Written Answers. - Dioxin Emissions.
Willie Penrose
Question:
175
Mr. Penrose
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
his views on the recent EPA report on dioxin emissions; the steps being taken to reduce the level of emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2385/03]
I welcomed the recent publication of the report prepared for the EPA concerning releases of dioxins and furans to the Irish environment in 2000, and projections for 2010.
The issue of dioxins has been controversial in recent years, arising from concerns regarding the extent and environmental impact of dioxin emissions from proposed thermal treatment facilities for animal and municipal wastes. These concerns are attributable in part to misinformation and misunderstandings on this matter. Accordingly, I consider this report a very useful, objective, contribution to our information base on dioxins in the environment.
Overall, the report indicates that Ireland generates relatively low amounts of dioxin – an estimated 93 grams was generated in 2000 – and in this regard it supports the findings of earlier EPA surveys of dioxin levels in Irish cows' milk, which showed an overall 16% reduction in the period 1995 to 2000, to levels that are uniformly low by international standards.
The inventory was compiled using measured dioxin emission data where available, but otherwise a standardised methodology recently developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was utilised, using emission data from other countries. The report cautions that there is a degree of uncertainty associated with the results; while the relative importance of individual emission sources can be identified by the study, actual emissions estimates for each source must be carefully interpreted.
Clearly, more research and investigation is necessary to generate emission data specific to Ireland. However, the report is useful in identifying the relative significance of various emission sources for dioxins. Most notably, it is evident that the biggest source of emissions to both air and land is, and is expected to remain, uncontrolled combustion processes, in particular, the home burning of domestic waste, house and vehicle fires, and Halloween bonfires.
Contrary to assertions that proposed thermal treatment facilities for waste will greatly increase dioxin emissions, the report indicates that in 2000, existing hazardous waste incinerators contributed a fraction of 1% of national dioxin emissions to air. Even taking into account a projected incineration of 1 million tonnes per annum of municipal waste by 2010, the report estimates that waste incineration would contribute less than 2% of national dioxin emissions to air. Overall, the report anticipates that, even with significant waste incineration, annual dioxin emissions to air from all sources will fall by over 10% by 2010. This trend is obviously welcome.
Controlled sources of dioxin emissions are necessary to deliver progressive improvements in emission performance. Clearly, uncontrolled combustion processes are the main concern, if national dioxin emissions to air are to be further reduced. In particular, the burning of waste by households is a problem to be addressed, and I will be highlighting this as part of national environmental awareness reviewing activities.
I am studying the findings of this report carefully, and intend to bring forward appropriate measures both to support an improved information database on dioxins in the Irish environment and to pursue a progressive reduction in emissions, where those are achievable in practice.
