July 1991,ratified 23 August 1991

Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,signed June 1992

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange (UNFCCC)

Kyoto Protocol

Tropical Timber Agreement

Convention on International Trade in endangeredspecies of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

International Whaling Convention

The Cook Islands has acceded to the Basel Conventionbut has yet to ratify the Waigani Convention.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA PAGE A7

COUNTRY REPORT

A.2 FEDERATED STATES

OF MICRONESIA

1. OVERVIEW

The South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and AusAID have designed andimplemented a programme aimed at improving the management of chemicals in the SouthPacific region. The programme is being undertaken in 3 Stages as follows:




The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for theFederated States of Micronesia (FSM).

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the totalvolume of unwanted chemicals identified during the1998 POPs survey of FSM.

Estimated Quantity



Laboratory chemicals 36,400 kg

Waste oil 126,000 L

Contaminated sites 18 potential sites


The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in FSM include:

HYDROCARBON WASTES

• A total of about 66 tonnes of bitumen stored in 200litre drums in deteriorated condition;

• A total of about 126 tonnes of waste oil;

POTENTIALLY PCB CONTAMINATED OIL

• A total of about 55 tonnes of potentially PCBcontaminated transformer oil;


PAGE A8 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA


• 1400 kg of unwanted fertilisers stored at the YapDepartment of Agriculture research station;

• 900 kg of miscellaneous pesticides which had beenrepackaged into a shipping container by WHO in1994 in Chuuk, but which has since been moved intoa residential area. The container is now leaking andthree children living in an adjacent house have beenadmitted to hospital;

• 2800 kg of miscellaneous pesticides including DDTand chlordane had been repackaged by WHO in1994 in Pohnpei. The site has since deterioratedhowever and additional poorly packaged chemicalsadded;

• 1300 kg of miscellaneous pesticides including DDTand carbamates in poor condition stored in theformer Japanese communications building inPohnpei which is now frequented by tourists.

CONTAMINATED SITES

• A pesticide contaminated site at the Yap Departmentof Agriculture research station;

• A possible pesticide contaminated site at the KosraeDepartment of Agriculture and Lands research station;

• A possible pesticide contaminated site at the formerDepartment of Agriculture pesticides store in Chuuk;

• Bitumen contaminated sites at three asphaltmanufacturing plants in Pohnpei and one in Chuuk,the old airport in Yap, and the former LoranCoastguard station in Yap;

• Oil and diesel contaminated sites at the Chuuk bulkfuel depot, the Micronesian Petroleum Company bulkfuel depot in Kosrae, the Mobil bulk fuel depot inYap;

• Oil and diesel contaminated sites at the Pohnpei,Chuuk and Yap power stations and the PohnpeiTransportation Authority depot;

• 2 tonnes of DDT were buried some years ago at a siteadjacent to the old Pohnpei hospital; and

• Poorly managed landfills in Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemical managementcapacity in FSM it is recommended that:

• Waste pesticides identified in the inspections at theChuuk pesticides shipping container, the PohnpeiAgriculture and Trades School, Pohnpei Departmentof Agriculture storage shed, and the former Japanesecommunications building in Pohnpei be included inthe regional programme under development bySPREP to dispose of hazardous materials in off-island treatment facilities;

• Other waste chemicals identified in the inspectionsbe disposed of in the regional programme for lesshazardous chemicals under development by SPREP.Disposal is to be as recommended in the main bodyof this report and the attached database summaries;

• The Chuuk shipping container, Pohnpei Departmentof Agriculture storage shed, the former Japanesecommunications building in Pohnpei, the buriedDDT at the old Pohnpei hospital, the YapDepartment of Agriculture research station, theKosrae Department of Agriculture and Landsresearch station, and the former Department ofAgriculture pesticide store in Chuuk be included inthe regional programme under development bySPREP to remediate pesticide contaminated sites;

• Access be restricted to the former Japanesecommunications building located at the Departmentof Agriculture depot in Kolonia, Pohnpei. The siteshould be made inaccessible to the public in theinterests of public safety;

• The shipping container packed with pesticides inWeno, Chuuk should be removed from its presentlocation in a residential area as a matter of urgency;

• FSM be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBcontaminated transformer oil;

• FSM be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• FSM be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• FSM participate in current negotiations for a legallybinding instrument for certain persistent organicpollutants;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for FSM;

• FSM be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• FSM be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of bitumencontaminated sites;

• FSM be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oil anddiesel contaminated sites;

• FSM be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• FSM be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management ofschool laboratory chemicals; and

• FSM be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination resulting from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.



4.2 SURVEY FINDINGS

The following provides a summary of the unwantedchemical stockpiles and contaminated sites identified onChuuk.


Department of Agriculture: Approximately 900 kg ofunwanted pesticides were repackaged under the 1994WHO programme. The chemicals are being stored in ashipping container on private property in the centre ofWeno. The container is leaking and has visiblycontaminated the surrounding soil. There are reports ofchildren being hospitalised with respiratory problemsand skin irritations after playing near the contaminatedarea. The site is the subject of a civil law suit againstthe Department of Agriculture.

POTENTIAL PCB OIL

Weno Power Station: Over 210 out- of- servicetransformer units were identified at the Weno PowerStation. It is estimated that up to 40,000L of used oilmay be present in the transformers. Many of the unitsare deteriorating and have leaked oil onto thesurrounding soil. There are unconfirmed reports thatPCB testing and removal was undertaken by the USEPAin the early 1980s.

Tonoas Power Station: 16 out-of-service transformerunits were identified at the Tonoas Island Power Station.

It is estimated that up to 3000L of used oil may bepresent in the transformers.

LABORATORY CHEMICALS

Xavier High School: The high school has a smallstockpile (190kg) of unwanted laboratory chemicals.Most of the containers are labelled and appear in soundcondition.

WASTE OIL

Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries: TheDepartment has 2 x 200 litre drums of new hydraulic oilwhich they can no longer use.

At the time of the audit, no other significant waste oilstockpiles were identified. Most waste oil is taken by alocal dive boat, The Dolphin, for use as a supplementaryfuel. There is no formal collection system for thisprogramme.

WASTE ASPHALT

Steward Asphalt Plant: Approximately 20,000 Lunwanted asphalt contained in deteriorating drums wasidentified at a privately owned and operated site. Thesite is due to close at the end of 1998, and concernswere raised regarding the final disposal of this material.

CONTAMINATED SITES

Tonoas Island - Former Bulk Fuel Plant: The sitecontains the remains of 3 aboveground 10,000 gal dieseltanks. The tanks were part of a Japanese refuellingfacility and sustained heavy damage during WWII. A

Government Agencies

• Environment ProtectionAuthority (EPA)

• Department of Agriculture

• Department of MarineResources and Fisheries

• Department of Health

• Public Works Division

• Department ofTransportation

• Power and UtilitiesAuthority

• Office of the Governor

Chemical stockpiles andcontaminated sites

• Public Works Depot

• Chuuk Hospital

• Weno Power Station

• Agriculture ResearchStation

• Agricultural ChemicalsStorage Site

• Former Agriculture Station

• Tonoas Is Power Station

• Tonoas Is Former BulkFuel Plant

Other

• Mobil Bulk Fuel Plant

• Steward Asphalt Plant

• Xavier High School

• Specialist Adviser forHealth Care

• Environmental Lawyer

• College of Micronesia

4. CHUUK

4.1 SITE INSPECTIONS

A survey of Chuuk was conducted by Ms Terrie Burnsfrom 15 to 25 May, 1998. The survey was conductedwith the aid of EPA Administrator, Mr Joseph Kono,Environmental Officer, Mr Curtis Sos, andEnvironmental Specialist, Ms Julita Albert.

The following government agencies, sites and industrieswere visited during the audit programme:



1994 report by Barrett Consulting estimated that up to15,000 m3 of contaminated soil and 60,000 m3 of freediesel may be present. Some Tonoas Island residentslive within 50m of the site and many rely on localgroundwater for drinking and washing purposes.

Agricultural Chemicals Storage Site: Unwantedpesticides repackaged under the 1994 WHO programare being stored in a shipping container on private landin Weno. The site is owned by Mr Fostino Antonio andwas being leased by the Department of Agriculture. Thecontainer has leaked and visibly contaminated thesurrounding soil. Vegetation along a drainage channelleading from the container shows signs of significantstress including chemical burns. It is estimated that upto 50m3 of soil will require some form of remediation.

College of Micronesia: One of the college campuses islocated on the site of a former agricultural storage shed.The shed was partially remediated under the 1994 WHOprogramme, however, cleaning of the storage area wasnot undertaken. The area gives off strong chemicalodours and staff and students report frequent headaches.

Weno Power Station: The site has a history of multiplespills from an aboveground waste oil storage tank. Astormwater drain leading from the tank to the streetshows signs of heavy contamination. It is estimated thatup to 100 m3 of heavily stained soil is present, includingsome offsite contamination. The spills reportedlyoccurred due to poor operational procedures.

4.3 CURRENT WASTE

MANAGEMENT

Most domestic, industrial and hazardous wastes aredisposed at the Weno landfill, a government owned andoperated facility. Waste disposed at the landfill is notcovered or compacted. Most domestic waste from theouter islands is disposed at small local landfills. Thesites are poorly managed and are often located inmangrove areas or used for land reclamation. The mainisland has a significant problem with litter and

uncontrolled waste disposal. There is no formal wastecollection program and limited options for the disposalof potentially hazardous material.

Infectious medical waste and unwanted chemicals aredisposed in an old incinerator at the hospital. The ashesfrom the incinerator are disposed to the landfill.Expired chemicals may also be disposed to the landfillwithout pre-treatment (e.g. burning).

The FSM National Quarantine Division has recentlyupgraded its facilities with new incinerator units in eachstate.

5. KOSRAE


A survey of Kosrae was conducted by Ms Terrie Burnsfrom 14 to 27 April, 1998. The survey was conductedwith the aid of Mr Simpson Abraham,DevelopmentReview Commission Administrator


5.2 SURVEY FINDINGS

The following provides a summary of the unwantedchemical stockpiles and contaminated sites identified onKosrae.


No significant stockpiles of unwanted agriculturalchemicals were identified. however, methyl bromide isused for fumigation by the Department of Agriculture.

POTENTIAL PCB OIL

The KUA Power Plant: There are currently over 100out of service transformers stockpiled on the site,containing approximately 5800 L of used transformeroil. Many of the units are reportedly ~20 years old andmay contain PCB oil. Many of the units are in poor

Government Agencies

• Development ReviewCommission

• Kosrae Utilities Authority (KUA)

• Department of Agriculture andLands


• Department of Transport

• Lelu Council

• Department of Fisheries andMarine Resources

• Office of the Governor General

• Office of the Lt. GovernorGeneral

Chemical Stockpiles andContaminated sites

• Tofol Landfill

• Tafunsak Landfill

• Vehicle Maintenance Depot

• KUA Power Station

• Agriculture Research Centre

• Kosrae Hospital

• MPC Bulk Fuel Farm

Other

• Semo Micronesia

• Micronesia Petroleum Company

• Black Micro Construction

• Legislative Speaker

• Legislative Counsel

• Administrator for Women’sAffairs

• Pacific Tuna Industries



5.3 CURRENT WASTE

MANAGEMENT

Most domestic, industrial and hazardous wastes onKosrae are disposed at the Tofol landfill. The landfill isa government owned and operated facility. Provision ismade for the segregation of potentially hazardouswastes (in particular, batteries and oil), however, the siteis not manned and segregation relies on the landfillusers. There are no disposal options available forpotentially hazardous wastes. Waste disposed at thelandfill is not covered or compacted.

Most domestic waste from outlying villages is disposedat the Tafunsak landfill or at a number of small locallandfills. The sites are not managed and are typicallylocated in mangrove areas.

Infectious medical waste and unwanted chemicals areburnt on an open bonfire at the hospital. The ashes fromthe incinerator are disposed onsite in abovegroundmounds. Expired chemicals may also be disposed to thelandfill without pre-treatment (e.g. burning).

The FSM National Quarantine Division has recently up-graded its facilities with new incinerator units in each state.

6. POHNPEI


A survey of Pohnpei’s main island was conducted byMs Terrie Burns from 28 April to 13 May, 1998. Localcounterparts Mr Elden Helen, (Pohnpei EnvironmentProtection Authority) and Mr Anthony Wallis (FSMDepartment of Health, Education & SocialAffairs)provided invaluable assistance during the audits.


repair and have leaked oil onto the surrounding soil.Some of the oil has been transferred into drums tominimise contamination. No other potential PCBsources were identified.


No significant volumes of unwanted laboratorychemicals were identified.

WASTE OIL

Over 50,000 L of waste oil was recorded on Kosraeduring the audit. The primary sources were the KosraeUtility Authority (KUA), the Department of Transportand Utilities’ depot and Black Micro ConstructionCompany. Subsequent communications withMicronesia Petroleum Company (MPC) indicates thatall stockpiled oil from KUA and the depot has beenremoved for off island recycling in Australia.

CONTAMINATED SITES

Micronesia Petroleum Company Bulk Fuel Plant:The site was formerly owned by Mobil. During Mobil’soperations, a 19,000 L diesel spill reportedly occurredcontaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater. Atthe time of the audit, a remediation programme had notbeen established. Kosrae State Government wereconsidering legal options to obtain compensation fromMobil to remediate the site.

Kosrae Hospital: The hospital disposes of pathogenicand chemical waste in an onsite pit. The waste istypically burnt on an open bonfire prior to burial. Thereare few controls at the disposal site and unrestrictedpublic access.

Department of Agriculture and Lands: The site hashistorically been used for testing pesticides andherbicides. The long term chemical application is likelyto have resulted in some degree of soil contamination.

KUA Power Station: The site has a large stockpile ofold transformers. Many of the units have leaked andthere is a potential for PCB contamination of thesurrounding soil.

Government Agencies

• Environment Protection Board

• FSM National Health Service

• Public Utilities Board



• Transport Authority

• US Department of AgricultureConservation Office

• Maritime Surveillance

• National Quarantine Service

• Plant Protection Authority


• Pohnpei hospital

• Agriculture storage sheds

• Power station

• Kolonia landfill

• Vehicle maintenance depots

• Pohnpei Agriculture and TradeSchool (PATS)

• Pohnpei International HighSchool (PICS)

• Former CCA treatment site

• Former power plant site

• Asphalt plants (x3)

• DDT burial site

• Mr Jack Adams property(transformer stockpile)

Other

• Waste Management Services(landfill operators)

• Civil Action Team

• FSM National Attorney

• Speciality Hydrogeologists

• PICCAP National Co-ordinator

• College of Micronesia



6.2 SURVEY FINDINGS

The following provides a summary of the unwantedchemical stockpiles and contaminated sites identified onPohnpei.


Department of Agriculture Storage Shed: The shedoriginally contained ~2000 kg of mixed pesticides(including DDT, chlordane and strychnine) repackagedunder the 1993 WHO program. Since that time, anadditional 800 kg of mixed chemicals, most in poorcondition, have been added to the store. (The contentsof this store were repackaged in 1999).

Former Japanese Communications Building:Approximately 1300kg of loose pesticides, (includingDDT, carbamates and many unknowns) were identifiedin a building frequented by tourists. The chemicals andcontainers are in very poor condition. (The contents ofthis store were repackaged in 1999 and moved to theadjacent Department of Agriculture storage shed).

PATS: The school has a small stockpile (~230 kg) ofunwanted agricultural chemicals, including malathionand Sevin.

POTENTIAL PCB OIL

Kolonia Power Station: Approximately 8000L of usedtransformer oil is being stored in abandoned unitsaround the power plant and adjoining maintenance yard.The station recently purchased a transformer oil recyclesystem and propose to recycle and reuse all existing oil.There were anecdotal reports of PCB testing andremoval conducted by the USEPA in the early 80s,however, supporting documentation was not available atthe time of this survey.

Jack Adams Property: 26 empty transformers wereidentified on the site. Many of the units are over 20years old and were reportedly empty when brought tothe site in the early 80s. It is possible that some PCBcontamination of the surrounding soil has occurred.

Kolonia Landfill: The landfill has a stockpile of 14used transformer units, most still containing oil and ahistory of transformer disposal at the site.


Pohnpei Hospital: The hospital medical store currentlyhas an 18m3 stockpile of expired chemicals. Much ofthese were unwanted drugs donated under foreign aidprojects.

PICS Chemistry Laboratory: The laboratory has 600kg of various laboratory chemicals which are no longerwanted. Most of the chemicals are labelled and thecontainers appear in good condition. (These chemicalswere sorted and prepared for disposal in 1999).

WASTE OIL

Over 56,000L of waste oil was recorded on Pohnpei.Waste oil is produced by a number of key activitiesincluding the power station, vehicle maintenance depot

and US Civil Action Team. The Kolonia power stationburns all its waste oil in a small onsite incinerator. Thestation proposes to extend this service to the localindustries. Waste oil is also segregated and stockpiled atthe Kolonia landfill. There are no immediate plans forthe disposal of this oil

USED BATTERIES

Kolonia Landfill: The landfill has over 400 used carand truck batteries stockpiled at the site. There iscurrently no alternate disposal option proposed for theseitems.

CONTAMINATED SITES

DDT Burial Site: It is reported that 2 tonne of DDTwas buried in Kolonia in the late 70s at the site of theformer Pohnpei hospital. The site has since developedinto a residential area with groundwater wells andcoastal waters within 200m.

Former Power Plant: The site operated from 1960 tothe mid 80s and is now used as a gas cylinderwarehouse. Recent earthworks reported significantstained soil and strong hydrocarbon odours.

Former CCA Treatment Plant: The site was privatelyowned and operated from 1990 to 1996. On closure, thechemicals were reportedly evaporated and the dip bayfilled with cement. The site is now used as amaintenance yard and does not display evidence ofsignificant contamination.

Vehicle Maintenance Depot: The depot displaysevidence of widespread hydrocarbon contamination,including visible oil slicks in the adjacent creek. Muchof the contamination is attributable to poorhousekeeping practices.

Asphalt Plants: Pohnpei has 3 operating asphaltplants, all of which exhibit significant soilcontamination. Contamination of surface water flowsfrom the sites was also observed.

Former Japanese Communications Building: Thebuilding contains a significant amount of unknownagricultural chemical dusts and residues. The site hasalmost unrestricted access and is frequented by tourists.

6.3 CURRENT WASTE

MANAGEMENT

Most domestic, industrial and hazardous wastes aroundKolonia are disposed at the Kolonia landfill. Thelandfill is a government owned but privately operatedfacility, run by Waste Management Services Inc(WMS). The site has been significantly upgraded overthe last 18 months, with provision of surface watercontrol, weekly cover and staged rehabilitation. Thesite is fully manned and potentially hazardous wastesare segregated from the general waste stream. WMShas stockpiled 4500L of waste oil, 400 car batteries and14 transformers onsite and is seeking alternative



disposal options for these items. While significantimprovements in landfill management have been made,the location of the site in a tidal mangrove zone is likelyto have serious adverse environmental impacts.

Domestic waste from outlying villages is typicallydisposed at small local landfills. The sites are notmanaged and are often located in mangrove areas.

Infectious medical waste is burnt in an open 200 litredrum at the Kolonia landfill and the ashes disposedonsite. However, expired chemicals are often disposedto landfill without pre-treatment (e.g. burning).

The FSM Nation Quarantine Division has recentlyupgraded its facilities with new incinerator units in eachstate.

7. YAP


A survey of Yap was conducted by Ms Terrie Burnsfrom 6 to 12 July, 1998. The survey was conductedwith EPA’s Pesticide Control Officer, Mr AbdomMartem.

The following government agencies, sites and industrieswere visited during the audit program:

7.2 SURVEY FINDINGS

The following provides a summary of the unwantedchemical stockpiles and contaminated sites identified onYap.


Agriculture Research Station: Approximately 900 kgof unwanted pesticides were repackaged under the 1994WHO program. The chemicals are stored in open 44 galdrums in a locked shed at the Agriculture ResearchStation. 1300 kg of unwanted fertilisers are also storedin the shed.

Government Agencies

• State Supply Division

• Dept of Agriculture

• Quarantine Division



• Department of MarineResources


• Board of Education

• Yap State Public ServiceCorporation


• Yap Landfill

• Yap Power Station

• Public Works Depot

• Agriculture ResearchCentre

• Supply Warehouse

• Education Storeroom

• Former US CoastguardBulk Fuel Storage

• Asphalt contamination atformer airport

Other


• Micronesia PetroleumCompany Bulk Fuel PlantAgriculture ResearchCenter

• Waab TransportationCompany

• Waab Hardware

• Public Bus Company

• Yap High School

• Black Micro ConstructionCompany

POTENTIAL PCB OIL

Yap Power Station: 75 out of service transformerswere identified at the power station, many stillcontaining oil. It is estimated that up to 12,000L of usedoil may be present. Additionally, 10 to 12 oldtransformers are reportedly present on the outer islandsof Wollei and Ulithi.


Board of Education Storeroom: Approximately 100kg of unwanted laboratory chemicals are being stored inboxes in a locked storeroom. The chemicals wereremoved from the outer islands high school. Many ofthe containers are not labelled and appear in poorcondition.

State Supply Warehouse: The warehouse has anumber of unused and unwanted chemicals including;12,000L of liquid sulphate and 550L of film developerand fixer. Most of the chemical containers are soundand labelled.

Waab Warehouse: The warehouse has a number ofunused and unwanted chemicals including; 4200L ofgranular caustic soda and 400L of acetone. Thechemical containers are sound and are clearly labelled.

WASTE OIL

Yap Power Station: The power station disposes wasteoil from the station and many local industries in anonsite earth pit. The oil is periodically burnt. It isestimated that up to 20 m3 of waste oil may be present inthe pit at any time.

CONTAMINATED SITES

Yap Power Station: The onsite disposal of waste oilhas resulted in significant contamination both onsite andoffsite. It is estimated that up to 400m3 of soil havebeen heavily contaminated.

Former Airport: Approximately 230 x 200 litre drumsof unwanted bitumen are stockpiled at the old airportsite. Most of the drums have rusted and leaked bitumenonto the surrounding soil.



Former US Coastguard Bulk Fuel Storage: The siteformerly housed 8 x 30,000L aboveground diesel fueltanks. Micronesia Petroleum Co recently removed thetanks for use in their bulk fuel plant, and emptied thetank bottom sludges onto the surrounding soils. It isestimated that 10 m3 of soil has been heavilycontaminated.

Mobil Bulk Fuel Plant: The fuel plant is located onthe site of the old Yap power station. Recent excavationworks during the installation of the current plantdiscovered a floating hydrocarbon layer on the watertable. The free product was pumped out but noadditional remediation or validation work wasundertaken.

7.3 CURRENT WASTE

MANAGEMENT

Most domestic, industrial and hazardous wastes aredisposed at the Yap landfill. The landfill is agovernment owned and operated facility. The site ismanned part-time and waste is periodically compactedand pushed into the adjacent creek gully. Waste oilfrom the adjacent power plant has contaminated part ofthe site. Domestic waste from outlying villages istypically disposed at small local landfills. The sites arenot managed and are often located in mangrove areas.

There is no formal waste collection programme andlimited options for the disposal of potentially hazardousmaterial.

Infectious medical waste is burnt in an old incineratorlocated at the hospital and the ashes disposed at thelandfill. Some expired chemicals may be disposed tolandfill without pre-treatment (e.g. burning).

The FSM National Quarantine Division has recentlyupgraded its facilities with new incinerator units in eachstate.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

REVIEW

The following review focuses on National and StateLegislation which may assist with the management ofhazardous materials, including the import, transport,storage, use and disposal of toxic chemicals.

8.1 NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is made upof four highly autonomous states, each with their owngovernment and legislation system, with an overarchingnational system. The fundamental law of FSM iscontained in its constitution of 1979, which containsaspects of both Western and traditional governingstructures. The constitution provides a prohibition on

the testing, storing, using or disposing of radioactive ortoxic chemicals within FSM, without the expressapproval of the National Government.

Responsibility for environmental protection, natureconservation, biodiversity, tourism, sanitation andcultural resources is split between several nationalDepartments, including: the Office of AdministrativeServices; the Office of Planning and Statistics; theDepartment of Resources and Development; theDepartment of Human Resources and the Department ofExternal Affairs. With few linkages betweenDepartments, and limited funding available to start newDivisions, a coherent National Government response toenvironmental issues has not been established.

Previous investigations have identified the need forclarification of conflicting jurisdictional claims betweenthe National and State Governments, in 15 separateareas of environmental law. Centralisation ofenvironmental powers to a single Department orindependent Agency was also strongly recommended.

There are currently no formally enforced nationalstrategies for solid waste or hazardous wastemanagement. The former Trust Territory Regulationsfor Solid Waste Management and Pesticides are still ineffect but are rarely called on.

The FSM Environmental Protection Act (EPA), providesfor the protection and enhancement of theenvironmental quality of the air, land and water of FSM.The FSM EPA is administered by the Department ofHuman Resources and is the primary legal instrumentfor the prevention of ‘pollution’ in FSM. Enforcementis often difficult due to resistance to Governmentcontrol over private land by traditional landowners.

The FSM Earthmoving Regulations, require all persons,including Government bodies, who engage inearthmoving activities anywhere in FSM, to obtain apermit from the National Government. This allows forpermit conditions, including environmental protectionmeasures, to be placed on all development projects.However, very few permits are processed, particularlyfrom the States.

The National Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)Regulation, requires that the National Government andits Agencies submit an Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) prior to undertaking any major action which mayaffect the quality of the human environment. Allforeign investment permits must also consider potentialenvironmental impacts. There have been severalconstitutional debates over the imposition of NationalEIA Regulations and Standards on projects within theStates. This issue has yet to be resolved. It has alsobeen recommended that private projects should besubject to the EIA Regulation.



8.2 CHUUK STATE

GOVERNMENT

The Chuuk constitution was enacted in 1989 and statesthat the Legislature shall provide by law, for thedevelopment and enforcement of standards ofenvironmental quality and for the establishment of anindependent State agency with responsibility forenvironmental matters. The National EarthmovingRegulations have been enacted in Chuuk, but not theEIA Regulations. It is reported that there is limitedenforcement of permit conditions and many projectsproceed without a permit.

Chuuk is divided up into thirty-nine municipalities. Thepowers and functions of a municipality with respect toits local affairs are superior to statutory law, and there isa need for a clear definition of their functions.

The Chuuk State government has established anEnvironmental Protection Agency which is responsiblefor the administration of the Environmental ProtectionAct, including chemical and pollution control, althoughseveral other Departments are responsible for someelements. For example, the Transportation Divisioncontrols some aspects of water pollution, such as fuel oroil leaks from boats and dumping within the harbour. Inthe absence of State laws, it is the opinion of the StateAttorney General that FSM’s National pollution lawsmay be applied.

The State Constitution expressly provides for theGovernment to make laws for the development andenforcement of environmental standards, and for theestablishment of an independent agency to administerthem.

8.3 KOSRAE STATE

GOVERNMENT

The Kosrae State Constitution states that ‘a person has aright to a healthful, clean and stable environment’, andrequires the State Government to protect Kosrae’senvironment, ecology and natural resources. It alsoreinforces the National initiative that ‘no hazardouswastes or other hazardous substances may be disposedwithin the State except as expressly authorised by Statelaw’.

Kosrae’s environmental legislation is administered bythe Development Review Commission (DRC) anindependent agency comprising a Commission Board, aTechnical Advisory Committee (TAC) and a ProgramOffice. DRC Board members are appointed by theLegislature, from delegates nominated by the Governor.The Board appoints the Administrator of the ProgramOffice. TAC members are drawn from various PublicService Departments, as appointed by the Governor.The Program Office is responsible for draftingenvironmental regulations and policies and for

enforcement. The Board has the final decision on allenvironmental issues, acting on advice from the TAC.TAC also develops license conditions for projectsrequiring environmental permits.

Kosrae also has four municipalities which areresponsible for local issues, and provide input intoprojects within their areas.

The DRC has established a Regulation for DevelopmentProjects. This Regulation is intended to integrate theEIA process with all proposed development works, andprovides a mechanism for the imposition ofenvironmental conditions. A Development ReviewPermit is also required for development projectsinvolving the use, handling or disposal of toxic orhazardous chemicals. There are no provisions for thecontrol of hazardous materials outside the limiteddefinition of a development project.

More specifically, Kosrae currently has no regulationsregarding the import, management or disposal ofhazardous materials. Despite the assertion of theConstitution, it does not empower any GovernmentAgency to prevent the disposal of hazardous materials,or to take action against individuals or companies whodo so. The misdemeanour of ‘littering’ could beapplied, but it specifically excludes the consensualcontamination of public or private land. The Use ofPublic Sewers Regulations, prohibit the discharge ofcertain pollutants into public sewers.

A general provision to prevent environmental harm isurgently required. Several sections of the Kosrae StateCode allow for the DRC to establish the necessaryregulations.

8.4 POHNPEI STATE

GOVERNMENT

The Constitution of Pohnpei was enacted in 1984 andstates that ‘the Government of Pohnpei shall establishand faithfully execute comprehensive plans for theconservation of natural resources and the protection ofthe environment’. The constitution also provides forstrict control of hazardous materials and harmfulsubstances.

Pohnpei has eleven local governments, each with theirown constitutions and autonomy over many issues.

The State of Pohnpei formally enforced the TrustTerritory Environmental Quality Protection Act and itssupporting Regulations. The controversy over the useof superseded legislation prompted the drafting of theEnvironmental Protection Act (EPA), which came intoeffect in late 1992. The Act established an EPA Board,Agency and Advisory Council. The Board members areappointed by the Governor with the approval of theLegislature, and are responsible for Policy and directionwithin the unit. The Agency is responsible for theadministration of the Act, including environmental and



sanitation aspects. The Advisory Council has not beenadopted. The State EPA also revamped andpromulgated the former Trust Territory Regulationsincluding those for Pesticides, Solid Waste, Marine andFresh Water Quality, Earthmoving and EnvironmentalImpact Assessment.

The EPA requires the submission of an EIS for allprivate and public projects which may impact on theenvironment. The Act enables the development andenforcement of environmental standards. Some specificquantitative guidelines have been developed includingthose for water quality and restricted pesticides. Thereare currently no guidelines to identify contaminatedland. The EPA also includes powers for pollutionprevention and a permit system for controlleddischarges of pollutants. There are situations where theregulations are unable to be met, (for example ‘properdisposal of pesticides’), due to a lack of resources andfacilities within Pohnpei.

8.5 YAP STATE GOVERNMENT

The constitution of Yap places emphasis on theconservation of traditional heritage and treatment of theenvironment.

Draft Regulations for the control of earthmoving andsedimentation have been developed and permits will berequired for all such activities.

Yap’s Environmental Quality Protection Act providesfor compulsory environmental impact studies for alldevelopment projects. Supporting EIA Regulations forpesticide use and earthmoving are being developed buthave yet to be promulgated. The Act is administered bythe State EPA, with technical input from variousgovernment offices and an independent legal advisorycounsel.

Some difficulties have been experienced over issues ofState and national jurisdiction, as it has resulted in tworegulatory and permitting systems with similarlegislative instruments. A single, cohesive approach toenvironmental management is required.

8.6 INTERNATIONAL

CONVENTIONS

The following international environmental conventionshave been ratified by FSM

• International Plant Protection Convention. 1951

• Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement ofNuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of MassDestruction on the Seabed and Ocean Floor and inthe Subsoil thereof. 1971

• Convention on the Prohibition of Military or anyother Hostile Use of Environmental ModificationTechniques. 1977

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.1982

• Agreement relating to the Conduct of a JointProgram of Marine Geoscientific Research andMineral Resource Studies of the South PacificRegion. 1982

• Vienna Convention for the Protection of the OzoneLayer. 1985

• Convention for the Protection of the NaturalResources and Environment of the South PacificRegion and Related Protocols (SPREP Convention).1986

• Convention for the Prohibition of Fishing with LongDriftnets in the South Pacific. 1989

• United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange. 1992

• Convention on Biological Diversity. 1992

• United Nations Convention to CombatDesertification in those Countries ExperiencingSerious Drought. 1994

• Basel Convention on the Control of TransboundaryMovements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.1989

• Waigani Convention to Ban the Importation intoForum Island Countries of Hazardous andRadioactive Wastes and to Control theTransboundary Movement and Management ofHazardous Wastes within the South Pacific Region


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - FIJI PAGE A17

COUNTRY REPORT

A.3 FIJI

1. OVERVIEW


Stage 1: Preliminary chemicalsurvey and conduct oftraining in basic chemicalhandling and disposalprocedures.

Stage 2: Repacking of unwantedchemicals as necessaryand provision ofappropriate temporarystorage facilities

Stage 3: Clean-up of contaminatedsites and disposal ofchemical stockpiles.

The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, timbertreatment chemicals and laboratory chemicals. Thisreport provides the findings of the survey of wastechemicals and site contamination in Fiji.

The survey was carried out in April and May, 1998.The team comprised:

Dr. Ian Wallis: SPREP consultant

Moti Lal Autar: Ministry of Agriculture,Forests and Fisheries

Ms. Hitexa Maysuria: Department of Environment

William Peter: University of theSouth Pacific

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Fiji.

Estimated Quantity


Other obsolete chemicals 75 kg

Oil potentially contaminatedwith PCBs Nil

Laboratory chemicals > 800 L

Waste oil > 8,000 L/year

Contaminated sites 19 potential sites


The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Fiji include:


• Stockpiles of waste pesticides totallingapproximately 19 tonnes were identified at researchstations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests andFisheries at Lakena, Lomaivuna, Navua, Korokadi,Dreketi, Sigatoka and Legalega; plus the Agchemchemical plant in Suva.


• A total of approximately 75 kg of old hydrogencyanide canisters.


PAGE A18 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - FIJI


• More than 800 L of surplus laboratory chemicals.

WASTE OIL

• More than 8,000 L/year of waste oils in outlyingareas.

CONTAMINATED SITES

• Two tonnes of buried pesticides at the former site ofthe Lakena research station. The land has since beensold and has been developed for housing;

• Up to two tonnes of buried pesticides at the Drenekiresearch station;

• Site contamination at the Lomaivuna researchstation;

• Oil contamination at the Fiji Fire Authority depot,and the Lautoka power station;

• CCA site contamination at Fiji Forest Industries; and

• Poorly managed landfills in Nausori, Lautoka andLami.

In addition, management of CCA wastes at the TropicWood Industries sawmill at Lautoka althoughsuperficially good, is reported to by the Fiji Departmentof Environment to be deficient in that leachate hascontaminated the nearby creek.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To upgrade chemical management capacity, dispose ofwaste chemicals and remediate sites contaminated withchemicals in Fiji it is recommended that:

• Waste pesticides identified in the inspections at theMinistry of Agriculture, Forests and FisheriesLakena, Navua, Korokadi and Dreketi researchstations be included in the regional programmeunder development by SPREP to dispose ofhazardous materials in off-island treatment facilities;


• The research stations at Lakena, Lomaivuna, Navua,Korokadi and Dreketi be included in the regionalprogramme under development by SPREP toremediate sites contaminated by pesticides;

• The present owner of the block of land adjacent tothe Lakena research station be advised immediatelythat pesticides are buried on this land. An urgentassessment for contamination must also beundertaken at this site;

• The Agchem chemical plant in Suva be instructed todispose of waste isoprocarb (ETRO);

• Fiji be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent of

contamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites;

• Fiji be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Fiji be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Fiji participate in current negotiations for a legallybinding instrument for certain persistent organicpollutants;

• Fiji consider ratification of the Basel Convention;

• Fiji be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Fiji be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oil anddiesel contaminated sites. The Fiji Fire Authoritysite at Walu Bay in Suva should be used as alandfarming demonstration site;

• Fiji be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Fiji be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management oflaboratory chemicals at schools and otherworkplaces; and

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for Fiji.

4. OBSOLETE

CHEMICAL WASTES

The main stockpiles of obsolete chemical wastes werefound to be associated with former agricultural researchstations. Pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals hadbeen brought to Fiji for these projects but notcompletely used. In many cases, the projects had beendiscontinued some years ago, and the chemicalsremained in storage awaiting some new use, or disposal.As the chemicals were typically 10 years old,deterioration of the active ingredient must be expected.

The sites and stockpiles which were investigated duringthis project are described below.

LAKENA RESEARCH STATION

The Lakena Research Station had over 9 tonnes ofobsolete chemicals in storage. Most of the pesticides hadbeen purchased about 10 years ago for a rice growingproject, which was no longer in operation. The storageshed was locked and generally in good condition, butsome of the chemicals were not labelled (e.g. Sevinpowder was in unlabelled polyethylene bags) and thecontainers of other chemicals had failed (e.g. Dicidex 1litre containers had split) causing leaks and spills.



About three years ago, about 2 tonnes of surpluspesticides from this research station were buried ongovernment land 0.5 km south of the station. This landhas now been subdivided and sold for residential use.The pesticides are now buried in the yard of a house.The suggested site examination and rectificationprogramme is presented later in this report under thediscussion of contaminated sites.

LOMAIVUNA RESEARCH STATION

The Lomaivuna Research Station had over 2 tonnes ofobsolete chemicals in storage. The storage shed was inpoor condition, as the door was missing and weeds weregrowing through the walls. Drums and packages ofchemicals had been disturbed and tipped over. Not alldrums had labels and it was apparent that some of thestored chemicals had been repackaged into new drums.

There are residences within 100 m of this store. Henceas an immediate short-term measure, it is recommendedthat a security door and a warning notice be installed.These chemicals should be moved to a more securestore as soon as it can be arranged.

NAVUA RESEARCH STATION

The Navua Research Station had only 225 kg ofobsolete chemicals in storage. The storage shed was ingood condition. The research station is well away fromresidences but is in a flood plain, and therefore is not asuitable area for long term storage of obsoletechemicals. All stored chemicals were labelled.The Dicidex containers were failing.

AGCHEM CHEMICAL PLANT

The Agchem chemical plant at Suva had approximately3 tonnes of ETRO (Isoprocarb) in storage. This producthad been formulated locally but the particle size was toolarge for effective dispersal, and hence the product wasnot commercially saleable. Small quantities are beingused as a herbicide by a local golf course. The storagearea was a roofed and bunded area at the back of theformulation shed. The disposal of this material isconsidered to be the responsibility of the owner.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH VECTOR CONTROL UNIT

The Ministry of Health has about 100 cyanide canistersin storage (Vector Control Yard, Suva). These canisterswere formerly used for fumigation of ship holds.The Chief Health Officer advised that the canisters werein poor condition and potentially dangerous.

KOROKADI RESEARCH STATION

The Korokadi Research Station (on Vanua Levu) had2.9 tonnes of obsolete chemicals in storage, most ofwhich is Dicidex. The storage shed was in goodcondition. The research station is separated fromresidences and is a suitable area for long term storage ofobsolete chemicals. All stored chemicals were labelled.The Dicidex containers were failing.

DREKETI RESEARCH STATION

The Dreketi Research Station (on Vanua Levu) had 1.3tonnes of obsolete chemicals in storage, most of which

is Dicidex. The storage shed was in good condition.The research station is separated from residences and isa suitable area for long term storage of obsoletechemicals. All stored chemicals were labelled.The Dicidex containers were failing.

