The Minister for the Environment believes that the trash incinerator in Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a part of the past, and has recommended that it be shut down.
As reported, incinerators in the West Fjörds, the Westman Islands and in Kirkjubæjarklaustur have been shown to be emitting dioxin, a highly toxic chemical that was at one time used to make the notorious herbicide Agent Orange. The matter was first brought to light when dairy producers in the northwest detected unusually high amounts of dioxin in milk.
Traces of the toxin, albeit far below dangerous levels, were also found to be in some meat originating in south Iceland. The Ministry for the Environment called for an investigation into the matter, conducting inspections on all the facilities.
RÚV now reports that a committee assembled by the ministry has come to the conclusion that the incinerator in Kirkjubæjarklaustur is not up to code. Speaking to the press, Minister for the Environment Svandís Svavarsdóttir told reporters that “according to the conclusions of the ministry, this age of incinerators is over.”
However, the municipality of Kirkjubæjarklaustur has until January 11 to raise objections to the decision. Until that time, said the minister, she cannot give a more detailed statement than this on the matter.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
