project ever conducted in Bermuda. But according to the Public Works Department, incineration combined with heat recovery and energy production is the most tenable method of reducing the bulk of Bermuda's waste.

"The problem with the Pembroke Dump was identified a long time ago,'' said Mr. Dan Hoornweg, head of waste management. "We realise it cannot receive Bermuda's waste indefinitely and an incinerator is the most practical method for removing the Island's waste,'' he said.

Garbage was first dumped into Pembroke Marsh in the 1930's and by the early 1960's, all of Bermuda's domestic and trade waste was being disposed of in the Marsh. Combustible waste was often burned on site and rubble was brought in to cover up fires, odours and flies.

The Dump continues to receive 65 to 70 percent of the Island's garbage.

According to the Ministry of Works and Engineering, a pulverisation plant, which shreds the waste to enhance compaction, was installed in 1975. In 1977, investigations began for alternative disposal methods. This eventually resulted in a recommendation for the Tyne's Bay incinerator.

High temperature incineration under controlled conditions is a generally accepted method adopted worldwide to reduce the volume of garbage by up to 90 percent. And the heat created by the combustion of garbage can be used to make steam and electricity.

But the incinerator won't be ready before early 1994. And until then, the Pembroke Marsh must be used for garbage disposal.

However composting and recycling programmes can help to reduce the final height of the dump.

"It is estimated the Pembroke Dump will have to be used for a further three years which will increase the height of the dump by almost 30 feet assuming current rates of dumping,'' said Mr. Hoornweg.

"And we're currently using landfill, of which we have a chronic shortage, to cover the garbage,'' he said.

"Unfortunately, Bermuda's geographical position poses a problem because we don't have the extra soil, clay and other cover material regularly used in North America and Europe for landfill.

"But the Public Works Department is looking at other alternatives such as foam,'' he said. "And once the Pembroke Dump is safely closed, a multi-use park will be developed at the site.'' The incineration system, which will supercede the Dump, was selected by the Ministry of Works and Engineering and is one of the most modern and tested systems developed.

The plant, which was approved after an environmental impact assessment process, will be provided with two streams, each having a capacity to handle approximately 45,000 tonnes of garbage per year.

"Emissions from the incinerator will be reduced to a minimum by controlled operating standards,'' said Mr. Hoornweg. "Toxic components such as batteries, fluorescent tubes, and PVC plastics will be removed form the waste stream.'' And according to the Ministry of Works and Engineering, efficient electrostatic precipitators will expel almost all particulate matter and ensure emissions from the incinerator will have little, if any, impact on the air quality of Bermuda.

Ash will be bound in concrete blocks, said Mr. Hoornweg. "And the heat generated will be used to produce electricity which can be fed into the Belco distribution system.'' MASSIVE PROJECT -- The Tynes Bay incinerator, combined with heat recovery and energy production, is described as the most practical way of reducing the bulk of Bermuda's waste. The $70 million project should be ready for use in early 1994.