About three years ago, about 1 to 2 tonnes of surpluspesticides from this research station were buried withinthe research station, on land adjacent to the chemicalstore.

SIGATOKA RESEARCH STATION

The Sigatoka Research Station (on Viti Levu) had fourseparate chemical stores - each containing a number ofknown and unknown chemicals in small quantities.The chemicals are stored in two adjacent sheds andresult from the fruit, vegetable, cereal and rice growingprogrammes. The materials were in reasonably goodcondition, although some of the containers were failing.Not all the containers were labelled, and some of thelabels were in Arabic or other foreign languages.The research station is separated from residences andis a suitable area for long term storage of obsoletechemicals. The total quantity of chemicals at Sigatokais 103 kg.

LEGALEGA RESEARCH STATION

The Legalega Research Station (near Nadi) had 176 kgof obsolete chemicals in storage, all in small quantities.The storage shed was in good condition. All storedchemicals were labelled. This store also had a smallquantity of old fertiliser which had consolidated intosolid blocks.

5. TIMBER INDUSTRY

WASTES

There are 12 operating timber treatment plants in Fijiand a small number (3 or 4) of plants which haveclosed. Most of the plants were inspected to obtain anindication of the current disposal methods for CCAsludge and the likelihood of contamination of the sitedue to sludge or treatment chemicals. The observationsare summarised below.



Performance ranged from good to poor. At most siteswastes were generally being handled well, but it was notpossible to ascertain without soil tests whether CCAcontamination of the sites had occurred.

It is recommended that the Forest (PreservativeTreatment) Specifications issued by the Ministry ofForests be expanded to describe appropriate methods fordisposal of timber treatment sludges. A draft of the newtext for the Specification was prepared by the SPREPconsultant and provided to the Ministry for AgricultureForests and Fisheries.

6. SURPLUS LABORATORY

CHEMICALS

Most laboratories in Fiji have obsolete chemicals forwhich there is no satisfactory disposal route.All laboratories which were contacted reported havingstored chemicals which were surplus to requirements,including the laboratories at the University of the SouthPacific (USP), the Public Works Department, hospital,geology, agriculture and major colleges and secondaryschools. Based on inspections of these laboratories,there is estimated to be over 800 litres of surplus andwaste laboratory chemicals in Fiji.

7. WASTE HYDROCARBONS

A study of waste oil carried out by the South PacificForum Secretariat concluded that Fiji is currently theonly Pacific island country with a programme to collectand dispose of waste oil. The waste oil is used as anenergy source in the Fletcher Challenge steel mill inSuva. It is anticipated that it will be possible to extendthe waste oil collection programme to smaller sources ofwaste oil in Fiji (garages and bus maintenance depots)and to major sources of waste oil in neighbouringcountries (Tonga, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands).

Only in the outlying areas, including Viti Levu, weresignificant stockpiles of waste oil seen. However, mostsmall garages, and domestic repairs of cars and trucks,produce waste oil which is not recycled. The quantityof waste oil which is not recycled at present is estimatedto exceed 8,000 litres per year.

During the period of this study there was a major spillof waste oil into Walu Bay which was suspected ashaving leaked from the Fletcher Challenge steel mill.The controversy surrounding this event precluded anysite investigations and discussions with the steel millabout their waste oil programme.

8. POLYCHLORINATED

BI-PHENYLS (PCBS)Both the Fiji Electricity Authority and the PacificForum advised that there are no PCBs in electricitytransformers in Fiji. Transformer oil is cleaned andrecycled in Fiji using filtration equipment supplied byWaterford holdings of New Zealand. The manager ofWaterford Holdings (Mr David Rutherford) advisedthat all recycled oil was tested prior to filtration and noPCB’s had been detected in Fiji.

Later testing using Dexsil Chlor-n-Oil test kits byWilliam Peter confirmed the absence of PCBs.

9. LANDFILLS (MUNICIPAL

WASTE DUMPS)The landfills at the major urban centres of Suva (Lami),Nausori and Lautoka were assessed during this study.Chemical wastes (e.g.: malathion, liquid sludges) areknown to have been dumped in the Lami landfill, andall industrial wastes were permitted access. Similarlyindustrial solid and liquid wastes had easy access to the

Timber Treatment Plant

Mana Forest Products

Best Industries

South Seas Timber

Fiji Forest Industries

Nur Ahmed Sawmill

Valebasoga Tropikboard

Fenning Pacific

Waiqele Sawmill

Dayal Sawmillers

Tropik Wood Industries

Southern Forest Products

Vunimoli Sawmill

G P Reddy Lumber

Location

Suva

Lautoka

Suva

Malau

Navua

Labasa

Lautoka

Labasa

Lautoka

Lautoka

Nabukavesi

Labasa

Lautoka

Observations

Large onsite dumping pit

Small, little waste produced

Small, little waste

Leachate contamination of creek reported



Nausori and Lautoka landfills. The Lami and Lautokalandfills have involved placing fill on tidal mudflatswhile the Nausori landfill is on the banks of the RewaRiver. All are unsatisfactory from an environmental andwaste management perspective.

The Suva City Council has selected a new site for aproperly managed sanitary landfill at Naboro about15 km west of Suva. This site has a clay soil and seemsto be a considerable improvement on the Lami site.Detailed plans for the development of the new landfillare being prepared. It is recommended thatconsideration be given to including secure cells for thestorage of hazardous wastes in the new landfill.

10. CONTAMINATED SITES

This study established that there is no register orplanning procedure to record or manage contaminatedsites. As discussed above, the three municipal landfillswould be considered to be contaminated sites, as wouldbe several major industrial sites, most vehiclemaintenance depots, the FEA transformer maintenancedepot at Lautoka, the tailings dam of the gold mine andthe agricultural research stations with buried wastes.

The site of greatest concern identified in this study wasthe residence with buried agricultural wastes nearLakena. It is recommended that an inter-departmentalcommittee be established to manage this site, and thatthe present residence should not be used.

11. FIJI WASTE INVENTORY

The main stockpiles of obsolete chemical wastes in Fijiwere found to be associated with former agriculturalresearch projects. The total quantity of wasteagricultural chemicals is 21.2 tonnes, of which thelargest single chemical is Dicidex (5.6 t). The Dicidexcontainers were mostly in poor condition and thechemicals are not considered to be of any further usein Fiji.

12. RE-USE OPTIONS

The supplier of all the Dicidex to Fiji was ICIChemicals of Auckland, New Zealand. However, thiscompany no longer exists. The successor company isCropcare of Australasia, who were contacted toestablish if it would be possible to reuse or reformulatethe Dicidex in another pesticide product. Cropcareadvised that Dicidex was replaced by other moreeffective and biodegradable pesticides about 10 yearsago, and the product in Fiji has no known commercialapplication. No reuse applications could be found forSevin or Propanil, the other two chemicals stored in Fijiin significant quantities.

13. LEGISLATION

Comprehensive environmental legislation has beenprepared for Fiji but has not been enacted. Hence theDepartment of Environment has no authority to controlwastes or to achieve more effective management ofchemicals and chemical wastes in Fiji.

The legislative framework is exceptionally fragmented.Fourteen Ministries, bodies or agencies administer some27 pieces of environmental legislation as shown below.The essential problems relating to environmentallegislation are three-fold. Firstly, there is no single bodyresponsible for the administration of the current existingenvironmental law and which can influenceGovernment at policy making level. This has resultedin the lack of a uniform policy and a shortage ofinformation and awareness at high levels. Secondly,this lack of a single body of environmental law hasresulted in inadequate enforcement of current standardsand a lack of trained staff to do so. This is true both inindividual Ministries and in areas which fall betweenMinistries. Thirdly, the existing environmental lawsneed modification in at least nine areas. These are:the land tenure system, planning and assessment,agriculture, minerals, fisheries, water quality, wastemanagement and pollution and the establishment ofprotected areas.

LAND AND RESOURCE USE LEGISLATION

• Mining Act 1966

• Forest Act 1953

• Town Planning Act 1946

• Native Land Trust 1940

• Land Development Act 1961

• Land Conservation and Improvement Act 1953

• Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act 1966

CONSERVATION AND QUARANTINE

• Birds and Game Protection Act 1923

• National Trust for Fiji Act 1970

• Treatment of Object of Archaeological andPalaeontologist interest Act 1978

• Plant Quarantine Act 1982

• Noxious Weeds, Pests and Disease of Plants Act1964

• Animal Importation Act 1970

MARINE AND POLLUTION / CONSERVATION

• Marine Species Act 1977

• Fisheries Act 1941

• Fisheries Regulations 1965

• Continental Shelf Act 1970

• Ports Authority of Fiji Regulations 1990



WATER POLLUTION

• River and Streams Act 1982

• Irrigation Act 1973

• Drainage Act 1961

• Water Supply Act 1955

• Mining Regulations

POLLUTION GENERALLY

• Pesticides Act 1971

• Traffic Regulations 1974

• Public Health Act 1955

• Penal Code 1945

• Litter Decree 1991

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS TO WHICH

FIJI IS SIGNATORY:• International Plant Protection Agreement 1956

• Convention on the Continental Shelf 1970

• Convention on the High Seas 1970

• Convention on Fishing and Conservation of theLiving Resources of the High Seas 1971

• Plant Protection Agreement for South East Asia1971

• Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in theAtmosphere, Outer Space and Underwater 1972

• Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons1972

• International Convention for the Prevention ofPollution of the Sea by Oil 1972

• Convention on the Prohibition of the Development,Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological andToxic Weapons and their Destruction 1973

• International Atomic Energy Agency 1973

• International Convention Relating to an Interventionof the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties1975

• International Convention on Civil Liability for OilPollution Damage 1975

• South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency Convention1979

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea1982

• International Convention on the Establishment of anInternational Fund for Compensation for OilPollution Damage 1983

• South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and Protocol1985

• Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol onSubstances that Deplete the Ozone Layer 1989

• Convention on the Conservation of Nature in theSouth Pacific (Apia Convention) 1989

• Convention for the Protection of Natural Resourcesand Environment of the South Pacific Region andtheir Related Protocols - (SPREP Convention) 1986

• Convention Concerning the Protection of the WorldCultural and Natural Heritage - (World HeritageConvention) 1990

• United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange 1992

• Convention on Biological Diversity 1992

• Wellington Convention on Driftnet Fishing 1994

• Waigani Convention to Ban the Importation intoForum Island Countries of Hazardous andRadioactive Wastes and to Control theTransboundary Movement and Management ofHazardous Wastes within the South Pacific Region1996

• Convention on International Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1997

14. LABORATORY FACILITIES

There are no laboratories in Fiji which routinely analysepesticides or contamination of soil by metals or organiccontaminants. The agriculture laboratory has thecapability of soil analyses but has very limitedresources. The PWD laboratory has the capability toanalyse metals in water.

USP has equipment and trained academic and technicalstaff to carry out metal analyses. They currently have anumber of projects that study trace metals in biologicalsamples, dust and water. The USP laboratory hascarried out analyses of trace levels of pesticides in soiland water in the past as part of specific contracts orresearch projects, but the specialist laboratory personnelare no longer resident in Fiji. However, one of the staffhas recently received training in pesticide analysis andwork has recommenced in this area. USP has appliedfor funding from the Global Environment Facility(GEF) which will allow it to develop a full range ofPOPs analyses.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - KIRIBATI PAGE 23

COUNTRY REPORT

A.4 KIRIBATI

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCAtreatment chemicals and laboratory chemicals. Thisreport provides a summary of the POPs surveyundertaken in Kiribati.

Surveys of Tarawa and Christmas Islands, Kiribati wereconducted by Ms. Terrie Burns on March 30 to April 101998, and July 22 to 29 1998, respectively. Localcounterpart Mr. Taulehia Pulefou (Environment UnitOfficer) provided invaluable assistance during the auditsand inspected Nanouti Island by himself. Confirmationof information received for anton Island is ongoing.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Kiribati.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals 700 kg1

Oil potentially contaminatedwith PCBs 5,500 L

Laboratory chemicals 2,270 kg

CCA sludge 1000 L

Waste bitumen 200,000 L

Waste oil 7,000 L

Contaminated sites 6 sites

1 Additional quantities of pesticide are stored on Kanton Island.


The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Kiribati include:



• 1000 kg of CCA sludge at the animal health unit atTanea, South Tarawa;

• 2000 kg of unwanted drugs at the animal health unitat Tanea, South Tarawa;


PAGE 24 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - KIRIBATI

• A total of approximately 13 tonnes of wastefertilisers at Bikenibue, South Tarawa and ChristmasIsland;

• 200 litres of waste zinc phosphide at Bikenibue,South Tarawa; and

• Waste oil and bitumen contaminated sites at Bonrikiairport, and the Betio and Bikenibue power stations,South Tarawa.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in Kiribati it is recommended that:

• Kiribati be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBcontaminated transformer oil;

• Kiribati be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of bitumencontaminated sites;

• Kiribati be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oil anddiesel contaminated sites. Remediation of both theoil contaminated soil by landfarming and the oilcontaminated groundwater lens at the Betio powerstation should be used as demonstration sites underthis programme;

• Waste chemicals identified in the inspections at theTanea animal health unit and the Bikenibuehandicraft centre, South Tarawa be included in theregional programme under development by SPREPto dispose of hazardous materials in off-islandtreatment facilities;


• Waste fertilisers should be used in landfarming ofoil-contaminated soil at the Betio power station andSouth Tarawa vehicle maintenance unit. Surplusfertilisers should be given to a local user;

• Kiribati be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Kiribati be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Kiribati participate in current negotiations for alegally binding instrument for certain persistentorganic pollutants;

• Kiribati consider ratification of the Basel andWaigani Conventions;

• Kiribati be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Kiribati be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Kiribati be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management ofschool laboratory chemicals; and

• Kiribati be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.

4. SITE INSPECTIONS


5. SURVEY FINDINGS

The following provides a summary of the unwantedchemical stockpiles and contaminated sites identified onKiribati.


Agriculture Storage Shed, Tarawa: Approximately12,000 kg of unwanted fertilisers and a small volume(<100L) of mixed pesticides. Most of the fertiliser bagsappear in good condition and could be reused. Many ofthe pesticide containers were leaking and some were notlabelled.

Former Agriculture Station, Tarawa: The site iscurrently used as a handicraft centre with high publicaccess. Three drums of unwanted chemicals are storedon the site including a 44 gal drum of zinc phosphideand 2 x 44 gal drums of unknown liquids.

Agriculture Station, Christmas Is: The site has 1300kg of unwanted fertilisers. The bags appear in poorcondition and are likely to disintegrate when handled.

Kanton Island: The island reportedly has a stockpile ofunwanted agricultural chemicals (including Sevin andMalathion) stored in an open shed. Further informationregarding this site is pending.

CCA TREATMENT CHEMICALS

Animal Health Storage Shed: Approximately 1000 Lof dried CCA sludge is stored in open plastic buckets inthe shed.

Outer Islands: A mobile CCA timber treatment plantwas operated on the islands of Abemema, Aranuka andNanouti during the mid 80s. Assessment of the sites forresidual CCA chemicals is pending.

OIL POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED WITH PCBS

Tarawa has 56 in service transformers, many over 30years old. There were no out of service units on the


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - KIRIBATI PAGE 25

island. Given the age of the units, it is estimated that upto 5,500 L of oil may contain PCBs.

One out of service transformer was identified onChristmas Island at the London power station.


Animal Health Storage Shed: Approximately 2000 kgof mixed veterinary and human expired medicines.

Amak Women’s Unit: 55 kg of unwanted caustic soda.The containers are badly deteriorated.

Tarawa Teachers College: 150 kg of unwantedphotographic chemicals. Most appear to be expiredstock.

Tarawa Hospital: 65 L of expired photographicchemicals.

WASTE OIL

Waste oil is periodically removed from Tarawa byKiribati Oil for recycling in Fiji. At the time of theaudit, approximately 7000L of waste oil was stockpiledin 200 litre drums at the Betio Power Station. There isno formal waste oil collection system.

There are no disposal outlets for waste oil on ChristmasIsland and it is understood that most oil is disposed onthe ground. Some waste oil is reused for rust protectionand general lubrication.

WASTE BITUMEN

Bonriki Airport: Approximately 100,000L of unwantedbitumen was abandoned by a Chinese contractingcompany at the end of the runway construction project.

The drums are located at two sites at the eastern end ofthe runway. Much of the material has leakedcontaminating the reef, private property and localdrinking water aquifer. The drums are badlydeteriorated and likely to disintegrate on contact.

Banana: Approximately 100,000L of waste bitumen isstored in 44 gal drums at various sites around Banana(Christmas Is). Much of the material has leaked,contaminating the surrounding soil (~200m3 at eachsite). There are also unconfirmed reports of localhydrocarbon groundwater contamination. It isestimated that over 50,000 empty 44 gallon drums havebeen disposed in the area. The Linnex Public WorksDivision proposes to reuse the waste bitumen inconstruction projects.

CONTAMINATED SITES

Bonriki Airport: Waste bitumen drums have leakedcontaminating approximately 1300 m2 of thesurrounding soil and reef. Groundwater is located from1m below surface and displays strong hydrocarbonodours. Some of the contamination has spread toprivate property.

Betio Power Station: Onsite oil disposal has resulted insevere contamination of approximately 800m3 of soil. Afloating hydrocarbon layer was observed on the localgroundwater table, at 3m below surface.

Public Vehicle Unit Depot: The depot is locatedadjacent the Betio Power Station and has been subject tomigration of hydrocarbons. Approximately 200m3 ofsoil have become contaminated.

Government Agencies

• Ministry of Environment


• Agroforestry Division

• Animal Health Unit

• Department of Lands


• Public Vehicle Unit


• Power and Utilities Authority

• Plant Protection Division

• Linnex Development Officers

• Fisheries Division


• Animal Health Storage Shed

• Bonriki Airport

• Amak Women’s Unit

• Agriculture Storage Shed

• Former Agriculture Station

• Betio Power Station

• Tarawa Hospital

• Vehicle Maintenance Depot (Betio)

• Bikenibue Power Station

• Teaoraereke Landfill

• Bikenibue Landfill

• Betio Landfill

• Bitumen Disposal Sites (Banana)

• Former US Defence Force Camp (MainCamp)

• Former Bulk Fuel Storage Site (London)

• Public Vehicle Unit (London)

• Public Works (London)

• Banana Power Station

• Poland Power Station

Other

• AusAID Tarawa Office Manager

• Office of the People

• Tarawa Teachers College

• Integral Energy

• AusAID Water and SanitationProject Manager

• Kiribati Oil Bulk Fuel plant(London)

• Christmas Island High School

• Mr John Briden (long timeresident)

• Mr Tonga Fou (long timeresident)

• B’hai Community


PAGE 26 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - KIRIBATI

Bikenibue Power Station: The station has experienceda number of oil leaks and spills, contaminating approx.300m3 of soil. The site is located on the sand dunes,with groundwater from 2m below surface.

Former British Bulk Fuel Depot, London: 15 x1,000,000 L fuel tanks are located on the site. Duringthe site operations, the tanks reportedly leakedcontaminating the local groundwater. Stronghydrocarbon odours are evident in the groundwaterfrom 1m below surface.

Waste Bitumen Disposal, Banana: Approximately 600m2 of soil has been contaminated with bitumen at eachdisposal site. It is estimated that a dozen such sites mayexist.

6. CURRENT

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Domestic, industrial and medical waste generated onTarawa is disposed to one of several Council operatedlandfills. Council collects domestic waste twice weeklyon average. The landfills are typically located on theisland foreshore, with many doubling as landreclamation projects. Rock walls are sometimes used toprovide a degree of containment for the waste. Disposalsites are not manned and the waste is not regularlycovered or compacted. The landfill at Teaoraereke wasused to dispose of 60,000 household batteries collectedduring a battery drive.

Green waste is typically disposed in earth pits at eachhousehold to create a compost mix for crops. Collectionof aluminium cans for off- island recycling was trialed,but was deemed to be unprofitable.

Infectious medical waste is burnt in a 200 litre drum atthe hospital and the ashes disposed to landfill. Thehospital has two waste incinerators, neither of whichwas operating at the time of the survey.

There is no formal waste collection system onChristmas Island. Waste is disposed at a number ofsmall aboveground landfills, located at each village.

7. ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

REVIEW

The power to enforce environmental protectionmeasures in Kiribati does not rest in a single piece oflegislation. Rather it is shared over a number of Actsand Ordinances dealing with local government powers,land tenure, air pollution, water supply, agriculture,marine protection and conservation.

While there is nothing in the Kiribati Constitution whichguarantees the citizens a clean environment, or requiresthat development should be ecologically sustainable,there are also no substantial impediments to theGovernment seeking to achieve these objectives throughlegislation.

The responsibility for the administration ofenvironmental matters is concentrated within theEnvironmental Unit in the Ministry for Environmentand Social Development. The Ministry is responsiblefor establishing environmental policies and standardsfor better management to be implemented through theEnvironment Unit.

The Town Councils, of which there are three on Tarawa,also play a role in overseeing environmental matterswithin their sectors. Concern has been expressed thatthere may not be adequate supervision by theGovernment over the effective exercise of theseresponsibilities.

Much of the existing legislation has provisions that willallow the enforcement of environmental protectionmeasures. For example, under the Land PlanningOrdinance (1993), developers are required to obtain apermit from the Local Planning Board. The permitapplication could be amended to include a requirementfor the preparation of an environmental impactstatement. Similarly, under the Closed Districts Act(1990), areas of land or seabed, could be set-aside forenvironmental conservation purposes.

There appears to be some uncertainty with regard to theallocation of responsibility in the area of water supplyand sewage. There are a number of authorities withrelated functions, but no adequate provision for co-ordination. Under the Public Utilities Ordinance(1977), no duty is placed to ensure provision of anadequate water supply, or conservation of water.However, the President, acting with the advice ofCabinet, has a very broad power to make regulations toprevent the pollution of any water.

The most significant omissions in Kiribatienvironmental legislation are in the areas of solid wasteand hazardous waste management. This is beingaddressed through the development of Solid WasteManagement Regulations, which are still in draftformat. The Regulations cover requirements for storageand collection, designate lines of responsibility,establish a waste permit system, outline licenseconditions for the operation and management ofdisposal facilities and include a limited discussion ofhazardous waste disposal.

The development of legislation to monitor and regulatethe import of pesticides, including requirements forstorage, handling and disposal, would also assist in theprotection of the Kiribati environment.

It is apparent that the obstacles to Government pursuinga vigorous approach in the field of environmentalregulation are political and customary, rather thanconstitutional. While statutory powers exist to helppromote environmental protection, most are not explicitand those which are, rarely enforced.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - MARSHALL ISLANDS PAGE 27

COUNTRY REPORT

A.5 MARSHALL ISLANDS

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey undertaken inthe Marshall Islands.

Site inspections were carried out by Dr. Bruce Grahamduring a visit to the Marshall Islands from 17th to 23rdJuly. The main contact point was Mr. Jorelic Tibon,General Manager, Marshall Islands EnvironmentalProtection Authority.

All inspections were undertaken at Majuro Atoll.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of the Marshall Island.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals 60 kg

Oil potentially contaminatedwith PCBs 800 L


Waste oil 800 L plus



The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in the Marshall Islandsinclude:

• A total of approximately 20 tonnes of bitumen storedin 200 litre drums in deteriorated condition;

• A finding of only one electricity transformersuspected to contain PCBs. The USEPA undertook aprogramme to remove PCBs from Republic of theMarshall Islands in 1994 and it appears that this isthe only suspect transformer remaining;

• A finding of only minor quantities of unwantedpesticides;

• Site contamination by oil at the Majuro Dry Dock.


PAGE 28 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - MARSHALL ISLANDS

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in the Marshall Islands it is recommended that:

• The Marshall Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP for theremoval of PCB contaminated transformer oil;

• The Marshall Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP for theremediation of bitumen contaminated sites;

• The Marshall Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP for theremediation of oil and diesel contaminated sites;

• The Marshall Islands be included in the NZODA/SPREP regional programme to develop andimplement national hazardous waste managementstrategies;

• The Marshall Islands be included in the internationalchemical management programmes of UNEP, WHOand FAO including those of the IntergovernmentalProgramme for Chemical Safety;

• The Marshall Islands participate in currentnegotiations for a legally binding instrument forcertain persistent organic pollutants;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for theMarshall Islands;

• The Marshall Islands consider ratification of theBasel and Waigani Conventions;

• The Marshall Islands be included in a regionalprogramme under development by SPREP for theenvironmentally appropriate management of wasteoil;

• The Marshall Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by WHO to upgrademanagement of medical wastes and chemicals;

• The Marshall Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP to assess theextent of contamination that has resulted frominadequate management of solid waste disposalsites; and

• Waste chemicals identified in the inspections aredisposed of in the regional programme for lesshazardous chemicals under development by SPREP.Disposal is to be as recommended in the main bodyof this report and the attached database summaries.

4. WASTE STOCKPILES

AND CONTAMINATED SITES


MAJURO POWER STATION (MARSHALLS ENERGY

CO.)Waste oil is currently mixed with fuel oil, cleaned andburned in the power plant. This will not be possiblewith the planned new station and they are looking atinstalling an incinerator that could be used for waste oilgenerally.

Waste oil is a problem at power stations on 3 other atolls(Kwajalein, Jaluit, and Enewetak).

MARSHALLS ENERGY CO.All PCB transformers (all atolls) were identified by USEPA 3 years ago and moved then to a central location.The oil was drained and shipped to San Francisco fordisposal. Empty transformers were buried in a concretebunker that forms the foundations of a building near theDry Dock.

One large PCB transformer is still in service. Othertransformers (non-PCBs) are taken away by a scrapdealer every 2/3 years.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

There is minor evidence of oil dumping around thevehicle workshops. A dumpsite alongside this buildingis one of the main disposal sites for old machinery.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Approximately 60kg of assorted pesticides are held atthe Arno Farm.

Quarantine wastes are burnt on open ground.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH SERVICES / HOSPITAL

No laboratory chemicals for disposal (pre-packagedreagents are mainly used).

Medical wastes and pharmaceuticals are currentlyburned in a 200 litre drum at the rear of the buildings,because the incinerator is unserviceable.

A replacement incinerator is planned for next fiscalyear.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

No chemical stockpiles were noted in archaeologicalsurveys of main Japanese bases and the main storagebunkers are empty.

The US Army is searching for and disposing of oldmunitions.

MOBIL BULK OIL DEPOT AND AIRPORT

TERMINAL

Clean and tidy site with sludges and spillages stored indrums until taken away for “other” uses (e.g. firetraining).

Will require advice from EPA soon on sludge disposalfollowing tank cleaning.

2 drums of sludges, etc are held on site awaitingdisposal advice.

DRY DOCK

There is visible oil dumping in front of the workshops.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - MARSHALL ISLANDS PAGE 29

ISLAND DRY CLEANERS

Perchloroethylene residues and sludges are beingcollected for disposal. This will be required about onceevery 2-3 years, but they need to contact equipmentsuppliers for disposal arrangements (i.e. ship to US).

PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL INC.Waste oil is stored and taken away for burning at thepower station. They have also used open burning in 200litre drums and have a small oil burner on site. There isminor evidence of oil contamination in the rear yard –probably due to leaks and spillages.

AIR MARSHALL ISLANDS

4 drums of waste oil are stored on open land at theairport.

KWAJALEIN ATOLL

Approximately 100 drums (very old) of bitumen arestored on this atoll. These were leftover from past roadand runway construction activities.

OTHER VISITS WITH NO SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS

• Office of Procurement and Supply

• Copra Processing Authority

• Marshall Islands Pest Control

• Marshall Islands Journal

• Chinese garment factory (Laura)

• Chinese farm (Laura) – they use about 2.5 kgpesticide per year.

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

Solid waste disposal on Majuro is currently done bylandfill. The only controlled site is an area of reclaimedland on the ocean side of the island. Most of the site isseparated from the sea by a low rock wall. The site isimmediately alongside the main highway and clearlyvisible to passers by. Site management requires dailycompaction and covering of the wastes, but this is notdone on a regular basis. The government is considering aproposal to build a solid-waste incinerator on the island.

There is an active aluminium can recycling system onthe island, although the level of compaction appears tobe very low. This would have a significant adverseeffect on the financial returns from the operation.

Waste oil from the Majuro power station is mixed withfuel oil and burned in the power plant. This will not bepossible with the new station, which is currently underconstruction. The company is looking at installing anincinerator, which could be used for waste oil generally.Waste oil disposal is a problem at power stations on 3other atolls.

Most of the sewage on Majuro is piped to a treatmentplant. Septic tanks are used in non-reticulated parts ofthe island, and on most other atolls. The main supply of

drinking water on Majuro is a large rainwater collectionsystem at the airport.

The hospital incinerator on Majuro is unserviceable andneeds to be replaced. Hospital wastes are currentlyburned in a 55-gal drum, and then disposed at thelandfill. Quarantine wastes are disposed by burning onopen ground.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL

LAW REVIEW

The Republic of the Marshall Islands’ (RMI)Constitution sets forth a democratic system ofgovernment that contains aspects of Commonwealth,US and traditional governing structures. The Presidentis the Head of State, supported by 10 Cabinet Ministers.

The RMI has entered into a Compact of FreeAssociation with the US. Title 1 of the Compactpledges ‘to promote efforts to prevent or eliminatedamage to the environment and biosphere and to enrichunderstanding of the natural resources of the MarshallIslands’. In addition, under the Compact the US isrequired to adhere to the standards enshrined in the USNational Environmental Protection Act whenconducting any activities in RMI. In return, RMI isrequired to develop and enforce comparableenvironmental standards for their own activities.

RMI has established a National EnvironmentalProtection Authority (EPA), which is an independentauthority legislatively, linked to the Ministry of HealthServices and fully funded by the RMI government. TheEPA Board of Directors governs broad policy directions.The EPA is charged with a wide range of environmentaltasks under the National Environmental Protection Act(1984) including:

• the study of the impact of human activities onnatural resources;

• the prevention of degradation or impairment of theenvironment;

• the regulation of individual and collective humanactivity in such a manner as to ensure to the peoplesafe, healthful, productive and aesthetically andculturally pleasing surroundings; and

• the treatment of important historical, cultural andnatural aspects of the nation’s culture and heritage,maintaining at the same time an environment whichsupports multiplicity and variety of individualchoice.

Under the Act, the EPA has broad powers to regulatewith respect to:

• primary and secondary drinking water;

• pollutants;

• pesticides and other harmful chemicals;

• hazardous waste, including the storage and disposal


PAGE 30 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - MARSHALL ISLANDS

of nuclear and radioactive waste;

• the treatment of important historical, cultural andnatural aspects of the nation’s heritage;

• other aspects of the environment which may berequired.

Regulations passed or proposed under the Act includethe following:

Solid Waste Regulations, 1989(+ 1994 amendment)

Toilet Facilities and Sewage Disposal Regulations,1990

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations,1994

Pollutant Discharge Elimination SystemRegulations (draft)

Pesticide Regulations (draft)

Adequate enforcement of environmental regulations is apervasive problem in RMI. While the EPA’s devolvedpowers are flexible and strong; they often face technicaland financial difficulties.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is requiredfor any government project in which there is or may be anenvironmental impact. However, the wording is vague asto what type of proposals require an EIA and very fewhave reportedly been undertaken. The EnvironmentalProtection Act also sets out some of the necessary contentof an EIA, however the description is not consideredsufficient and the degree of detail required is left open.There is also no distinction between the requirements forsmall and large-scale projects.

The Pesticide Regulations allow partial control over theuse and licensing of pesticides in RMI. The proposedcontrols under the Pesticides Regulations are basedaround a listing of “Restricted” pesticides. Permits willbe required by anyone wishing to purchase or use any ofthe pesticides on this list. The list is relatively short,and the only significant control on other pesticides is theneed for importers to notify the RMIEPA prior to receiptof any shipments.

Pesticide importers are required to submit a ‘notice ofintent’ before the arrival of any chemicals, and EPAofficers are required to inspect and release incomingpesticide cargoes. In reality, there is minimal controlover the import of pesticides. The EPA may ban the useof pesticides that are suspected to have an adverseenvironmental or health impact, but cannot ban theimport of the material. Many of the imported pesticidesdo not contain written instructions in English orMarshallese. Consequently, many of the applicatorshave little knowledge regarding the toxicity or correctdosage of the chemicals they are using. TheRegulations also offer little guidance on storage anddisposal of chemicals.

The EP Act is the pre-eminent legal instrument for thecontrol of pollution. Pollution is broadly defined as‘any direct or indirect alteration of the physical,

thermal, chemical, biological, or radioactive propertiesof any part of the environment by the discharge,emission or deposit of wastes so as to affect anybeneficial use adversely or to cause a condition which ishazardous or potentially hazardous to public health,safety or welfare, or to animals, bird, wildlife, aquaticlife or to plants of every description’. The Act providesfor the issuance of cease and desist orders for thepurpose of pollution control. The orders areimplemented using a four tiered system involvingnotification, counselling and public hearings. The Actalso provides for the forced cleanup of a polluted areaby the polluter.

The control of waste management and pollutiondischarges in RMI is hampered by the widespreadnature of the islands and the Marshallese strong culturalresistance to external controls being imposed onprivately owned land.

RMI’s Marine Water Quality Regulations prescribestandards for maintaining designated water quality anduses. The Regulations provide for a permitting system(the Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) for thedischarge of any waste to marine waters. There are alsorequirements for the preparation of Spill PreventionControl and Countermeasure Plans for fuel and oilstorage facilities.

The Solid Waste Regulations also cover hazardouswastes and have a number of general requirementsregarding methods of disposal. The operators of anyprocess likely to produce hazardous wastes are requiredto submit a waste management plan for prior approvalby the RMIEPA. Waste generators are also required toadopt all practical measures to minimise wastequantities, including reuse and recycling. Methods forthe disposal of waste oil must be approved by theRMIEPA.

The Ministry of Public Works is responsible for thecollection and disposal of solid waste. The EPA isgranted oversight authority for waste management andis responsible for the issuance of Solid Waste DisposalFacility permits and for monitoring public and privatelandfills. RMI’s Solid Waste Regulations provideminimum standards for the design, construction,operation and maintenance of solid waste collection,storage and disposal systems. Over the past few years,financial difficulties have resulted in the landfills beingpoorly managed, with no leachate control and infrequentcompaction or covering.

The legislation review reveals that a significant body ofenvironmental law is in effect or in draft form in RMI.However, there are often competing environmentalmanagement responsibilities dispersed between variousgovernment agencies and embodied in widely variedlegislative instruments. Staff training and publicawareness programmes are needed to effectivelyenforce the existing regulations.

Internationally, the Marshall Islands government is not asignatory to the Basel Convention, and has yet to ratifythe Waigani Convention.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - NAURU PAGE A31

COUNRTY REPORT

A.6 NAURU

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for Nauru.

Dr. Bruce Graham carried out the visit to Nauru in June1998. The main contact point for the visit was Mr.Joseph Cain of the Nauru Department of IslandDevelopment and Industry (IDI).

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Nauru.

Estimated Quantity



Laboratory chemicals Nil

Waste oil 2,000 L



The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Nauru include:


• A total of over 100 disused electricity transformerssuspected of containing PCBs;

• 1200 litres of fuel oil additive containing 2% sodiumpentachlorophenol; and

• Significant contamination by oil and bitumen atseveral sites, including oil contamination of thewater lens at several locations on the island.


PAGE A32 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - NAURU

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no doubt that the waste management problemsnow experienced by Nauru are a direct result of themining activities of the Nauru Phosphate Company andits predecessor, the British Phosphate Corporation. It isalso understood that a large project has recentlycommenced to rehabilitate the island of Nauru from itspresent degraded state. It is imperative that theGovernment of Nauru recognise that the remediation ofcontaminated sites and the environmentally responsibledisposal of wastes generated by mining activities mustbe included in the rehabilitation programme. It couldtherefore be argued that all wastes and all contaminatedsites identified under the POPs in PICs project shouldbecome the responsibility of the rehabilitation project.It is therefore recommended that with the exception ofwaste oil disposal and PCB contaminated transformeroil disposal and other regional programmes which canbe more appropriately managed by SPREP or WHO, allthe waste management issues identified be included inthe rehabilitation programme. It is thereforerecommended that:

• Nauru be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBcontaminated transformer oil;

• Nauru be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Nauru be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Nauru participate in current negotiations for alegally binding instrument for certain persistentorganic pollutants;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled forNauru;

• Nauru consider ratification of the Basel and WaiganiConventions;

• Nauru be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Nauru be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Nauru be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.

4. WASTE STOCKPILES AND

CONTAMINATED SITES

The following matters were identified as part of this project:

NAURU PHOSPHATE CORPORATION (NPC)POWER STATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Approximately 10 old transformers have been dumpedon topside. The transformers should be moved to asingle location, before they are irretrievably buried inbush. Initial testing with field kits of two transformersproved negative for PCBs. Any PCBs found will beremoved as part of Phase II of this project.

NPC WORKSHOPS, TOPSIDE

About 160 drums (30,000 litres) of lubrication greasehave been dumped at the rear of the site. The drums arevery rusty and will be difficult to move. There has beensome spillage around the area. More information isrequired on the composition of the grease beforerecommendations can be made as to disposal options.

About 10 rusty drums of waste oil are also stored here.

NPC WASTE DUMP, TOPSIDE

About 160 drums (30,000 litres) of bitumen are storedon site, left over from road and/or runway sealing. Thedrums are very rusty and will be difficult to move. Alsothere has been some spillage around the area.

There are also about 50 x 20 litre drums of old epoxyresins and paints. These should be relocated to thelandfill site.

NPC DANGEROUS GOODS STORE, BOTTOMSIDE

There are a number of unwanted materials in this storeincluding:

• 6 drums of fuel oil additive (contains 2%pentachlorophenol);

• 3 drums of polyelectrolyte boiler water additive;

• 6 small drums of anti-corrosive wax;

• 4 small drums of wax remover; and

• 10kg of white lead in oil.

NAURU GENERAL HOSPITAL LABORATORY

Dr. Graham has given instructions on the disposal ofabout 500g of sodium cyanide.

WASTE OIL, PUBLIC WORKS DEPOT

Oil/water separators on this site (and probably mostothers) need a major overhaul. IDI should developstandard specifications for these systems, plusinstructions on their use. (SPREP to provideinformation).

MEDICAL WASTES

The current uncontrolled method of landfill disposalneeds to be changed. The most basic system recom-mended by WHO involves controlled burial at a landfill,and it should be possible to adopt this approach here.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - NAURU PAGE A33

The special waste incinerator ($500,000) proposed inthe NACRDFS report, is unnecessarily expensive andnot warranted by the quantities of special wastescurrently being produced.

GOVERNMENT STORES

There are about 2000 litres of various surplus adhesives,sealants and lubricating oils held in the store, many inrusty containers, which are starting to leak. Most can bedisposed locally.

NPC, NO.2 BIN

Approximately 100 old transformers have been dumpedin this store (capacity 5000 –10,000 litres). Preliminarytesting with field kits revealed only one of eleven testedas containing PCBs. Some have been scavenged forparts, and the oil spilled on the ground. Access to thebuilding should be restricted until testing of theremainder is undertaken and any necessary siteremediation carried out.

