St. Maarten Private Eye

Love the Lagoon, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean

EPIC recently held a tour/ inspection of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, the foundation had long been aware of garbage including used car batteries dumped all along the Lagoon’s shoreline but was very surprised to see numerous Car Batteries dumped in the Lagoon itself.

Car batteries are a type of rechargable battery that supplies electricity to motorized vehicles.
These batteries contain both lead and sulphuric acid and should therefore be properly processed or disposed of after use.

Sulphuric Acid, H2SO4, the acid used in batteries is a corrosive, oily and colorless liquid which is soluble in all proportions in water. The concentrated acid is very corrosive and thus destroys clothes and skin and can cause blindness if it gets into the eyes. When sulphuric acid is mixed with water, a substantial amount of heat is released. Unless the mixture is well stirred, the added water may be heated beyond its boiling point and the sudden formation of steam may blow the acid out of its container (for instance a battery). Sulphuric acid is harmful to marine life even in low concentration and is part of many chemicals which contribute to the forming of acid rain.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metallic element that can cause severe health problems known as Lead poisoning, in young and yet to be born children. It is primarily absorbed by the body through the lungs and stomach, lead poisoning generally occurs slowly as a result of accumulation of lead in bone and tissue after repeated exposure. When left untreated, lead poisoning can damage many internal organs, including the kidney, nervous system and the brain.

What Government should do to avoid Lagoon pollution by car batteries.
Car batteries are highly recyclable items with their plastic and lead components in most cases over 96% of the old battery lead can be recycled.To avoid pollution by car batteries and their components government should:

• Require suppliers/ distributors to collect used batteries from their costumers and to ship them to recycling or reuse facilities in near by islands or the U.S.

What you can do to avoid Lagoon pollution by car batteries
• Maintain and protect batteries to prevent damage and charge loss.
• Test batteries prior to disposal to confirm the battery is spent.
• Service batteries to extend their life.
• Make an agreement with your supplier/distributor of batteries to return the
used batteries.

What car battery suppliers/ distributors should do to avoid Lagoon pollution by car batteries

• Collect and store used batteries from costumers and ship them to recycling or reuse facilities in near by islands or the U.S.
• Battery storage is not a long term solution storage of used batteries is only acceptable as an interim measure to permit time for the collection of sufficient volumes for cost effective transport to a recycler or disposal facility.
• Train personnel in the safe use, storage and shipping procedures for used batteries. Only trained persons should have access to the storage area.
• Store used batteries according to the following:
o Use containers that are sound, sealable and not damaged or leaking.
o Bulk into good quality metal or plastic drums, or other form of containment, as appropriate.
o Label containers accordingly
o Keep the containers sealed or closed at all times.
o Protect from the weather and physical damage.
o Use wooden pallets to keep the containers and batteries off the ground during
o storage and transport.
o Storage should be in a secure area with controlled access.
o Train personnel in the safe use, storage and shipping procedures for used batteries. Only trained persons should have access to the storage area.

Rueben J. Thompson
Project Manager Love the Lagoon,
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean
(EPIC)

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