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Extreme smoke from the Pockwood Pond landfill has escalated into a serious hazard for residents, First District Representative Karl Dawson has warned, saying he and community members are pushing for the problem to be addressed as a national crisis.
Speaking recently in the House of Assembly, the government member said winds were carrying smoke westward from the landfill, affecting communities beyond its immediate location.
“One of the greatest challenges we face right now is the emergence or reemergence of extreme smoke from the landfill in Pockwood Pond,” Dawson stated.
He said the problem was present when he entered the House in 2023, but improved site management had subsequently eliminated the smoke hazard for more than a year and a half.
According to Dawson, the smoke returned in late November (2025) and has continued to worsen.
“It’s now really once again, a tremendous hazard,” he said.
“We’ve been working with the minister of health, along with some community members, and we are trying our best to raise it as a national crisis and have it addressed.”
Dawson said a meeting with the Health Minister was scheduled for the following day to discuss the department’s latest plans.
“We hope that we’ll be able to bring some relief to the people of the first district and any area that is in fact affected,” he stated.
Smoke from Pockwood Pond has troubled residents for years, with recurring fires prompting complaints about its impact on daily life and health. Previous reporting has documented residents’ concerns about breathing difficulties, while smoke has also affected neighbouring St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
In his 2027 Budget Address, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley announced $3 million to support repairs and upgrades at the facility.
“Our communities deserve cleaner surroundings. Three million dollars will support critical Pockwood Pond incinerator repairs and upgrades,” Wheatley said.
“Rehabilitation and procurement of a fifty-ton-per-day unit will advance, with haul-road and dumping-cell works.”
Speaking recently in the House of Assembly, the government member said winds were carrying smoke westward from the landfill, affecting communities beyond its immediate location.
“One of the greatest challenges we face right now is the emergence or reemergence of extreme smoke from the landfill in Pockwood Pond,” Dawson stated.
He said the problem was present when he entered the House in 2023, but improved site management had subsequently eliminated the smoke hazard for more than a year and a half.
According to Dawson, the smoke returned in late November (2025) and has continued to worsen.
“It’s now really once again, a tremendous hazard,” he said.
“We’ve been working with the minister of health, along with some community members, and we are trying our best to raise it as a national crisis and have it addressed.”
Dawson said a meeting with the Health Minister was scheduled for the following day to discuss the department’s latest plans.
“We hope that we’ll be able to bring some relief to the people of the first district and any area that is in fact affected,” he stated.
Smoke from Pockwood Pond has troubled residents for years, with recurring fires prompting complaints about its impact on daily life and health. Previous reporting has documented residents’ concerns about breathing difficulties, while smoke has also affected neighbouring St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
In his 2027 Budget Address, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley announced $3 million to support repairs and upgrades at the facility.
“Our communities deserve cleaner surroundings. Three million dollars will support critical Pockwood Pond incinerator repairs and upgrades,” Wheatley said.
“Rehabilitation and procurement of a fifty-ton-per-day unit will advance, with haul-road and dumping-cell works.”
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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