NPC OIL STORAGE DEPOT

There is significant oil spillage throughout this site, withprobable leaching onto the nearby reef.

NPC CADMIUM SLIMES DUMP, TOPSIDE

This site was used in the past for dumping processingresidues from the now defunct calcination plant. Thematerial has a high cadmium content (up to 500 ppm),although tests show that it is in a relatively immobileform. The disposal site is likely to be contaminatedwith cadmium, however the off-site risks should be verylow because of the low mobility. Cadmium surveysaround the island show elevated cadmium levels nearthe processing plant and loading gantries. This is mostlikely due to direct deposition of phosphate dust, ratherthan leaching from the slimes dump.

The issue of the cadmium slimes dump appears to havecome in for a lot of attention in the past but has neverbeen properly assessed. Most of the investigations havebeen directed at cadmium in the wider environment,especially shellfish and other marine organisms.Elevated cadmium levels have been found, but this is tobe expected because soils on the island have elevatedcadmium levels.

It does not appear that cadmium is leaching from thewaste dump. In fact, some of the investigations showedthat the cadmium could only be mobilised using strongacids. Even if mobilisation did occur, the leachatewould be highly attenuated by the alkaline nature of theunderlying strata.

Clearly there is a need for a detailed site assessment sothat the size and extent of the dump can be established.The NACRDFS report recommends leaving the wastewhere it is and capping it with imported clays.However it would be preferable to excavate the materialand dispose it in a clay-lined cell alongside the newlandfill.

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

Most of the solid wastes generated on Nauru aredisposed at a landfill on Topside, near the BuadaLagoon, although there is a significant amount of illegaldumping elsewhere. Burning is used to reduce wastevolumes, and scavenging is common. The wastes areperiodically compacted and covered with soil. A newlandfill site on the north-eastern end of the island hasbeen proposed as part of the Nauru rehabilitationprogramme.

Most sewage and other liquid wastes are disposedthrough an ocean outfall adjacent to the phosphateloading wharves. Septic tanks and small treatmentplants are used in non-reticulated areas. Drinking wateris provided to most of the island through a desalinationplant. The limited groundwater supplies are brackish,but are reticulated to parts of the island, for use in toiletsand other low grade uses.

An aluminium can recycling system is operated at thelandfill, although there is significant evidence ofdumping elsewhere. There is no collection system forother scrap metals, and the island is littered with oldmining vehicles and equipment.

There is no collection system for waste oil and itappears that some of this may be disposed through theocean outfall.

Hospital wastes are disposed by burning at the landfill.

6. LEGISLATION AND

ADMINISTRATION

There is no specific environmental legislation in Nauru,with most of the key issues being covered under othertopics such as health. A review of all relevantlegislation has been proposed in the NationalEnvironmental Management Strategy (NEMS), and oneunifying act will be considered as part of this review.There are no controls on the imports of hazardouschemicals although the need for this has also been notedin NEMS. The Police are currently the only agencywith the authority to enforce any legislation.

The Government of Nauru is not a signatory to theBasel Convention, and has yet to ratify the WaiganiConvention.


PAGE A34 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - NIUE


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - NIUE PAGE A35

COUNTRY REPORT

A.7 NIUE

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for Niue.

The Nuie site inspections were carried out by Dr. BruceGraham from 12th to 18th May. The main contact pointfor the visit was Mr. Sauni Tongatule, Director,Department of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries(DAFF). DAFF employee, Ms. Crispina Fakanaiki alsoassisted with the work.

This report provides a summary of the POPs survey forNiue.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Niue.

Estimated Quantity


Oil potentially contaminatedwith PCBs 1000 L

Waste bitumen Nil

Waste oil Nil

Contaminated sites 1 site


The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Niue include:

• A total of three disused electricity transformerssuspected of containing PCBs;

• A total of 1.5 tonnes of waste pesticides includingsmall quantities of ethoprophos and chlordane storedat two locations;

• A total of four tonnes of waste fertilisers stored atthe Department of Agriculture research farm;

• A total of 300 kg of unwanted medicines stored atthe hospital; and

• Minor contamination by oil at the Department ofPublic Works depot.


PAGE A36 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - NIUE

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in Niue it is recommended that:

• Niue be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBcontaminated transformer oil;

• Waste pesticides identified in the inspections at theDepartment of Agriculture research farm atVaipapahi and storage shed at Alofi be included inthe regional programme under development bySPREP to dispose of hazardous materials in off-island treatment facilities;

• Niue be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Niue be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Niue participate in current negotiations for a legallybinding instrument for certain persistent organicpollutants;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for Niue;

• Niue consider ratification of the Basel and WaiganiConventions;

• Niue be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Niue be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oiland diesel contaminated sites;

• Niue be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Niue be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.

4. WASTE STOCKPILES



DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPOT, ALOFI

Approximately 1 tonne of old pesticides stored with allstocks sorted, and packed in drums or sacks.The unknowns have been sampled for identification. It is recommended that a new lock be installed on thedoor. All materials with the exception of Mancozebshould be taken offshore in Phase II of the project.

DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE, FORESTS AND FISHERIES (DAFF)EXPERIMENTAL FARM, ALOFI

Approximately 0.5 tonnes of old pesticides are storedhere and should be treated similarly to those at thePublic Works Depot. Some are still usable, but most arein poor condition. Also 2.5 tonnes of old fertiliser andsoil conditioners are also stored here and should be ableto be used. Samples have been taken for identificationof unknowns.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, ALOFI

Six sacks of old medicines and chemicals are storedhere. These should be removed offshore, although themedicines could be disposed in the hospital incinerator.

NUIE POWER STATION

This is a good clean site with minimal oilcontamination. Waste oil is currently used for sportsfield marking and other low-grade uses.

There are approximately 80 transformers in use on theisland, and some of these have been shown to containPCBs.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, HEAVY PLANT DEPOT

Oil contamination was noted on this site, and was dueto unauthorised dumping, and overflows from a storagetank and the workshop wastewater system. There is aneed to clean out the oil/water separator, and preventfurther overflows from the storage tank.

Old lead/acid batteries are also stored on site.

DAFF QUARANTINE

An old cylinder of methyl bromide (30 kg) is held at theold piggery site. Methyl bromide is a greenhouse gasand ozone depleting substance and therefore it isrecommended that the cylinder be removed from Niuefor disposal.

Old chemicals, syringes and medicines at the piggeryneed to be cleaned up and could be used, dumped orincinerated.

NIUE HIGH SCHOOL

Old laboratory chemicals were dumped some time agoat the local landfill.

NIUE TIMBER PRODUCTS

Only a very small amount of timber treatment is done atthis site, and contamination control is good.

PESTICIDE RETAILERS

Very small current stock holdings, and no old stocks.

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

Niue has a good waste collection service, whichincludes aluminium can recycling. Most of the solid


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - NIUE PAGE A37

wastes are dumped at a site near Alofi, and there is noattempt at controlled landfilling. A new landfill site iscurrently being sought because the current site is nearto capacity.

Most sewage and other liquid wastes are disposedthrough septic tanks. The sludges from these tanks aredumped at an isolated site near the airport. Drinkingwater is drawn from the freshwater lens beneath theisland, and shows evidence of contamination by faecalcoliforms.

Hospital and quarantine wastes are disposed by burningin simple incinerators.

6. LEGISLATION AND

ADMINISTRATION

The Community Affairs Department is responsible forenvironmental matters, although the relevant regulationsare spread through a range of sector-specific legislation.A new Environment Management Bill (1992) is stillunder consideration.

There is no specific legislation covering imports ofhazardous chemicals in general, or the managementof hazardous wastes.

National Environmental Legislation pertinent to wastemanagement includes the following:

LAND ACT 1969This Act contains a number of provisions relating toland law generally, but also includes provision for theestablishment (with the consent of the landowners) ofreservations for communal purposes, including placesof historic interest, and fishing grounds.

MARINE POLLUTION ACT 1974This Act, passed by the Parliament of New Zealand, isNiue law also. A number of regulations in force underthe Act are also Niue law. These include:

• Oil in Navigable Waters (Exceptions) Regulations1971

• Oil in Navigable Waters (Heavy Diesel Oil)Regulations 1971

• Oil in Navigable Waters (Prohibited Sea Areas)Regulations 1971

• Oil in Navigable Waters (Records, Transfer andEnforcement of Convention Order) Regulations1971

• Oil in Navigable Waters (Ships Equipment)Regulations 1971

The combined effect of the Act and the Regulationsprovides for the prevention and management ofpollution of the sea.

MINING ACT 1977This Act vests all minerals in the Crown, and establishesa licensing procedure for the exploration for and miningof minerals of all kinds.

Although no mining operations are taking place atpresent, a number of exploratory bores have beendrilled, and indications are that exploiting the mineralsmay at some future time become a commercially viableactivity.

NIUE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT 1965Although the principal provisions of the Act relate tohealth and disease, this Act also contains provisionsprohibiting water pollution, and enables sources ofwater to be declared as water supply sources.

PESTICIDES ACT 1991This enables the import of pesticides to be restricted,by requiring all imports to be approved by a PesticidesCommittee, which includes representatives from theDepartments of Health and Agriculture. The Act dealswith the importation and sale of agricultural chemicalsbut does not regulate their use.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

Niue is not a signatory to the Basel Convention, and hasyet to ratify the Waigani Convention.


PAGE A38 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - PALAU


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - PALAU PAGE A39

COUNTRY REPORT

A.8 PALAU

1. OVERVIEW

The South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and AusAID have designedand implemented a programme aimed at improving the management of chemicals in theSouth Pacific region. The programme is being undertaken in 3 Stages as follows:




The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).The scope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals.This report provides a summary of the POPs surveyundertaken in Palau.

A survey of Palau was conducted by Ms Terrie Burns onJune 26 to July 15, 1998. Local counterparts from theEnvironmental Quality Protection Board, Mr EmilEdesomel (Pollution Control Officer) and Mr JosephTiobech (Pesticide Inspector) provided invaluableassistance during the audits.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Palau.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals 100 L


Laboratory chemicals 7,300 L

Asbestos 300 m3

Paint/bitumen 5,200 L

Waste oil 10,000 L



The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Palau include:

• A total of approximately 18 tonnes of potentiallyPCB contaminated transformer oil;

• A total of about 4 tonnes of bitumen stored in200 litre drums in deteriorated condition;


• A stockpile of approximately 1200 lead/acidbatteries awaiting shipment off-island;

• A total of about 4 tonnes of unwanted hypochlorite;



• A total of about 2 tonnes of materials suspected tobe medical drugs leftover during the Japaneseoccupation of Palau in World War II. These drugsare scattered over many sites on the island ofBabeldoab;

• A total of about 1.2 tonnes of DDT partly buried atone site on Babeldoab;

• 300 m3 of asbestos pipe stored at the Koror sewageplant storage shed;

• Oil contaminated sites at the Aimeliik and Ngadmaupower stations;

• Sub-standard landfills in Ngerbeched, Peleliu andAnguar.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in Palau it is recommended that:

• Palau be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBcontaminated transformer oil;

• Waste chemicals identified in the inspections bedisposed of in the regional programme for lesshazardous chemicals under development by SPREP.Disposal is to be as recommended in the main bodyof this report and the attached database summaries;

• The DDT burial site in Babeldoab be included in theregional programme under development by SPREPto remediate pesticide contaminated sites;

• The sites containing medicines left over from WorldWar II on Babeldoab be included in the regionalprogramme under development by SPREP toremediate miscellaneous contaminated sites;

• Palau be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Palau be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Palau participate in current negotiations for a legallybinding instrument for certain persistent organicpollutants;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for Palau;

• Palau be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Palau be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oil anddiesel contaminated sites;

• Palau be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Palau be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management ofschool laboratory chemicals; and

• Palau be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.

• Palau consider ratifying the Basel and Waiganiconventions.

4. SITE INSPECTIONS


Government Agencies

• EQPB


• Environmental Health andSanitation Division

• Department of Commerce



• Entomology Division

• Quarantine Division



• 9 Regional Power Stations

• Public Utilities Storeroom

• State Public Works Yard

• National Public Works Yard

• M-Dock

• The Digger (dredge)

• Palau Hospital

• Koror STP

• Koror Landfill

• DDT Disposal Site

• Medical Waste DisposalSite

Other

• Socio ConstructionCompany

• Black Micro Construction

• US Army Corps Engineers

• Science DemonstrationLaboratory


• Shell Bulk Fuel Plant

• Palau High School

• Malakal Quarry

• Environmental Attorney

• Peleliu Island

• Angaur Island


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - PALAU PAGE A41

5. SURVEY FINDINGS

The following provides a summary of the unwantedchemical stockpiles and contaminated sites identified onPalau.


Entomology Division: Small volume (<100 L) ofmixed pesticides. Many of the containers were leakingand some were not labelled.

POTENTIALLY PCB CONTAMINATED

TRANSFORMER OIL

Public Utilities Chemical storeroom: Approximately18,000 L of used transformer oil is stored in old unitsand drums outside the storeroom. The oil reportedlytested negative for PCBs during the 1997 USEPAProgram. Supporting documentation was not availableat the time of the survey. There are no out-of-servicetransformers on the outer islands.


Public Utilities Chemical storeroom: 15 x 200 litredrums of new transformer oil are stored at the PUCstoreroom. The oil cannot be used in Palau’s currenttransformer system and is no longer wanted.

M-Dock: 4000 kg of granular hypochlorite has beenabandoned at the dock. The material was slightlydamaged during transit but is still usable.

Palau High School: 3 kg of unlabelled laboratorychemicals for disposal.

Palau Hospital Pharmacy: 300 kg of expiredmedicines.

Science Demonstration Lab: 200g of metallic mercury(from broken thermometers).

WASTE OIL

Waste oil generated from government related activities(e.g. regional power stations, public works depots) istransported to the Aimeliik power station for blendingand reuse with the diesel fuel. Waste oil generated fromother sources is typically disposed to landfill.

The Digger: The Digger is an old dredging shipcurrently moored in the harbour by the KB bridge.There is approximately 10,000L of waste oil in theship’s open cargo hold. The ship was being sold andpreparing to leave Palau at the time of the survey.

ASBESTOS

Koror Sewage Treatment Plant: Approximately 300m3

of unused asbestos pipe are located in a storeroomadjacent the STP. The pipes appear to be in soundcondition.

BATTERIES

Koror Public Works Yard: Storage of over 1200 usedcar and truck batteries.

PAINT/TAR

The Digger: There are approximately 4,600 L of tar,grease and paint located on the ship deck in badlydeteriorated containers.

Black Micro Construction: The company has ~600 Lof expired paints and adhesives stored in a secureflammable goods shed on the site. Most of the materialhas hardened and can no longer be used.

CONTAMINATED SITES

DDT Disposal Site: In the early 1980s, 6 x 200 litredrums of liquid and powdered DDT were buried at a sitein the mangroves in Ngatpang. Several drums are stillidentifiable at the site.

Medical Waste Disposal Sites: Several disposal siteshave been located in the jungle at Ngatpang. The sitescontain thousands of small vials of unknown liquid andpowdered chemicals. The chemicals are believed to beold medical stock from the Japanese troops in WWII.

6. CURRENT

WASTE MANAGEMENT

There is no formal waste collection system on Palau.Domestic and industrial waste is typically transportedby the generators to the main landfill in Koror. Thelandfill is State owned and operated. The site is mannedand the waste is periodically covered and compacted.The site has an in-ground disposal pit in which waste oiland other liquid wastes are periodically burnt.Segregation of other potentially hazardous materials isnot conducted. The site is located in a tidal zone andwas reportedly built on reclaimed reef flats.

Small aboveground landfills are also located at outlyingvillages. These are often located in a mangrove area.Waste on Peleliu Island is disposed into a creek gully.Waste on Anguar Island is disposed in an abandonedphosphate mining pit.

The hospital has a suitable incinerator for the disposalof infectious wastes. The ashes are disposed to landfill.

The power station at Aimeliik has some capacity toreuse waste oil. The site currently accepts ‘clean’ wasteoil generated by government activities, (e.g. other powerstations). The oil is stored in a 1 000 000 L tank andgradually fed with diesel fuel into the generators. Thestation cannot reuse all the waste oil generated on Palau.However, the storage tank is connected to the wharf andcould be used as a transfer point to allow off- islandrecycling of waste oil.

7. ENVIRONMENTAL

LAW REVIEW

The following review of environmental law focuses onlegislation which may be used to help control hazardouswaste management, including generation, tracking,



storage and disposal. Palau has many additional piecesof environmental legislation such as the EndangeredSpecies Act, Wildlife Protection Act etc that were notconsidered directly relevant to the current task.

Title 24 of Palau’s Environmental Quality ProtectionAct establishes the tone for environmental policy inPalau as follows:

The Olbiil Era Kelulau (the Legislative Branch of thePalau National Congress), recognising the profoundimpact of human activity on the interrelations of allcomponents of the natural environment, .....declaresthat it is the continuing policy of the nationalgovernment...... to use all practicable means andmeasures.......to create and maintain conditions underwhich humankind and nature can co-exist in productiveharmony...

The scope of Title 24 emphasises the interrelationship ofeconomic growth and the protection of the environment,and ensures that these goals of sustainable developmentmust be taken into account in the drawing up of Palau’senvironmental legislation.

Palau’s Constitution is the supreme law and no law, actof government or agreement may conflict with theConstitution. Article II provides that ‘any agreementor compact between Palau and another nation orinternational organisation which authorises the use,testing, storage or disposal of nuclear, toxic chemical,gas or biological weapons intended for use in warfare,shall require the approval of not less that three-fourthsof the votes cast in a referendum’.

Palau has adopted a modified federal system ofgovernment in which responsibilities are shared by thenational government and 16 states. The nationalgovernment comprises a President and Vice Presidentsupported by a Cabinet of Ministers. The legislativepower of Palau is vested in the Olbiil Era Kelulau thatconsists of the House of Delegates and the Senate.Each of the states has a Governor, a state governmentand a Constitution. All government powers notexpressly delegated to the states and not denied thenational government, are powers of the nationalgovernment.

Under Palau’s Compact of Free Association with theUnited States, both governments ‘are bound by suchenvironmental standards as may be mutually agreed forthe purpose of carrying out the policies set forth in theCompact’.

Administration and responsibility for environmentalissues is under the joint control of the EnvironmentalQuality Protection Board (EQPB) and variousgovernment departments (e.g. sanitation lies with theHealth Department). The EQPB currently overseeswater pollution prevention, earthmoving permits,National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systempermits, waste management programmes (includingpesticides and hazardous waste), environmentalassessment programmes and public education and

training. One of EQPB’s priorities is to promulgateregulations in areas where the USEPA currently hasresponsibility, and areas, which there are no existingregulations.

Solid waste management is controlled by two separatepieces of legislation, namely the Solid WasteRegulations administered by the EQPB, and thesanitation laws contained in the Public Health, Safetyand Welfare legislation. The solid waste regulationsset standards for the design, installation, operation andmaintenance of solid waste collection, storage anddisposal systems. Limited guidance on the storageand disposal of hazardous wastes is provided.

The use of pesticides is regulated by the EQPB.The regulations extend to the use, training and licensingof pesticide application, but not to storage and disposal.The EQPB may restrict or ban the use of any pesticidesconsidered to have adverse effects on human health orthe environment.

The Land Planning Act established a planningmechanism through the National Master DevelopmentPlan. The Master Plan incorporates components ofenvironmental protection including:

• a process for establishing a nature reserve system,

• the conduct of environmental reviews of significantprojects,

• legislation to mitigate adverse environmentalimpacts, and

• a conservation strategy.

The Environmental Quality Protection Act establishesthe need and standards for the conduct ofEnvironmental Impact Assessments. An EIA is requiredfor any actions which propose to use national or stateland, any land classified as a conservation zone, and anyuse which impacts on coastal waters, wetlands,mangroves, historic sites or any areas of environmentalsignificance. The EIA is required to provide adequatealternatives and/or mitigation measures for any potentialadverse impacts.

Palau’s Marine and Fresh Water Quality StandardsRegulations were adopted from the equivalent USEPAregulations and apply to all fresh and marine waterbodies in Palau. The Regulations prescribe guidelinesto maintain health and environmental standards and tocontrol discharges into the nation’s waters. A NationalPollutant Discharge Elimination System has beenimplemented which requires any point source dischargeto a water body, to be licensed, monitored andcontrolled.

The range of responsibilities for environmental lawthrough the EQPB and the various Ministries issufficiently broad and the legal powers incorporated inthe existing range of legislation is considered adequate,however, the effective exercise of these powers and theenforcement of the law could be strengthened.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - SAMOA PAGE A43

COUNTRY REPORT

A.9 SAMOA

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for Samoa.

The Samoa inspections were carried out by Dr. BruceGraham from 30 May to 17 June. The main contactpoint for the visit was Mr. Lavaasa Malua, SeniorEnvironmental Planning Officer, Division ofEnvironment and Conservation, Department of Lands,Surveys and Environment.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Samoa.

Estimated Quantity


Buried agricultural chemicals 3,000 kg


Abandoned timber treatmentchemicals 10,000 L

Laboratory chemicals 400 kg



The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Samoa include thefollowing:


• Minor quantities only of stockpiled waste pesticides.

• A total of about 2.5 tonnes of waste pesticides buriedat three separate locations at the Ministry ofAgriculture, Forests, Fisheries and MeteorologyNu’u research farm.


PAGE A44 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - SAMOA


TRANSFORMER OIL

• A total of about 20 tonnes of potentially PCBcontaminated transformer oil.

TIMBER TREATMENT CHEMICALS

• A tank containing about 10,000 litres of timbertreatment chemicals at an abandoned timbertreatment facility at Vaitele.

• CCA site contamination at the abandoned timbertreatment facility in Vaitele and the operationaltimber treatment facility in Asau.

WASTE OIL

• Oil contaminated sites at the Electric PowerCorporation maintenance depot in Vaitele, and twopower stations at Savaii.

The chemical volumes detailed in this report arenecessarily conservative estimates. For example, in thecase of PCB oils, the value quoted is the total volume ofused transformer oil identified. Subsequent to thefindings of this report, chemical analysis of thetransformer oil stockpiles is being undertaken, todetermine the actual percentage of oil that containsPCBs. This and other revised data, will be incorporatedin subsequent reports to help refine the surveyestimates.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in Samoa it is recommended that:

• Waste CCA identified at the abandoned timbertreatment facility in Vaitele be included in theregional programme under development by SPREPto dispose of hazardous materials in off-islandtreatment facilities;


• The buried pesticides site at the Nu’u research farmbe included in the regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP to remediate pesticidecontaminated sites;

• The abandoned timber treatment facility in Vaitelebe included in the regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP to remediate CCAcontaminated sites. In the interest of public safetyaccess to this site should be restricted immediatelyuntil such time as a comprehensive site evaluationbe undertaken and any necessary remediation beundertaken. In particular the current industrialdevelopment at this site should be immediatelycurtailed;

• Samoa be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Samoa be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Samoa participate in current negotiations for alegally binding instrument for certain persistentorganic pollutants;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled forSamoa;

• Samoa be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Samoa be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBscontaminated transformer oil;

• Samoa be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oil anddiesel contaminated sites;

• Samoa be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Samoa be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management ofschool laboratory chemicals;

• Samoa be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.

4. WASTE STOCKPILES



TIMBER TREATMENT SITE, VAITELE

This is an abandoned timber treatment site. Thepressure tank and a 10,000 litre storage tank are stillintact, and the tank is believed to be full of treatmentchemicals. Site access is poorly controlled and there areanecdotal reports of domestic animals dying afterforaging through the site.

TIMBER TREATMENT SITE, ASAU

This site is also abandoned, although it still forms partof an operational timber mill. The pressure tank isintact, but two large storage tanks have rusted through.There is visible evidence of CCA contamination on theground.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - SAMOA PAGE A45

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTS, FISHERIES

AND METEOROLOGY (MAFFM) NU’U

Approximately 2.5 tonnes of pesticides have beenburied in at least 3 locations on this site. However, thesite is reasonably remote from other activities, and thereis no significant use of groundwater in the area. Thereis an additional 85 kg of old pesticide stocks held in themain store, awaiting disposal.

MAFFM FORESTRY OFFICES

A total of 190 kg of old pesticides are held at 3 sites onSavaii (Asau, 2, Mauta, 1). Most of the pesticides areusable, but unlikely to be used by the Ministry staff.

MAFFM STORE, VAITELE

Small quantities of old or damaged stocks of pesticidesare re-packed at 3-monthly intervals, with packagingdisposed by burning or burial outside the warehouse.

ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION (EPC)Staff had no knowledge of whether PCBs had beenpreviously used in transformers, but this seems likely.Hydrocarbon oils are now used for reconditioning of oldtransformers, and the waste oil is used as a woodpreservative on fencing posts, etc. About 50 oldtransformers are stored on Savaii, most with oil intact.Field testing of 50 transformers at the Vaitelemaintenance depot on Upolu revealed 10 positive forPCBs with another 50 at both Vaitele and Savaii to betested.

EPC POWER STATIONS

Cooling water contaminated with oil is being dischargedto ground at all 3 power station sites (Savaii and Vavau),and waste oil is also disposed by dumping on site.

S C PERCIVAL LTD, APIA

300 litres of household insecticide is currently stored inrusty drums and needs to be either repackaged ordisposed.

LABORATORIES

Stocks of old chemicals were found in most of thelaboratories visited, including the following – ApiaHospital (100 kg), MAFFM Livestock Research Centre,Vailima (200 kg), and the Curriculum DevelopmentUnit, Department of Education (50 kg).

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

Solid wastes from Apia are disposed at the Tafiagatalandfill. Some attempts have been made in developingthis as a controlled landfill, but there are significantproblems with scavenging and burning. The wastes areperiodically compacted and covered with soil. There isno organised collection of solid wastes from other areasoutside of Apia, and no designated disposal facilities.

Most sewage is disposed through septic tanks, soakagepits and latrines. This raises the possibility of

contamination of drinking water, which is mainly drawnfrom groundwater supplies. In addition, there isevidence of faecal contamination of the coastal watersadjacent to urban areas such as Apia.

Hospital wastes are disposed by burial in a designatedarea of the landfill.

An oil recycling plant that was built some years ago isno longer operating.

6. LEGISLATION AND

ADMINISTRATION

A significant body of environmental law is already inlegal effect or in draft form in Samoa. VariousGovernment Departments are mandated withadministrative environmental responsibility. No singleSamoa Government Department has final responsibilityor authority for the full range of necessary initiatives.

To remedy this situation, the legislature passed the 1989Land and Environment Act establishing a Division ofEnvironment and Conservation within the Departmentof Lands, Surveys and Environment.

A number of existing pieces of legislation require someamendment in one form or another to take intoconsideration the environmental problems and concernsfacing Samoa.

There are also other international conventions under thesame auspices of the International MaritimeOrganisation relating to the protection of the marineenvironment, which Samoa is presently consideringimplementing as part of its domestic legislation.Undoubtedly a combination of domestic andinternational legislation would enhance the protectionand management of the marine environment.

The national statutes directly or indirectly relevant towaste management are as follows:

HEALTH ORDINANCE 1959This Act, administered through the Department ofHealth, controls public health matters. Asenvironmental pollution frequently is linked closely topublic health and sanitation problems, there is a greatdeal of overlap between these two fields of endeavour.The Department of Health oversees such environmentalconcerns as village sanitation, siting of dumpingfacilities, and public water quality samplingprogrammes. The Department has also prosecuted casesinvolving human waste disposal in Apia streams.

WATER ACT 1965This early Act was generally more concerned with theuse and supply of water than its conservation.Currently, fresh and marine water conservation and anti-pollution efforts are divided between the Department ofWorks, Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries, Lands andEnvironment, and Health.


PAGE A46 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - SAMOA

PETROLEUM ACT 1984Negligent transport, transfer and storage of petroleumoften pose grave danger to the marine and terrestrialenvironment. Oil spill contingency plans are scarce,and materials to contain oil spills are frequently notavailable during emergency situations. This Act makesprovision for the supply, transport and storage ofpetroleum. The Minister of Finance administers theAct, and appoints the place of entry of petroleum intoSamoa. The Act authorises the Head of State, acting onthe advice of Cabinet, to prescribe the rules to beobserved in any place where petroleum is kept, stored,used or conveyed (Section 14(2)(f)).

AGRICULTURE, FORESTS AND FISHERIES

AMENDMENT ACT (1989)This Amendment Act refers specifically to the treatmentof pesticides, an area generally placed under thecategory of pollution control. The recent AmendmentAct expands DAFF functions by including a fourthDepartmental requirement: “to regulate, control andsupervise the manufacture, importation, storage and useof pesticides” (Section 3). The parent act is furtheramended to allow for pesticides regulations to bedrafted.

PORTS AUTHORITY BILL 1989Section 57 of this Bill is the only marine pollutionprovision relating specifically to the pollution of watersof a port.

LANDS AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1989The Lands and Environment Act 1989 is now the pre-eminent legal environment instrument in Samoa. TheAct expands the Land Ordinance 1959 and enlarges thefunctions of the Department of Lands, by creating aDivision of Environment and Conservation (DEC)within the Department, and empowering that Divisionwith wide-ranging functions and duties. Unlike manyPacific environmental units, whose legislative authorityentitles them to handle only natural resourcesprotection, or pollution control, or sanitation, the DECis given responsibility for all aspects of environmentalcontrol.

EIA REGULATIONS

These regulations for environmental impact assessmentare now in force.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS RATIFIED OR

ACCEDED TO BY SAMOA:• Law of the Sea Convention 1982

• Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol

• United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange 1992

• Convention on Biological Diversity 1992

The Government of Samoa has yet to ratify the Basel orWaigani Conventions.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - SOLOMON ISLANDS PAGE A47

COUNTRY REPORT

A.10 SOLOMON ISLANDS

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for theSolomon Islands.

The initial survey was carried out in May and June,1998. The team comprised:


Mr. Moses Biliki: Ministry of Forestry Environment andConservation

Mr. Joe Horokim: Ministry of Forestry, Environmentand Conservation

Mr. Tom Lolomae: Local Consultant, Solomon Islands

An additional survey was undertaken in April and May1999 principally to determine the extent of unwantedchemicals in the Western Province of the SolomonIslands. The inspections were carried out by (or with theassistance of) the following persons:

Dr. Ian Wallis: SPREP Consultant

Billy Apusae: Principal Health Inspector,Ministry of Health &Medical Services (MHMS)

Martin Rasu: Distribution Engineer,Solomon Islands ElectricityAuthority (SIEA)

Robinson Fugui: Director,Environmental Health Division,MHMS

Christina Mamupio: Noro Town CouncilHealth Inspector

Janita Radford: Liapari Ltd

Mona Clarita Zosa: Quality Control Manager,Solomon Taiyo Ltd

Shady Taro: Occupational Health,Solomon Taiyo Ltd


PAGE A48 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - SOLOMON ISLANDS

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The summary table below provides a summary of thetotal volume of unwanted chemicals identified duringthe 1998 POPs survey of Solomon Islands.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals 11,000 kg(excl. DDT)

DDT 9,000 kg

Other obsolete chemicals 750 kg


Laboratory chemicals 300 L


Contaminated sites > 8 potential sites


The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in the Solomon Islandsinclude:

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS (EXCLUDING DDT)• Approximately 11,000 kg of various pesticides,

including propanil and ethoprophos stored at anabandoned shed in a former rice growing area onMetapona Plains shed. This shed was abandonedover twelve years ago and is in a poor state of repair.The pesticide drums are corroding and leaking, andthere is a pool of mixed pesticides on the floor.

DDT• A total of approximately 9,000 kg of DDT stored in

various locations and in varying condition.This includes approximately one tonne that wasstored in open drums and boxes in a residenceadjacent to a storage shed in Honiara.


• 150 kg of arsenic pentoxide stored at the geologylaboratory in Honiara and 600 L of unknownchemicals, possibly fixatives and preservatives,at Fisheries.

POTENTIALLY PCB CONTAMINATED OIL

• At least 1,200 L of transformer oil contaminatedwith PCBs at the Solomon Islands BroadcastingAuthority.


• More than 200 L of surplus laboratory chemicals.Most of these laboratory chemicals are in goodcondition and can potentially be reused elsewhere.

WASTE OIL

• More than 5,000 L/year of waste oil.

CONTAMINATED SITES

• The site at the abandoned Metapona Plains ricegrowing area is contaminated with pesticides.

• DDT contamination at the Ministry of Health andMedical services shed in Ranadi, Honiara.

• Ranadi landfill site, where all wastes (includingliquid wastes) from Honiara have been dumped forthe last 20 years.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in the Solomon Islands it is recommended that:

• Waste pesticides identified in the inspections at theMetapona Plains abandoned rice facility be includedin the regional programme under development bySPREP to dispose of hazardous materials in off-island treatment facilities;

• The Ministry of Health and Medical Services shedsin Ranadi be included in the regional programmeunder development by SPREP to dispose ofhazardous materials in off-island treatment facilities;

• The arsenic pentoxide at the Honiara geologylaboratory be repackaged and taken off-island forre-use or disposal;

• Other waste chemicals identified in the inspectionsare disposed of in the regional programme for lesshazardous chemicals under development by SPREP.Disposal is to be as recommended in the main bodyof this report and the attached databases summaries;

• The use of DDT for mosquito control be curtailed inthe Solomon Islands and all current stocks be treatedas hazardous wastes;

• Waste CCA identified in the inspections at theabandoned timber treatment facilities at Aola andeast of Honiara be included in the regionalprogramme under development by SPREP to disposeof hazardous materials in off-island treatmentfacilities;

• The abandoned timber treatment facilities at Aolaand east of Honiara be included in the regionalprogramme under development by SPREP toremediate CCA contaminated sites;

• The Solomon Islands be included in the NZODA/SPREP regional programme to develop andimplement national hazardous waste managementstrategies;

• The Solomon Islands be included in the internationalchemical management programmes of UNEP, WHOand FAO including those of the IntergovernmentalProgramme for Chemical Safety;



• The Solomon Islands participate in currentnegotiations for a legally binding instrument forcertain persistent organic pollutants;

• The Solomon Islands consider ratification of theBasel Convention;

• The Solomon Islands be included in a regionalprogramme under development by SPREP for theenvironmentally appropriate management of wasteoil;

• The Solomon Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP for theremoval of PCB contaminated transformer oil;

• The Solomon Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP for theremediation of oil and diesel contaminated sites;

• The Solomon Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by WHO to upgrademanagement of medical wastes and chemicals;

• The Solomon Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP to upgrademanagement of school laboratory chemicals;

• The Solomon Islands be included in a regionalprogramme to be developed by SPREP to assessthe extent of contamination that has resulted frominadequate management of solid waste disposalsites; and

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for theSolomon Islands.

4. AGRICULTURAL

CHEMICALS - METAPONA

PLAINS STORAGE SHED

Metapona Plains was developed as a rice growing areain the early 1980’s. The rice farm was initially operatedby Solrice and then by Brewers Solomon AgricultureLtd, who went out of business in 1985, abandoning allchemicals and equipment. The chemicals are stored ina shed, which was within the rice growing area.The shed has a concrete floor, blockwork walls and agalvanised iron sheeting roof.

The first records of the contents are from a WHOmission in 1992 during which the presence of about55 drums and many cardboard boxes of pesticides andother chemicals was noted. In September 1996 a four-day repackaging project was carried out jointly byWHO and SPREP with the collaboration of 10 officersfrom the Ministries of Health and Medical Services,Agriculture, Environment and Labour. The participants,wearing protective equipment, repackaged the pesticidesand other chemicals in accordance with a workplan. An inventory was prepared, the pesticides, chemicalsand associated contaminated materials were segregated,repackaged into 200 L steel drums where necessary,

wrapped in plastic, numbered and labelled. The wasteswere stored on new timber pallets and the door waslocked.

The SPREP Chemicals Consultant inspected theMetapona Plains chemical store on 9 July 1998 in thecompany of two officers from the Ministry of Healthand Medical Services. The door of the chemical storewas missing. It was apparent that a number of personshad access to the store and there had been considerabledamage. Plastic sheeting on most drums has beenpulled down or damaged by wind and rain. Twelvedrums were on their side; three were visibly leaking.

Most of the drums were badly corroded and the bungswere falling out. There was about 10 mm depth of ablack liquid over the floor, which corresponded to theblack liquid leaking from two of the drums. Many ofthe drums are now too corroded to handle withoutspecial equipment. Two leaking drums, which could besafely handled, were placed upright.

The lids from three drums containing powder had beenremoved and one drum was tipped on its side, sendingthe contents onto the floor, to mix with the black liquid.There were clear footprints across the floor (adults andchildren) indicating that the site has been visited bypeople from nearby villages. In its present conditionthe store is a serious risk to public health and theenvironment.

An inventory of the contents was prepared using therecords from the 1996 repackaging work as the basisfor establishing the likely contents of each drum.Many drums had lost their labels and it was not possibleto establish the contents with any certainty. A total of58 drums (full and empty) were counted, which is15 drums less than in 1996. From the inventory itseems that 8 drums of Rice Saturn have been removed.These drums had original labels in 1996. Rice growinghas recently recommenced in the area, and it is possiblethat the removal of the Rice Saturn could be related tothe resurgence of interest in rice cultivation.

The total quantity of chemical wastes at the site,excluding drums and pallets, was estimated to beapproximately 11,000 kg. When account is made ofcontaminated drums and packaging, as well as theadditional waste that would be created by cleaning thefloor, there is approximately 20,000 kg of wasterequiring safe disposal.

The roof is partly missing and there is leakage of thedrum contents onto the floor. During wet weather,runoff from the store flows to the surrounding ground,causing contamination of the adjacent soil. There arehouses within 400 m of the store.

A subsequent visit was made to the site and a door wasinstalled.



5. OTHER OBSOLETE

CHEMICALS

Obsolete chemicals were found in two laboratories andthese wastes are discussed later in this report in thesection describing laboratory wastes.

The manager of Russell Islands Plantations Ltd advisedthat 500 cylinders of mustard gas remained in the bushof Russell Island. Inquiries with the bomb disposalsquad attached to the military revealed that the USArmy had removed mustard gas cylinders several yearsago. It is not clear whether or not any cylinders stillremain. War wastes such as mustard gas are outside thescope of this project and if confirmed it is recommendedthat the issue be referred to the US Army.

FISHERIES LABORATORY

In an outside store at the Fisheries Laboratory inHoniara there were two full 200 L drums of anunidentified chemical. Both drums were rusting, andone had rusted to the extent that the polyethylene linerwas visible. A further drum was stored outside.

The Australian High Commission was contacted andefforts were made to identify the contents. Advice wasreceived from CSIRO Marine Fisheries that the contentswere likely to be formaldehyde or ethyl alcohol, but nopositive identification could be made.

There was no key for the lock on the store, so a newlock with two keys was purchased. The old lock wasremoved, the drum from outside moved into the store,two drums were stood up so the plugs were on the topand the store was locked with the three drums storedinside.

FENITROTHION

Four shipping containers (containing about 50 tonne) of Fenitrothion were shipped from Solomon Islandsback to Japan about 3 years ago. At the time, it wasbelieved that all Fenitrothion had been exported.However during this project it was reported that 800 kgof Fenitrothion remain in storage at Munda. Despite avisit to Munda the stockpile could not be located.Hence this remains an issue which must be clarified ona subsequent visit.

