Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 781: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that an air monitoring and warning system has been installed on Haulbowline; and what this system was designed to detect; if the monitoring equipment was calibrated to detect emissions or mercury, zinc, chromium VI, lead and PCBs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/08]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 782: To ask the Minister for Defence the consultants that his Department will engage or have engaged to investigate the area of Haulbowline Island used and occupied by the Defence Forces and the Naval Service in particular, in respect of the recent reports of the presence of toxic waste in the area; if a medical evaluation of personnel, both military and civilian, has been carried out regarding health concerns associated with the presence of toxic material adjacent to the Naval base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27464/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 781 and 782 together.

When demolition of the steelworks at Haulbowline commenced in the summer of 2005, it was agreed by all interested parties that dust monitoring equipment be installed on the Naval Base. The monitoring equipment selected and installed in two locations on the Base was as follows:

1. Bergerhoff dust deposition gauges: These record on a monthly basis the total dust fall-out, which is expressed in terms of milligrams per square metre per day

2. PM-10 monitors: These record the respirable fraction of fine dust in real time, and have allowed dust generating events on the steelworks site to be identified and controlled as they happen. Results from these instruments are expressed in terms of micrograms per cubic metre of air sampled.

All data collected over three years of demolition and site clearance has been independently reviewed by White Young Green who conclude that activities on the steelworks site has had 'no significant impact on the receiving environment in terms of fugitive dust emissions'.

While the monitoring equipment was not designed to detect individual metals or PCBs, the spent filters from the PM-10 monitors have been retained with a view to analysing for heavy metals, and this is being pursued. However, it is understood that these filters will not be suitable for the analysis of chromium VI.

My Department has, following the excavations on the East Tip, engaged environmental consultants, RPS Group plc, to review the situation and carry out sampling and to conduct soil and air analysis, across the Naval Base, which will check for heavy metals and other species. This investigation has already commenced and is expected to be completed in about six weeks.

The Defence Forces provide annual medical examinations and health screening for members of the Defence Forces including the Naval Service. There is currently no indication that the situation at the former ISPAT site represents any risk to the health of Naval Service personnel or civilian employees at the Naval Base.