Written answers

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Waste Disposal

9:00 pm

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the fact that a company (details supplied), that has been awarded the contract for the Poolbeg incinerator, Dublin, has been fined €400,000 in the United States of America for release of cancerous dioxins at incinerators in Connecticut and that this is the second time (details supplied) this company has been fined for this; his plans to ensure that a similar issue will not arise in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23224/11]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the incidents reported in respect of the company referred to in the question. Major waste infrastructure is subject to stringent environmental standards set out in national and EU environmental and waste legislation. The Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities are tasked with implementation, and the Agency has significant oversight and enforcement powers in order to safeguard the environment and to ensure compliance with specific waste licence conditions. I am satisfied that a rigorous and risk based enforcement regime, including emissions monitoring, inspections and audits, is actively pursued by the EPA. As standard good practice, the EPA also requires the development of Environmental Management Systems at licensed facilities, to help in preventing environmental pollution and promoting continual improvements in environmental performance.

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