The store was again visited in May 1999. The purposeof the visit was to search for a possible storage ofFenitrothion. The store for malaria chemicals is behindthe offices of the MHMS malaria control offices.The store was locked and contained two 200L drums ofunlabelled chemicals. Further information on thecontents is being obtained. It can be confirmed thatone carton (25 kg) of waste Fenitrothion remains.

ARSENIC PENTOXIDE

Three 50 kg drums of arsenic pentoxide were foundstored beneath the offices of the Department of Forestryin Honiara. The drums are in reasonable condition andsecurity also is reasonable. However the storage

location has no floor or bund and any leakage wouldcause a significant environmental and health problem.

LIAPARI

Liapari Island is approximately 22km west of Gizo.For many years, it was one of the largest trade stores,shipping agencies and boat building operations in theWestern Province. In recent years, operations have beensubstantially reduced and so the site was inspected tocheck if chemicals remained on the site.

The site was neat and orderly, with little activity.Inspection showed that all equipment and chemicals hadbeen removed.

NORO

The fish processing factory at Noro near Munda wasinspected on 2 May 1999 in co-operation with ChristinaMamupio, Noro Town Council Health Inspector, MonaClarita Zosa, Quality Control Manager, Solomon TaiyoLtd and Shady Taro Occupational Health, SolomonTaiyo Ltd. Chemicals used at the site may be classifiedinto four groups:

Fish meal preservative;

Detergents and disinfectants;

Pest control chemicals; and

Water and wastewater treatment chemicals.

All chemicals of the site are for current use.No stocks of obsolete or waste chemicals wereidentified on the site.

6. DDT USE FOR MOSQUITO

CONTROL

There is a very high incidence of malaria in Honiara andthroughout the entire Solomon Islands. As a result,there have been extensive and prolonged campaigns toreduce the incidence of malaria. These campaigns haveincluded spraying mosquitoes, mosquito habitat and theceilings and walls of buildings.

RANADI STORAGE SHEDS

On 14 July 1998, the storage sheds owned by theMinistry of Health and Medical Services were inspectedby Dr Wallis in the company of two officers from theMinistry of Health and Medical Services, the medicaldirector of SIMTRI and two officers of WHO. Thesesheds are used to store materials and supplies for therural water supply programme and the malaria controlprogramme.

The first shed (Hardware Shed) contained a large rangeof plumbing fittings, a large quantity of bed netting and3.5 tonnes (100 cardboard boxes each containing 35 kg)of DDT (75 % water dispersible powder) recentlypurchased from China (February 1998). The store wasgenerally neat and tidy, and was locked and secure.

On the roadway outside this shed was a blue 200 L



drum labelled as containing DDT. The drum wascorroded and empty, but smelled of DDT and thecontents appeared to have been discharged onto theground.

The second shed (Rural Water Supply Shed) contained alarge quantity of cement, 19 outboard motors, 2 airconditioning units, and a quantity of files, furniture,chemicals, toolboxes and miscellaneous effects.The major chemicals present were as follows:

• five 200 L drums of DDT powder packed inpolythene bags, each containing about 250 kg ofDDT powder;

• two cardboard boxes of DDT powder eachcontaining about 75 kg;

• one box of photographic chemicals, containing about5 L of eight different types of chemicals (labels wereacid; silver nitrate); and

• two boxes of Hach laboratory chemicals, containingabout 8 bottles, varying in size from 2 L to 250 ml(labels were potassium dichromate, silver nitrate,strong acid, caustic solution, etc).

On the east side of the building, exposed to the weather,were 13 drums of DDT. Ten of the drums were fullwhile three were empty. One theory discussed by thosepresent was that these drums were originally to beshipped to the provinces but had leaked at the wharf andhad been temporarily removed to storage. No onepresent at the inspection was aware that these drums ofDDT still existed. The drums were generally damaged,perhaps by rough handling during transport. It isprobable that the contents of three drums (600 L) haveleaked into the ground where the drums are currentlystored.

One or two families were occupying a lean-to built onthe west side of the building. An inspection inside thisroom revealed cooking equipment, two beds, twochildren and 7 drums of DDT powder, plus 2 cardboardboxes of DDT powder. The polyethylene packages hadbeen ripped open and there were finger marks in thepowder. One person said that the powder was taken tokill fish. In any event, the DDT is not stored properlyand is readily available to small children.

Overall, there are a total of 11 full drums of DDT liquid,12 full drums of DDT powder and 6 empty drums, aswell as 4 cardboard boxes of DDT powder, at this site.

A further inspection of the MHMS storage sheds atRanadi was made on 29 April 1999 with Mr R Fugui,Director of Environmental Health Division, MHMS.It was noted that all full drums of DDT were no longerin storage. Subsequently, we were advised by theDirector of SIMTRI that these drums had been sent tothe provinces for spraying mosquitoes as part of malariacontrol programme. The store contained ten 200L steeldrums of powder DDT.

In the yard, there were four damaged drums formerlycontaining liquid DDT - all were damaged and empty.

The residence beside the store (in which DDT wasformerly stored) was checked. All DDT had beenremoved to the store.

GIZO

The inspections at Gizo were carried out on 1 May 1999in co-operation with Billy Apusae, Principal HealthInspector, MHMS. He advised that the possible siteswith obsolete chemicals were the Malaria SprayingProgrammes, Agriculture and the power station.

The store for the malaria chemicals is beneath the Gizohospital. In this store there were 400kg (ten boxes, eachof 40kg) of DDT powder (25%DDT). The powder wasbeing repacked into 1kg parcels for mixing in spraypacks. The Malaria Officer advised that liquid DDTwas no longer available, and they were thereforeobliged to use the powder form. The present stock ofDDT would all be used this year.

The Agriculture office in Gizo was inspected. Therewere no chemicals in storage at that location.

MUNDA

The inspections at Munda were carried out on 1 May1999. The following waste and other chemicals wereobserved:

• DDT powderIn use4 cartons100 kg

• Fenitrothion (Sumithion)1 carton25 kg

• Acephate (Orthene)In use2 cartons50 kg

• DiuronIn use2 cartons50 kg

7. PCB CONTAMINATED OIL

SOLOMON ISLANDS ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY

(SIEA)SIEA has a workshop at Ranadi where the oil fromelectricity transformers is changed and stored. Oil fromfour of the transformers was tested for PCB content andall four were found to have a chlorine content below 1ppm. Hence it is concluded that PCBs in transformeroil may not be a significant problem for the powerindustry in the Solomon Islands.

Four samples of transformer oil were also sampled andanalysed for PCB content in 1998. The analysesshowed PCB levels of < 0.05ppm, < 0.05ppm, 1.2ppmand 14ppm, all of which are below the trigger level ofconcern of 50ppm. However in view of the singleslightly elevated result of 14ppm, it was decided to test



oil from two additional old transformers in the Honiaraarea during the 1999 inspection. The results for thesetwo samples were negative.

SOLOMON ISLANDS BROADCASTING AUTHORITY

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Authority operatesa series of high power radio transmitters that requirepower transformers. There was a leak in thetransformers at the Honiara transmitter (near the airport)and the leaking oil was found to contain PCBs. Aspecialist technician was brought from Australia and heremoved all the oil from the Honiara transmitters,flushed the transformers and installed new (PCB-free)oil. Three drums of PCB-contaminated oil are stored atthe radio station. It is considered likely that thetransformers in the regional station also may have PCB-contaminated oil.The total quantity is estimated to be 1200 L.

GIZO

The Gizo power station is approximately 1km from thetown. A sample of oil was taken from the non-operational transformer at the power station to test forPCB content using the test kit supplied by SPREP.The test result showed no PCB content.

8. LABORATORY CHEMICALS

Surplus laboratory chemicals were found at the geologylaboratory, the fisheries laboratory, the bait fishlaboratory and the Ranadi stores (the last is a smallquantity of Hach chemicals, as described above).There are no commercial laboratories in SolomonIslands.

There are several science laboratories in secondaryschools and colleges. All laboratories, which werecontacted, reported having stored chemicals that weresurplus to requirements. Overall, the total quantity ofsurplus and waste chemicals is estimated to be 500litres.

GEOLOGY LABORATORY

The geology laboratory had two chemical storerooms.An inventory of surplus chemicals (some of which hadno labels) totalled approximately 80 litres, mostly inbottles of 200 ml to 1 litre.

BAIT FISH LABORATORY

A large bait fish laboratory was established in theSolomon Islands and supported by aid from both Japanand Australia. The laboratory was fully equipped withlaboratory equipment and reagents. The bait fishproject has been completed and the laboratory wasclosed without any action to remove, reuse or dispose ofsurplus chemicals. A detailed list of the chemicals wasprepared. There is a large quantity (80 litres) of acids inthe store, many in their original packaging and bottles,which are in ‘as new’ condition and could be reused byanother laboratory.

9. WASTE OIL

Waste oil from the power station in Honiara operated bythe Solomon Islands Electricity Authority is collected ina concrete tank and reused in a range of applications -sealing dust on roads, marking sportsfields, chain saws,etc.

There is no programme to manage or collect waste oilfrom the transport industry (trucks, minibuses and cars)or the logging industry. There are no estimates of thequantity of waste oil involved. It can be anticipated thatsome of this waste oil is used to suppress dust onunsealed roads and as a lubricant for mechanicalequipment. A proportion of the waste oil is poured ontothe ground, especially in rural areas. There is estimatedto be in excess of 5,000 litres per year of waste oilproduced in the Solomon Islands.


These studies established that there is no register orplanning procedure to record or manage contaminatedsites in the Solomon Islands. As discussed below, theRanadi landfill would be considered to be acontaminated site, as would be the former timbertreatment mills, most major vehicle maintenance depots,the SIBA transformer sites and the chemical store atMetapona Plains.

Other sites of potential concern are rural hospitals andclinics, the areas of DDT storage and the industrial areaat Ranadi in general.

11. TIMBER INDUSTRY WASTES

There were no operating timber treatment plants inSolomon Islands at the time of this project.

The Hyundai CCA plant at Aola used a simple dip tankbut was closed in 1993.

The Foxwood timber works on the east of Honiara has asmall CCA pressure cell but the works were closed andthe site locked (and had been so for a long period) andthus not able to be inspected during this project.

The extent to which waste CCA chemicals and sludgeremain on these two sites, and the extent of soilcontamination, remain issues which must be clarifiedon a subsequent visit.


WASTE DISPOSAL)The principal landfill at the major urban centre ofHoniara is the Ranadi dump, adjacent to Burns Creekand the coast. The landfill is operated and controlled bythe Honiara Town Council.



The Ranadi landfill has all the problems of a poorlyplanned and operated dump. There is no liner, noleachate collection, uncontrolled dumping of liquid andsolid wastes, inadequate compaction and cover, flies,mosquitoes and rodents, odour and fires. The leachateflows via the creek into the ocean. This site would haveto be considered to be a contaminated site.

There is no provision for safe long-term storage ofhazardous wastes in this landfill or elsewhere inGuadalcanal.

Hospital wastes are generally burnt in an open pit at thehospital. The hospital incinerator at Honiara does notoperate.

13. LEGISLATION AND

MANAGEMENT

Comprehensive environmental legislation has beenprepared for the Solomon Islands but has not beenenacted. Hence the Environment Unit has no authorityto control wastes or to achieve more effectivemanagement of chemicals and chemical wastes in theSolomon Islands.

It is fair to say that the Environment Unit has very littleresources or funds, and there is no suitable site in theSolomon Islands for secure storage of hazardous wastes.Hence there is negligible chance of a locally fundedcleanup of chemical wastes.


PAGE A54 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TONGA


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TONGA PAGE A55

COUNTRY REPORT

A.11 TONGA

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for Tonga.

Two visits were made to Tonga by Dr Bruce Graham,from 5 to 12, and 18 to 24 May 1998. The main contactpoint for the visit was Mr. Uilou Samani, PrincipalEcologist, Ministry of Lands, Survey and NaturalResources.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Tonga.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals Nil


Waste oil 2,000 L



The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Tonga include thefollowing:

WASTE OIL

• A total of about 2 tonnes of waste oil.

• Oil contaminated sites at the Ministry of Worksvehicle testing station, and the Electric Power Boardpower station.


TRANSFORMER OIL



PAGE A56 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TONGA

4. WASTE STOCKPILES AND

CONTAMINATED SITES


POPUA POWER STATION

There is an area of land at the rear of this site andimmediately adjacent to the lagoon, which showssignificant contamination from waste oil disposal andcooling water discharges (area approximately 20m x20m). There are about 80 old transformers stored onsite, some on concrete pads but most on open groundwith no shelter. These belong to the Tonga ElectricPower Board. The power station operation was recentlycorporatised and new generating units built. Thedevelopment includes a facility for storing, mixing andburning waste oil.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, DEPOT AND GARAGE

Waste oil has been disposed on this site creating an areaof contamination about 3m x 10m.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

(MAF) RESEARCH STATIONS, VAINI & VAVAU

There are no old stocks of pesticides at either of thesesites, although some drums of dieldrin were known tobe stored at Vaini in the past. The fate of these stocks isunknown.

PUBLIC HEALTH/HOSPITAL

Small quantities of laboratory chemicals need to bedisposed.

TONGA TIMBER

CCA sludges are stored on site and disposed by burial inconcrete. Nonetheless, it is highly likely that the sitewill have CCA contamination due to past practices.

GOVERNMENT STORES (EX MINISTRY OF WORKS)This site was previously used for timber treatment. Soilsamples taken for CCA analysis show widespreadcontamination over an area about 20 x 30 metres.

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

Collection services for solid waste are provided on mostof the main population areas throughout the Tongagroup. However, disposal is generally by dumping withlittle or no attempts at controlled landfilling. In additionmany of the disposal sites are on or near estuarineenvironments.

Most sewage disposal is through septic tanks or pitlatrines and there is significant faecal contamination insome of the lagoons Most drinking water is drawn fromfreshwater supplies beneath the islands.

Medical wastes, pharmaceuticals and quarantine wastesare currently disposed in a MAF incinerator.

TIMBER TREATMENT WASTES

• Significant CCA contamination at the Governmentstores depot which was previously used as theDepartment of Public Works timber treatment facility.It is considered that this contamination may precludethe suitability of the site for other future uses.

The chemical volumes detailed in this report arenecessarily conservative estimates. For example, in thecase of PCB oils, the value quoted is the total volume ofused transformer oil identified. Subsequent to thefindings of this report, chemical analysis of thetransformer oil stockpiles is being undertaken, todetermine the actual percentage of oil that containsPCBs. This and other revised data, will be incorporatedin subsequent reports to help refine the surveyestimates.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in Tonga it is recommended that:

• Tonga be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBscontaminated transformer oil;

• Tonga consider ratification of the Basel and WaiganiConvention

• Tonga be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oil anddiesel contaminated sites;

• Tonga be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Tonga be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the IntergovernmentalProgramme for Chemical Safety;

• Tonga participate in current negotiations for alegally binding instrument for certain persistentorganic pollutants;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for Tonga;

• Tonga be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Tonga be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Tonga be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management ofschool laboratory chemicals; and

• Tonga be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TONGA PAGE A57

6. LEGISLATION AND

ADMINISTRATION

The responsibility for environmental matters is vestedwith the Ministry of Lands, Survey and NaturalResources (MLSNR), mainly through theEnvironmental Planning Section. However, there is nospecific environmental legislation, and the relevantregulations are spread throughout a variety of otherActs. The need for specific environmental legislationhas been recognised in recent years, but little progresshas been made in achieving this goal.

There is a large body of legislation containingprovisions of environmental importance, some goingback more than 50 years, such as the Birds and FishPreservation Act 1934. Legislation of most relevance towaste management is as follows:

• The Public Health Act 1913 covers water supply,tanks and wells, health dangers, infections, diseasecontrol, food inspections, facilities, buildingregulations, litter and inspections of public facilities;

• The Minerals Act 1949 sets conditions for permitsfor mineral exploration and mining for protectionand restoration of forest areas;

• The Pesticides Act 1975/1981 regulates theregistration, manufacture, sale and use of pesticides;

• The Garbage Act provides for garbage control anddumping;

• The Customs and Excise Act 1983, as amendedprohibits importation of toxic or hazardous wastesinto the Kingdom, and provides for coral protection;

There are also two pieces of draft legislation that havesignificant implications for the environment:

• The draft Land-Use and Environmental Planning Actprovides a framework for development planning,planning schemes and for development applicationsand the detailed information required forenvironmental impact assessment; and

• The draft Marine Pollution Act 1992 provides fordischarge of oil or pollutants outside and insideTongan waters and as well as discharge of garbageand sewage from ships and platforms into the marineenvironment.

Tonga is not a signatory to the Basel Convention, andhas yet to ratify the Waigani Convention.


PAGE A58 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TUVALU


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TUVALU PAGE A59

COUNTRY REPORT

A.12 TUVALU

1. OVERVIEW





The focus of the Stage 1 survey was to identify andquantify the volume of unwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) and associated environmentalcontamination in 13 Pacific Island Countries. POPstypically include chemicals such as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequently expanded to include otherpotential contaminants such as waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratory chemicals. This reportprovides a summary of the POPs survey for Tuvalu.

The visit to Tuvalu was carried out by Dr. BruceGraham, from 17 to 23 July 1998. The main contactpoint for the visit was Mr. Afele Pita, Secretary,Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Allinspections were undertaken at Funafuti Atoll.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The table below provides a summary of the total volumeof unwanted chemicals identified during the 1998 POPssurvey of Tuvalu.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals Nil

Oil potentially contaminated 8000 Lwith PCBs


Waste oil 1500 L plus



The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Tuvalu include:

WASTE OIL AND BITUMEN

• A total of about 60 tonnes of bitumen stored in 200litre drums in deteriorated condition.

• A total of about 2 tonnes of waste oil.

• Oil and bitumen contaminated sites at the TuvaluElectric Power Corporation and Department ofPublic Works depot.


PAGE A60 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TUVALU

PCB CONTAMINATED TRANSFORMER OIL



• A total of approximately 1.5 tonnes of unwantedfertilisers.

• A stockpile of approximately 7 tonnes of unwantednitropril.

• An unknown quantity of unwanted medical drugs atthe Funafuti hospital.

The chemical quantities given in this report are necessarilyconservative estimates. For example, in the case of PCBs,the value quoted is based on tests carried out on arepresentative number of transformers. Similarly, thequantities quoted for pesticides are based on mainly visualassessment of the individual stockpiles. More specificdetails will need to be obtained prior to any clean-up anddisposal operations.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicalsmanagement capacity in Tuvalu it is recommendedthat:

• Tuvalu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBcontaminated transformer oil;

• Tuvalu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of bitumencontaminated sites;

• Tuvalu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oil anddiesel contaminated sites;

• Tuvalu be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Tuvalu be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Tuvalu participate in current negotiations for alegally binding instrument for certain persistentorganic pollutants;

• Tuvalu consider ratification of he Basel and WaiganiConventions;

• A National Chemicals Profile be compiled for Tuvalu;

• Tuvalu be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Tuvalu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Tuvalu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management ofschool laboratory chemicals;

• Tuvalu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites; and

• Waste chemicals identified in the inspections bedisposed of in the regional programme for lesshazardous chemicals under development by SPREP.Disposal is to be as recommended in the main bodyof this report and the attached database summaries.

4. WASTE STOCKPILES



FUNAFUTI POWER STATION

Approximately 1500 litres of waste oil is held instorage, awaiting disposal. There is a significant area ofoil contamination at the rear of the site (3m x 10m).

Three of four out-of-service transformers on site weretested positive for PCBs. There are about 25transformers altogether in the country, and over half arelikely to contain PCBs.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

About 300 drums (60,000 litres) of bitumen are storedon site, left over from a runway sealing job, which wasdone in about 1990. The drums are very rusty and willbe difficult to move. There is significant spillagearound the area.

Waste oil produced on the site is used in treatingformwork timber.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Approximately 1 tonne of potassium chloride and 0.5tonne superphosphate held in a storage shed is no longerneeded Small quantities (<5 kg) of Orthene, Malathionand Benlate are also no longer needed.

There is uncertainty about existing controls onpesticides, but Agriculture is the sole supplier.

Quarantine wastes are burned in the open, althoughaircraft cabin waste is not controlled.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH / PRINCESS MARGARET

HOSPITAL

There are small amounts (<20 kg) of laboratorychemicals for disposal.

Small amounts of Malathion are used for vector control.DDT use ceased about 10 years ago.

Medical wastes and pharmaceuticals are currentlyburned in the open and / or buried, although there is amedical waste incinerator in storage, waiting to be


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - TUVALU PAGE A61

installed.

The disposal of septic tank sludge may be an issue inthe future.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Oil contamination is reported around power stations onAmatuku (Maritime School) and Vaitupu (secondaryschool).

There are small quantities of surplus laboratorychemicals at Vaitupu secondary school.

BP BULK OIL DEPOT

This is a tidy site but due for a major upgrade to bring itup to current standards (waiting on new leasearrangements for the land). There is a regulargroundwater monitoring programme.

Oil separator slops are taken to Fiji.

Tank sludges are stored in plastic bags on site fordisposal.

BP will assist with waste oil returns to Fiji once theupgrade of the site and the shipping tankers arecomplete.

OTHER WASTE MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Old car batteries are being collected and returned to NZfor recycling.

Funafuti Town Council has a waste collection system inplace, and designated dumping areas on the atoll. Thesite location (near the airport) is visually not the best,and there is no attempt at sorting, composting, orrecycling.

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Funafuti Town Council provides a regularcollection service for solid wastes. However, the wastesare simply dumped in designated areas on the atoll, withno attempt at controlled landfilling.

Most sewage and other liquid wastes are disposedthrough septic tanks. Drinking water is obtained almostsolely from roof collected rainwater.

Old car batteries are being collected and shippedoffshore for recycling. There are no systems for therecycling of other scrap metals, including aluminiumcans.

Medical wastes and pharmaceuticals are currentlyburned in the open and / or buried, although there is amedical waste incinerator in storage, waiting to beinstalled at the hospital.

Quarantine waste is burned in the open.

6. LEGISLATION AND

ADMINISTRATION

There is no specific environmental legislation in Tuvalu,with most of the key issues being covered under othertopics such as health. There are no specific controls onimports of hazardous chemicals, or on the disposal ofhazardous wastes. The Department of NaturalResources and Environment are currently undertakingan internal assessment of environmental responsibilitieswithin Government Departments.

Staff of the Department of Agriculture were uncertainabout existing controls on pesticides. However, this wasnot seen as a problem because the Department iscurrently the sole supplier of such chemicals.

International conventions to which Tuvalu is asignatory, or has acceded include:

• South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty;

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty;

• Convention for the Protection of the NaturalResources and Environment of the South PacificRegion (SPREP Convention);

• Prohibition of Fishing with Long Driftnets;

• Framework Convention on Climate Change 1992;

• Convention on the Conservation of Bio Diversity;and

• London Dumping Convention.

The Government of Tuvalu is not a signatory to theBasel Convention, and has yet to ratify the WaiganiConvention.


PAGE A62 ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - VANUATU


ANNEX A: COUNTRY REPORTS - VANUATU PAGE A63

COUNTRY REPORT

A.13 VANUATU

1. OVERVIEW

The South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and AusAID have designed andimplemented a programme to improve the management of chemicals in the South Pacific region.The programme is being undertaken in 3 Stages as follows:

Stage 1: Preliminary chemical surveyand conduct of training inbasic chemical handling anddisposal procedures.

Stage 2: Repacking of unwantedchemicals as necessary andprovision of appropriatetemporary storage facilities

Stage 3: Clean-up of contaminatedsites and disposal ofchemical stockpiles.Thepurpose of the Stage 1survey was to identify andquantify the volume ofunwanted Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) andassociated environmentalcontamination in 13 PacificIsland Countries. POPstypically include chemicalssuch as pesticides, organicsolvents and polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs). Thescope was subsequentlyexpanded to include otherpotential contaminants suchas waste oil, CCA treatmentchemicals and laboratorychemicals. This reportprovides a summary of thePOPs survey for Vanuatu.

The survey was carried out in May and June 1998.The team comprised:


Mr. Baigeorge Swua: Quarantine Service,Port Vila

Mr. Marley Regenvanu: Malapoa College,Port Vila

Ms. Sarah Mecartney: Environment Unit,Vanuatu

Mr. Mark Kalotap: Department of Forestry

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

The summary table below provides a summary of thetotal volume of unwanted chemicals identified duringthe 1998 POPs survey of Vanuatu.

Estimated Quantity

Agricultural chemicals 300 kg(excl DDT)

DDT 900 kg


Laboratory chemicals > 100 L

Timber treatment wastes 122,000 kg



The chemical quantities given in this report arenecessarily conservative estimates. For example, in thecase of PCBs, the value quoted is based on tests carriedout on a representative number of transformers.Similarly, the quantities quoted for pesticides are basedon mainly visual assessment of the individual



stockpiles. More specific details will need to beobtained prior to any clean-up and disposal operations.

The most significant stockpiles of waste chemicals andcontaminated sites found in Vanuatu include:

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS (EXCLUDING DDT)• Minor quantities of miscellaneous pesticides

including lindane and 2,4,5-T at the former ChapiusAgricultural Research Site and an old store onEspiritu Santo.

• A total of approximately 1400 kg of unwantedfertilisers stored at the French and VanuatuGovernment agricultural stations on Espiritu Santo.

DDT• 900 kg of DDT stored at the Luganville hospital. The

malaria control officer at the Health Department inPort Vila was unaware of the existence of this DDT.


TRANSFORMER OIL



• More than 100 L of surplus laboratory chemicals.

TIMBER TREATMENT WASTES

• 120 tonnes of waste timber treatment chemicals atthe Santo Veneer and Timber mill on Espiritu Santo.

• 5 tonnes of antiborer solution in use illegally onEspiritu Santo.

WASTE OIL

• About 12,000 L/year of waste oil is recycled whileapproximately 15,000 L/year is disposed of locally.

CONTAMINATED SITES

• Minor site contamination by pesticides at the formerChapius Agricultural Research Site on EspirituSanto.

• CCA site contamination at the Melcoffe Timber andSanto Veneer and Timber sites and an illegal bushtimber treatment site on Espiritu Santo, and the PITTLtd. site at Mele on Efate.

• Three previous landfills on Efate and the currentlandfill on Espiritu Santo have been poorly managedand must be considered as contaminated sites. Theexisting landfill at Bouffa on Efate is well managed.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

To dispose of waste chemicals, remediate chemicalscontaminated sites and upgrade chemicals managementcapacity in Vanuatu it is recommended that:

• DDT identified in the inspections at the Luganvillehospital be included in the regional programmeunder development by SPREP to dispose ofhazardous materials in off-island treatment facilities;

• Other waste chemicals identified in the inspectionsare disposed of in the regional programme for lesshazardous chemicals under development by SPREP.Disposal is to be as recommended in the main bodyof this report and the attached database summaries;

• Vanuatu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the removal of PCBcontaminated transformer oil;

• Vanuatu be included in a regional programme underdevelopment by SPREP for the environmentallyappropriate management of waste oil;

• Vanuatu be included in the international chemicalmanagement programmes of UNEP, WHO and FAOincluding those of the Intergovernmental Programmefor Chemical Safety;

• Vanuatu be included in the NZODA/SPREP regionalprogramme to develop and implement nationalhazardous waste management strategies;

• Vanuatu participate in current negotiations for alegally binding instrument for certain persistentorganic pollutants;

• Vanuatu consider ratification of the Basel andWaigani Conventions;

• Vanuatu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP for the remediation of oilcontaminated sites;

• Vanuatu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by WHO to upgrade management ofmedical wastes and chemicals;

• Vanuatu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to upgrade management ofschool laboratory chemicals;

• Vanuatu be included in a regional programme to bedeveloped by SPREP to assess the extent ofcontamination that has resulted from inadequatemanagement of solid waste disposal sites.

There is a large logging and timber treatment industry inVanuatu. Timber treatment wastes are clearly asignificant problem and also clearly the responsibility ofthe owners of these facilities. A major effort is requiredto upgrade both the environmental awareness of theindustry and the capability of the Department ofForestry to manage the industry. The AusAID fundedVanuatu Sustainable Forest Utilisation Project currentlyunderway is addressing these and other forestmanagement issues.

4. OBSOLETE AGRICULTURAL

WASTES

There were no large stockpiles of obsolete chemicalwastes found in Vanuatu. Most of the wastes wereleftovers from quarantine collections, agriculturalresearch or former malaria spraying campaigns.



The largest quantity of wastes by volume were found onSanto and are timber treatment compounds. Some ofthe wastes found on Vanuatu were recycled intocommercial uses as a result of this project.

The stockpiles and related waste management areas thatwere investigated during this project are describedbelow.

TABAGE QUARANTINE STORAGE SHED

The Tabage Quarantine storage shed had smallquantities of wastes that had been collected inquarantine activities. The wastes were stored on shelvesin a storage shed behind the quarantine office. The shedhad no door but the compound had a security fence thatwas locked at night. The shed had an elevated concretefloor, concrete walls, good ventilation and lighting.

All of the wastes were properly labelled and in goodcondition. Arrangements were made during the projectfor all of these wastes to be recycled into existingcommercial activities in Vanuatu (pest management,pool chlorination) so that at the end of the project thesewastes no longer existed. There had been no spillageand hence there was no residual contamination of thesite.

LUGANVILLE QUARANTINE STORE

The Luganville Quarantine Store had 3 x 11 kgcontainers of methyl bromide, partly full. This chemicalis still used for fumigation but these containers neednew pipe fittings before they can be used. The use ofmethyl bromide is being phased out.

CHAPIUS AGRICULTURAL SITE, SANTO, STORE

NO. 1The former Chapius Agricultural Research Site had asignificant quantity of residual waste chemicals storedin a locked shed near houses. The storage shed was ingood condition. The bags and containers havedeteriorated in most cases, making it difficult to identifyall the wastes, particularly the boxes of repackagedpesticides stored at this site.

CHAPIUS AGRICULTURAL SITE, SANTO, OLD

STORE

A small shed at the back of the Chapius site containedanother array of waste chemicals in small quantities.This shed was not locked and the concrete floor hadbeen contaminated by spillages. The storage shed wasfabricated from roofing iron and was only in moderatecondition.

PESTICIDE EXTERMINATOR, PORT VILA

The pesticide extermination company in Port Vila(Ezykill) was inspected. Only small quantities ofchemicals were stored, and all were in current use.There were no wastes. The manager advised that thepurchases of chemicals were matched closely to thedemand for use, and no wastes were generated. Theprincipal chemicals used were diazon, chlorpiryphos,dursban, pestoc, coopex powder and permethrin.

COCONUT PRODUCTS LTD., SANTO

The Coconut Products factory in Luganville wasinspected. There were no wastes from the productionprocess, which mainly involves soap manufacture. Theonly wastes at this site were 2 cylinders each of 200 g ofaluminium phosphide pellets (UN3048, made in India,distributed by Top Australia, use by 31 August 1996).These pellets are used to poison rats. Although out ofdate, use for the correct purpose would seem to be theappropriate disposal method.

CHEMICAL SUPPLIERS, PORT VILA

The principal chemical importer and supplier in PortVila is Vanuatu Agricultural supplies (VAS). The officeand storage areas of this company were inspected andno wastes were seen. The manager advised that theycontrol imports to ensure little surplus product, and sellsurplus product at a discount to prevent wastes fromaccumulating. They do not manufacture or packagepesticides.

5. DDTENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH STORE, PORT VILA

The malaria control officer at Port Vila advised that allDDT had been removed from Port Vila. The formerDDT storage area was inspected and found to be cleanand tidy, with no DDT. The only chemicals in storagewere permethrin used for bed nets.

He advised that a few kilograms of DDT were stillstored at Tanna and Malekula. These sites could not beinspected in this project because of transport costs.Apart from this all DDT had been removed fromVanuatu about five years ago. Malathion has replacedDDT in mosquito spraying at Port Vila and Luganville.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH STORE, LUGANVILLE

The Luganville Hospital Manager advised that therewas no DDT in Luganville. The storage could not beinspected as the stores officer was away.

Subsequently, in October 1998 SPREP Project Co-ordinator Mr. Andrew Munro was shown 900 kg ofDDT at the Luganville hospital which the healthinspector had kept in case he needed it. The DDT wasin poor condition with some bags starting to split.Clearly neither the malaria control officer at Port Vila,nor the Luganville Hospital Manager were aware of itsexistence.

6. TIMBER INDUSTRY WASTES

There are five operating timber treatment plants inVanuatu, three on Santo and two on Efate. The plantswere inspected to obtain an indication of the disposalmethods for CCA sludge and the likelihood ofcontamination of the site due to sludge disposal ortreatment chemicals. The observations are summarisedin the following table.



Timber Preservation Plant Location Observations

Side River Timbers Luganville Very small; well operated

Local Timbers Treatment Mele Very small; well operated

Santo Veneer & Timber Luganville Large quantity of waste onsite

Melcoffe Sawmill Luganville Onsite discharge & contamination

PITT Ltd Mele Onsite discharge & contamination

Illegal bush operation Luganville Onsite discharge

The two small plants (Side River Timbers and LocalTimbers treatment) were the best. They both hadconcrete drip pads, low sumps and knowledge aboutCCA waste management. The CCA waste was reportedto be kept in the sump, although periodically it must beemptied and disposed of, most likely at a local landfill.The operator at Side River timbers was familiar withsolidification of sludge using cement, sand and lime.

SANTO VENEER AND TIMBER, LUGANVILLE

Santo Veneer and Timber operate a large sawmill,veneer plant and timber treatment plant in Luganville.The treatment uses both the dip process, where timber isstored under weights in a large steel tank of anti-blue /anti-borer solution; and a pressure cylinder treatment.

There was approximately 120,000 L of waste treatmentsolution stored in two large concrete tanks at the site.The lower tank was leaking into the soil. The operatorwas uncertain as to how the wastes came to be left onthe site. There is a substantial waste disposal problem atthe site, particularly as almost all employees have barefeet and there is an extensive area of contaminated soil.

The site also had a significant area of soil contaminatedwith waste oil.

MELCOFFE TIMBER PRESERVATION, LUGANVILLE

Melcoffe treats green timber in a pressure cylinderprincipally with Tanalith (a CCA formulation suppliedby Hicksons NZ) and occasionally Immutan (a mixtureof boric acid and sodium borate). There is no drip padto prevent soil contamination.

Empty drums are returned to Hicksons NZ. Theresidual sludge is mixed with sand and sawdust andtaken in 200 L drums to the Luganville tip. (Inspectionof the tip indicated that two sawmills were providingCCA sludge wastes). The quantity of waste sludge isestimated to be about 1 to 2 tonne/year.

PITT LTD

Pacific Timber and Trading operate a sawmill and CCAtimber treatment plant at Mele. There is no drip pad andtherefore constant soil contamination. The plant isgenerally in poor condition and waste sludges appear tobe disposed of on the site.

ILLEGAL BUSH TIMBER PRESERVATION PLANT,LUGANVILLE

While carrying out inspections in Santo, an illegaltimber treatment plant was observed in the bush west ofLuganville. The site had approximately 6,000 litres of aCCA solution in a steel tank and the area around thetank was stained with spillages.

ARSENIC PENTOXIDE

There was a former European Union Forestry project onSanto that was reported to involve the use of arsenicpentoxide for poisoning trees. The Department ofForestry advised that about two drums of arsenicpentoxide that had been left over from the project wasburied in a concrete lined pit in Santo.

7. MISCELLANEOUS WASTES

SURPLUS LABORATORY CHEMICALS

There are no commercial laboratories in Vanuatu andonly very small government laboratories. The largestlaboratories are in secondary schools and colleges. Alllaboratories that were contacted reported having storedchemicals that were surplus to requirements. It isestimated that there is over 100 litres of surplus andwaste laboratory chemicals in Vanuatu.

ASIAN PAINT FACTORY, PORT VILA

The Asian Paint Factory in Port Vila was inspected.Washings and any spills are collected and directed to asump where they are treated with a flocculant andallowed to settle. The solids are collected and taken tothe municipal landfill.

Wastewater from the treatment process is discharged toland on the site. Waste solvents are collected andrecycled into other products (e.g. black paint). A smallquantity (250 L) of strongly coloured waste solvents arestored at the site awaiting a suitable disposal route.Overall, the factory is considered to have a responsibleapproach to waste management.

ABATTOIR WASTES

The solid wastes from the Port Vila and Luganvilleabattoirs are disposed of on the abattoir sites.

8. WASTE HYDROCARBONS

There is no collection of waste oil in Vanuatu from thepower generation, transport or logging industries.According to the Energy Unit, the quantities of waste oilrequiring disposal are estimated to be a total of 27,000 Lper year. This includes about 13,000 L per year frompower generation, 10,000 L per year from transportation(trucks, minibuses and cars) and 4,000 L per year fromthe logging industry.

UNELCO and Mobil have recently commencedshipping waste oil from Port Vila to Lami (FletcherSteel Industries) in Fiji for use as a supplementary fuel.This is believed to take about 12,000 L per year.



The remainder of the waste oil (approximately 15,000 Lper year) is used to suppress dust on unsealed roads andas a lubricant for chain saws and other mechanicalequipment. A proportion of the waste oil is poured ontothe ground, especially in rural areas. A small quantity ofwaste oil, principally containing sludges, is disposed ofto the pond at the Port Vila landfill. Minor quantities ofwaste oil also are taken to the Luganville landfill.Waste sludges from BP, Shell and Mobil are mixed withsand and taken to the Port Vila landfill.

Although not a waste hydrocarbon problem, the recentdevelopment of solar power in Vanuatu is leading to asignificant battery disposal problem that needs to beaddressed.

9. PCBS

Electricity in Vanuatu is generated by UNELCO, aprivate utilities company. UNELCO have about 45transformers, either disused or being reconditioned forreuse. Oil from four of the transformers was tested forPCB content and three were positive.

UNELCO proposed to test the remaining units andprovide the results but these have yet to be received.However the results to date confirm that there is a PCBproblem in Vanuatu and it is estimated at present thatthere is about 13,000 litres of transformer oil potentiallycontaminated with PCBs.


WASTE DISPOSAL)The landfills at the major urban centres of Port Vila andLuganville were assessed during this study. Port Vilahas had a succession of landfills as follows:

Agathis area, 2 km north of CBD: closed in 1987

Fres Wata, 1 km north of CBD: started 1987, closed 1993

Montmartre, 8 km east of CBD: started 1993, closed 1994

Bouffa, 10 km east of CBD: opened 1994.

The disposal at the first three sites was essentiallyuncontrolled. A lot of wastes were dumped in theAgathis area in 1987 following Cyclone Umo. TheAgathis and Fres Wata areas would have to beconsidered to be contaminated sites.

The new Port Vila landfill is impressive, possibly thebest landfill in the Pacific Island countries. The site hasfavourable geology, being underlain by up to 9 m ofclay soils, and groundwater flow to the north and east,away from the Port Vila water supply aquifer. Aconfined active face was being used, with soil placedover the previous day’s waste. Leachate is designed tocollect in a pond below the active cell. The site has agood buffer zone from residential areas.

Quarantine waste is burnt in an open pit, with the ashtransferred periodically to the active face.

