11/12/04 - EPA challenged on health protection

I WISH to thank Niamh Leahy, press officer with the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), for explaining the state agency’s extensive brief as set out by statute (Irish Examiner letters, December 1).

However, she did not clarify where the EPA stands regarding human health.

I ask Ms Leahy to clarify the EPA position on section 4(2) of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992:

“In this Act ‘environmental pollution’ means (c) the disposal of waste in a manner which would endanger human health or harm the environment and, in particular (i) create a risk to waters, the atmosphere, land, soil, plants and animals ...”

This act being still in force, I would appreciate if she would explain the human health aspect of it.

Norcott Roberts
Sydenham Cottage
Monkstown
Co Cork