asked the Minister for the Environment the measures that are taken to measure the levels of antimony dust resulting from mining operations in Navan, County Meath; how often checks are made in the mine and in the surrounding areas; the latest levels of antimony dust; if he is aware that many local people are concerned that the levels of antimony dust may be many times above the acceptable level; if there are statutory limits for levels of antimony dust or it any are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Antimony Dust Levels.
468.
The terms of the planning permission granted, on appeal, to Tara Mines Ltd., on 12 March 1974 stipulated, inter alia, that the development should be operated in such a manner that atmospheric pollution from smoke, dust, grit, noxious or offensive gases, or mineral particles should be kept at such levels as not to be injurious to public health, livestock, vegetation or to amenity. I am not aware of public concern with regard to antimony dust in the Navan area and neither are Meath County Council. Moreover, I understand from the county council that there are no indications of contravention of the planning condition relation to air pollution. Antimony is present only as a trace element in the ore body and for this reason antimony checks are carried out very rarely. However, I understand that any changes would be detected indirectly by changes in zinc and lead levels which are monitored continuously. Figures for February 1984 indicate an antimony ambient air value of less than 0.001 microgrammes per cubic metre. Monthly reports of air monitoring results are submitted by the mining company to the local authority in compliance with the planning permission and are checked by the county medical officer on behalf of the authority.
There are no statutory limits for emissions of antimony in Ireland nor have any EEC standards been set. The need for such limits will be considered in the context of the preparation of comprehensive new air pollution legislation on which preliminary work has been carried out in my Department.