The three issues of concern are as follows:

1. Hospital wastes are received on the active face,not in special cells;

2. There is no leachate collection system yet; and

3. There is no provision for safe long-term storageof hazardous wastes.

The Luganville landfill is not so comforting. The siteoccupies a small valley with active dumping over alarge area. There is no compaction, trenching or coverapplied. Leachate and drainage water flows down to anadjacent creek, or seeps into the ground. A wide varietyof materials were dumped indiscriminately around thesite, including recent CCA sludges and a small quantityof oil. However inspection, as far as was possible giventhe large and active fly population, did not reveal anyrecent dumping of drums. This site is not satisfactoryfrom an environmental and waste managementperspective.

HAZARDOUS WASTE STORAGE CELLS

In response to a request from the Municipality of PortVila, a concept plan for secure hazardous waste disposalin the Bouffa landfill was drawn up and submitted to theMunicipality. The concept involves solidification of thewastes with cement in steel or polyethylene drums, withstorage of the drums inside a tank sealed with concreteto provide a second protection barrier. Similarprocedures are used in Australian landfills for securestorage of hazardous wastes.


These studies established that there is no register orplanning procedure to record or manage contaminatedsites in Vanuatu. As discussed above, the previous PortVila municipal landfills, and the present Luganvillelandfill, would be considered as contaminated sites, aswould be timber treatment mills, most major vehiclemaintenance depots, the UNELCO transformer depotand the former forestry research station with buriedarsenic pentoxide.

Other sites of potential concern are rural hospitals andclinics, the abattoirs and the ship repair area at Santo. Alarge quantity of materials were dumped in the sea nearSanto at the end of 1945 but it is not known if this hascreated significant contamination.

12. LEGISLATION

General responsibility for environment and conservationin Vanuatu is vested in the Environment Unit within theMinistry of Lands & Natural Resources. The unitadvises the government on the environmental impacts ofdevelopment projects, undertakes environmentalsurveys and monitoring, initiates environmental



awareness and education programmes, identifies andestablishes protected areas, and serves as the nationalfocal point for Vanuatu’s participation in internationalenvironmental programmes and organisations.

A number of Ministries and departments have sectoralresponsibilities assigned under law for conservation andenvironment in their areas of interest. The AgricultureDepartment is responsible for wildlife protection underthe Wildlife Protection (Birds) Regulations, 1962, whichgives total protection to 16 species, provides a closedseason for 11 species, and places an export ban on 11species. The Forestry Department is responsible underthe Forestry Act 1982, for forest plantations andconservation in forest areas. The Fisheries Departmentimplements the Fisheries Act 1982 with provisions forfisheries management, marine reserves and speciesprotection. A Bill for a National Parks Act was tabled inParliament in November 1992 by the Minister ofNatural Resources, who is also responsible for theenvironment.

There already exists a substantial body of environmentallaw in Vanuatu. This consists not only of sectorallegislation specifically referring to environmentalissues, but also other parts of the general law whichhave considerable potential for use in ensuring theprotection of the environment and the wise use ofnatural resources.

However there are major gaps in the sectoral coverage.The most striking are in the areas of waste management,water resources and dangerous substances. Recentescalation of development pressures in Vanuatu,especially in the coastal zone, means there is an urgentneed for the extension of planning control to the littoralzone. There should also be statutory a requirement forenvironmental impact assessment for major projects.

With regard to international conventions, Vanuatubecame a party to the Convention on International Tradein Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES) in 1998 and ratified the Convention in 1989.The International Trade (Fauna and Flora) Act wasgazetted in 1991. At the Earth Summit in Rio deJaneiro, Vanuatu signed the Bio Diversity Conventionand the Framework Convention on Climate Change thatit has now ratified. Vanuatu has also ratified theMontreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete theOzone Layer and the London Convention on thePrevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastesand Other Matters.

Vanuatu is not yet party to the Basel or Waiganiconventions.

1 Additional quantities of pesticides are stored on Canton Island.

Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants In Pacific Island Countries

Annex B: Inventories Page B1

ANNEX: BINVENTORIES



THERESE BURNS

BRUCE GRAHAM

ANDREW MUNRO

IAN WALLIS

MAY 2000


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Annex B: Inventories - Country /Sites Page B3

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Yap

04

Dep

artm

ent o

f Pub

lic W

orks

Dep

otno

no

Yap

05

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

Agr

icul

ture

Res

earc

h S

tatio

nye

sye

s

Yap

06

Old

Air

port

- a

spha

lt du

mp

yes

yes

Yap

07

Waa

b W

areh

ouse

Che

mic

als

stor

eye

sno

Yap

08

Boa

rd o

f Edu

catio

nC

hem

ical

sto

rero

omye

sno

Yap

09

Waa

b H

ardw

are

yes

no

Yap

10

Lora

nF

orm

er C

oast

guar

d S

tatio

nno

yes

Yap1

1M

obil

Bul

k F

uel D

epot

noye

s

Yap

12

Qua

rant

ine

Div

isio

nD

epot

nono

Yap

13

Mar

ine

Res

ourc

es D

ivis

ion

Dep

otno

no

Yap

14

Mic

rone

sian

Pet

role

um C

ompa

nyB

ulk

Fue

l Dep

otno

no

Yap

15

Pub

lic T

rans

port

atio

n S

ervi

ceD

epot

nono

Yap

16

Pub

lic B

us C

ompa

nyD

epot

yes

no

Yap

17

Yap

Sta

te H

ospi

tal

nono

Yap

18

Bla

ck M

icro

Con

stru

ctio

nD

epot

nono

Yap

19

Yap

Hig

h S

choo

lno

no



KIR

IBA

TI

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Kir0

1Ta

naea

Ani

mal

Hea

lth U

nit

Che

mic

al s

tora

ge s

hed

yes

yes

Kir0

2B

onrik

i Air

port

Priv

ate

land

Asp

halt

dum

pye

sye

s

Kir0

3B

onrik

i Air

port

Bea

chA

spha

lt du

mp

yes

yes

Kir0

4B

iken

ibue

Am

ak W

omen

’s U

nit

Che

mic

al s

tora

geye

sno

Kir0

5B

etio

Pow

er S

tatio

nye

sye

s

Kir0

6B

iken

ibue

Tara

wa

Teac

her’s

Col

lege

Che

mic

al s

tore

room

yes

no

Kir0

7B

iken

ibue

Agr

icul

tura

l Uni

tC

hem

ical

sto

rage

she

dye

sno

Kir0

8B

iken

ibue

Han

dicr

aft C

entr

eF

orm

er a

gric

ultu

re s

tore

yes

poss

ible

Kir0

9B

etio

Pub

lic V

ehic

le U

nit

Dep

otno

yes

Kir1

0B

iken

ibue

Tara

wa

Hos

pita

lLa

bora

tory

yes

no

Kir1

1B

iken

ibue

Pow

er S

tatio

nno

yes

Kir1

2B

iken

ibue

Land

fill

noye

s

Kir1

3B

etio

Land

fill

noye

s

Kir1

4A

bem

ema

Isla

ndF

orm

er ti

mbe

r tr

eatm

ent s

iteno

min

or

Kir1

5A

ranu

ka Is

land

For

mer

tim

ber

trea

tmen

t site

nom

inor

Kir1

6N

anou

s Is

land

For

mer

tim

ber

trea

tmen

t site

nom

inor

Kir1

7C

anto

n Is

land

For

mer

qua

rant

ine

stat

ion

yes

yes

Kir1

8B

anan

a, C

hris

tmas

Is.

Linn

ex P

ublic

Wor

ks D

ivis

ion

Asp

halt

disp

osal

yes

yes

Kir1

9C

hris

tmas

Isla

ndD

ivis

ion

of A

gric

ultu

reF

ertil

iser

sto

rage

yes

no

Kir2

0C

hris

tmas

Isla

ndF

orm

er U

S D

efen

ce c

amp

Gen

eral

was

te d

ispo

sal

noye

s

Kir2

1Lo

ndon

, Chr

istm

as Is

.F

orm

er B

ritis

h bu

lk fu

el s

tore

noye

s

Kir2

2C

hris

tmas

Isla

ndTr

ansf

orm

er o

il st

orag

eye

sno



MA

RSH

AL

L I

SLA

ND

S

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Mar

sh01

Arn

oD

epar

tmen

t of A

gric

ultu

reR

esea

rch

farm

yes

no

Mar

sh02

Maj

uro

Min

istr

y of

Pub

lic W

orks

Vehi

cle

wor

ksho

psno

yes

Mar

sh03

Maj

uro

Maj

uro

Dry

Doc

k In

c.S

hip

repa

irsno

yes

Mar

sh04

Kw

ajal

ein

Unl

abel

led

WW

2 oi

l/fue

l dep

otye

sye

s

Mar

sh05

Maj

uro

Mob

il O

ilO

il de

pot

yes

no

Mar

sh06

Maj

uro

Air

Mar

shal

l Isl

ands

Airc

raft

serv

icin

gye

sye

s

NA

UR

U

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Nau

01A

iwo

Nau

ru P

hosp

hate

Cor

p (N

PC

)H

azar

dous

goo

ds s

tore

yes

no

Nau

02B

uada

NP

CW

aste

dum

pno

yes

Nau

03B

uada

NP

CW

aste

dum

pye

sm

inor

Nau

04B

uada

NP

CW

aste

dum

pye

sye

s

Nau

05N

ibok

NP

CF

ield

wor

ksho

pye

sye

s

Nau

06D

enig

omod

uG

over

nmen

t Sto

res

War

ehou

seye

sno

Nau

07A

iwo

NP

CO

il st

orag

eno

yes

Nau

08A

iwo

- N

o. 2

Bin

NP

CE

quip

men

t sto

reye

sye

s

Nau

09A

iwo

NP

CP

ower

Sta

tion

yes

min

or



NIU

E

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Nu0

1A

lofi

Dep

artm

ent o

f Pub

lic W

orks

Sto

rage

she

d/P

ublic

Wor

ks d

epot

yes

no

Nu0

2V

aipa

pahi

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

Res

earc

h fa

rmye

sno

Nu0

3A

lofi

Dep

artm

ent o

f Hea

lthH

ospi

tal

yes

no

Nu0

4A

lofi

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

Ex

pigg

ery

yes

no

Nu0

5A

lofi

Dep

artm

ent o

f Pub

lic W

orks

Hea

vy p

lant

mai

nten

ance

noye

s

Nu0

6A

lofi

Niu

e P

ower

Com

pany

Pow

er s

tatio

nye

sno

PA

LA

U

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Pal

01A

imel

iikP

ower

Sta

tion

noye

s

Pal

02(a

)V

ario

usS

mal

l Pow

er S

tatio

nsno

min

or

Pal

02(b

)N

gadm

auP

ower

Sta

tion

noye

s

Pal

03P

UC

Sto

rero

omye

sno

Pal

04K

oror

Sta

te P

ublic

Wor

ksD

epot

yes

no

Pal

05N

gatp

ang

DD

T d

ispo

sal s

iteye

sye

s

Pal

06M

-Doc

kW

areh

ouse

yes

no

Pal

07M

alak

alQ

uarr

yno

no

Pal

08N

gerb

eche

dLa

ndfil

lno

yes

Pal

09H

arbo

urA

band

oned

dre

dge

yes

yes

Pal

10S

ocio

Con

stru

ctio

n C

o.D

epot

nono

Pal

11A

gric

ultu

re r

esea

rch

nono

Pal

12E

ntom

olog

y R

esea

rch

yes

no



Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Pal

13P

alau

Hig

h S

choo

lLa

bora

tory

yes

no

Pal

14H

ospi

tal

Labo

rato

ry &

pha

rmac

yye

sno

Pal

15S

cien

ce d

emon

stra

tion

labo

rato

ryye

sno

Pal

16N

atio

nal P

ublic

Wor

ksD

epot

nono

Pal

17S

ewag

e pl

ant

Sto

rage

she

dye

sno

Pal

18N

gatp

ang

rain

fore

stC

hem

ical

s di

spos

al s

iteye

sye

s

Pal

19B

lack

Mic

ro C

onst

ruct

ion

Dep

otye

sno

Pal

20P

elel

iuLa

ndfil

lno

yes

Pal

21A

ngua

rLa

ndfil

lno

yes



SAM

OA

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Sam

01V

aite

leB

lueb

ird T

rans

port

Ltd

Ex

timbe

r tr

eatm

ent s

iteno

yes

Sam

02N

u’u

Min

istr

y of

Agr

icul

ture

Agr

icul

ture

res

earc

h &

ext

ensi

onye

sye

s

Sam

03S

aval

alo,

Api

aS

C P

erci

val L

tdP

est c

ontr

ol c

hem

ical

sye

sno

Sam

04A

pia

Dep

artm

ent o

f Hea

lthN

atio

nal H

ospi

tal

yes

no

Sam

05V

ailim

aM

inis

try

of A

gric

ultu

reLi

vest

ock

deve

lopm

ent

yes

no

Sam

06A

pia

Edu

catio

n D

epar

tmen

t (C

DU

)C

urric

ulum

Dev

elop

men

tye

sno

Sam

07V

iate

leE

lect

ric P

ower

Cor

pora

tion

Mai

nten

ance

bas

eye

sye

s

Sam

08V

ailim

aE

lect

ric P

ower

Cor

pora

tion

Pow

er s

tatio

nno

yes

Sam

09Ta

faig

ata

Dep

artm

ent o

f Env

ironm

ent &

Con

serv

atio

nA

pia

land

fill

noye

s

Sam

10A

pia

Agr

icul

ture

Sto

res

Cor

pora

tion

Agr

icul

ture

che

mic

al &

oth

er r

etai

lno

yes

Sam

11V

aite

leA

gric

ultu

re S

tore

Cor

pora

tion

Agr

icul

ture

che

mic

al &

oth

erno

yes

Sam

12A

sau

Min

istr

y of

Agr

icul

ture

/ Fo

rest

ry D

ivis

ion

Fore

stry

offi

ceye

sno

Sam

13A

sau

Min

istr

y of

Agr

icul

ture

/ Fo

rest

ry D

ivis

ion

For

estr

y nu

rser

yye

sno

Sam

14M

aota

Min

istr

y of

Agr

icul

ture

/ Fo

rest

ry D

ivis

ion

Fore

stry

offi

ceye

sno

Sam

15A

sau

Sam

oa F

ores

t Cor

pora

tion

Ltd

Tim

ber m

illye

sye

s

Sam

16S

alel

olog

aE

lect

ric P

ower

Cor

pora

tion

Pow

er s

tatio

nye

sye

s

Sam

17S

avai

i (2)

Ele

ctric

Pow

er C

orpo

ratio

nP

ower

sta

tion

yes

yes



SOL

OM

ON

ISL

AN

DS

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Sol

01H

onia

raM

etap

ona

Pla

ins

Sto

rage

She

d on

Ric

e F

arm

yes

yes

Sol

02H

onia

ra (

Ran

adi)

Min

. of H

ealth

& M

edic

al S

ervi

ces

(MH

MS

)R

ural

Wat

er S

uppl

y S

hed

yes

yes

Sol

03M

unda

MH

MS

Sto

reS

tore

noye

s

Sol

04H

onia

raG

eolo

gy L

abor

ator

yLa

bora

tory

& S

tora

geno

yes

Sol

05H

onia

raF

ishe

ries

Sto

reS

tore

noye

s

Sol

06H

onia

raB

aitfi

sh L

abor

ator

yLa

bora

tory

noye

s

Sol

07H

onia

raB

road

cast

ing

Site

Rad

io T

rans

mitt

ing

Site

yes

yes

Sol

08G

izo

yes

yes

Sol

09R

anad

iS

olom

ons

Isla

nds

Ele

ctric

ity A

utho

rity

(SIE

A)P

ower

sta

tion

yes

no

Sol

10R

anad

iM

HM

SH

ardw

are

She

dye

sye

s

Sol

11G

izo

MH

MS

Hos

pita

l / m

alar

ia c

ontr

olye

sno

Sol

12G

izo

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

Sto

reno

no

Sol

13G

izo

SIE

AP

ower

sta

tion

yes

yes

Sol

14Li

apar

i Is.

Sto

reno

no

Sol

15N

oro,

Mun

daS

olom

on T

aiyo

Ltd

.F

ish

proc

essi

ngye

sno

TO

NG

A

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Tong

01N

ukua

lofa

Tong

a E

PB

& S

hore

line

Pow

erP

ower

sta

tion

yes

yes

Tong

02N

ukua

lofa

MO

W te

stin

g st

atio

nVe

hicl

e se

rvic

ing

noye

s

Tong

03N

ukua

lofa

Gov

ernm

ent S

tore

sE

x D

PW

tim

ber

trea

tmen

t site

noye

s



TU

VA

LU

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Tuva

01

Fun

afut

iTu

valu

Ele

ctric

Pow

er C

orp

Ele

ctric

ity g

ener

atio

nye

sye

s

Tuva

02

Fun

afut

iM

inis

try

of H

ealth

Hos

pita

l lab

orat

ory

yes

no

Tuva

03

Fun

afut

iD

epar

tmen

t of A

gric

ultu

reS

tora

ge s

hed

(wha

rf)

yes

no

Tuva

04

Fun

afut

iP

ublic

Wor

ksP

W D

epot

yes

yes

Tuva

05

Am

atuk

uD

epar

tmen

t of H

ealth

Mar

itim

e S

choo

lno

yes

Tuva

06

Vai

tupu

Tuva

lu E

lect

ric C

orpo

ratio

nP

ower

sta

tion

noye

s

Tuva

07

Vai

tupu

Dep

artm

ent o

f Edu

catio

nS

econ

dary

sch

ool

yes

no

Tuva

08

Fun

afut

iM

inis

try

of H

ealth

Hos

pita

lye

sno

Tuva

09

No.

2 H

anga

rF

unaf

uti

Trad

ers

Sto

rage

she

dye

sno

VA

NU

AT

U

Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Van

01Ta

bage

, P

ort V

ilaQ

uara

ntin

e S

tore

Fum

igat

ion

& Q

uara

ntin

eye

sye

s

Van

02Lu

ganv

ille

Qua

rant

ine

Sto

reF

umig

atio

n &

Qua

rant

ine

yes

yes

Van

03E

spiri

tu S

anto

Cha

puis

, Sto

re 1

Agr

icul

tura

l Sta

tion

yes

yes

Van

04E

spiri

tu S

anto

Cha

puis

- O

ld S

tore

Agr

icul

tura

l Sto

reye

sye

s

Van

05Lu

ganv

ille

San

to V

enee

r &

Tim

ber

Saw

mill

yes

yes

Van

06E

spiri

tu S

anto

Bus

h S

iteT

imbe

r Pre

serv

atio

nye

sye

s

Van

07E

spiri

tu S

anto

Coc

onut

Pro

duct

s Lt

dS

oap

Man

ufac

ture

noye

s

Van

08Lu

ganv

ille

Mel

coffe

Tim

ber

Saw

mill

& T

imbe

r P

rese

rvat

ion

yes

yes

Van

09Lu

ganv

ille

Hos

pita

lE

nviro

nmen

tal H

ealth

Sto

reye

sno

Van

10E

spiri

tu S

anto

Fren

ch A

gric

ultu

ral S

tatio

nA

gric

ultu

re r

esea

rch

yes

no



Sit

eL

oca

tio

nS

ite

Ow

ner

Sit

e A

ctiv

ity

Su

rplu

s C

hem

ical

sC

on

tam

inat

ion

Van1

1P

ort V

ilaU

NE

LCO

Pow

er g

ener

atio

nye

sno

Van

12E

spiri

tu S

anto

UN

ELC

OP

ower

gen

erat

ion

yes

no

Van

13P

ort V

ilaLa

ndfil

lno

no

Van

14E

spiri

tu S

anto

Land

fill

nono

Van

15P

ort V

ilaR

ainb

ow G

arde

nsM

arke

t Gar

dens

nono

Van

16P

ort V

ilaTe

oum

a M

arke

t Gar

dens

nono

Van

17E

spiri

tu S

anto

For

mer

fore

stry

res

earc

h st

atio

nno

no


Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals Page B15

ANNEXES B.2, B.3 & B.4 -CHEMICALS IDENTIFIED IN THE SURVEYS

The chemicals database for the POPs in PICs report contains over 600 entries including about 300individual chemicals. Reports generated from this database are as follows:

Chemicals - Master Copy This is a record of all 600 entries. It is not attached to this report dueto its length (65 pages) but is available upon request.

Pesticides This report is given in Annex B2 and contains all materials com-monly referred to as pesticides.

Hydrocarbons This report includes oils and bitumen, and is given in Annex B3.

Miscellaneous Chemicals This report is given in Annex B4, and contains all materials not listedabove and includes fertilisers and timber treatment chemicals.


Page B16 Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals - Pesticides

AN

NE

X B

.2:

PE

STIC

IDE

S

CO

OK

ISL

AN

DS

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

ook0

1S

ulph

urF

ungi

cide

500.

0U

seab

leLa

nd a

pplic

atio

nG

iven

aw

ay fo

r lo

cal u

se

Coo

k02

Die

ldrin

Die

ldrit

e 25

EC

Inse

ctic

ide

80.0

5 dr

ums

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

List

ed in

PO

Ps

Con

vent

ion

Coo

k02

Met

habe

nzth

iazu

ron

Trib

unil

Her

bici

de1.

01

pack

etP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Sim

azin

eS

imaz

ine

50 S

CH

erbi

cide

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Man

coze

bD

ithan

e M

45F

ungi

cide

100.

04

sack

sP

oor

Land

app

licat

ion

Coo

k02

Man

coze

b/m

etal

axyl

Rid

omil

M78

Fun

gici

de16

0.0

8 sa

cks

Poo

rLa

nd a

pplic

atio

nC

ook0

22,

4,5-

T e

ster

Her

bici

de1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lLi

sted

in P

IC C

onve

ntio

n

Coo

k02

Oxa

myl

Vyd

ate

Inse

ctic

ide

10.0

2 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Leno

cil

Venz

ar 8

0%0.

51

pack

etO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2B

enom

ylB

enla

te 5

0%F

ungi

cide

3.5

4 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2M

etrib

uzin

Sen

cor

Her

bici

de0.

11

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Car

bary

lS

evin

Inse

ctic

ide

0.1

10 c

artr

idge

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2Te

rbac

ilS

inba

r 80

%H

erbi

cide

4.5

9 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2P

hosa

mid

Kre

nite

48%

Her

bici

de4.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Dev

rinol

l 50

Her

bici

de2.

01

pack

etO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2U

nlab

elle

d liq

uid

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2A

ldic

arb

Term

ic 1

0%In

sect

icid

e1.

01

pack

etP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

1A

Coo

k02

Car

bary

lS

epta

n 80

WIn

sect

icid

e0.

51

pack

etP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Cyf

uthr

inB

ayth

roid

5%

Inse

ctic

ide

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Sul

phur

Fun

gici

de27

0.0

12 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k02

Lind

ane

50W

BH

CIn

sect

icid

e21

.011

pac

kets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

List

ed in

PIC

Con

vent

ion

Coo

k02

Per

met

hrin

Am

bush

Inse

ctic

ide

1.0

1 ca

nR

usty

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

25.0

1 sa

ckP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Atr

azin

eA

ctaz

ine

80H

erbi

cide

3.0

2 pa

cket

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Chl

orpi

ryfo

sLo

rsba

n 4

EIn

sect

icid

e2.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2S

imaz

ine

Ges

atop

80

Her

bici

de2.

01

pack

etO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l


Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals - Pesticides Page B17

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

ook0

2Tr

iflur

alin

Tref

lane

Her

bici

de2.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2C

oppe

r su

lpha

teF

ungi

cide

20.0

2 ba

gsO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook0

2B

iert

anol

Bay

cor

EC

300

Fun

gici

de1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Din

ocap

Kar

atha

ne W

DF

ungi

cide

1.0

1 pa

cket

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Ben

tazo

neB

asag

ran

Her

bici

de6.

02

bottl

esP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

blac

k liq

uid

0.8

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Lim

e-su

lphu

rF

ungi

cide

20.0

1 ca

nO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook0

2N

emac

or P

Nem

atoc

ide

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Mul

tipro

p2.

02

bottl

esP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Per

met

hrin

Am

bush

10

EC

Inse

ctic

ide

6.0

3 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Cou

nter

10G

Inse

ctic

ide

6.0

2 ca

nsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Dia

zino

nD

iazi

non

50W

Inse

ctic

ide

8.0

4 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Nap

hthy

l ace

tic a

cid

Pla

nofix

Pla

nt g

row

th r

egul

ator

40.0

400

bottl

esP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Cop

per

oxid

eP

eren

oxF

ungi

cide

25.0

5 ca

nsP

oor

Loca

l use

Coo

k02

Das

omet

Bas

amid

Fum

igan

t12

.06

pack

ets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Pro

pico

nazo

leT

ilt 2

50 E

CF

ungi

cide

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

2,4-

D a

min

eH

erbi

cide

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Chl

orot

hani

lB

ravo

Fun

gici

de0.

21

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

2.0

3 pa

cket

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

liqui

d3.

03

bottl

esP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Dia

zino

nB

asud

in 5

0In

sect

icid

e2.

02

pack

ets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

2,4-

D e

ster

2,4-

D e

ster

80%

Her

bici

de10

.02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2A

lum

iniu

m p

hosp

hide

Pho

stox

inF

umig

ant

65.0

65 b

ottle

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2N

emaz

on 7

5%20

.01

can

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Chl

orot

hani

lB

ravo

W75

Fun

gici

de25

.01

drum

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

Fun

gici

de50

.02

sack

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2Iz

asof

osM

iral 1

0gN

emat

ocid

e0.

51

pack

etO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Alli

san

Fun

gici

de2.

01

pack

etO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2C

hlor

pyrif

osC

hlor

pyro

fos

Inse

ctic

ide

10.5

7 ca

nsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2Q

uint

ozen

eB

rass

icol

75W

Fun

gici

de1.

01

pack

etP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Met

sulfu

ron

Esc

ort

Her

bici

de0.

31

jar

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Met

hioc

arb

Mes

urol

2%

Sna

il ba

it0.

51

jar

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

liqui

d1.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Dip

hena

mid

Eni

de 5

0WH

erbi

cide

0.3

3 ja

rsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

ook0

2G

lyph

osat

eS

ting

Her

bici

de1.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Dim

etho

ate

Rog

orIn

sect

icid

e5.

01

can

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Nitr

ofen

TOK

2H

erbi

cide

2.0

1 ca

nP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Sul

phur

Fun

gici

de27

0.0

12 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k02

Bac

illus

thur

igen

isis

BT

KIn

sect

icid

e5.

56

pack

ets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Chl

orth

alH

erbi

cide

5.0

2 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2P

ropa

chlo

rR

amro

d 50

%H

erbi

cide

0.2

1 pa

cket

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Kep

one

5%1.

01

pack

etP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Del

sene

M20

010

.01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Pro

thio

sTo

kuth

ion

Inse

ctic

ide

1.0

1 ca

nR

usty

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Car

bend

azim

Bav

istin

Fun

gici

de1.

01

pack

etP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Ben

odan

ileC

aliru

s 50

%F

ungi

cide

0.5

1 pa

cket

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2U

nlab

elle

d po

wde

rS

oil s

teril

ant

3.0

3 ja

rsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Trid

emor

phC

alix

inF

ungi

cide

0.5

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2O

xadi

zon

For

esite

Her

bici

de2.

02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2C

opac

E0.

41

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2A

traz

ine

Act

azin

e 50

%H

erbi

cide

2.5

1 ca

nLe

akin

gO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Pla

navi

n 75

Her

bici

de2.

51

pack

etO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2M

etha

mip

hos

Mon

itor

60%

Inse

ctic

ide

2.5

1 ca

nP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

liqui

d5.

01

can

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Ipro

dion

eR

ovra

l 50%

Fun

gici

de0.

51

pack

etP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Tria

dim

efon

Bay

leto

n 12

%F

ungi

cide

0.5

1 pa

cket

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook0

2Io

xyni

lTo

trill

Her

bici

de5.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Chl

orbu

fan/

Chl

orid

azon

Alic

epH

erbi

cide

2.5

1 pa

cket

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Fen

arim

olR

ubig

anIn

sect

icid

e1.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Chl

orth

alD

acth

al 7

5WH

erbi

cide

5.0

1 pa

cket

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k02

Pro

pyza

mid

eK

erb

50W

Her

bici

de0.

21

jar

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k02

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

250.

08

sack

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k04

Eth

ylen

e di

brom

ide

ED

BF

umig

ant

400.

02

drum

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lLi

sted

in P

IC C

onve

ntio

n

Coo

k13

Alu

min

ium

pho

sphi

deP

host

oxin

Fum

igan

t25

.0P

oor

Loca

l dis

posa

lC

ook1

3U

nlab

elle

d liq

uids

22.0

2 ca

nsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k14

Cop

per

sulp

hate

Fun

gici

de10

00.0

20 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k14

Larv

icid

eS

oil f

umig

ant

100.

05

drum

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k14

Sul

phur

Fun

gici

de75

0.0

16 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

ook1

4C

arbo

fura

nF

urad

anIn

sect

icid

e75

0.0

30 s

acks

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k14

Fea

nam

ipho

sN

emac

ur 1

0GN

emat

icid

e65

0.0

26 b

ags/

drum

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

1A

Coo

k14

Oxa

myl

Vyd

ate

LIn

sect

icid

e32

0.0

80 b

ottle

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

7R

edic

ote

N-6

0630

0.0

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k17

Iron

sul

phat

eS

oil n

utrie

nt20

00.0

Ok

Land

app

licat

ion

Coo

k17

Cop

per

sulp

hate

Fun

gici

de10

00.0

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k17

Pot

ash

Fer

tilis

er20

00.0

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k17

Am

mon

ium

Nitr

ate

Fer

tilis

er35

0.0

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k17

Man

coze

bM

aneb

80

Fun

gici

de50

.0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

7D

iazi

non

20P

Inse

ctic

ide

12.0

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k17

Fus

illad

e15

.0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

7M

alat

hion

Inse

ctic

ide

750

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

7C

ops

Ban

50W

7.5

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k17

OC

Oil

7.0

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k17

Koc

ide

101

2.0

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k17

Dys

ol 2

02.

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

7K

arm

ex2.

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k17

Pot

assi

um S

ulph

ate

Fer

tilis

er15

0.0

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k17

Sta

bilis

er 2

6060

550

.0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

7D

DT

Inse

ctic

ide

20.0

1 dr

umO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lLi

sted

in P

OP

s C

onve

ntio

n

Coo

k18

Cop

s B

an 5

0W7.

5O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

8R

idom

il 1

30.0

13 b

ucke

tsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

8K

arm

ex20

.08

pkts

.O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k18

Hyv

arx

135.

09

cart

ons

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k18

Fer

tilon

Can

bi20

.01

bag

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k18

Bor

axN

utrie

nt50

.010

bag

sO

kLo

cal u

se

Coo

k18

Lors

ban

Her

bici

de50

.01

bag

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k18

Bas

idin

10.0

1 ba

gO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

8P

lant

ofix

Fer

tilis

er15

.6O

kLo

cal u

se

Coo

k18

Mal

athi

onIn

sect

icid

e20

.0 1

0 pk

tsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

8A

ttack

Her

bici

de2.

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

8M

ilcur

b5.

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Coo

k18

Dia

zino

nIn

sect

icid

e2.

02

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Coo

k18

Mis

ting

oil

40.

02

bottl

esO

kLo

cal u

se



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

ook1

8U

nlab

elle

d5.

616

pkt

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

ook1

8U

rea

Fer

tilis

er 3

20.0

9 sa

cks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k18

Sup

erph

osph

ate

Fer

tilis

er16

0.0

4 sa

cks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k18

Sul

phat

e of

Am

mon

iaF

ertil

iser

200.

05

sack

sO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook1

8B

orax

Fer

tilis

er68

0.0

17 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k18

Blo

od &

Bon

eF

ertil

iser

120.

03

sack

sO

kLo

cal u

se

Coo

k18

Sul

phat

eN

utrie

nt10

.01

sack

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k18

Unl

abel

led

Fer

tilis

er20

.0po

orLa

nd a

pplic

atio

n

FIJ

I

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sF

j01

Car

bary

lS

evin

Inse

ctic

ide

2250

.01,

500

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

1C

arba

ryl

Sev

in 8

0%In

sect

icid

e72

3.0

482

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

1Tr

ichl

orfo

nD

icid

exIn

sect

icid

e24

22.0

2422

bot

tles

Leak

ing

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

1A

ceph

ate

Ort

hene

Inse

ctic

ide

414.

255

22 p

kts

Ok

Lim

e tr

eatm

ent

Fj0

1P

ropa

nil

Ric

ecle

anH

erbi

cide

4656

.011

64 c

ans

Fai

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

1M

alat

hion

Mal

athi

onIn

sect

icid

e10

0.0

Poo

rO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lH

as b

een

repa

cked

Fj0

1P

ropa

nil

Her

bici

de48

.0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j01

Atr

azin

eG

esap

rim 8

0H

erbi

cide

14.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

2F

umaz

one

Nem

atic

ide

180.

09

cans

Poo

rLi

me

trea

tmen

tF

j02

Man

coze

bM

aneb

Fun

gici

de22

00.0

100

sack

sB

roke

nLa

nd a

pplic

atio

nF

j02

X-5

5S

olve

nt36

0.0

18 d

rum

sF

air

Loca

l use

Fj0

3Tr

ichl

orfo

nD

icid

exIn

sect

icid

e21

.021

can

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

3C

arba

ryl

Sev

inIn

sect

icid

e48

.032

bag

sF

air

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

3P

ropa

nil

Ric

ecle

an 1

Her

bici

de15

6.0

39 c

ans

Fai

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lto

poo

r

Fj0

4Is

opro

carb

ET

RO

50%

pow

der

3000

.020

00 b

ags

Mos

tlyO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lgo

odF

j06

Tric

hlor

fon

Dic

idex

Inse

ctic

ide

3585

.023

90 b

ags

Poo

r,O

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lle

akin

g



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sF

j06

Car

bary

lS

evin

Inse

ctic

ide

484.

532

3 pk

tsG

ood

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

7P

ropa

nil

Ric

ecle

anH

erbi

cide

16.0

4 ca

nsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

7C

arba

ryl

Sev

inIn

sect

icid

e35

0.0

700

pkts

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j07

Car

bary

lS

evin

Inse

ctic

ide

483.

032

2 pk

tsG

ood

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

7Tr

ichl

orfo

nD

icid

exIn

sect

icid

e73

0.0

730

pkts

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Ber

omyl

Ben

late

Fun

gici

de1.

01

pkt

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8B

ugco

r1.

01

pkt

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

8C

hlor

otha

loni

lB

ravo

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Flu

saia

zol

Pun

ch0.

31

bottl

eO

pen

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8U

nlab

elle

d4.

04

bottl

esO

pen

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8A

3953

E1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Oxa

diaz

onR

onst

arflo

Her

bici

de2.

02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Car

bary

lS

evin

Inse

ctic

ide

3.0

2 pk

tsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

8C

hlor

otha

loni

lB

ravo

Fun

gici

de2.

01

can

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8M

etal

axyl

Rid

omil

Fun

gici

de2.

01

bag

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Oxa

diaz

onR

onst

arex

Isra

el1.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8B

enom

ylB

enla

teF

ungi

cide

2.0

1 ba

gP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8U

nlab

elle

dP

owde

r4.

01

bag

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Unl

abel

led

Liqu

id2.

02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

8E

ndos

ulfa

nIn

sect

icid

e4.

01

can

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Unl

abel

led

4.0

2 ca

nsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Dim

etho

ate

Rog

orIn

sect

icid

e1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

8P

enco

nato

leTo

pas

2.0

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Pro

prin

ebA

ntra

col

Fun

gici

de2.

02

pkts

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Ipro

dine

Rov

ral

Fun

gici

de1.

01

bottl

eF

air

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8M

etho

myl

Lann

ate

Inse

ctic

ide

4.0

2 ca

nsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8U

nlab

elle

d1.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8D

icof

olM

ithga

n1.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

8C

yflu

thrin

Bay

thro

me

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j08

Epl

ain

4.0

1 ca

nP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9U

nlab

elle

d3.

01

bag

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9U

nlab

elle

dN

emat

acid

e20

.01

sack

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9U

nlab

elle

d1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Isop

roca

rbE

tro

50In

sect

icid

e2.

02

bottl

esG

ood

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sF

j09

Unl

abel

led

12.0

3 P

E c

ans

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9T

hiob

enca

rbS

atur

n 50

Her

bici

de3.

03

bottl

esG

ood

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9T

hiob

enca

rbS

atur

nH

erbi

cide

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Goo

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Cyp

erm

ethr

inC

ymbu

sh 3

ED

Inse

ctic

ide

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Goo

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

9U

nlab

elle

d12

.03

cans

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9D

imet

hoat

eR

ogor

Inse

ctic

ide

4.0

1 ca

nP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9Tr

ichl

orfo

nTr

idex

Inse

ctic

ide

5.0

1 ca

nG

ood

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9Te

rrac

oat

5D1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Tric

hlor

fon

Dic

idex

Inse

ctic

ide

6.0

6 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9M

LPL

0.4

1 pk

tO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

9A

mm

opho

s8.

04

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9P

ropa

nil

Ric

ecle

an 1

Her

bici

de4.

01

can

Goo

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Pyr

inex

Jol

t CA

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9F

oset

ylA

liette

Inse

ctic

ide

5.0

1 ba

gP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9K

ilral

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Goo

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Car

bary

lS

epte

ne 8

0In

sect

icid

e4.

53

pkts

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Sop

ra1.

01

bottl

eF

air

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9A

erop

hos

15.0

1 sa

ckO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Cop

per

oxyc

hlor

ide

Cob

ox 3

4% E

CF

ungi

cide

3.0

3 bo

tteO

kLo

cal u

seF

j09

Prim

ex4.

01

can

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

9P

erm

ethr

inA

mbu

sh 1

0 E

CIn

sect

icid

e1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Car

bena

zim

Bav

istin

FL

Fun

gici

de1.

01

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Bre

stam

bo2.

02

pkt

Fai

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

9M

etrib

uzin

Sen

cor

WP

70

Her

bici

de2.

01

pkt

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

92,

4-D

est

erIm

puto

x4.

51

can

Goo

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Met

alax

ylR

idom

il W

P 4

5F

ungi

cide

2.0

1 pk

tP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9B

eade

x1.

01

pkt

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Fj0

9Tr

iadi

mef

onB

ayle

ton

Fun

gici

de, e

x2.

