Works Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira yesterday hit back at claims that Government has done nothing about protecting residents from waste disposal at Pembroke Dump.

He said tanks and roofs of homes which lie on the perimeter of the Marsh Folly Pulverisation Plant are regularly checked for hazardous wastes.

Responding to claims made by PLP MP Mr. Stanley Morton on Sunday, Dr. Terceira said consultants had examined the entire area and his department is keeping on top of the situation.

"We've been monitoring the situation for some time,'' he charged. "We had a consultant looking at the whole situation over at the dump and we met with representatives of the area three months ago. The residents also met with the consultants when they were down. It's not as if we've done nothing. The impression Mr. Morton has given is far from the truth.'' Mr. Morton accused Government of being lax in its responsibility to residents.

The MP said angry residents complained that over the weekend, truckers dumped refuse at the plant without covering it, allowing the wind to blow particles on residents roofs and in water tanks.

And he said little is done to control the foul stench in the area.

"There's a great shortage of cover material in Bermuda and the recent industrial action made management of the site difficult,'' said Dr. Terceira.

"Over the weekend we didn't have people working on the pulverisation plant, that was caused by the partial strike that went on but it's not something that happens all the time.

"There's always methane gas at dumps and we've checked for it and had trenches dug so any would be vented. We've done a survey of the houses in the immediate area and assisted in the chlorination of some of the tanks there and we've asked the Health Department to provide an on-going monitoring of the situation. Not a day goes by without us looking at the situation.'' Dr. Terceira added that if the plans for the incinerator at Tyne's Bay had passed without incident, problems such as these would be taken care of.

But Mr. Morton said the residents' concerns were not addressed until he raised the issue in the House of Assembly. He said the Minister has yet to come back to him with a response to his queries.

"I know about the incinerator, I know about the problems,'' he said. "But we're dealing with people, not birds or animals. There should be a minimum standard, a norm, and they should have an on-going inspection at all times.

Dr. Terceira said Government is now looking into the practicality of using a special type of foam instead of scarce rubble and sand.

Firefighters were called to a fire at the Pembroke dump just before 6 p.m.

last evening.

A spokesman said six men extinguished the 200 square foot fire in approximately half an hour.