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Irish Examiner - 26/07/05
Council to ask for full report from EPA over spillage
By Sean O’Riordan

CORK County Council is to demand a comprehensive report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlining the recent spillage of 250 tonnes of caustic soda at the ADM plant in Ringaskiddy.

A number of councillors were yesterday highly critical of the EPA’s response to the incident and some pointed out people living in the lower harbour area had lost faith in the watchdog.

Fine Gael councillor Tim Lombard got support from colleagues when he sought suspension of standing orders at a meeting in County Hall to discuss the issue.

“On the night of July 2 there was an accidental leak at the ADM plant. This is a serious issue and public confidence in EPA has been undermined. I want to ask the EPA when do they inform the public (of such incidents),” Mr Lombard said.

He claimed while news of the spillage did appear on the EPA’s website, it was only by chance local people found out about it and he felt that in such cases people should be informed in a better manner.

“The accident happened at midnight on July 2, yet it took 36 hours before the EPA turned up. Most of the (contaminated) water was likely to be in Youghal by then. This is totally and completely unacceptable,” Mr Lombard said. He pointed out Ringaskiddy is a very industrialised area and the public had the right to know if accidents were occurring.

With residents awaiting a decision by the EPA to grant a licence to Indaver for a 90 million incinerator in Ringaskiddy, and with it being the body which will have the responsibility to monitor emissions if it is granted, councillors felt the ADM incident needs explanation.

County manager Maurice Moloney told the meeting the local authority didn’t have responsibility for the vast majority of the 250 firms which operated in Ringaskiddy because they were licensed by the EPA.

He said the council only looked after firms which were felt to be “of less risk” of potential accidents.

Mr Lombard said he still wanted a review of what the council would do in the event of a similar accident.

“The EPA didn’t make a public statement for two- and-a-half weeks. Is there a certain threshold (of spillage) after which they must come forward,” he asked.

Cllr Tomas Ryan said even if there wasn’t a risk to the environment, it was better to provide information on accidents as it would allay public concerns.

“Caustic soda is extremely dangerous,” said Cllr Kevin Murphy.

Cllr Ryan said this was especially so if someone was swimming in the area.

Cllr Alan Coleman (FF) said even if there wasn’t a risk the public had the right to be informed.

Mr Moloney said that the council had to be notified along with the Fisheries Board or the Health Services Executive if spills happened. However, he added unless their assistance was called for they had no involvement.

“The EPA are the competent authority and we have no powers unless asked for assistance,” Mr Moloney said.

Mayor of County Cork Cllr Michael Creed said that while the EPA might say it was satisfied no significant damage was done to the environment, he would still seek a comprehensive report on the ADM accident. He also asked council officials to furnish public representatives with a full report on what they would do in the event of an accident.

     

Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment
Bishop's Road, Cobh, Co. Cork
Tel - 021 481 5564      Email - info@chaseireland.org
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