02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lF

j09

Chl

orm

equa

tC

ycoc

el 7

50P

lant

gro

wth

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Goo

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Fj0

9V

incl

ozol

inR

onila

n F

LF

ungi

cide

1.0

1 pk

tO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l



FSM

(C

HU

UK

)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

hk01

Vap

amS

oil F

umig

ant

70.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l(A

ll C

hk01

sto

cks

wer

e)

Chk

01B

acill

us th

urin

gien

sis

Dip

ell

Inse

ctic

ide

35.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l(p

acke

d in

to d

rum

s in

199

4)C

hk01

Unl

abel

led

Pow

der

10.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

hk01

Chl

orth

alD

acth

al W

-75

Her

bici

de31

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01S

ulph

urF

loto

x8.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01D

iuro

nK

arm

exH

erbi

cide

114.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01U

nlab

elle

d Li

quid

24.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01M

etal

dehy

de/ C

hlor

dane

Mol

lusc

ide

10.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

hk01

Pre

mis

eD

isin

fect

ant

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

hk01

Cap

tan

Ort

hoF

ungi

cide

100.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01M

ethy

l Bro

mid

e5.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Ozo

ne d

eple

ter

Chk

01M

alat

hion

95%

Fyf

anon

Inse

ctic

ide

40.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

hk01

Eth

epon

8.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01D

imet

hoat

eD

imet

hoat

eIn

sect

icid

e48

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01Z

erla

te12

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01D

imet

hoat

eC

ygon

Inse

ctic

ide

45.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01P

heno

licD

isin

fect

ant

0.1

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

hk01

1-na

pthy

lace

tam

ide

Fru

itone

Pla

nt g

row

th r

eg.

0.3

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

hk01

Qui

ntoz

ene

Terr

aclo

r 75

%F

ungi

cide

50.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01M

arla

te4.

1P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01O

rtho

Fly

Bai

t6.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01C

apta

nO

rtho

cide

Fun

gici

de13

1.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01P

arat

hion

Par

athi

onIn

sect

icid

e22

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

1A

Chk

011-

napt

hyla

cetic

aci

dR

ooto

neP

lant

gro

wth

reg

.0.

1P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01To

mat

o du

stF

ungi

cide

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01C

arba

ryl

Sev

in 5

0In

sect

icid

e2.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01C

apta

nC

apta

n 50

WP

Fun

gici

de31

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01Te

rsan

75

12.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01M

anco

zeb

Man

zate

Fun

gici

de11

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01S

trep

tom

ycin

Agr

imyc

in4.

5P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01B

anro

t 40%

WP

Fun

gici

de7.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

hk01

Ben

omyl

Ben

late

14.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Chk

01B

loss

om S

et0.

2P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Chk

01B

orde

aux

mix

ture

17.3

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lC

hk01

Sem

esan

Turf

Fun

gici

de2.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

FSM

(P

OH

NP

EI)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sP

ohn0

6D

iuro

nK

arm

exH

erbi

cide

1.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

1, 1

994

Poh

n06

Dim

etho

ate

Dim

etho

ate

Inse

ctic

ide

12.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Diu

ron

Kar

mex

Her

bici

de2.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

6C

hlor

pyrif

osIn

sect

icid

e8.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4

Poh

n06

Pho

spho

ric A

cid

2.5

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Sim

azin

Alg

i-Gon

Her

bici

de2.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4P

ohn0

6C

apta

nC

apta

nH

erbi

cide

8.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Pho

spha

teIn

sect

icid

e0.

5P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

6C

arba

ryl

Car

bary

lIn

sect

icid

e2.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Poh

n06

Man

coze

bM

anza

teF

ungi

cide

1.5

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Car

bary

lS

evin

Inse

ctic

ide

0.1

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lP

ohn0

6M

alat

hion

Mal

athi

onIn

sect

icid

e6.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

62,

4-D

Her

bici

de4.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4

Poh

n06

Dis

ulfo

ton

Di-S

ysto

nIn

sect

icid

e1.

5P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

1A

Poh

n06

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

2.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Unl

abel

led

liqui

d20

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4

Poh

n06

Dis

ulfo

ton

Di-S

ysto

nIn

sect

icid

e34

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

1A

,P

ohn0

6U

nlab

elle

d liq

uid

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

3, 1

994

Poh

n06

Dis

ulfo

ton

Di-S

ysto

n27

2.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lW

HO

Cla

ss 1

A,

Poh

n06

Cop

per

sulp

hate

Blu

e S

tone

Fun

gici

de1.

0P

oor

Loca

l use

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

6C

apta

nC

apta

nIn

sect

icid

e2.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4P

ohn0

6M

anco

zeb

Dith

ane

Fun

gici

de7.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sP

ohn0

6C

arba

ryl

Car

bary

lIn

sect

icid

e0.

5P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Poh

n06

Mal

athi

onM

alat

hion

Inse

ctic

ide

3.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

1, 1

994

Poh

n06

Dia

zino

nD

iazi

non

Inse

ctic

ide

0.1

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

1, 1

994

Poh

n06

Liqu

id Ir

onN

utrie

nt1.

0P

oor

Loca

l use

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

62,

4-D

Her

bici

de12

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4

Poh

n06

Dia

zino

nD

iazi

non

Inse

ctic

ide

0.1

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Dic

ofol

Kel

than

eIn

sect

icid

e2.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4P

ohn0

6C

hlor

otha

loni

lB

ravo

Her

bici

de1.

5P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4

Poh

n06

Unl

abel

led

liqui

d8.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

, 199

4P

ohn0

6D

inoc

apK

arat

hane

Her

bici

de9.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

6C

hlor

otha

loni

lB

ravo

Her

bici

de3.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4

Poh

n06

Dex

on4.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

6B

otra

n4.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 2

, 199

4P

ohn0

6D

icof

olK

elth

ane

Inse

ctic

ide

16.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Dim

etho

ate

Dim

etho

ate

Inse

ctic

ide

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Dia

bron

2.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2, 1

994

Poh

n06

Man

coze

bM

anza

teF

ungi

cide

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

1, 1

994

Poh

n07

Unl

abel

leds

1300

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

udes

DD

TP

ohn1

2D

DT

Inse

ctic

ide

2000

.0B

urie

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

n

FSM

(Y

AP)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sYa

p0

5M

anco

zeb

Man

zate

20D

Fun

gici

de6.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

(All

stoc

ks a

t Yap

05

wer

e

Yap

05

Bac

illus

Thu

ringi

engs

isD

ipel

Wor

m K

iller

1.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lpa

cked

into

dru

ms

in 1

994)

Yap

05

Thi

odan

50

WP

Inse

ctic

ide

2.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5M

anco

zeb

Dith

ane

M4D

Fun

gici

de1.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Yap

05

Man

coze

bD

ithan

e M

45F

ungi

cide

6.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5C

apta

nO

rtho

cide

50

Fun

gici

de13

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Yap

05B

enom

ylB

enla

teF

ungi

cide

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Yap

05

Car

bary

lS

evin

50

WIn

sect

icid

e14

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sYa

p0

5U

nlab

elle

d P

owde

r11

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5U

nlab

elle

d P

owde

r5.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Yap

05

Dic

ofol

Kel

than

e 35

Miti

cide

2.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Yap

05

Met

hom

ylG

olde

n M

alrin

Fly

Bai

t1.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Yap0

5Tr

iton

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5C

apta

nC

apta

n W

PF

ungi

cide

2.0

Poo

rO

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land

dis

posa

l

Yap

05

Met

hom

ylLa

nnat

e L

Inse

ctic

ide

16.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Yap0

5N

aled

Ort

ho B

ibro

m 8

Inse

ctic

ide

4.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5D

imet

hoat

eC

ygon

Inse

ctic

ide

8.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Yap

05

Par

amite

Tic

k K

iller

0.3

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5U

nlab

elle

d Li

quid

2.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5M

ethy

l bro

mid

eF

umig

ant

110

tube

sG

ood

Off-

isla

nd d

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sal

Ozo

ne d

eple

ter

Yap

05

Din

ocap

Kar

atha

ne W

DF

ungi

cide

22.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lYa

p0

5U

nlab

elle

d po

wde

rsF

ertil

iser

s13

00.0

Ok

Loca

l use

Yap

05

OLW

Ter

raci

de4.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Yap

05

Unl

abel

led

Liqu

id20

.0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Yap

09

Cop

per

Cle

arW

ood

37.0

Ok

Loca

l use

pres

erva

tive

KIR

IBA

TI

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sK

ir08

Zin

c P

hosp

hide

Rat

poi

son

200.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Kir0

8U

nlab

elle

d liq

uids

400.

0P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Kir1

7D

iazi

non

Ag

500

Inse

ctic

ide

*P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Kir1

7U

nlab

elle

dP

oiso

ns*

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Kir1

7C

arba

ryl

Sev

inIn

sect

icid

e*

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lK

ir17

Mal

athi

onM

alat

hion

Inse

ctic

ide

*P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Kir1

7B

rom

acil

Bro

mac

ilH

erbi

cide

*P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

(Not

e: A

n in

vent

ory

of th

e st

ocks

on

Kan

ton

Isla

nd (

site

Kir1

7) is

not

yet

ava

ilabl

e)



MA

RSH

AL

L I

SLA

ND

S

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sM

arsh

01D

inoc

apF

ungi

cide

3.0

3 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lM

arsh

01C

arba

ryl

Sev

inIn

sect

icid

e7.

516

pac

kets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Mar

sh01

unla

belle

dP

estic

ide

13.5

27 b

ottle

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lM

arsh

01W

arfa

rinR

at p

oiso

n4.

040

pac

kets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

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sal

Mar

sh01

Met

alde

hyde

Met

alde

hyde

Mol

lusc

ide

2.5

21 p

acke

tsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Mar

sh01

Tetr

aclo

rter

epht

halic

aci

d5.

020

pac

kets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Mar

sh01

Met

hyl 1

-(bu

tylc

arba

moy

l)-2-

6.0

6 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lM

arsh

01D

icof

olK

elth

ane

Aca

ricid

e2.

04

pack

ets

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Mar

sh01

Tetr

achl

oro-

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htha

l oni

trile

4.5

9 pa

cket

sO

kO

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land

dis

posa

lM

arsh

01O

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imet

hyl-S

-(N

-met

hyl..

Inse

ctic

ide

3.0

3 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

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sal

Mar

sh01

Zin

ebF

ungi

cide

1.8

3 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Mar

sh01

Trip

heny

l ac

etat

eB

rest

anF

ungi

cide

0.7

7 pa

cket

sO

kO

ff-is

land

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-eth

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nitr

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sect

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04

bottl

esO

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land

dis

posa

l

NIU

E

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

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ame

Bra

nd

Nam

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pe

Qu

anti

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on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

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sN

u01

Cop

per

oxyc

hlor

ide

Rec

apF

ungi

cide

28.0

7 pk

tsP

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Loca

l use

Nu0

1F

etril

onN

utrie

nt m

ix75

.03

sack

sO

kLo

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seN

u01

Chl

orot

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nil

Bra

vo 5

00F

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cide

20.0

4 bo

ttles

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u01

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

25.0

1 sa

ckP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

1M

anco

zeb

Man

zate

Fun

gici

de60

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barr

els

Poo

rLa

nd a

pplic

atio

nN

u01

Cos

an25

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sack

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u01

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

150.

06

sack

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

1D

icof

olK

elth

ane

Inse

ctic

ide

25.0

1 sa

ckP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

1C

apta

nC

apta

nF

ungi

cide

22.0

11 p

kts

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u01

Car

bary

lC

arba

ryl 8

0WIn

sect

icid

e40

.020

pkt

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

1U

nlab

elle

d liq

uid

40.0

8 bo

ttles

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sN

u01

Kam

ax10

.05

pkts

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

2

Nu0

1U

nlab

elle

d po

wde

r25

.01

sack

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

13

Nu0

1M

anco

zeb

Dith

ane

78F

ungi

cide

160.

080

pkt

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

1U

nlab

elle

d po

wde

r50

.01

sack

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lD

rum

13

Nu0

1U

nlab

elle

d so

lid5.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

1N

u01

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

25.0

1 sa

ckP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Dru

m 1

1N

u01

Bro

mac

ilH

yvar

Inse

ctic

ide

7.5

3 pk

tsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

1A

sula

mA

sulo

xIn

sect

icid

e12

5.0

25 b

ottle

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2C

hlor

dane

Chl

orda

ne 4

0%In

sect

icid

e0.

52

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nN

u02

Eth

opro

phos

Moc

apIn

sect

icid

e13

.01

x dr

umO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lW

HO

Cla

ss 1

A

Nu0

2M

anco

zeb

Man

zeb

Fun

gici

de30

0.0

6 dr

ums

Poo

rLa

nd a

pplic

atio

nN

u02

Gly

phos

ate

Stin

gH

erbi

cide

0.1

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2C

oum

apho

sA

sunt

olIn

sect

icid

e0.

21

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

1A

Nu0

2U

nlab

elle

d liq

uids

3.8

5 bo

ttles

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Lab

chem

ical

s2.

0va

rious

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2C

apta

nC

apta

n 50

%F

ungi

cide

0.1

1 pk

tP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2A

ttack

Inse

ctic

ide

0.6

3 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2N

ever

ong

Ant

poi

son

0.2

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2Ip

rodi

one

Rov

ral 5

0%F

ungi

cide

0.5

1 pk

tP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2M

anco

zeb

Man

coze

b 80

%F

ungi

cide

2.0

2 pk

tsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2C

oppe

r ox

ychl

orid

eB

orde

aux

Fun

gici

de0.

32

pkts

Ok

Loca

l use

Nu0

2Z

ineb

Zin

eb 7

5% W

PF

ungi

cide

0.6

4 pk

tsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2P

araq

uat

Gra

mox

one

Her

bici

de5

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Nu0

2D

imet

hirim

olM

ilcur

bF

ungi

cide

8.0

8 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2P

yrim

phos

met

hyl

Act

ellic

50E

CIn

sect

icid

e2.

02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Pyr

imph

os/p

yret

hrum

Targ

etIn

sect

icid

e0.

75

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Nu0

2Le

vam

isol

e H

Cl

Avi

verm

Vet.

med

icin

e0.

11

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2H

ydro

carb

on o

ilC

onqu

eror

oil

Inse

ctic

ide

4.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2G

lyph

osat

eG

lyph

osat

e 36

0H

erbi

cide

2.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2Ya

tes

Frui

t S

pray

Inse

ctic

ide

0.4

3 pk

tsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Unl

abel

led

pow

der

0.5

1 ja

rP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2U

nlab

elle

d liq

uid

0.5

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Nu0

24-

indo

l-3-y

lbut

yric

Ser

adix

Pla

nt g

row

th r

eg.

1.8

3 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2P

rote

in B

ait

Attr

acta

nt2.

01

pkt

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l



Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sN

u02

Cop

per

oxyc

hlor

ide

Fun

gici

de7.

011

pkt

sO

kLo

cal u

se

Nu0

2Te

trac

hlor

oeth

ane

Lab.

che

mic

al0.

51

bottl

eO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Met

hyle

ugen

olLa

b. c

hem

ical

0.2

2 bo

ttles

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Unl

abel

led

liqui

d 0

.1 1

bot

tleP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2D

iforin

e0.

31

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2C

hloe

thep

hon

Eth

rel 4

8P

lant

gro

wth

reg

.2.

02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Unl

abel

led

liqui

d5.

01

bottl

eP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2T

hym

olLa

b. C

hem

ical

0.1

1 ja

rP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2P

ropy

zam

ide

Lab.

Che

mic

al1.

01

jar

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2D

erris

Dus

tIn

sect

icid

e3.

57

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2C

arbo

fura

nF

urad

anIn

sect

icid

e25

.01

sack

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

PA

LA

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sP

al05

DD

TIn

sect

icid

e12

00.0

6 dr

ums

Bur

ied

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Pal

12M

ixed

pes

ticid

es10

0.0

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l



SAM

OA

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sS

am02

Man

coze

bM

anza

teF

ungi

cide

2.0

1 pk

tP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

02M

aneb

Man

exF

ungi

cide

10.0

1 ba

gP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

02D

imet

hoat

eP

erfe

kthi

on S

Inse

ctic

ide

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

02A

ceph

ate

Ort

hene

Inse

ctic

ide

0.5

1 pk

tO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lS

am02

Man

coze

bM

anze

bF

ungi

cide

60.0

1pkt

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

03P

yret

hroi

dB

olt

Inse

ct s

pray

150.

015

dru

ms

Ok

Loca

l use

Sam

12Ip

rodi

one

Rov

ral F

loF

ungi

cide

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

12E

trid

iazo

leTe

rrra

zole

Fun

gici

de2.

04

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

12D

elta

met

hryn

Dec

is 2

.5%

Inse

ctic

ide

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

12P

erm

ethr

inP

erig

en 5

00In

sect

icid

e3.

03

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lS

am12

For

mal

dehy

deS

teril

ant

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Loca

l use

Sam

13C

arbo

fura

nF

urad

anIn

sect

icid

e4.

04

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

13A

ceph

ate

Ort

hene

Inse

ctic

ide

7.5

100

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

13Ip

rodi

one

Rov

ral F

loF

ungi

cide

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

13D

alap

onA

grip

onH

erbi

cide

2.0

2 pk

tsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Sam

13F

orm

alde

hyde

Ste

rilan

t85

.08

bottl

esO

kLo

cal u

seS

am14

Fos

etyl

(al

umin

ium

)A

liette

Fun

gici

de1.

01

pkt

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

14E

trid

iazo

leTe

rraz

ole

Fun

gici

de4.

08

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

14D

elta

met

hryn

Dec

is 2

.5%

Inse

ctic

ide

1.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

14Ip

rodi

one

Rov

ral F

loF

ungi

cide

10.0

2 bo

ttles

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

14A

mitr

ole

Am

itrol

e 40

0H

erbi

cide

5.0

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sam

14M

anco

zeb/

met

alax

ylR

idom

il M

ZF

ungi

cide

7.5

3 pk

tsO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lS

am14

4-in

dol-3

-ylb

utyr

icS

erad

ixP

lant

gro

wth

reg

.1.

02

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal



SOL

OM

ON

ISL

AN

DS

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sS

ol01

Unl

abel

led

liqui

ds16

00.0

8 dr

ums

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Sol

01P

ropa

nil

Sta

m F

-34

Her

bici

de54

00.0

27 d

rum

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lS

ol01

Zin

c ch

elat

eN

utrie

nt20

0.0

1 dr

umP

oor

Lim

e tr

eatm

ent

Sol

01E

thop

roph

osM

ocap

Nem

atic

ide

320.

016

sac

ksP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

IA

Sol

01T

hiob

enca

rbR

ice

Sat

urn

Inse

ctic

ide

200.

01

drum

Poo

rLi

me

trea

tmen

tS

ol01

Thi

oben

carb

Sat

urn

DIn

sect

icid

e60

0.0

3 dr

ums

Poo

rLi

me

trea

tmen

tS

ol02

DD

TIn

sect

icid

e20

00.0

10 b

oxes

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

n

Sol

02D

DT

Inse

ctic

ide,

800.

04

drum

sF

air

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Sol

03F

enitr

othi

onIn

sect

icid

e,30

0.0

3 sa

cks

Poo

rLi

me

trea

tmen

tS

ol03

Fen

itrot

hion

Inse

ctic

ide

400.

02

drum

sP

oor

Lim

e tr

eatm

ent

Sol

04A

rsen

ic p

ento

xide

Stu

mp

trea

tmen

t15

0.0

3 sa

cks

Fai

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lW

HO

Cla

ss 1

A

Sol

04P

araq

uat

Her

bici

de20

.0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lS

ol04

Bor

axN

utrie

nt10

0.0

4 sa

cks

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Sol

05U

nlab

elle

d60

0.0

3 dr

ums

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Sol

10D

DT

Inse

ctic

ide

3500

.010

0 sa

cks

Goo

dLo

cal u

seIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nS

ol10

DD

TIn

sect

icid

e20

00.0

Cor

rode

dO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nS

ol11

Fen

itrot

hion

Sum

ithio

nIn

sect

icid

e25

.01

sack

Goo

dLo

cal u

se



VA

NU

AT

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sVa

n02

Met

hyl b

rom

ide

Fum

igan

t33

.03

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lO

zone

dep

leto

r

Van0

3Li

ndan

eLi

ndan

eIn

sect

icid

e5.

01

bag

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

IC c

onve

ntio

nVa

n03

Unl

abel

led

Poi

son

88.0

7 sa

cks

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lVa

n03

Fos

etyl

Alie

tteF

ungi

cide

20.0

1 sa

ckP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

3B

orax

Nut

rient

75.0

3 ba

gsP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

3M

anco

zeb

Dith

ane

M45

Fun

gici

de29

.042

pkt

sP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

3M

anco

zeb

Dith

ane

M45

Fun

gici

de10

.01

bag

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Van0

3D

ifola

tan

Fun

gici

de4.

09

pkts

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

4U

nlab

elle

dH

erbi

cide

4.0

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PIC

con

vent

ion

Van0

4Tr

ichl

orfo

nD

icid

exIn

sect

icid

e4.

04

bottl

esP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

4A

ceph

ate

Ort

hene

Inse

ctic

ide

0.2

1 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

4A

gral

LN

Inse

ctic

ide

3.0

3 bo

ttle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

4D

imet

hoat

eD

imet

hoat

eIn

sect

icid

e8.

02

bottl

esO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l

Van0

4P

erm

ethr

inA

mbu

shIn

sect

icid

e4.

04

bottl

esP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Van0

9D

DT

Inse

ctic

ide

900.

018

sac

ksP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion


Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals - Hydrocarbons Page B33

AN

NE

X B

.3:

CH

EM

ICA

LS

– H

YD

RO

CA

RB

ON

S A

ND

PC

BS

CO

OK

ISL

AN

DS

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

ook0

2P

etro

leum

oil

Sun

spra

y 11

ES

pray

ing

oil

4.0

1 ca

nR

usty

Loca

l use

Coo

k10

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

1000

In u

seO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nC

ook1

1P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il30

00O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nC

ook1

2W

aste

oil

2000

0D

irty

Was

te o

il di

spos

al p

rogr

amm

eC

ook1

5P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il40

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

n

FSM

(C

HU

UK

)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

hk02

Bitu

men

2000

010

0 dr

ums

Poo

rLa

ndfil

lC

hk03

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

4000

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

n

FSM

(K

OSR

AE)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sK

os01

Was

te o

il16

000

Ok

Was

te o

il di

spos

al p

rogr

amm

eK

os04

Was

te o

il18

000

Ok

Was

te o

il di

spos

al p

rogr

amm

eK

os04

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

5800

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal.

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Kos

08W

aste

oil

1640

0O

kW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me


Page B34 Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals - Hydrocarbons

FSM

(P

OH

NP

EI)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sP

ohn0

2W

aste

oil

5000

0O

kIn

cine

rate

on-

site

.P

ohn0

2P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il80

00O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nP

ohn0

3W

aste

oil

4500

Ok

Was

te o

il di

spos

al p

rogr

amm

eP

ohn0

5W

aste

oil

2000

Poo

rW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me

FSM

(Y

AP)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sYa

p0

3W

aste

oil

4000

0O

kW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me

Yap

06

Bitu

men

4600

023

0 dr

ums

Poo

rLa

ndfil

l

KIR

IBA

TI

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sK

ir02

Was

te b

itum

en40

000

Poo

rLa

ndfil

lK

ir03

Was

te b

itum

en60

000

Poo

rLa

ndfil

lK

ir05

Was

te o

il70

00O

kW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me

Kir0

5P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il22

000

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Kir1

8B

itum

en10

0000

500

drum

sP

oor

Land

fill

Kir2

2P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il80

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

n



MA

RSH

AL

L I

SLA

ND

S

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sM

arsh

04B

itum

en20

000

100

drum

sP

oor

Land

fill

Mar

sh05

Was

te o

il80

04

drum

sO

kW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me

Mar

sh05

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

800

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Mar

sh06

Was

te o

il80

05

drum

sO

kW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me

NA

UR

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sN

au01

Whi

te le

ad in

oil

10.0

2 dr

ums

Ok

Loca

l use

Nau

01G

eark

ote

MG

reas

e30

0016

0 dr

ums

Poo

rLo

cal u

seN

au03

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

1000

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Nau

04B

itum

en30

000

150

drum

sP

oor

Land

fill

Nau

05W

aste

oil

2000

10 d

rum

sP

oor

Was

te o

il di

spos

al p

rogr

amm

eN

au06

Ref

riger

ator

oil

603

drum

sO

kW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me

Nau

08P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il40

00P

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Nau

09P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il20

00O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

n

NIU

E

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sN

u06

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

1000

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion


Page B36 Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals - Hydrocarbons

PA

LA

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sP

al03

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

4400

7 dr

ums

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

Pal

09W

aste

Oil

1000

0O

kW

aste

oil

disp

osal

pro

gram

me

Pal

09Ta

r, P

aint

, gr

ease

4000

Poo

rR

espo

nsib

ility

of t

he o

wne

r

SAM

OA

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sS

am07

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

50E

mpt

yO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

ntr

ansf

orm

ers

Sam

15P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il25

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nS

am16

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

1000

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

SOL

OM

ON

ISL

AN

DS

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sS

ol07

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

400

2 dr

ums

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion

TO

NG

A

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sTo

ng01

Was

te o

il20

0010

dru

ms

Ok

Was

te o

il di

spos

al p

rogr

amm

eTo

ng01

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

6000

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

n



TU

VA

LU

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sTu

va0

1P

CB

sTr

ansf

orm

er o

il80

00O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nTu

va0

1W

aste

oil

1500

Ok

Was

te o

il di

spos

al p

rogr

amm

eTu

va0

4B

itum

en60

000

Poo

rLa

ndfil

l dis

posa

l

VA

NU

AT

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sVa

n11

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

1400

0O

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PO

Ps

conv

entio

nVa

n12

PC

Bs

Tran

sfor

mer

oil

4000

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Incl

uded

in P

OP

s co

nven

tion


Page B38 Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals - Miscellaneous

AN

NE

X B

.4:

MIS

CE

LL

AN

EO

US

CH

EM

ICA

LS

CO

OK

ISL

AN

DS

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

ook0

1F

ertil

iser

5000

Poo

rR

epac

kage

d Ju

ne 1

998

Coo

k01

Cal

cium

hyd

roxi

deH

ydra

ted

lime

1500

0O

kG

iven

aw

ay fo

r lo

cal u

seC

ook0

1C

oppe

r su

lpha

teF

ungi

cide

1700

0P

oor

Rep

acka

ged

& s

hipp

edto

New

Zea

land

, Jun

e 19

98C

ook0

1M

anga

nese

sul

phat

eN

utrie

nt19

000

Ok

Rep

acka

ged

& s

hipp

edto

New

Zea

land

, Jun

e 19

98C

ook0

2D

elfo

amA

nti-d

rift a

gent

20.0

1 ca

nO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook0

2D

asan

tiG

rass

see

d20

.01

sack

Ok

Loca

l use

gran

ules

Coo

k02

Eth

anol

Alc

ohol

Sol

vent

20.0

1 ca

nO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook0

2F

etril

onF

ertil

iser

125.

05

sack

sO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook0

2W

ilt p

ruf

Pla

nt e

xtra

ct1.

01

bottl

eO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook0

2U

nide

ntifi

ed g

ranu

les

2.0

2 pk

tsO

kLo

cal u

seC

ook0

5La

b ch

emic

als

250.

0O

kLo

cal t

reat

men

t & d

ispo

sal

Coo

k06

Lab

chem

ical

s10

0.0

Ok

Loca

l tre

atm

ent &

dis

posa

lC

ook0

7La

b ch

emic

als

5.0

Poo

rLo

cal t

reat

men

t & d

ispo

sal

Coo

k08

Lab

chem

ical

s5.

0O

kLo

cal t

reat

men

t & d

ispo

sal

Coo

k09

Lab

chem

ical

s20

.0P

oor

Loca

l tre

atm

ent &

dis

posa

lC

ook1

4Ir

on s

ulph

ate

Nut

rient

1000

20 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k14

Uni

dent

ified

pow

ders

Nut

rient

500

10 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k14

Zin

c su

lpha

teN

utrie

nt80

0016

0 sa

cks

Ok

Loca

l use

Coo

k16

Cop

per

Sul

phat

eF

ungi

cide

1000

30 s

acks

Ok

Loca

l use


Annex B: Inventories - Chemicals - Miscellaneous Page B39

FIJ

I

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sF

j05

Hyd

roge

n cy

anid

eF

umig

ant

75.0

75 c

ans

Ok

Che

mic

al tr

eatm

ent

WH

O C

lass

1A

Fj1

7C

yani

deP

oiso

n0.

0O

kC

hem

ical

trea

tmen

tW

HO

Cla

ss 1

A

FSM

(C

HU

UK

)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sC

hk04

Lab

chem

ical

s19

0O

kLo

cal t

reat

men

t & d

ispo

sal

FSM

(K

OSR

AE)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sK

os03

Fib

regl

ass

resi

n15

.0S

olid

ify th

en la

ndfil

l

FSM

(P

OH

NP

EI)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sP

ohn0

1M

edic

al s

uppl

ies

1800

0P

oor

Mix

with

cem

ent &

land

fill

Poh

n13

Lab

chem

ical

s60

0Lo

cal t

reat

men

t & d

ispo

sal



FSM

(Y

AP)

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sYa

p0

1S

ulph

onat

eA

spha

lt ad

ditiv

e12

000

Ok

Loca

te r

egio

nal u

ser

Yap

01

Film

dev

elop

er55

0O

kLo

cate

reg

iona

l use

rYa

p0

5F

ertil

iser

1300

Poo

rLa

nd a

pplic

atio

nYa

p0

7A

ceto

ne40

0O

kLo

cal u

seYa

p0

7S

odiu

m h

ydro

xide

caus

tic s

oda

4200

Ok

Loca

l use

Yap

08

Lab

chem

ical

s10

0O

kLo

cal t

reat

men

t & d

ispo

sal

Yap

09

Car

bod

y fil

ler

45.0

Sol

idify

then

land

fill

KIR

IBA

TI

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sK

ir01

CC

A s

ludg

e10

00O

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lW

HO

Cla

ss 1

AK

ir01

Med

icin

es20

00P

oor

Con

trol

led

land

fill

Kir0

4S

odiu

m h

ydro

xide

Cau

stic

sod

a55

.0O

kLo

cal u

seK

ir06

Pho

togr

aphi

c ch

emic

als

150.

0O

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alK

ir07

Fer

tilis

er12

000

Ok

Land

app

licat

ion

Kir1

0P

hoto

grap

hic

chem

ical

s65

.0O

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alK

ir19

Fer

tilis

er14

00O

kLa

nd a

pplic

atio

n



NA

UR

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sN

au01

Wax

rem

over

804

drum

sO

kLo

cal u

seN

au01

Rus

t pro

ofin

g w

ax45

06

drum

sO

kLo

cal u

seN

au01

Max

itrea

t 457

Boi

ler

addi

tive

600

3 dr

ums

Old

Loca

l use

Nau

01S

odiu

m p

enta

chlo

roph

enol

(2%

)F

uel o

il ad

ditiv

e12

006

drum

sO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lIn

clud

ed in

PIC

Con

vent

ion

Nau

04E

poxy

res

ins

1000

50 d

rum

sP

oor

Sol

idify

then

land

fill

Nau

06D

initr

ol44

011

dru

ms

Ok

Loca

l use

Nau

06Q

icks

et O

neC

emen

t add

itive

804

drum

sO

kS

olid

ify th

en la

ndfil

lN

au06

Mob

ilefle

xC

emen

t add

itive

180

9 dr

ums

Ok

Sol

idify

then

land

fill

Nau

06P

ave-

Fix

Cem

ent a

dditi

ve88

044

dru

ms

Ok

Sol

idify

then

land

fill

Nau

06E

voS

tick

Adh

esiv

e12

06

drum

sO

kLo

cal u

seN

au06

Est

alpo

l20

.01

drum

Ok

Sol

idify

then

land

fill

NIU

E

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sN

u01

Lim

e/su

lphu

rF

ertil

iser

20.0

4 bo

ttles

Poo

rLo

cal u

seN

u02

Pro

pyza

mid

eLa

b C

hem

ical

1.0

1 ja

rO

kO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Unl

abel

led

solid

sF

ertil

iser

1000

Poo

rLo

cal u

seN

u02

Unl

abel

led

solid

sF

ertil

iser

60P

oor

Loca

l use

Nu0

2U

nlab

elle

d so

lids

Fer

tilis

er75

Poo

rLo

cal u

seN

u02

Unl

abel

led

solid

sF

ertil

iser

500

Poo

rLo

cal u

seN

u02

Unl

abel

led

solid

sF

ertil

iser

500

Poo

rLo

cal u

seN

u02

Lab

chem

ical

s2.

0O

kLo

cal t

reat

men

t and

dis

posa

lN

u02

Unl

abel

led

solid

sF

ertil

iser

500

Poo

rLo

cal u

seN

u02

Alc

ohol

40%

0.5

1 bo

ttle

Poo

rLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alN

u02

Tetr

achl

oroe

than

e0.

51b

ottle

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2G

lyce

rol

1.0

2 bo

ttles

Ok

Loca

l use

Nu0

2A

cetic

aci

d0.

51

bottl

eO

kLo

cal u

seN

u02

Thy

mol

0.1

1 ja

rP

oor

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

Nu0

2M

ethy

leug

enol

0.2

2 bo

ttles

Poo

rO

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lN

u02

Fet

rilon

Nut

rient

mix

130.

065

pkt

sO

kLo

cal u

seN

u02

Orc

hid

Foo

d0.

42

bottl

esO

kLo

cal u

seN

u03

Med

icin

es /

chem

ical

s30

06

sack

sU

nusa

ble

Hos

pita

l inc

iner

ator

Nu0

4M

ethy

l bro

mid

e35

.01

cylin

der

Usa

ble

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal



PA

LA

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sP

al04

Car

bat

terie

s>

1200

uni

tsP

oor

Shi

p to

bat

tery

rec

yclin

g fa

cilit

yP

al06

Cal

cium

hyp

ochl

orite

3915

87 d

rum

sO

kLo

cal u

seP

al13

Lab.

che

mic

als

3.0

Poo

rLo

cal t

reat

men

t & d

ispo

sal

Pal

14La

b ch

emic

als

300.

0P

oor

Loca

l tre

atm

ent &

dis

posa

lP

al15

Mer

cury

0.2

Ok

Off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

WH

O C

lass

1A

Pal

18O

ld m

edic

ines

2000

Poo

rH

ospi

tal i

ncin

erat

orP

al19

Glu

es &

pai

nts

600

Poo

rS

olid

ify th

en la

ndfil

l

SAM

OA

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sS

am01

Cop

per/

chro

me/

arse

nic

CC

AT

imbe

r tre

atm

ent

1000

0O

ff-is

land

dis

posa

lW

HO

Cla

ss 1

AS

am04

Lab.

che

mic

als

200

Ok

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Sam

05La

b. c

hem

ical

s10

0O

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alS

am06

Lab.

che

mic

als

50O

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

al



SOL

OM

ON

ISL

AN

DS

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sS

ol02

Lab.

che

mic

als

8.0

8 bo

ttles

Ok

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Sol

02P

hoto

grap

hic

chem

s5.

05

bottl

esO

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alS

ol04

Pol

yure

than

e20

0.0

1 dr

umP

oor

Sol

idify

& la

ndfil

lS

ol04

Lab.

che

mic

als

180

Ok

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Sol

06S

olve

nts

30.0

30 b

ottle

sO

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alS

ol06

Lab.

che

mic

als

100.

010

0 bo

ttles

Ok

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Sol

06F

orm

alde

hyde

For

mal

in1.

01

bottl

eG

ood

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Sol

06La

b. c

hem

ical

s62

.525

bot

tles

Goo

dLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alS

ol06

Lab.

aci

ds32

.513

bot

tles

Goo

dLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alS

ol06

Ace

tone

10.0

4 bo

ttles

Ok

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

TU

VA

LU

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sTu

va0

2La

b. c

hem

ical

s20

.0O

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alTu

va0

3P

otas

sium

chl

orid

e10

00O

kLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alTu

va0

3S

uper

phos

phat

eF

ertil

iser

500

Poo

rLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

alTu

va0

7La

b. c

hem

ical

s10

.0P

oor

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Tuva

08

Old

med

icin

es10

00U

nusa

ble

Hos

pita

l inc

iner

ator

Tuva

09

Am

mon

ium

nitr

ate

Nitr

opril

7000

Goo

dLo

cal u

se o

r di

spos

al



VA

NU

AT

U

Sit

e ID

Ch

emic

al N

ame

Bra

nd

Nam

eTy

pe

Qu

anti

tyC

on

dit

ion

Dis

po

sal

Co

mm

ents

kglit

res

Oth

erO

pti

on

sVa

n03

Am

mon

ium

sul

phat

e/K

Cl

Fer

tilis

er92

046

sac

ksP

oor

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Van0

5C

CA

, bor

ic a

cid,

+ o

ther

sT

imbe

r tre

atm

ent

1500

004

tank

sP

oor

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Van0

6A

ntib

orer

sol

utio

n50

001

tank

Ok

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal

Van1

0U

rea

Fer

tiliz

er48

012

sac

ksP

oor

Loca

l use

or

disp

osal


Annex B: Inventories - Contaminants Page B45

ANNEXES B.5, B.6 & B.7 -CONTAMINATED SITES

The tables given in the following three annexes have been taken from the contaminated sitedatabase. The sites have been grouped under the three categories of Pesticides, Hydrocarbonsand Miscellaneous, for consistency with the chemical tables.

Each contaminated site was assessed using the Rapid Hazard Assessment Scheme (New ZealandMinistry for the Environment, 1993). In this system sites are assigned ratings on the basis of theextent of the contamination, the toxicity and mobility of the contaminants, the potential for con-tamination of the surrounding areas including food and water supplies, and ease of public access tothe site. The individual ratings for each of these factors are then combined to arrive at an overallhazard rating for the site. The final rating covers a range from zero (non-hazardous) to 100 (ex-tremely hazardous).

Over 100 contaminated sites were identified during the survey. However, only those scoring 30or above have been included in the following tables.

