After a big fire on 5 November 2024 on one of the landfill sites on the Caribbean Netherlands island Bonaire, the lieutenant governor requested RIVM’s Environmental Incident Service (MOD) assistance. The specific task of the MOD was to sample soil, dust, and vegetation to get more insight into hazardous substances that may have been deposited in the environment after this recent fire
Sampling and analysing
The MOD has broad expertise in measuring, analysing, and interpreting the potential hazards of chemical substances released into the environment in the Netherlands. The MOD can be mobilised during and after big fires, accidental spillage of hazardous substances resulting from road, rail, or maritime accidents, but also in cases where people have become unwell due to potential exposure to an unknown substance. As specialist knowledge and equipment are required and are not available on Bonaire, the MOD was asked for assistance by the local competent authority. Within 24 hours after the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management agreed to the overseas assistance, a fully equipped team travelled to Bonaire.
Considering the different environmental conditions between the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands, some slight adjustments to the standard procedures were needed. After a day of location scouting, RIVM’s field researchers started sampling. They collected mixed soil samples, handpicked vegetation (acacia leaves instead of grass) and swiped surface areas at various distances from where the fire had burned. Since the fire had already been extinguished and heavy rainfall had occurred, air sampling was deemed unnecessary. The samples were transported to the Wageningen Food Safety and Research Centre in the Netherlands. This laboratory is specialised in analysing various matrices for the presence of dioxins, PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and heavy metals, hazardous chemicals most commonly released during fires.
Reporting and recommendations
The samples are currently being assessed and interpreted. Based on the outcomes, potential public health risks and risks to the environment in the vicinity of the landfill site will be identified. RIVM will maintain contact with the Public Entity about the interim results if the results give cause to do so. It is expected that the full and final report, will soon be shared with the Public Entity.
Photo: Environmental Incident Service (MOD) on Bonaire