SIMPSON BAY--Atrium Resort has taken steps to remedy its outflow drainage and has also cleaned debris from around the Old Simpson Bay Bridge.
“We were very happy to see that after discussions with representatives at the hotel the discharge issue was remediated and the drainage was halted,” Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Manager said on Tuesday.
The resort, stated in its issued press statement, it is the only one on St. Maarten operating “its own elaborate waste water management system.” However, “we understand the concern and have decided to act swiftly and create a more discrete drainage solution.”
The concern was raised by the Foundation on Sunday after the overflow, close to the popular Kim Sha Beach, was spotted.
The resort thanked the Foundation for its “tenacity in holding businesses...accountable. The beauty of this island is something we all treasure and want to preserve for future generations.”
The lot next to Atrium, where the remains of the bridge is, is not owned by the resort which concurred with the Foundation that it is an eyesore. The resort management contacted owner Port de Plaisance for permission to clear the lot at Atrium’s expense. On the lot were hurricane debris and trash dumped by other “businesses in the neighbourhood - not from the Atrium,” management said.
Bervoets said of the clean-up: “We are especially grateful for this since this is also included debris illegally dumped including pallets from a nearby supermarket and from contractors who illegally dump construction material.”
Speaking of the beach water quality, Bervoets said there was no direct effect from the sewage. “However, we strongly suggest that steps be taken to control the wastewater issues being faced by the island.”
The Foundation is “struggling” with the number of requests it receives from residents to check wastewater contamination entering into the environment, wetlands, beaches and neighbourhoods, said Bervoets.