All sites shown in the tables are identified by a country code. The codes used are as follows:

Country Code

Cook Islands Ck

FSM (Chuuk) Chk

FSM (Kosrae) Kos

FSM (Pohnpei) Pohn

FSM (Yap) Yap

Fiji Fj

Kiribati Kir

Marshall Islands Marsh

Nauru Nau

Niue Nu

Palau Pal

Samoa Sam

Solomon Islands Sol

Tonga Tong

Tuvalu Tuva

Vanuatu Van

Yap Yap


Page B46 Annex B: Inventories - Contaminated Sites - Pesticides

AN

NE

X B

.5 P

EST

ICID

E C

ON

TAM

INA

TE

D S

ITE

S

Sit

e ID

Act

ivit

yC

om

men

tary

Haz

ard

Rat

ing

Rem

edia

tio

n O

pti

on

sP

rio

rity

Chk

01P

estic

ide

stor

age

Leak

ing

ship

ping

con

tain

er10

0E

xcav

ate

cont

amin

ated

soi

l, of

f-is

land

dis

posa

l1

Poh

n06

Pes

ticid

e st

orag

eS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

100

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

2

Poh

n07

Pes

ticid

e st

orag

eS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

100

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

3F

j02

Pes

ticid

e st

orag

eS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

90C

olle

ct s

pilla

ges

& d

econ

tam

inat

e, o

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l4

Sol

01P

estic

ide

stor

age

Spi

llage

s w

ithin

bui

ldin

g85

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

5

Fj0

1P

estic

ide

stor

age

Spi

llage

s w

ithin

bui

ldin

g80

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

6P

al05

DD

T s

tora

geS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

80C

olle

ct s

pilla

ges

& d

econ

tam

inat

e, o

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l7

Poh

n12

DD

T d

ispo

sal s

ite2

tonn

es o

f bur

ied

DD

T80

Exc

avat

e co

ntam

inat

ed s

oil,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

8

Sol

10H

ardw

are

stor

eD

DT

spi

llage

s w

ithin

bui

ldin

g80

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

9Ya

p0

5P

estic

ide

stor

age

Spi

llage

s w

ithin

bui

ldin

g80

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

10K

os02

Che

mic

al s

tora

geS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

64C

olle

ct s

pilla

ges

& d

econ

tam

inat

e, o

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l11

Fj0

7P

estic

ide

stor

age

Spi

llage

s an

d so

me

buria

l60

Exc

avat

e co

ntam

inat

ed s

oil,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

12S

am02

Ag

rese

arch

sta

tion

Pes

ticid

e bu

rial (

3 lo

catio

ns)

60E

xcav

ate

cont

amin

ated

soi

l, of

f-is

land

dis

posa

l13

Chk

05P

estic

ide

stor

age

Spi

llage

s w

ithin

bui

ldin

g50

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

14

Fj0

6A

g re

sear

ch s

tatio

nS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

50C

olle

ct s

pilla

ges

& d

econ

tam

inat

e, o

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l15

Sam

11P

est c

ontr

ol c

hem

ical

sLe

akin

g co

ntai

ners

32C

olle

ct s

pilla

ges

& d

econ

tam

inat

e, o

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l16

Fj0

3A

g re

sear

ch s

tatio

nS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

30C

olle

ct s

pilla

ges

& d

econ

tam

inat

e, o

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l17

Kir1

7Q

uara

ntin

e st

ore

Spi

llage

s w

ithin

bui

ldin

g30

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

18

Sol

02A

gric

ultu

re s

tore

Spi

llage

s w

ithin

bui

ldin

g30

Col

lect

spi

llage

s &

dec

onta

min

ate,

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

19V

an04

Pes

ticid

e st

orag

eS

pilla

ges

with

in b

uild

ing

30C

olle

ct s

pilla

ges

& d

econ

tam

inat

e, o

ff-is

land

dis

posa

l20


Annex B: Inventories - Contaminated Sites - Hydrocarbons Page B47

AN

NE

X B

.6 H

YD

RO

CA

RB

ON

CO

NTA

MIN

AT

ED

SIT

ES

Sit

e ID

Act

ivit

yC

om

men

tary

Haz

ard

Rat

ing

Rem

edia

tio

n O

pti

on

sP

riorit

yK

ir02

Bon

riki A

irpo

rt40

,000

litr

es w

aste

bitu

men

100

Loca

l use

or

solid

ify &

bur

y1

Kir0

3B

onrik

i Air

port

60,0

00 li

tres

was

te b

itum

en10

0Lo

cal u

se o

r so

lidify

& b

ury

2

Chk

07B

ulk

Fue

l Dep

otO

il sp

illag

es o

n si

te81

Land

farm

ing

+ o

il m

anag

emen

t pro

gram

me

3K

os06

Fue

l sto

rage

Oil

spill

ages

on

site

72La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e4

Kir0

5P

ower

sta

tion

Was

te o

il du

mpi

ng o

n si

te64

Land

farm

ing

+ o

il m

anag

emen

t pro

gram

me

5

Nau

08E

quip

men

t sto

rage

PC

B s

pilla

ge fr

om o

ld tr

ansf

orm

ers

64E

xcav

ate

cont

amin

ated

soi

l for

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

6P

ohn0

2P

ower

sta

tion

Oil

spill

ages

on

site

64La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e7

Poh

n05

Con

stru

ctio

n de

pot

Oil

spill

ages

on

site

64La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e8

Poh

n11

Asp

halt

plan

tW

aste

bitu

men

64Lo

cal u

se o

r so

lidify

& b

ury

9S

am07

Tran

sfor

mer

mai

nten

ance

PC

B s

pilla

ge fr

om o

ld tr

ansf

orm

ers

64E

xcav

ate

cont

amin

ated

soi

l for

off-

isla

nd d

ispo

sal

10K

ir09

Vehi

cle

wor

ksho

pO

il sp

illag

es o

n si

te58

Land

farm

ing

+ o

il m

anag

emen

t pro

gram

me

11

Poh

n10

Vehi

cle

wor

ksho

pW

aste

oil

dum

ping

on

site

58La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e12

Yap

03

Pow

er S

tatio

nW

aste

oil

dum

ping

on

site

58La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e13

Fj1

9F

ire s

tatio

nO

il sp

illag

es o

n si

te55

Land

farm

ing

+ o

il m

anag

emen

t pro

gram

me

14

Tuva

04

Vehi

cle

wor

ksho

p60

,000

litr

es w

aste

bitu

men

55Lo

cal u

se o

r so

lidify

& b

ury

15K

ir11

Pow

er s

tatio

nO

il sp

illag

es o

n si

te51

Land

farm

ing

+ o

il m

anag

emen

t pro

gram

me

16P

al01

Pow

er s

tatio

nW

aste

oil

dum

ping

on

site

51La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e17

Pal

02(b

)P

ower

sta

tion

Oil

spill

ages

on

site

51La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e18

Yap1

1B

ulk

fuel

dep

otO

il sp

illag

es o

n si

te51

Land

farm

ing

+ o

il m

anag

emen

t pro

gram

me

19K

ir21

Bul

k fu

el d

epot

Oil

spill

ages

on

site

50La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e20

Chk

03P

ower

Sta

tion

Oil

spill

ages

on

site

46La

ndfa

rmin

g +

oil

man

agem

ent p

rogr

amm

e21

Chk

02A

spha

lt pl

ant

100

drum

s of

was

te b

itum

en45

Loca

l use

or

solid

ify &

bur

y22

Yap

06

Airp

ort c

onst

ruct

ion

230

drum

s of

was

te b

itum

en45

Loca

l use

or

solid

ify &

bur

y23

Yap

10

Con

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Page B48 Annex B: Inventories - Contaminated Sites - Hydrocarbons

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Annex B: Inventories - Contaminated Sites - Miscellaneous Page B49

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ANNEX C: GUIDELINES PAGE C1

ANNEX: CGUIDELINES



THERESE BURNS

BRUCE GRAHAM

ANDREW MUNRO

IAN WALLIS

MAY 2000


PAGE C2 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF UNKNOWN CHEMICALS


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF UNKNOWN CHEMICALS PAGE C3

C.1 SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF

UNKNOWN CHEMICALS

These notes are intended as a general guide for people who are required to collect samples ofunknown chemicals in the field. Such people should have a good knowledge and understandingof material handling principles, and basic chemistry. Whenever possible, there should be priorconsultation with the analytical laboratory to check for any additional requirements specific tothe types of sample or types of tests.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Adequate protective equipment should always be wornwhen handling unknown chemicals. As a minimum thisshould include rubber gloves, overalls, goggles, and adust mask or respirator.

Wherever possible, the work area should be wellventilated and have adequate lighting. Alternatively,materials should be moved to a more suitable location,prior to sample collection.

No electrical equipment should be used if there is adanger of flammable materials being present.

The work area should be covered with sheets of plasticto contain any spillages.

SAMPLING

The minimum sample size typically required foranalysis is 0.5 kg or 0.5 litres. Samples larger than thismay be taken, but it should be recognised that this willusually incur additional freight costs.

Solid materials should be sampled using a plastic scoopor shovel. Liquids should be sampled by pouring fromthe original container, or by dipping the samplecontainer directly into the liquid.

It is important to ensure that the sample taken isrepresentative of the bulk material. This can beachieved either by pre-mixing the bulk materials, or bytaking multiple samples, which are then mixed and re-sampled.

SAMPLE CONTAINERS

Wherever possible, sample containers should beobtained from the laboratory contracted to carry out theanalyses. This is because of the need to use containers

which have been thoroughly cleaned, so that there is norisk of sample contamination.

Most samples can be placed into clean glass jars withplastic or metal screw caps. Before use, the jars shouldbe thoroughly washed with water and detergent, rinsedwith clean water, triple rinsed with acetone or laboratorygrade alcohol (if available), and thoroughly dried. Alayer of aluminium foil should be placed in between thetop of the jar and the lid to provide additional sealing.

The main exception to the above is flammable liquids,which should only be placed into tightly sealed metalcans.

Sample bottles should be clearly labelled with a samplenumber and description. Other details such as who tookthe samples, where they came from and their possibleidentity should be recorded on a separate sheet of paper.A copy of this information should always accompanythe samples during shipping. However, another copyshould also be sent directly to the laboratory by fax ormail.

SAMPLE STORAGE

Wherever possible, samples should be stored in a cooldark place prior to despatch. The storage area should belocked or otherwise secured.

PACKAGING FOR TRANSPORT

Containers used for transporting the samples to thelaboratory should be made of wood or heavy dutycardboard. The containers should be lined with heavyduty plastic and absorbent materials such as sand orvermiculite (“kitty litter”) should be used to protect thesample bottles. The amount of absorbent used shouldbe about 50% of the total container volume.


PAGE C4 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF UNKNOWN CHEMICALS

Sample bottles should be individually wrapped inplastic bags before being placed in the container. Acopy of the sample record sheet should be included withthe samples, and this should also be placed inside aplastic bag.

TRANSPORT

The samples should be transported to the laboratoryusing the most efficient means available. This wouldgenerally be by air freight, but some samples may notbe acceptable for air transport. This can only beestablished by checking with the airlines involved.It will usually be necessary to complete a dangerousgoods declaration form to accompany the samples.Also, arrangements may need to be made for thereceiving laboratory to complete any customs and otherborder formalities at the delivery end.

ANALYSIS

There should be clear communications at all timesbetween the person collecting the samples, and thelaboratory. This should include a discussion of thetypes of samples and their possible composition (ifknown). It can be very expensive for a laboratory toanalyse samples “from scratch”. Ideally, there shouldbe agreement that the samples should be analysed forspecific types of chemicals, such as toxic metals,pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and so on.Wherever possible, analytical costs should be agreed inadvance.


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - LABORATORY FACILITIES PAGE C5

C.2 LABORATORY FACILITIES

There are many laboratories in the region offering a range of analytical services forenvironmental samples, especially in Australia and New Zealand. Those shown below areknown to offer specific services relevant to this project; i.e the analysis of organiccontaminants in soil and/or water.

The Australian laboratories are accredited by theNational Association of Testing Authorities (NATA),while those in New Zealand are accredited byInternational Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). Thiscertifies that the work of the laboratories is beingcarried out in accordance with a recognised standard,such as ISO Guide 25 – General Requirements for theCompetence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories.

AUSTRALIA

Australian Laboratory Phone: (61) 2 9841 9500Services Pty Ltd. Fax: (61) 2 9841 9530

Australian Analytical Phone: (61) 2 9842 1922Laboratories Pty Ltd Fax: (61) 2 9842 1734

HLA-Envirosciences Phone: (61) 2 4968 0044Pty Ltd Fax: (61) 2 4968 0005

GM Laboratories Phone: (61) 2 9564 1033Fax: (61) 2 9564 1697

Johnstone Environmental Phone: (61) 2 9958 2266Technology Pty Ltd Fax: (61) 2 9958 1483

NSW Agriculture Phone: (61) 2 6621 2632Fax: (61) 2 6621 4319

Australian Environmental Phone: (61) 2 9316 4255Laboratories Fax: (61) 2 9316 5541

Fluordaniel FTI Phone: (61) 2 9502 4844(Australia) Pty Ltd Fax: (61) 2 9502 2105

Australian Water Phone: (61) 2 9502 4844Technologies (AWT) Fax: (61) 2 9334 0741

Water Environmental Phone: (61) 2 9597 4444Laboratory Fax: (61) 2 9597 4808

WSL Consultants Pty Ltd Phone: (61) 3 9429 4666Fax: (61) 3 9429 2294

Orice Australia Pty Ltd Phone: (61) 3 9283 6400Fax: (61) 3 9283 6408

Australian Government Phone: (61) 3 9685 1777Fax: (61) 3 9685 1788

NEW ZEALAND

Allan Aspell and Associates Phone: (64) 9 415 2136Fax: (64) 9 415 2137.

Cawthron Institute Phone: (64) 3 548 2319Fax: (64) 3 546 9464

Hill Laboratories Phone: (64) 7 858 2000Fax: (64) 7 858 2001.

Institute of Environmental Phone: (64) 4 570 1555Science & Research (ESR) Fax: (64) 4 569 4500

FIJI

IAS Analytical Services Phone: (679) 212 339Laboratory Fax: (679) 300 373(University of the South Pacific)

GUAM

Guam Environmental Phone: (671) 649 0708Science Laboratory Fax: (671) 649 0718


PAGE C6 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PITS


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PITS PAGE C7

C.3 PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PITS

Pesticide disposal pits make use of naturally occurring soil microbes for pesticide degradation.The systems are mainly intended for liquid wastes, such as left-over spray solutions. However,they can also be used for the disposal of small quantities of surplus pesticides.

Much of the original development work for pesticidedisposal pits was carried out at the Universities of Iowaand California. In the Iowa system a number ofdifferent pits were used. The two main systemsincluded a covered concrete pit of about 30,000 litrescapacity and a canopied pit lined with two layers ofpolythene, of about 90,000 litres capacity. The concretepit was filled with three layers of material: gravel, soil(silt loam), and gravel, and wastes were simply pouredon to the surface. In the plastic lined pit a layer of soilwas covered with gravel. A galvanised metal pipe in anH-shape was buried within the latter for liquiddistribution.

A number of smaller versions of the pits were alsotested. Options included a 1400 litre concrete tank, 200litre plastic barrels, and 110 litre plastic rubbish bins.These were filled with soil and gravel, or just soil. Theywere buried in soil to provide temperature stability, andcovered to exclude rain.

In California a system of lined “evaporation beds” wasused for waste disposal at a number of university fieldstations throughout the State. The beds typically were6m x 12m x 0.9m pits, lined with a butyl rubbermembrane and back-filled with 0.3 to 0.45 m of sandyloam soil. A layer of sand separated the soil from therubber, and a series of 100mm perforated PVC pipeswere buried at the sand/soil interface. A schematicdrawing of the system is shown below.

Used containers and spray equipment were washed onan adjacent concrete pad. The wastewater drained into asedimentation box for trapping particulates, followed bya distribution box connected to the pipes in the bed.The system was designed so that water moves upthrough the soil by capillary action and evaporates offthe surface. The beds were covered with a corrugatedfibreglass roof which provides shelter from rainfall, butat the same time transmits sunlight.

In most of the beds approximately one tonne of hydratedlime was incorporated into the soil. This was intended toincrease the degradation rate of organophosphate andcarbamate pesticides. In some cases this was well-mixedthroughout the bed, while in others it was simply appliedto the surface.

Formulae have been developed for calculating the arearequired for an evaporation bed based on the expectedwastewater volumes and the “pan evaporation rate” for theregion. In metric units the formula converts to:

usage (litres/month) x 32Area required (m2 ) =

pan evaporation rate (cm/month)Pan evaporation rates will vary depending on local climate and soil types.

Extensive tests on both the Iowa and California systemsshow that they appear to achieve their desired function.High levels of pesticides do not accumulate and there isextensive evidence for microbiological and otherdegradation processes occurring. Pesticides generallyrise to the surface of the pits in a “wicking” effect, butno significant levels of pesticides were detected in theair above the pits. The systems are attractive for theirsimplicity of construction and ease of use.

Two drawbacks to these systems are the potential forenvironmental contamination as the result of leaks (itmay be necessary to design an above-ground systeminstead of a buried system) and the uncertain nature ofthe treatment processes and their degradation products.The contents of the pits may ultimately have to bedisposed of as hazardous wastes with a rather poorlydefined composition. Given the time scale over whichthis might occur and the reduction in waste volumesachieved, this does not seem to be a major impedimentto the use of these systems.

1 metreSoil-LimeManure

Mix

PorousSand

Clear Plastic Roofing

Plastic Liner or 10cmCompacted Clay

10cm PerforatedPlastic Pipe

2-3 metres

1 m

etre


PAGE C8 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL OPTION FOR SPECIFIC PESTICIDES


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL OPTION FOR SPECIFIC PESTICIDES PAGE C9

C.4 DISPOSAL OPTIONS FOR

SPECIFIC PESTICIDE WASTES

The notes given below cover those pesticides found in the greatest quantities in the survey.These recommendations are intended as a guide only and more detailed instructions will berequired prior to their implementation.

Acephate (Orthene). Acephate is a modifiedorganophosphate that breaks down under alkalineconditions. Lime treatment followed by burial in alandfill is therefore the preferred disposal option. Landapplication may also be an option because the pesticideis only moderately toxic (LD

50 = 945 mg/kg).

Carbamates (Carbaryl, Sevin, Isoprocarb,Carbofuran, and Oxamyl/Vydate). Carbamates breakdown quite rapidly after application. Treatment withstrong alkali is also an effective destruction method (2kg of caustic soda to 5 kg of active ingredient).However, in both cases, one of the primary breakdownproducts is alpha-napthol, which can beenvironmentally persistent and harmful to aquatic life.It is therefore recommended that all stocks be removedto an off-island treatment facility.

Copper sulphate. Copper sulphate is already beingused on some islands, e.g. Atiu in the Cook Islands fortreating kikau roofs, so the local use option isrecommended. Copper sulphate is of moderate toxicity(LD

50 = 300 mg/kg).

Dithiocarbamates (Maneb, Mancozeb). Thesefungicides do not store well so old stocks will be fairlyinactive. The chemicals are suitable for disposal byland application or in a disposal pit. They break downto secondary amines, which will themselves degradeslowly in the environment. However, small amounts ofethylene thiourea and nitrosamines can also be formed,and these are carcinogenic. Overall, the risk will beminimal if the material can be dispersed widely overwasteland or some other suitable disposal site. It shouldalso be noted that Maneb (and other Dithiocarbamates)have been known to spontaneously ignite. This isbecause they slowly liberate carbon disulphide onreaction with moisture. This is mainly a problem withnew stocks, and most of the old stocks have long sincepassed the critical stage. Dithiocarbamates are of lowtoxicity, e.g. Maneb LD

50 = 6750 mg/kg & Mancozeb

LD50

= 8000 mg/kg.

Fenamiphos. Fenamiphos is an organophosphorouscompound. Lime treatment followed by landfilldisposal is a possible disposal option. However,because of its relatively high toxicity (LD

50 = 15 mg/kg)

removal to an off-island treatment facility is therecommended approach.

Fenithrothion. As with most organophosphates,Fenitrothion is readily degraded by alkali. The additionof hypochlorite to the mixture can be helpful inreducing any odours. The resulting breakdown productsare less toxic than the original organophosphates andwill slowly break down over time. Lime treatmentfollowed by burial in a landfill is therefore the preferreddisposal option. Land application may also be an optionbecause the pesticide is only moderately toxic (LD

50 =

945 mg/kg).

Malathion. Malathion decomposes readily whentreated with alkaline materials such as lime. Smallquantities can therefore be disposed by mixing withlime followed by burial in a landfill. The toxicity is low(LD

50 = 5000 mg/kg).

Propanil. Propanil is an anilide group herbicide ofrelatively low toxicity (LD

50 = 1500 mg/kg). However,

some of the breakdown products formed from this groupof chemicals can be much more toxic, and also highlypersistent. Treatment with acid or alkali is also notrecommended. In the case of Propanil, this leads to themore toxic 3,4-dichloraniline. High temperatureincineration appears to be the only viable disposaloption.

Pyrethroid (Bolt). The formulation of Bolt is 0.136%tetramethryn, 0.02% di-phenothrin, 0.3% piperonylbutoxide and 99.5% petroleum distillate. The first ofthese chemicals is the Pyrethroid, and the second one isa pyrethrum analogue. The third chemical is a so-calledsynergist and is quite innocuous. Pyrethroids are“natural” plant extracts, which are highly unstable in thepresence of light, moisture and air, and therefore breakdown readily in the environment. They can also be


PAGE C10 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL OPTION FOR SPECIFIC PESTICIDES

Sulphur. Sulphur will store indefinitely, and wouldonly be a hazard if the store caught fire. The bestdisposal option is to find an alternative local use, notingthat it can be used as a fungicide, insecticide or soiladditive. Sulphur is of low toxicity (LD

50 = 3000 mg/

kg).

Thiobencarb. Thiobencarb is a member of thethiocarbamate group of pesticides. These are non-persistent in the environment and disappear fairlyrapidly from the soil, within 1 to 4 weeks afterapplication. The breakdown products can includesecondary amines, which are a potential source of(carcinogenic) nitrosamines. However, these have notbeen detected in field studies. The chemicals are alsobroken down readily by alkali, with similar degradationproducts to field use. The preferred disposal methodsfor small quantities would therefore be land application,disposal pits, or treatment with lime followed by burialin a landfill.

Trichlorfon (Dicidex.) Trichlorfon reacts with water toinitially form the more toxic, dichlorvos. However,dichlorvos is also degraded in water, 50% hydrolysisoccurs in 25 min at 70 deg C, and in 61.5 days at 20 degC. At pH 8, and 37.5 C, 50% hydrolysis occurs in 301min, and there are no toxic residues. Treatment withlime followed by burial is therefore a viable disposaloption for small quantities of waste pesticide. However,Trichlorfon is moderately toxic (LD

50 = 560 mg/kg) and

it would be preferable for larger quantities to beremoved to an off-island treatment facility.

Zinc Chelate. Zinc chelate is used as a soil nutrient.Treatment with lime or mixing with concrete prior toburial in a landfill are the preferred disposal options.

Zinc Phosphide. Zinc phosphide is used as a ratpoison. The chemical reacts with stomach acids torelease the highly toxic phosphine gas. Zinc phosphidewill slowly break down on contact with moisture toform zinc salts and phosphine gas. Phosphine readilyoxidises to phosphorous oxides which are in turnconverted to acidic phosphates. The simplest disposaloption for zinc phosphide involves burial in a controlledlocation. However, this method should only be usedwhen there is no risk of ground water contamination dueto the leaching of zinc salts or phosphates. This is notthe case in Kiribati and hence shipment to a specialisedtreatment facility with the CCA sludge is recommended.Toxicity is high (LD

50 = 45 mg/kg).

solvent. Treatment with lime prior to burial in a landfillwould also be acceptable, but it would be necessary tofirst remove most of the solvent by evaporation. Thiscould be done by pouring into a shallow metal tray.Tetramethryn has low toxicity (LD

50 = 5000 mg/kg).

disposed by incineration with minimal effect. Thisoption appeals as the bulk of the material is a flammable


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL OF EMPTY PESTICIDE CONTAINERS PAGE C11

C.5 DISPOSAL OF EMPTY PESTICIDE

CONTAINERS

In developing countries, the reuse of pesticide containers for storage of water, food and fuel issometimes a major problem. The high cost of new steel drums or plastic jerry cans makes usedpesticide containers a valuable commodity. However, it is nearly always impossible tocompletely decontaminate these used containers. Regardless of the number of washings,residues will continue to be released from the inner wall of the container and can contaminateanything placed inside. It is therefore important to arrange for the destruction and disposal orrecycling of all used pesticide containers to prevent unauthorised use and they should never beused for any other purpose.

In large-scale clean-ups, it may be desirable to obtainspecial equipment for the treatment of empty containers,such as a shredder, drum-crusher and / or drum-rinser orpre-flusher. This equipment is relatively easy totransport and has limited energy requirements.

The available options for disposal of used containers areincineration, recycling or burial in a landfill. Containersshould only be disposed by burial after they have beentriple-rinsed and crushed or shredded. Only designatedlandfills should be used.

RECYCLING

At large pesticide stores, empty steel drums that are stillin good condition may be retained as spares to repackthe same product from leaking or deteriorating drums,or to pack contaminated spill control material afterclean-up activities. Drums retained for this purposeshould be triple rinsed.

If it is possible to return containers to the supplier, thisis the preferred option. One could consider negotiatingan arrangement (e.g. as part of the procurement order)under which the supplier agrees to take the emptycontainers back after the product has been used.

Old and deteriorated steel drums and surplus steeldrums can be used as raw material at a steel smelter.They should be rinsed, punctured or crushed beforebeing sent to the smelter. It may be possible to sellthem to the steel smelter because an empty 200 litresteel drum represents about 25 kg of good quality scrapmetal.

Plastic drums should be returned to the supplier forrecycling.

DISPOSAL BY INCINERATION

All common types of contaminated packaging can inprinciple be destroyed safely in a specialised hazardouswaste incinerator.

International regulations on the transport of hazardouswastes apply when empty containers are exported fordestruction. Under such regulations, unrinsed emptycontaminated containers are regarded as a hazardousproduct in the same category as the original contents.This means that empty pesticide containers need to bere-packed prior to shipping. This can be done byoverpacking the containers in their original form, or bypackaging them after cutting or shredding.

It may be possible to incinerate small quantities ofcontaminated bags, boxes, and crates in a localincinerator, such as those used for medical wastes.Plastic containers should be cut or shredded first.

DISPOSAL BY LANDFILL

Bags and boxes can be cut up and stored in plastic bagsprior to disposal in a designated sanitary landfill underauthority of the government. Empty plastic and steelcontainers should be thoroughly emptied, triple-rinsedwith water or solvent and punctured, crushed orshredded before they are sent to the landfill. The rinsatemust be drained, collected and stored separately inappropriate and clearly labelled containers. The rinsateshould be managed in the same manner as the pesticide.If the product was still usable, the rinsate can be appliedwith the product.


PAGE C12 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - MODEL CODE OF PRACTICE: TIMBER PRESERVATION PLANTS


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - MODEL CODE OF PRACTICE: TIMBER PRESERVATION PLANTS PAGE C13

C.6 MODEL CODE OF PRACTICE:TIMBER PRESERVATION PLANTS1

1. GENERAL

This code is intended as a guide to plant owners, managers and operators. The code deals withthe siting, layout, design and operation of timber preservation plants. The recommendationsgiven in the code are intended to assist in minimising the occupational health risks to plantoperators and the potential for environmental pollution.

This code is not intended to over-ride or replace anyrequirements of national governments or localauthorities, and these must be checked out prior to thedesign, siting and construction of any plant.Government approval will most likely be requiredbefore the development of any timber preservationplant.

2. TRANSPORTATION AND

LABELLING

Timber treatment chemicals shall be transported inaccordance with the requirements of the relevantgovernment departments for the transportation ofdangerous goods (usually the Ministry of Transport). Allcontainers of timber preservatives should be clearlyidentified and labelled with the appropriate internationaldangerous goods symbols (eg. corrosive or toxicmaterials). All preservation chemicals should betransported directly to the chemical store or treatmenttanks and should not be off-loaded elsewhere in theplant.

3. PLANT SITING

This section deals with the siting of plants in relation topotential off-site effects. Consideration should be givento the need for buffer zones around treatment plants.Buffer zones are areas in which conflicting land uses arenot allowed. In the case of timber preservation plants,this should include residential housing and othercommunity facilities such as schools, hospitals andsports fields.

3.1 WATER BODIES AND

FLOODING

The chosen site should be at least 250 metres away fromany significant surface water bodies, such as streamsand estuaries. In addition, there should be no significantgroundwater resources within 100 metres of the site,both vertically and horizontally. (In many PacificIslands, this will require more detailed assessment,taking into account the soil permeability and thepotential use of the resource.)

There must be no risk of flooding at the chosen site.This may be assessed by consideration of thesurrounding topography and from historical records.

3.2 AIR EMISSIONS

The chosen site should be at least 250 metres away fromany current or proposed residential or commercial areas,and down from prevailing wind lines.

3.3 RAIN WATER

DISCHARGE OUTLETS

All rain water discharge outlets from the plant site shallincorporate a sump with a capacity of not less than1,000 litres. This is required for sediment control and toenable the monitoring of site discharge water.



3.4 TREATED TIMBER

STORAGE AREA

A designated area should be set aside for the storage ofall timber after removal from the drip pad area (seesection 4 below). This area shall be sloped so that itdrains into a suitably sized pond or pool prior todischarge from the site. The capacity of the pondshould be determined on the basis of expected rainfallover the storage area.

This requirement could be reduced through theprovision of a roofed storage area for the treated timber.This would effectively prevent any leaching of freshlytreated timber by rainfall.

3.5 FUTURE LAND USE

Land that has been previously used for timberpreservation plants must not be used for grazing animalsor for the production of food crops, unless it can beshown that the land is free from unacceptable chemicalcontamination.

4. PLANT LAYOUT

4.1 GENERAL

This section deals with the layout of plant andequipment so as to ensure safe and healthy workconditions, and minimising any potential effects on theenvironment.

The most important feature in plant and equipmentlayout is the containment of toxic liquids and vapours,and the control of any spillages. The site must bedesigned in such a manner as to prevent the discharge ofany escaped materials into the surroundingenvironment.

4.2 HOLDING CAPACITY

Plants shall be designed so that the maximum totalvolume of timber preservative solutions contained in allvessels, pipes and tanks, as well as that stored on site inportable containers, can be contained within the plantareas, in the event of an accident, sabotage or equipmentfailures. Impermeable levee bunds or other means ofcontainment shall be provided sufficient toaccommodate 120% of the nominal volume of allsolutions and concentrate storage vessels, fixed ormobile, excluding wastewater tanks.

4.3 CONTAINMENT OF

SPILLAGES

The plant shall be laid out so that any liquids resultingfrom spillage shall be prevented from flowing intodrains and watercourses, or in the case of dry material,from washing away.

The spillage or retention devices should conduct thematerial to a sump or holding area from which it may bereclaimed or disposed; and these areas shall be designedso that they may be hosed or swept clean and thecleaning fluid disposed of safely.

4.4 WORKING AREAS

All areas where preservative solutions may be spilled,or may drip from freshly treated timber, shall be sealedwith impervious load bearing material such as concrete,to prevent contamination of the soil and adjacentwatercourses. These areas shall be laid out so that thedrippings and spillages shall be drained to a collectionsump for recycling or disposal.

4.5 STORAGE AREAS FOR

TREATMENT CHEMICALS

AND TREATED TIMBER

All deliveries of preservative materials shall be madeinto the bunded area. The storage areas should be ofsufficient size to accommodate both bulk and drumsupplies, and must be adequately secured againstunauthorised entry and theft.

The storage areas shall be paved with impervious loadbearing material such as concrete, and should bedesigned to drain into collection sumps.

A holding area shall be provided for freshly treatedtimber. This area shall be large enough to hold allfreshly treated timber for a minimum period of 24-hours, and preferably longer. After this time the timbermay be moved to the treated stock storage area..

4.6 UNROOFED AREAS

Unroofed areas in which there is no possibility ofsurface contamination, may be drained so thatstormwater falling on them is diverted to storm waterdrains rather than into the spillage collection sumps.

4.7 SITE ACCESS AND

ACTIVITY SEPARATIONS

In general, access to the overall plant site should berestricted and can only be entered with permission fromthe site office. It is also desirable for the administration



and operating area to be physically separated from eachother.

Entry to the preservation plant area should be restrictedto operating personnel only, unless authorised by the sitesupervisor.

The site should be adequately secured, includingperimeter fencing and an –on-site security guard. Foran integrated sawmilling and treatment plant, fencing ofthe entire site would be acceptable.

4.8 PLANT ENTRY,CHANGING AND TOILET

FACILITIES

The plant shall be laid out so that personnel workingwith treatment chemicals and processes are able to enterand leave the plant via separate facilities providing forthe storage of street clothes and working clothes.Neither of these facilities shall be used for any otherstorage purpose.

Changing room, shower and toilet facilities shall bemade available for the exclusive use of all personsworking with preservative chemicals, processes andtreated timber. Provision shall be made for staff usingthese toilet facilities to remove protective clothing andto wash prior to using the facilities. Provision shall bemade for storage of personal protective clothing andequipment.

4.9 EMERGENCY SHOWERS,WASHING AND

EYE WASHING FACILITIES

Facilities shall be provided at appropriate locationsthroughout the plant for emergency showers and eye-wash facilities.

4.10 EATING FACILITIES

The staff lunchroom or other eating and relaxationfacilities shall be provided outside the treatment area ofthe site. Treatment plant staff shall not be permitted touse these facilities without first washing and removingtheir work clothes using the facilities described in 4.8above.

5. WORKER SAFETY

5.1 GENERAL

It is essential that treatment plant staff be properlyinstructed in their duties and realise that a timberpreservation plant involves the use of severely

hazardous chemicals. Respect for the dangers inherentin handling chemicals, coupled with a respect forpersonal hygiene requirements, are absolutely essentialfor safe working conditions. A set of chemical safetyrules should be drawn up and placed on notice boards inkey locations around the site.

5.2 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

All treatment plant personnel and their supervisors shallwear clean, protective clothing and personnel safetyequipment as may be necessary to preventcontamination. In addition other protection items suchas eye and hearing protection or breathing apparatusshall be worn as required. This clothing and equipmentshould be donned and removed in the areas referred toin 4.8 above.

At the completion of a working shift or more often ifnecessary, all contaminated protective clothing andequipment shall be decontaminated and laundered, ordisposed.

Appropriate barrier creams shall be used by allpersonnel where there is any likelihood of creosote typetimber preservative materials coming into contact withthe skin.

5.3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE AWARENESS

All treatment plant staff shall be trained in theemergency procedures necessary when spillage oraccidents occur. In addition to this training, warningsigns shall be erected in all working areas indicating thefollowing information:

• Areas where hazardous chemicals are used

• Preservatives in use and their hazardous components

• List of the neutralising and absorbent materialsappropriate to the particular materials being used

• Contact telephone numbers in case of accidents.These shall include:

For large spillages the local village council orgovernment agency

For poisons the local hospital

For fire the local fire services

• First aid action to be taken in case of poisoning

6. EQUIPMENT DESIGN AND

OPERATION

6.1 GENERAL

This section sets out the broad requirements for thedesign and operation of the equipment used in a plant. Itdoes not claim to cover all the machinery that might beused. Personnel responsible for the operation of plantsshould ensure that any procedures not covered in this



section, but necessary to the safe operation of a plant,shall be recorded and brought to the attention of plantoperators.

6.2 PRESSURE PLANTS

Plant pressure vessels shall be inspected regularly andcertified for their ability to withstand designatedpressures in excess of normal working pressure, asrecommended by the manufacturer. Records of theinspections shall be maintained by the plant supervisor.

6.3 VACUUM PUMPS

Vacuum pumps shall be fitted with condensing trapscapable of catching any preservative droplets containedin their exhausts. Any contaminated water issuing fromvacuum pumps shall be transferred to mixing or wastetanks in the treatment plant for recycling or disposal.

A mist eliminator shall be installed on the vent toatmosphere line from any vacuum system. These ventsshould be directed away from any working areas. Sprayemissions from leaks in pump glands or mechanicalseals should be covered and trapped, and repairs carriedout at the earliest opportunity.

6.4 TREATMENT VESSEL

DOORS

Treatment vessels with quick action doors should befitted with a safety interlock to prevent accidentalpressurising when the door is improperly closed. Thetreatment vessel door should also be interlocked with anextraction system for the removal of chemical vapourswhen the door is open following a treatment cycle. Thiswould normally be done using the vacuum pump,preferably on a timed cycle.

The door sump should be designed with a large enoughcapacity to contain any leakage from faulty seals.

6.5 FIRE FIGHTING

EQUIPMENT

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided throughoutthe plant. These should be located in prominent,accessible positions and should be of a type appropriateto the chemicals being used. They should be checkedfor operating efficiency at intervals specified by themanufacturer and must be available for use at all times.

Provision shall be made for the installation of fixed firefighting equipment throughout the plant. Thisequipment must not be used for any other purpose andmust be accessible and available at all times.

Treatment plant staff should be given regular training inthe correct use of the fire fighting equipment.

6.6 TANKS AND FITTINGS

All tanks and fittings shall be made of corrosion-resistant materials, compatible with the timberpreservative solution being stored. All chemical valvesshall be provided with padlocking devices to preventunauthorised or accidental usage.

6.7 AUTOMATIC TREATMENT

PLANTS

Where the plant operations are partly automated, anemergency shut down system, such as a master on/offswitch, should be provided for use in emergencies.

7. DISPOSAL OF WASTE

7.1 GENERAL

The procedures given in this section are intended forguidance only. As a general rule, the methods to beused for waste disposal must be agreed in advance withthe relevant government authorities. When appropriate,reference should be made to emergency procedureguides and safe storage and handling information cards.These should be requested from the chemical suppliers.

In the disposal of waste materials it is important thatpersonnel be properly supervised and provided with theappropriate protective clothing. Where a number ofdifferent preservatives are being used on a site it isimportant for the different wastes to be handled andstored separately. This is because they may havedifferent disposal requirements.

7.2 COPPER CHROME ARSENIC

All personnel involved in the disposal of CCA wastesmust wear suitable, impervious footwear and protectiveclothing, including industrial eye protectors.

Liquid spills should be managed as follows:

Small spills (less than 1 kg) should be covered withsawdust, sand, lime, cement or soil. When the spill hasbeen completely absorbed, the material should be placedin drums clearly labelled as CCA wastes. The wastesmay be disposed in an approved tip.

In the case of large spills as much of the liquid aspossible should be collected up and recycled. Theremaining material should then be covered with amixture of 90% lime and 10% sodium metabisulphate.The resulting sludge should be placed in drums andburied in an approved tip.

CCA treatment plants are a regular source ofcontaminated sludges. This includes the solid paste andother suspensions that accumulate in some of theequipment, including pressure cylinder door sumps,



flooding pits, and at the bottom of work tanks.This material should be disposed as follows:

The sludge shall be collected in suitably lined andlabelled drums or tanks and allowed to settle. Any freeliquid should then be decanted and returned to themixing or working tanks.

The remaining concentrated sludge should be treatedwith a lime and sodium metabisulphite neutralisingmixture. This may be most easily done using a cementmixer. It is important to add enough of the treatmentmixture to ensure reduction and precipitation of theCCA components. The correct amount of neutralisingmixture required can be determined by carrying outsome initial tests on representative samples of thesludge. Take about 0.5 to 1 kg of sludge and addmeasured amounts of sodium metabisulphate, withregular mixing, until the yellow colour changes togreen. Measured quantities of lime are then added untilthe mixture becomes alkaline (pH greater than 9).

The treated sludge may be buried in an approved tip.

Another technique for disposal of neutralised sludge isto incorporate it into concrete. The procedure for thismethod is given in Annex C7.

7.3 CREOSOTE

All personnel must wear suitable gloves, imperviousfootwear and protective clothing while handlingcreosote or creosote contaminated materials. Industrialeye protectors should also be worn.

Any free liquids should be recovered from creosotespills or wastes wherever possible and returned to theplant for reuse. Residual materials should be soaked upwith sand or soil and placed in drums for disposal in anapproved tip. Concrete surfaces and other sealed workareas should be washed with down detergent wherenecessary after removing the bulk of the absorbedspillage. The washings should be discharged into thesite drainage sumps.

7.4 BORON COMPOUNDS AND

SODIUM FLUORIDE

All personnel must wear suitable gloves, imperviousfootwear and protective clothing. Industrial eyeprotectors and respirators may also be requireddepending on circumstances.

