asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department have conducted any investigation into the circumstances of the spillage of a highly toxic chemical, poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCB) at Tullamore, County Offaly on 15 February 1988, and the circumstances in which a lorry, apparently contaminated with PCB, was subsequently parked at a lorry park in Tallaght, Dublin 24; the results of any such investigation; if it is intended to tighten up the regulations relating to the transport and storage of PCB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chemical Spillage.
127.
The control of disposal of waste polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) is regulated by the European Communications (Waste) Regulations, 1984. I am aware of the incident in question which was notified at the time and duly investigated by an officer of my Department. I am satisfied from this investigation that the interests concerned acted in a responsible manner in dealing with what was a relatively minor spillage. I understand that the quantity of PCB involved was less than one litre.
I am informed that the leakage occurred during the transportation of sealed capacitors from County Clare to County Offaly on 18 January, and that the leakage from one of the capacitors was noticed on the following day. In the meantime the lorry had moved from Tullamore to Tallaght. Immediately it was established that the leaked substance was PCB, the haulier was contacted, the vehicle was examined and, when found to have been very slightly contaminated, it was isolated and subsequently cleared by a specialist agency.