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Landfill a hazard to pilots

Aviation authorities say flocks of scavenger birds flying above a Chitré dump pose a risk to aircraft.

The Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil (AAC) has recommended that the local security committee for the province of Herrera resolve problems at a an open pit landfill in Chitré, which AAC officials claim poses a threat to aircraft flying overhead.

Arlin Fábrega, head of the Protección al Ambiente, Peligro Aviar y Fauna at AAC, explained that poorly treated organic waste at the municipal landfill of the provincial capital was attracting flocks of predatory and scavenger birds, especially the ‘Zamuro Negro,’ a species of vulture with a large wingspan, which is considered the main hazard to aircraft.

Fábrega emphasized that the danger posed by the birds to navigation and an aircraft’s engines is particularly great during October and November, when migratory birds fight for air space with the falcons, hawks and other birds that circle above the exposed garbage.

AAC officials suggested that the trash pits be covered with earth, a method that also reduces the health risk posed to cattle, pigs and other livestock that wander into the area to feed.

Fábrega’s recommendations to local health authorities also made mention of the possibility of an outbreak of bird flu.

Chitré health officials were not available for comment.