Written Answers. - Lough Derg Toxin.
Edward Nealon
Question:
322
Mr. Nealon
asked the
Minister for the Environment
the precautionary measures, if any, being taken following the discovery of algae toxin in Lough Derg; the other lakes or locations known to contain this toxin; if any system or programme exists for the regular testing on waters for such poisonous occurrences; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15125/96]
My Department issued general advice to local authorities in 1992 and 1993 in relation to algal blooms and the protection of drinking water sources. Matters addressed included risk assessment, sampling procedures, public information on human health and animal protection aspects where the presence of toxins is detected, and arrangements, treatment methods, etc., to safeguard drinking water supplies.
As regards the present situation in Lough Derg, I understand that Tipperary North Riding County Council has appropriate monitoring and risk assessment arrangements in place and is being assisted by the Environmental Protection Agency and Cork Regional Technical College in responding to the algal bloom and its associated toxin problem. The council has advised the public to refrain from paddling and swimming in areas of the lake affected by heavy concentrations of algae and has indicated that individuals and animals should avoid contact with shoreline deposits. The council has also instructed that animals should not be allowed gain access to the lake shoreline. The need for these precautions will be kept under review by the council in the light of the results of its on-going water sampling programme.
Tipperary North Riding County Council and other local authorities adjoining Lough Derg and the River Shannon have programmes in hand to upgrade sewage treatment facilities. These include the provision of secondary treatment and-or phosphorus reduction facilities at Ballinasloe, Birr, Nenagh, Roscrea and Tullamore at an estimated cost of £6.5 million. Planning and construction of sewerage schemes at Athlone and Monksland, County Roscommon, is proceeding and will involve estimated expenditure of £2.85 million. The expenditure will be met from grants provided by the Department with EU assistance.
Extensive powers are available to local authorities to deal with agricultural sources of pollution. These have been complemented by a recent amendment of the Local Government (Water Pollution) (Amendment) Act, 1990, allowing local authorities to require farmers to prepare nutrient management plans, where warranted, in the interests of restoring or protecting water quality and by the application of the integrated pollution control licensing provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, to new intensive pig and poultry rearing activities with effect from 3 September 1996.
I will shortly launch, in conjunction with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, a code of good agricultural practice aimed at protecting waters from pollution. The code has the support of farmer representative associations and will be promoted as the means to achieve sustainable agriculture taking account of environmental protection requirements.
The position in Ireland regarding the occurrence of toxin producing forms of algae is the subject of an investigation commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Environmental Monitoring, Research and Development Sub-Programme of the Operational Programme for Environmental Services, 1994-1999. The investigation will also address the environmental conditions which promote and sustain the development of toxin emitting algae of the cyanobacteria strain, test methods to establish the presence of toxins, the standards for safe levels of toxins in waters used for the abstraction of drinking water supplies and for water contact activities, the toxin levels which may entail animal deaths or human health illness if affected waters are ingested, the evaluation of existing techniques for removing toxins in water treatment plants, and proposals to upgrade these techniques where, and if, necessary.
I understand that Lough Derg will be examined at three locations as part of this investigation and that samples of algae will be collected from more than 40 lakes throughout the country. The lakes concerned are representative of waterbodies in each trophic category with existing or potential uses such as water abstraction, water contact sports, angling and shoreline facilities. The project is expected to take two years to complete.
