I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.
As I have already stated in reply to similar questions, I am aware of the problems that exist at the present time with regard to the disposal of industrial waste.
Under the European Communities (Waste) Regulations, 1979, which came into operation on 1 April last, local authorities are responsible for the planning, organisation, authorisation and supervision of waste operations in their areas and for the preparation of waste disposal plans. The regulations provide local authorities with adequate powers to monitor the disposal of all types of waste arising within their areas and most of them have now commenced such monitoring operations, but I am not aware that any private sites for the disposal of toxic wastes have so far been licensed under the Regulations.
It is important, however, to understand that the primary responsibility for the safe disposal of industrial and toxic waste rests with the producer, and that the regulations provide for prosecution and the imposition of substantial penalties if waste is disposed of so as to endanger health or harm the environment.
If the producer of toxic waste cannot incinerate it or treat it so that it can safely be disposed of on land or at sea, he must send it abroad to a place where there are facilities to deal with it. Precise figures or information are not available on ultimate disposal but I understand that a considerable tonnage is exported to the UK, of which possibly 50 per cent is made up of solvent wastes which may be incinerated or recycled.
Estimates of the different types of waste vary considerably. There is no complete or accurate inventory of toxic wastes being produced in this country. This is hardly surprising because the problem is a relatively new one and there was no statutory obligation to furnish information to anyone. This position has been changed. The coming into operation of the new regulations gives local authorities supervisory and controlling powers.
There are still problems of definition and quantification. There are degrees of toxicity, and the quantities of liquid wastes can vary enormously with the amount of water they contain. The milder toxic wastes can often be disposed of on suitable landfill sites in association with domestic refuse, and local authorities have been requested by my Department to facilitate industry in this regard, where this can safely be done, especially where leachate can be drained into a sewerage system.
The best option for liquid organic or inorganic wastes containing metals is probably disposal at sea in approved locations. Such dumping will be subject to control by the Department of Transport, which will have licensing powers under the Dumping at Sea Bill and will be advised by the Department of Fisheries and Forestry.
If we accept that the bulk of our toxic wastes can be disposed of by landfill, dumping at sea, and some measure of exports for recycling, incineration, and so on, this would leave a relatively small quantity comprising liquid toxic wastes which cannot be treated, those which can be treated and dewatered resulting in a solid cake or sludge, and some other solids. In all, this might amount to 5,000 tons per annum. The options for disposal are:
(a) a "tight" site with no leachate escaping;
(b) a site where the leachate is controlled, monitored and treated, as necessary; and
(c) a "dry" mine in which the waste can be disposed of by acceptable methods as a solid package.
These options are being investigated by a team comprising experts from the IIRS, the Geological Survey Office and my Department. They are seeking a site which would warrant investigation in depth. I expect to receive a report in the near future. However, if Deputies wish to make any suggestions, I would be glad to hear of any promising locations which might warrant examination. If we cannot find a practical and economic solution of this kind, we will have to consider much more expensive options.
As regards non-toxic industrial wastes, Deputies might like to know that apart from the arrangements for disposal on local authority tips, special arrangements have been made by Dublin Corporation for acceptance at Ringsend of certain liquid wastes and sludges which can be processed through the treatment works, and in Cork arrangements are being negotiated for disposal at sea.
Finally, I assume that the reference to mercury seepage in Deputy O'Leary's question relates to a recent press report that traces of mercury were found in Mallow town dump. I have been informed by Cork County Council that 24 empty drums which may have contained traces of mercury were safely disposed of recently on the dump and that there is no evidence of seepage from the dump or of mercury pollution in the nearby river.