Any spillages of these chemicals should be swept up,and if possible, re-used. Residual wastes should then bemixed into a slurry with lime and placed in drums fordisposal in an approved tip.

7.5 TREATED WOOD, SAWDUST

AND SHAVINGS

Treated wood, sawdust and shavings shall be disposedof in a landfill area approved for the purpose by theLocal Authority. Treated wood, sawdust and shavingsshould not be disposed by burning, and the sawdust andshavings should not be used for mulching, composting,or in other garden applications.

7.6 CONTAINERS

All containers should be completely emptied, rinsedwith water and allowed to drain. The rinsate should berecovered and added to the plant mixing tanks.

All empty containers should be returned to themanufacturer wherever possible. Otherwise, theyshould be punctured and crushed prior to disposal in aland-fill area approved for the purpose by the LocalAuthority.

Empty containers must never be used for the storage ofwater or foodstuffs.

8. MONITORING

8.1 EMPLOYEE HEALTH

All treatment plant employees should be given a generalmedical examination prior to their appointment, and thisshould be followed by regular check-ups at 6-monthlyintervals. The check-ups should include specificexaminations for chemical-related problems, includingchrome ulcers and urinary arsenic testing.

8.2 STORMWATER DISCHARGES

Stormwater discharges from the site should be tested atleast once every three months for elevated levels oftreatment chemicals. Water samples should be takenfrom the drainage sumps soon after rainfall, and sent toa laboratory for analysis for copper, chromium, arsenicand boron, and other relevant chemicals. The chemicalsuppliers should be able to assist with these tests if thereis no local laboratory available.

8.3 GROUNDWATER

A series of groundwater sampling wells should beestablished around the perimeter of the site, and watersamples should be collected for testing at least onceevery three months. The siting of these wells should bedecided in conjunction with the governmentenvironment agency.

Samples of drinking water should also be taken fromany domestic bores within 1000 metres of the site.



8.4 SOIL SAMPLES

Surveys of surface soil contamination in and around thesite should be carried out at least once a year. Thelocation and numbers of samples should be agreed withthe government environment agency, but as a minimumshould include systematic sampling along the siteperimeter and adjacent to the main treatment plantworking areas.

8.5 INTERPRETATION OF

RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP

ACTIONS

The results for all of the above samples should becompared with government guidelines for water and soilquality. In the absence of any such guidelines, referenceshould be made to those published by internationalagencies, such as the World Health Organisation, orguidelines used in other countries. For example, theNew Zealand Ministry for the Environment (MfE) hasrecently published a very comprehensive set ofguidelines for discharges from timber treatment plants(Health and Environmental Guidelines for SelectedTimber Treatment Chemicals, MfE, Wellington, June1997).

Elevated levels of treatment chemicals in the sampleswould indicate the presence of significant contaminationon some or all of the site. This should be investigatedfurther using soil and dust analysis. Contaminated areasshould be excavated and the soil treated and disposedusing the method given above for plant sludges. Plantoperating practices should also be reviewed and revisedso as to prevent further contamination.


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL OF CCA SLUDGE PAGE C19

C.7 DISPOSAL OF WASTE

CCA SLUDGE

Details are provided below of an alternative procedure for the treatment of CCA waste andsludge. The procedure is based on micro-encapsulation or immobilisation to produce non-structural concrete.

PREPARATION OF SLUDGE FOR

TREATMENT

Ideally the sludge is best suited for treatment when aminimum amount of ‘free chemical’ (orange colouration)is present in the sludge. Remaining quantities can affectfixation and bonding within the treated waste resulting inunacceptably high levels of leaching. Free chemical canbe washed out of the waste using the following procedure:

Add water to half-filled waste drums, stir, allow tosettle, and decant off the clear liquid on top. Return thisliquid to the treatment tanks.

Repeat this process until all colouration in the liquid isgone.

Alternatively, the waste may be treated with lime and areducing chemical such as sodium metabisulphite, usingthe procedure given in Annex C6, section7.2.

TREATMENT METHOD

1. Mix the sludge in a suitable vessel. If the wasteis dry, water should be added to form a thickslurry.

2. Depending on sludge types various formulationsmay be used and additives, such as acid, may berequired. The basic formulation is as follows:

To every 100kg of sludge

add 100kg of Portland cement

10kg of sand

1kg of lime

Blend in a mixer and add enough water to produce amouldable consistency.

3. Pour into suitable moulds, either made withformwork or into drums or small concrete pipes. Besure to keep mould sizes to an easily handled size andweight. When pouring, incorporate any necessarylifting hooks or forklift tine pockets.

TECHNICAL NOTE:Sludge types, metal concentrations and impurity contentcan all have an effect on the formulation used for wastetreatment. Depending on waste types it may benecessary to add acid or lime to a waste mix orsubstitute flyash or pozzolanic cement in place ofPortland cement. Usually it is best to:

• ensure your waste is properly pre-treated;

• mix all waste streams to ensure that the wastewill not vary during treatment;

• do a number of trial batches in bucket size andhave the results analysed before undertaking thefull scale work; and

• Use the formula specified in Point 2 above first,as a starting point.

This procedure has been developed by Koppers-Hickson, who can provide additional advice onformulation changes, analytical facilities and therequired storage and disposal procedures.

For further information contact:

Koppers - Hickson Timber Protection (NZ)Limited

P O Box 22-148, OTAHUHUAuckland 6, New Zealand

Ph: (64) 9276 3646Fax: (64) 9270 2020


PAGE C20 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - WASTE OIL MANAGEMENT AT POWER STATIONS


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - WASTE OIL MANAGEMENT AT POWER STATIONS PAGE C21

C.8 WASTE OIL MANAGEMENT AT

POWER STATIONS

Power stations are a significant source of waste oil in Pacific Island Countries. Disposal of thiswaste is a major problem for many PICs, and it has the potential to cause significant adverseenvironmental effects if not done properly.

The following notes describe the main sources of wasteoil, a variety of management techniques that can be usedto minimise waste generation, and the possible disposaloptions.

WASTE GENERATION

Engine oil is the major source of waste oil in oil-firedpower stations. Manufacturers usually recommend thatengine be oil be replaced once every 3 months. In a 5 to10 MW installation, this typically generates about 200litres of used oil with each maintenance cycle.

Cooling water discharges are another significant sourceof oil, although this mainly occurs with olderinstallations not fitted with closed loop cooling systems.

Maintenance of transformers, motor vehicles and othermechanical equipment is another potential source.

Oil spillages around the site are another source ofcontamination, especially if these are washed off-site bystormwater run-off.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

The environmental effects of waste oil are causedmainly by its non-miscibility with water. Thin layers ofwaste oil can act as a barrier to many of the transferprocesses that form an essential part of biological life.For example, fish will not be able to breathe if their gillsbecome coated with a thin layer of oil. In the case ofplant life, oil can act as a barrier to respiration throughthe leaves or nutrient uptake through the roots.

Oil contamination of marine environments is aparticular concern in PICs because of the fragile natureof the marine ecosystems. For example, mangroveecosystems are key components in estuarine andestuarine-dependant marine fisheries, primarily throughmangrove leaf litter that serves as a basis for the foodchains supporting these fisheries. Leaf fragmentationinto detritus is colonised by fungi and bacteria, that in

turn are ingested by fish. Oil contamination can causemajor disruptions to these and other biological processes,mainly through inhibition of bacterial growth.

Waste oil is not especially toxic to humans, although itwill often contain toxic contaminants such as heavymetals, or complex organic chemicals such as thepolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The main concernfor humans is contamination of groundwater and othersources of drinking water. Oil contamination rendersthe water unfit for drinking because of its taste andodour. This is especially relevant to PICs, which areoften highly dependent on limited and fragile freshwater supplies.

WASTE OIL MANAGEMENT

The management of waste oil should be designedaround the usual hierarchy of reduction at source,followed by recycle and reuse, with disposal as theoption of last recourse.

WASTE REDUCTION

Waste oil production from engine maintenance can bereduced through the use of an effective engine wearmonitoring programme. These programmes areavailable through some of the oil suppliers (e.g. MobilOil Micronesia) and provide a quick and effectivesystem for monitoring the build up of engine wearparticles in the oil. The oil only needs to be changedonce the wear levels reach a pre-set limit, rather than inaccordance with the arbitrary schedules recommendedby the engine manufacturers. Experience in some PICshas shown that this can considerably extend the timebetween oil changes on power station engines.

Waste oil from cooling water discharges can be eliminatedthrough the use of closed-loop cooling systems. Theseshould be standard equipment on most modern units butcan also be retro-fitted to older installations.


PAGE C22 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - WASTE OIL MANAGEMENT AT POWER STATIONS

Drip trays should be used around all equipment andwork areas where there is the potential for oil spillagesor leaks. Larger areas should be fully sealed andbunded to prevent run-off.

Site run-off from oil-contaminated areas should becollected and passed through an interceptor system priorto discharge. Designs for some simple interceptors areshown in Figure 1 below. The primary system on theleft is mainly used for separating out small quantities ofoil from relatively high volume water flows. Thesystem on the right can achieve capture rates of over95%, when designed in accordance with the expectedflows.

OIL RECYCLING

Oil recycling involves the removal of metals and othercontaminants followed by reconstitution to comply withthe original specifications. There is only one oilrecycling plant in the Pacific Islands, and this is basedin Samoa. However, the plant is currently not operatingfor a variety of reasons. Despite the lack of facilities,recycling should be the preferred option for waste oilmanagement in PICs. It is strongly recommended thatindividual countries negotiate with their suppliers sothat arrangements can be made for waste oil to bereturned to the source country for recycling through asuitable refinery.

Some waste oil can be recycled using smallcommercially available units, which simply remove anywater and solid particles. This method is commonlyused for the recycling of transformer oil, and may alsobe suitable for oil used in other low-grade applications.

OIL DISPOSAL

The only viable option for waste oil disposal in manyPICs is by burning as a supplementary fuel. However, itmust be emphasised that this should be seen as a less-preferred option to recycling.

Clean waste oil can be burned in power station enginesby mixing at a rate of no more than 5% with fuel oil(usually diesel or HFO). This should be done in amixing tank which is separate from the normal fuelstorage system. Ideally the mixed fuel should be testedfor flash point prior to use, as a check for contaminationwith other more flammable materials such as petrol.

The equipment manufacturers should always beconsulted prior to using waste oil as a supplementaryfuel. This is because some manufacturers have specificwarranty exclusions against this practice. Others willonly agree to the burning of waste oil produced fromtheir own engines. This aspect should also beconsidered when PICs are negotiating for the purchaseof new generating plant.

Waste oil can also be disposed in other industrialburners. For example, waste oil is currently being usedas a supplementary fuel in the secondary steel mill inFiji, and in the phosphate dryers on Nauru.

The burning of waste oil produces toxic air emissionssuch as sulphur dioxide and heavy metals. However,these emissions are also produced by the burning of“clean” fuel and there will be little or no differencewhen waste oil is added at the recommended low rates.The primary benefit of waste oil burning is an overallreduction in fuel usage and costs.

P R I M A R Y C O N T R O L S E C O N D A R Y C O N T R O L

FIGURE 1. SIMPLE OIL-WATER SEPARATOR SYSTEMS


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - ON-ISLAND HYDROCARBON REMEDIATION (LANDFARMING) PAGE C23

C.9 ON-ISLAND HYDROCARBON

REMEDIATION (LANDFARMING)

OVERVIEW

On-island remediation of waste hydrocarbons including oil, fuel, bitumen and contaminated soiland sludge, is possible through the use of bio-remediation. The most simple bio-remediationtechnique is referred to as land farming.

During landfarming, waste hydrocarbons are applied tosoil at a controlled rate and ploughed into the top 300-500 mm. Naturally occurring bacteria and chemicalprocesses in the soil degrade the waste, producingcarbon dioxide and water. While not advocated for bulkoil disposal, this procedure may be used for theremediation of surface oil/fuel spills and the associatedcontaminated soil.

Treatment times typically range from 6 to 12 months.The addition of nutrients (e.g. fertiliser) and regularploughing help accelerate the process. Stringentenvironmental controls and monitoring are required toensure the surrounding area does not becomecontaminated.

A slightly more controlled approach to bio-remediationinvolves slurrying the waste oil or contaminated soilwith water, to yield a 5-10% solids content. Themixture is continuously stirred in a tank, with theaddition of nutrients and air. Treatment times for thisprocess range from 6 to 12 weeks.

PROCEDURE

SITE PREPARATION

1. Select a suitable site, preferably with good securityand well away from any residential activities. Thesite should not be prone to flooding and there shouldbe no significant groundwater sources within 100metres. Very sandy soils and clays, are generally notsuitable for landfarming.

2. Allow a minimum surface area of 10m2 per tonne ofhydrocarbons or 5m2 per tonne of contaminated soil.

3. Establish site access controls, including fencing andsignage as appropriate.

4. Establish a suitable level, graded base, with bunding

around the perimeter to prevent surface run-off.

5. Clear the base of debris and excess vegetation.

6. Establish stormwater control measures. This mayinclude small compacted earth bunds to divertstormwater away from the remediation area anddrainage to collect contaminated runoff.

OPERATION

7. Spread the waste hydrocarbon material on theprepared base.

8. Mix the waste material with the top 300 - 500mm ofnatural soil using a bulldozer with tines or a rotaryhoe.

9. Spread fertiliser (e.g. NPK) on the soil and remix.Repeat this action every two weeks initially. Thismay be reduced to every four - six weeks after thefirst 2 months.

10. Wet down the soil with freshwater. (Soil should bejust moist, not muddy). Repeat every two-fourweeks, depending on rainfall.

11. Stormwater runoff and/or leachate from theremediation area should be recirculated onto the soilstockpiles.

VALIDATION

12. After 4-6 months, obtain soil samples from thesurface of the remediation area and at 500mm depth.A minimum of 1 sample per 10m3 is advised.

13. Mark each sample location on a site map, includingpermanent reference points.

14. Store the samples in a triple rinsed glass jars andlabel with a unique sample identification number.

15. Transport the samples to a registered laboratory foranalysis of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH).


PAGE C24 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - ON-ISLAND HYDROCARBON REMEDIATION (LANDFARMING)

16. Continue steps 7 to 15 until the laboratory results arebelow 5000 mg/kg.

DECOMMISSIONING

17. Excavate the top 300-500mm of soil. Theremediated soil may be used as landfill cover or incontrolled filling operations. Soil with TPH levelsbelow 1000 mg/kg may be used without restrictions.

18. Backfill the excavation as necessary.

19. Regrade the base and revegetate as appropriate.

20. Remove site improvements (e.g. stormwater drainsand bunding) as necessary.


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER PAGE C25

C.10 IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF

HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATED

GROUNDWATER

OVERVIEW

This paper provides an overview of the issues to be considered in the development of passive, in-situ bio-remediation systems. Each site and contaminant will have a unique set of conditions andconstraints, and detailed investigations will be required.

In-situ bio-remediation is considered the most practicaland cost effective management option for hydrocarboncontaminated groundwater in the Pacific Islands. Thetypically shallow water tables and high permeabilitysand or limestone aquifers, are ideal for the applicationof this technology. Biological treatment systems havebeen demonstrated to successfully reduce hydrocarbonlevels in groundwater aquifers to below drinking waterstandards.

Most hydrocarbon material will gradually breakdown inthe environment to form carbon dioxide, water andsimple organic molecules. This occurs due to the actionof naturally occurring bacteria and sunlight. Thebreakdown process can be accelerated by the addition ofspecialised bacteria, oxygen and nutrients. In-situ bio-remediation of simple hydrocarbon material takes in theorder of 3-6 months. More complex or chlorinatedhydrocarbons can require up to 12 months to degrade toacceptable levels. Combining bio-remediation with asimple soil venting system can further accelerate thisprocess.

The first stage of the remediation process is to pumpany free hydrocarbon product from the aquifer.Contaminated water removed with the product shouldbe returned to the aquifer for subsequent treatment. Thehydrocarbon material is often relatively clean havingbeen filtered through a sand layer. Where thecontaminants are diesel fuel or waste oil, case studiesindicate that the recovered product can often be reusedor recycled.

Insitu biological remediation involves pumping ofnutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and oxygen(compressed air) into the contaminated aquifer. Theforced air pumping also provides a degree of mixing. Insome instances, pH correction may also be necessary.

Hydraulic controls such as impermeable liners, slurrywalls, spear point wells or interception trenches may be

required to prevent the migration of contaminants andthe influx of clean groundwater into the aquifer.

A large volume of background data is required prior tocommencement of a groundwater remediationprogramme. As a minimum, the following informationis required:

• nature of the contaminant, including; solubility,vapour pressure, density, soil partitioningcoefficients and sorption coefficients

• nature of the aquifer, including; size, depth,water quality, potentiometric surface, pump testdata, slug test data and sieve analysis

• vertical and lateral extent of contamination

• geological conditions including; local andregional soil profiles, depth to confining layer,geological cross sections, porosity andpermeability.

To design a successful remediation programme, adetailed understanding of the chemical and physicalinteractions of the contaminant in the environment isnecessary. For example, light hydrocarbons such asdiesel will float on top of the aquifer, while manychlorinated hydrocarbons will settle below the watertable. Similarly, hexachlorobenzene is relativelyinsoluble in water, however, its solubility greatlyincreases in the presence of benzene.

OPERATING PARAMETERS

The following provides a summary of the typicaloperating parameters employed for in-situ bio-remediation systems.


PAGE C26 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER

• For every 100 parts of organic carbon (measured asBOD), between 5-10 parts of nitrogen are required.A residual soluble ammonia concentration of 1-2mg/L is desirable.

• For every 100 parts of organic carbon (measured asBOD), 1 part of soluble ortho-phosphate is required.A residual soluble phosphate concentration of 1-2mg/L is desirable.

• Temperature greatly affects the rate at which bacteriametabolise the hydrocarbon contaminants. As a ruleof thumb, for every 10oC increase in watertemperature, the rate of metabolic activity willdouble. However, above 45oC the bacteria willbegin to die off.

• The optimal pH range for hydrocarbon metabolisingbacteria is 6 - 9 pH units.

• The groundwater should contain a residual dissolvedoxygen level of > 1mg/L.

• Certain heavy metals and organic compounds canhave a toxic effect on the bacteria. In particular,soluble concentrations of copper, lead, arsenic andchromium should not exceed 1 mg/L. Additionally,compounds such as perchloroethylene, quaternaryamines, chlorinated aromatics and tertiary alcoholscan inhibit the metabolic process.

PROCEDURE

The following provides a guide to establishing an in-situbio-remediation system.

• Locate and map the extent of the contamination.

• Establish site infrastructure and controls, includingappropriate storage tanks, chemical delivery pumps,air pumps, bunding, diversion drainage, fireprotection, monitoring equipment, fencing andsignage as necessary.

• Establish local hydraulic controls to isolate thedesired aquifer treatment zone. This may includeplacement of intercept trenches, sheet pile walls,slurry walls, extraction wells etc.

• Remove any free floating product from the aquifer.The recovered material should be incorporated in theregional waste oil recycling program. Anycontaminated water should be returned to theaquifer.

• Establish injection and monitoring wells around thetreatment zone. For optimal performance in apassive release system, the injection wells should beplaced 0.5-1.0 m apart. This distance can beincreased where an external mixing system (such asforced air), is provided.

• Pump the desired nutrient mix and air flow throughthe injection wells. The optimal concentrations andflow rate will depend on the quantity and nature ofhydrocarbons in the aquifer.

• Monitor the aquifer to determine the biodegradationrate of the hydrocarbons. The initial degradationrate may be increased by the addition of speciallycultured bacteria.

• Continue the process until the total petroleumhydrocarbon levels are below 1 mg/L. The systemcould be designed to operate on automatic feedback,with minimal operator input.


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL METHODS FOR MEDICAL WASTES PAGE C27

C.11 DISPOSAL METHODS FOR

MEDICAL WASTES

Historically, high-temperature incineration has been the preferred method for disposing ofhospital wastes. This involves burning the wastes with additional fuel inside a specially designedcombustion chamber. If done properly, the wastes are reduced to a harmless and unrecognisableash. In the past it was always considered that incineration was the most appropriate way todispose of these wastes because of its high destruction efficiency (>99%) and relatively minorenvironmental impacts. As well, the production of a clean homogeneous ash gave continuingreassurance that the wastes were effectively destroyed.

The hospitals in some Pacific Island countries areequipped with incinerators. However, in many cases thefacilities are less than adequate, mainly because theequipment is old and in poor condition. In othersituations, the units are very basic and would not meetthe performance criteria now applied in most developedcountries. Modern waste incinerators are veryexpensive, and beyond the financial resources of manyPICs.

It should be recognised that incineration is no longerseen as the ideal disposal method for hospital wastes.During incineration, most organic materials in thewastes are converted to carbon dioxide and water, whichare discharged to the air. However, there can be tracesof other contaminants, including carbon monoxide,smoke, metals, acid gases, complex organics such as thedioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, andairborne pathogens. Most of these are caused byincomplete destruction of the waste materials. All ofthese contaminants can have adverse effects on humanhealth and the environment. The emissions of metalsand dioxins are particularly significant because of theirpotential to accumulate in the environment, and theirhigh toxicity.

Concern over these emissions has prompted some majorreviews of the performance requirements for medicalwaste incinerators in many countries. For example,when new performance standards were introduced in theUSA, it was expected that most of the 5000 medicalwaste incinerators operating throughout the countrywould have to be shut down. This will result in themajority of wastes either being disposed through a fewdedicated service providers using state-of-the-artincinerators with much lower emission levels, orthrough the use of other waste treatment technologies.

A variety of alternative methods are available, or underdevelopment, for the treatment of medical wastes,including the following:

• Other forms of thermal treatment, e.g. plasmatorch, glass furnace

• Heat treatment using steam, radiant heating ormicrowaves

• Chemical disinfection

• Irradiation using gamma rays or electron beams.

Many of these systems are still prohibitively expensive.However, a number of units have been developedrecently in the US for use in small clinics, and some ofthese may be suitable for PICs. For example, a smallpyrolysis unit (about the size of a domestic oven) isavailable at a cost of about US$50,000.

A recent WHO report on waste management indicatesthat controlled burial in a landfill should be one of thepreferred disposal options for hospital wastes whenincineration is not available. This disposal method isused in many PICs. However, the degree of controlover the disposal activities is often not as rigorous as itshould be. Ideally, the disposal site should be in asecure area with no public access. Wastes should beplaced in pits at least 1 metre deep, and should becovered with fill material immediately after placement.


PAGE C28 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SANITARY LANDFILLS


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SANITARY LANDFILLS PAGE C29

C.12 BASIC REQUIREMENTS

FOR SANITARY

LANDFILLS

The term sanitary landfill describes a disposal facility for municipal solid wastes in which thesite has been carefully selected, designed, constructed, and operated so as to minimise anypotential environmental hazards and risks to public health. This includes the potential hazardsfrom infectious and hazardous materials, and the leachate and gases formed from decomposingrubbish.

SITE LOCATIONS

Sanitary landfills are best sited well away from populatedareas, in locations where there is little or no risk of theburied waste coming into contact with surface orgroundwater. Engineering design requirements shouldinclude a minimum distance between the base of thelandfill and the maximum water table.

Some of the dumpsites seen in this survey are sited onthe edge of lagoons, and in some cases the waste isregularly inundated with water. This situation willalmost certainly lead to contamination of the marineenvironment.

SITE SECURITY

Landfill sites should be securely fenced and site accessshould be controlled to prevent scavenging. This isimportant because of the potential risks from hazardousand infectious materials that might be present.

Scavenging is discouraged at some of the landfills inPICs, but in others it is almost encouraged, as a meansof reducing waste volumes.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Most new landfills are constructed with an impermeablesynthetic or clay liner, to prevent contaminant migrationinto the subsoil and any underlying groundwater.However, there were no sites identified in the surveywhere this had been done, mainly because of the costand/or non-availability of liner materials.

OPERATION

Landfills are normally operated on a daily cell system.Each cell is formed on a confined portion of the site inwhich the refuse is spread and compacted in thin layers.Several layers may be placed on top of one another to amaximum depth of about 3 metres. At the end of eachday, the refuse is covered with a layer of soil or otherclean fill, and additional cover layers are put in placewhen the cell is full. At sites where excavations can bemade below grade, the so-called trench method ofconstruction is used, with the cells being formed insidea trench. If excavations are not possible, the rubbish iscompacted into discrete piles or mounds, using the areamethod.

Daily cover material is an essential part of the landfilloperation, because this helps to control odour,windblown litter, scavenging, and insect or rodentproblems. The cover material is either taken from thesurrounding soil (especially with the trench method ofoperation), or needs to be trucked in from other sites.Heavy machinery such as crawler tractors or rubbertired bulldozers are used to spread and compact therefuse and the cover layers.

In most of the landfills seen in the survey there had beenlittle or no attempt to develop a cell type of operation.Some facilities were attempting to cover the wastes on aregular basis, although this was usually done weeklyrather than daily. One of the main limitations was theavailability of suitable cover material. Many operationsalso lacked the basic heavy equipment needed to movethe waste into position and to achieve good compaction.


PAGE C30 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SANITARY LANDFILLS

WASTE ACCEPTANCE

A properly operated landfill should have specificprocedures for the acceptance and disposal of hazardouswastes. Generally these should not be mixed in withother refuse. If hazardous wastes are to be disposed at alandfill they should be buried in a specific part of thesite, preferably one with a high degree of containment.Additional liner and cover materials should be used, andthe waste should be covered immediately afterplacement to minimise any risks to the public. Thelocations of hazardous waste disposal pits should beclearly identified on a site plan. This of course, is quiteeasy to do if the site is operated to a cell system.

None of the sites seen in the survey had specialprocedures for the acceptance of hazardous wastes,although some had areas set-aside for the disposal ofmedical wastes.


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL OF BURIED MEDICAL WASTES IN PALAU PAGE C31

C.13 DISPOSAL OF BURIED

MEDICAL WASTES (PALAU)

ADMINISTRATION

The Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) has a range of environmentalexpertise and is considered well placed to manage the remediation works. The remediationprogramme is expected to be labour intensive and assistance from external contract workersmay be required.

PREPARATION AND EQUIPMENT

A number of medical waste burial sites were identifiedthrough the POPs survey. There are reportedlynumerous similar sites scattered through the Ngatpangjungle. Location and documentation of all known orsuspected sites is the first step in the remediationprogramme.

The sites are very isolated and the risk from potentialsoil contamination is not considered significant. Shouldthe analysis identify hazardous chemicals, a soilremediation programme will be developed.

The vials should be gently excavated by hand andplaced into suitable containers for transport. Packingshould be placed around the vials to protect againstbreakage. Equipment required for the clean up willinclude:

• Personal protective equipment (rubber gloves, safetyglasses, long sleeves, long trousers, enclosedfootwear);

• Hand trowels, shovels and rakes;

• Drums / containers to carry the vials;

• Packing (e.g. styrofoam, sawdust) to protect thevials; and

• Transport to the sites.

DISPOSAL

The Palau Hospital has an on-site high temperatureincinerator, equipped with an afterburner. The unit is ingood condition and reportedly meets the USEPA airquality criteria.

The incinerator is considered an appropriate and costeffective disposal option for the medical wastes.Chemical analysis will be undertaken to ensure that thematerial will not pose an air quality or explosion hazardwhen placed in the incinerator. The residual ash will besuitable for landfill disposal.

Negotiations are required with officials from the PalauHealth Department and Hospital Administration, toobtain approval for disposal of the medical waste in theincinerator.

The issue of disposal fees should be discussed with thePalau Hospital Administration Board. It is proposedthat the waste material be disposed during the routineoperation of the incinerator. This should not result insignificant additional expense for the hospital.


PAGE C32 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MISCELLANEOUS WASTES


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MISCELLANEOUS WASTES PAGE C33

C.14 MISCELLANEOUS

CHEMICAL WASTES

The disposal options for the various wastes listed in section 3.10 are discussed below:

CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE

The most appropriate disposal option for calciumhypochlorite would be to find a use for it. This shouldnot be difficult as the chemical is widely used for watertreatment.

If no suitable use can be found, then it could bedisposed by spreading over waste ground in a controlledlocation, and moistening with water. The chosen siteshould have little or no vegetation or other organicmatter on the surface, because hypochlorite is a verystrong oxidiser and can react violently with organicmaterials. The chemical will gradually lose its chlorinethrough exposure to the elements, leaving a residue ofcalcium hydroxide, or lime. After a period of 2 to 4weeks, the residue should be either worked into the soil,or scraped up and disposed in a landfill.

CYANIDE CANISTERS

The most appropriate procedure to use with the cyanidecanisters will be as follows:

the canisters should first be placed into drums or tankscontaining a strong solution of sodium or potassiumhydroxide. This will slowly erode the container, andrelease the cyanide into solution. A solution ofoxidising agent such as sodium or calcium hypochloriteshould then be added, in sufficient amount to ensure anexcess of available chlorine. Careful monitoring ofcyanide levels and pH is required to ensure that thereaction is carried out under alkaline conditions toprevent any releases of hydrogen cyanide gas prior todestruction. This takes about 24 hours, after which thecontents may be disposed by pouring over waste groundor discharge to the municipal sewer. Any residual metalfrom the canisters should be disposed by burial at alandfill. The cyanide is converted to carbon dioxide gas.

CAR (LEAD-ACID) BATTERIES

The two hazardous components in lead-acid batteriesneed to be treated quite separately. Any acid should beremoved by draining the casing. This should be dilutedwith an excess of water to give a 5 to 10-fold dilution.The liquid should then be neutralised by mixing with anequal volume of agricultural lime, or other alkalinematerial. Coral rock may be a suitable alternative inmany PICs.

The lead in these batteries should be recovered andreused. There are secondary smelters in New Zealandand Australia that accept old batteries for recycling, andthe purchase price should usually be sufficient to coverthe costs of shipping from PICs. Lead recovery is alsopractised at a domestic level in some PICs; e.g. formaking fishing sinkers. However this should not beencouraged because of the potential environmental andhuman health hazards. Lead recycling operationsrequire a high degree of control because of the potentialhazards from air emissions and wastewater discharges.

Empty battery cases must also be disposed carefullybecause they can still contain significant amounts oflead. Disposal in a secure landfill is the preferredoption, and domestic uses should be discouraged.

DRY-CELL BATTERIES

Most dry-cell batteries contain a complex mixture ofdifferent chemicals and this makes it very difficult (anduneconomic) to recycle any of the individualcomponents. In fact, recycling of these batteries is onlypractised at a few places in Europe and North Americawhere the available volumes are very large.

The only suitable option for disposing of dry cellbatteries in PICs is to mix them with concrete followedby burial in a landfill. The concrete effectively locks upany hazardous metals and will also neutralise any acidiccomponents. The batteries should be added to concreteat a rate of about 1 to 4. (1 kg of batteries to 4 kgconcrete).


PAGE C34 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MISCELLANEOUS WASTES

FERTILISERS AND NUTRIENT

MIXES

The best disposal option for these chemicals is for themto be used as originally intended. However, this will notalways be possible if the quantities are large (>100kg)and the available land areas are limited. For example,an area of 50 hectares of land would be required for thedisposal of 100kg of fertiliser at the typical usage rate of2 kg/ha.

Small quantities of nutrient metal salts can be disposedby mixing with the cover material used on a landfill.The rate of mixing should be similar to thatrecommended for normal use and is typically less than1 kg/ha. Larger amounts could be disposed in a landfillafter mixing with concrete (see notes for CCA inAnnex C.7).

Urea breaks down readily in the environment to formammonia and carbon dioxide, although continued usecan lead to a build up of nitrates in soil andgroundwater.

Quantities of lime can have beneficial effects whendisposed in a landfill, because it helps to neutralise anyacid leachate.

If none of the above options are suitable, then thechemicals may need to be shipped to a suitabletreatment facility in Australia, New Zealand, orelsewhere.

PAINTS AND RESINS

These materials can be safely disposed in a landfill oncethey have been allowed to harden or cure.

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

Ideally, this chemical should be disposed by using asintended, or for neutralisation of other wastes. It canalso be disposed in a landfill, where it should have abeneficial effect on any acidic leachate. Liquid wastesshould be soaked up in some suitable absorbent materialprior to landfill disposal.


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - REMOVAL OF LEAD-BASED PAINT FROM STEEL STRUCTURES PAGE C35

C.15 REMOVAL OF LEAD-BASED

PAINT FROM STEEL STRUCTURES

OVERVIEW

Lead based paints are often used as primers on steel structures as an anti-corrosion measure.Historically lead was also used in many top coats, but this use has been largely discontinuedbecause of problems due to lead toxicity. Nonetheless lead may still be present in top coats if thepaint is more than 10 to 20 years old.

The removal of lead-based paint is potentially veryhazardous because of the possible health effects.Lead is a neurotoxin which acts on the central nervoussystem. It can enter the body by ingestion or inhalation.The symptoms of acute lead poisoning include nausea,vomiting, stomach cramps, insomnia, irritability,moodiness and loss of co-ordination. Prolongedexposure to small amounts of lead can cause chroniclead poisoning, the symptoms of which includeheadaches, loss of energy, nausea, vomiting, anaemiaand loss of co-ordination. Lead exposure has also beenshown to cause developmental and behaviouralproblems in young children.

Lead is also harmful to small animals, and there havebeen many examples of household pets beingaccidentally poisoned during lead removal operations.

IDENTIFICATION

Old paint should always be tested prior to removal, ifthere is any possibility of lead based paints having beenused. The probability is extremely high for most steelstructures, and is also very high for house paints morethan about 20 years old.

The presence of lead in light coloured paints is easilytested by wiping the surface with a 5% solution ofsodium sulphide. Some of the lead reacts to form leadsulphide, which causes a dark stain. Unfortunately thissimple test is not suitable for dark coloured paints. Norcan it test for lead in any underlying paint layers. Inthese situations, small samples of the paint should becollected and sent to a laboratory for lead analysis. Theamount of paint needed for testing is very small; ateaspoonful would be quite adequate.

PAINT REMOVAL METHODS

The removal of lead based paint should only be carriedout using methods that minimise the generation ofairborne dust. Manual scraping or water blasting havethe least potential for dust generation and would be thepreferred methods for use in most PICs.

The use of a heat gun to soften the paint is notrecommended because this can produce lead fumes.Dry sand blasting should never be used unless theoperation is carried out in a fully enclosed system, witha high level of dust control. In the case of large steelstructures this can only be achieved by surrounding theentire structure in a temporary enclosure made fromplastic sheeting, and fitted with extraction fans and adust collection system.

PERSONAL PROTECTION

Whatever method is used for removing the paint, it isessential that the people doing the work be providedwith equipment to protect them from dust exposures.This should include high quality dust masks, gloves anddisposable overalls.

Good personal hygiene practices are also important.One of the most common routes for lead poisoning isinadvertent exposure through handling food with handscovered in paint dust. Cigarette smoking is also a majorrisk factor in this context. It is essential that workers bemade to remove any contaminated clothing and have athorough wash before any meal breaks and also at theend of each work shift.


PAGE C36 ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - REMOVAL OF LEAD-BASED PAINT FROM STEEL STRUCTURES

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Paint flakes and dust should not be allowed tocontaminate the work site and surrounding areas. Asindicated previously, this can be a hazard to pets andother small animals. In addition, lead persists in theenvironment and can be taken up into crops and othercomponents of the food chain.

Attempts should be made to prevent contamination ofthe surrounding environment during the paint removaloperations. This should include covering the groundaround the site with tarpaulins or sacking. These shouldalso be suspended beneath any elevated structures suchas bridges. As much of the paint dust as possible shouldbe collected at the end of each work shift, and the siteshould be given a thorough clean up at the end of theremoval operation. All paint flakes and dust should beplaced into sealed containers for secure storage prior todisposal.

WASTE DISPOSAL

Most paint residues can be safely disposed by burial in alandfill, although it is desirable that the site has a goodlevel of leachate control. For many of the landfills inPICs, any potential leachate problems could beminimised by mixing the paint with concrete prior toburial. A mixture of about 1 part paint to 1 of concreteshould be used.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Detailed procedures for the management of lead basedpaints are given in an Australian Standard; AS 4361,1995 – Guide to Lead Paint Management.


ANNEX C: GUIDELINES - A GUIDE TO THE IMPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTES INTO AUSTRALIA PAGE C37

C.16 A GUIDE TO THE IMPORTATION

OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

TO AUSTRALIA

THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BASEL CONVENTION

The Basel Convention is an internationally recognised convention which provides for controls onthe import/export and international movement of hazardous materials. Australia is a party to theconvention and in 1996 amended the Hazardous Wastes (Regulation of Import and Exports) Actto fulfil its obligations under the convention. Annex IV of the Convention provides guidance asto what constitutes a ‘waste’ and ‘disposal’. It is important to note that disposal operationsinclude both final disposal and recovery or recycling.

Under the Convention, wastes may only be imported toAustralia from countries which are also party to theBasel Convention. In the Pacific region this includesFSM, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Specialpermits can be arranged for export from non-partycountries, but this is typically difficult, time consuming,and can not be relied upon as a long-term solution.

Prior to obtaining an import permit, written consent inthe form of a contract is required from the waste owner,transporter(s), countries of transit and the final disposalor treatment facility. Details of the applicant’s financialstate and the transporters’ insurance cover are alsorequired. The application must be accompanied by oneoriginal copy of the Environment Australia ApplicationForm and associated fee, and one original copy of theBasel Transboundary Movement of Waste NotificationForm for each country involved in the transboundaryshipment, (including transit countries). A minimum of60 days is required to process the import application.

Transport of hazardous materials through internationalwaters must comply with the International DangerousGoods Code (DGC), administered by the IMO. TheDGC also has a permit system, which requires theappropriate labelling, packaging and tracking ofhazardous materials. Under the DGC, all shipments ofhazardous material must include a dangerous goodsdeclaration with the main transport document (e.g. theconsignment note). Each transport ‘unit’ must include:

• the proper shipping name as determined by section13.8 of the UN Orange Book,

• the class, or when assigned, the division of goods.Class 1 articles should be followed by thecompatibility group letter,

• the UN number preceded by the letter ‘UN’, andwhere assigned, the packing group, and

• the total quantity of dangerous goods.

The UN Orange Book also recommends that thoseresponsible for supervising the packaging of hazardousgoods provide a ‘container packing certificate’. Thisshould certify that:

• the container is clean and fit for purpose,

• incompatible packages have not been storedtogether,

• packages have been inspected for signs of damage,

• all goods have been properly loaded, adequatelybraced and the load evenly distributed,

• for goods bearing a Class 1 code, the container mustbe structurally serviceable in accordance with theOrange Book, and

• the container and all packages are properly labelled.

It may also be necessary to provide an EmergencyResponse Plan, which contains sufficient information tosafely address and mitigate an accidental spill or leak ofhazardous material during transport. The IMO hasdeveloped ‘Emergency Procedures for Ships CarryingDangerous Goods’ which would provide an appropriateguide. This should be augmented by health and safetydata specific to the material being transported.

A copy of the Environment Australia guide to the Baselpermit system and copies of the application forms areavailable from Environment Australia.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

The Hazardous Waste SectionEnvironment Australia

ph: (02) 6274 1411fax: (02) 6274 1164Email: [email protected] Based on the Vanuatu draft Code of Practice for Timber

Preservation Plants