SMOKE ABOVE ASHTON LANDFILL SITE

The Langeberg Municipality is aware of the smoke and occasional flare-ups currently visible above the Ashton landfill site.

We wish to inform the public of the causes, actions being taken, and safety precautions to follow.

CAUSES OF SMOULDERING AND SMOKE

The smoke and intermittent fires are primarily caused by:

• Flammable waste: The presence of flammable waste always contributes to the risk of burning material and smoke on a landfill site.
• Heat build-up: Decomposing waste generates heat, which can lead to spontaneous combustion if not properly ventilated or properly covered with soil.
• Inadequate covering of landfill surface: Inadequate soil cover because of the cost (manpower, equipment, material), with the presence of air pockets (oxygen), is feeding the smouldering and burning waste.
• External ignition sources: Sparks from machinery or metallic waste, as well as disposal of burning materials (e.g. cigarettes, hot ash) can ignite fires.
• Solar concentrators: Concentration of solar energy through curved glass pieces can result in high high-temperature surface and potentially result in the start of a fire.  

ACTIONS BEING TAKEN

The Langeberg Waste Management staff, together with the Fire Service, are actively working to contain and reduce the impact:

• The main challenge is that the smouldering waste is below the surface, making it difficult to reach and extinguish.
• The landfill machine is used to open the area where there is smoke. The smouldering waste, in some cases, starts to burn when enough oxygen becomes available. The fire team then quenches the smoking and/or burning waste.
• Implementation of short- and long-term mitigation measures. For example, we are arranging sand buckets to be used in future by landfill workers to quench any fire or smoke as soon as it is noticed.
• Ongoing inspections and flare-up control are exercised.

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY

We urge residents to take the following precautions:

• Avoid exposure to smoke: Stay indoors / Keep windows closed during heavy smoke periods. Use fans to circulate indoor air. Wear a mask if you must go outside.
• Protect vulnerable groups: Children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions should avoid smoke exposure. Seek medical attention if experiencing breathing difficulties, chest pain, or dizziness.
• Cooperate with authorities: Follow official instructions. Avoid landfill access roads to allow emergency vehicles through. Report flare-ups or smoke plumes to the fire department.
• Prevent further risk: Do not dump hot ash, burning waste, or chemicals at the landfill / Follow municipal waste disposal guidelines to reduce fire hazards.

Langeberg Municipality regret any discomfort to any resident and/or visitor.

We are doing what is possible at present to reduce and stop the smoke from the landfill site as soon as possible.

Your understanding and patience are truly appreciated.