Project Links
Five-year green waste burning plan for War in the Pacific NHP
War in the Pacific National Historical Park » Five-year green waste burning plan for War in the Pacific NHP » Document List
April 9, 2014 - The Guam Environmental Protection Agency today announced it will be partnering with the National Park Service in launching a pilot project using an air curtain burner to dispose of green waste without spreading invasive species.
The pilot project will launch at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14, at the War in the Pacific National Park in Asan. There will be a demonstration using the air curtain burner and a discussion about how it works.
"Guam EPA is excited about the launch of this pilot project because it provides an immediate and measurable solution to the growing problem of rhinoceros beetles and little fire ants. In addition, the ash generated from the controlled burning of green waste can be mixed into soil and to enrich its propagative properties. This is great news for our farmers and our farming industry," said Guam EPA Administrator Eric M. Palacios. "The community, including the grassroots leaders of our 19 districts, will benefit greatly from this pilot project. We understand that green waste continues to pile up throughout the island, and I am certain that the air curtain burner is a viable solution to this problem."
The Coconut Rhino Beetle and the Little Fire Ant are invasive species that have been found in numerous places across the island including the War in the Pacific National Park in Asan. Improperly managed green waste can cause the uncontrolled spreading of invasive species.
Air curtain burners, also called burn boxes, are used in other national parks to deal with infested green waste. The technology uses a curtain of air that flows over the fire and contains the fire inside the box. This method also contains ashes and smoke inside the box fire.
"Guam EPA will closely monitor the use of the air curtain burners, and it will require that the company follow all applicable procedures to secure a processing permit. Air curtain burners are widely accepted and used throughout the United States, and it is a safer alternative to open burning. This growing technology is available on Guam, and it makes sense to put it to good use for everyone's benefit," Palacios added.
(671) 300-4761, (671) 988-7582
TammyJoAnderson.Taft@epa.guam.gov
The pilot project will launch at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14, at the War in the Pacific National Park in Asan. There will be a demonstration using the air curtain burner and a discussion about how it works.
"Guam EPA is excited about the launch of this pilot project because it provides an immediate and measurable solution to the growing problem of rhinoceros beetles and little fire ants. In addition, the ash generated from the controlled burning of green waste can be mixed into soil and to enrich its propagative properties. This is great news for our farmers and our farming industry," said Guam EPA Administrator Eric M. Palacios. "The community, including the grassroots leaders of our 19 districts, will benefit greatly from this pilot project. We understand that green waste continues to pile up throughout the island, and I am certain that the air curtain burner is a viable solution to this problem."
The Coconut Rhino Beetle and the Little Fire Ant are invasive species that have been found in numerous places across the island including the War in the Pacific National Park in Asan. Improperly managed green waste can cause the uncontrolled spreading of invasive species.
Air curtain burners, also called burn boxes, are used in other national parks to deal with infested green waste. The technology uses a curtain of air that flows over the fire and contains the fire inside the box. This method also contains ashes and smoke inside the box fire.
"Guam EPA will closely monitor the use of the air curtain burners, and it will require that the company follow all applicable procedures to secure a processing permit. Air curtain burners are widely accepted and used throughout the United States, and it is a safer alternative to open burning. This growing technology is available on Guam, and it makes sense to put it to good use for everyone's benefit," Palacios added.
Contact Information
Contact: Tammy Jo Anderson Taft, Public Information Officer(671) 300-4761, (671) 988-7582
TammyJoAnderson.Taft@epa.guam.gov