Grenadian health officials have identified several areas throughout the island as illegal dumping "hot spots" and are moving swiftly to curb the problem which has far-reaching negative health and economic impacts. A list with over 20 illegal dumping sites was presented to the Chief Medical Officer and chairman of the planning committee, Dr. George Mitchell, for the February 1 and 2 National Clean-up Campaign, during its meeting on Wednesday. Mitchell was shocked at the revelation of the areas listed by acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Francis Balwant, who indicated that the sites were identified by his team of environmental health inspectors. Balwant told the meeting that the list was 90% completed and that the numbers will increase as some of the inspectors were still out in the field conducting the necessary investigations. The Ministry of Health has organized an islandwide cleanup code-named, "Operation Clean Sweep" which is expected to address indiscriminate and illegal dumping, reduction of mosquito breed sites, environmental enhancement and improving its preventative mechanisms/strategies in keeping out the emerging Chikungunya virus (ChickV). Areas of concern to the Health Ministry include: the Belmont Fall Edge, Calliste, Frequente, Baillies Bacolet, Swazan Swazi, Better Village, the Halifax Bay Perseverance, Mabouya, Coast Guard, Tufton Hall, Trench Town, Telescope and Bylands. During Wednesday's meeting there was consensus that these areas must be targeted during next weekend's cleanup campaign. Source: gov.gd