Diario Libre ironically points out today that, thanks to a conflict of interests, one of the most serious environmental problems caused by the Duquesa garbage dump may be resolved. Prior to leaving government in 2000, the Fernandez administration granted the lands of the Herrera International Airport to a group of engineering companies in lieu of payment on a debt for the construction of the Duarte Highway. But, in order to take over the lands, the airport operations needed to be moved. For this purpose, the government eventually spent over RD$1 billion to build a new airport, an amount that is similar to the debt owed to the engineers. For the airport, the government chose a site in northern Santo Domingo. The planners of the new airport did not heed warnings that the terrain was inadequate, which increased the cost of the runway preparation. Neither did they heed warning that the site was too near the Duquesa garbage dump and the La Isabela river eco-system, both of which lure birds to the area that make it inappropriate for the operation of the new aircraft facility. Now, the engineers hope to resolve at least the problem of the garbage dump and have offered to advance the government RD$19 million to improve the drainage system, bury the garbage and improve the access roads. The present occupants of the Herrera International Airport say they will only move to the new facility once it has been certified by the US FAA.