asked the Minister for the Environment the regulations which exist with regard to the need for the reporting of spillages of chemicals to local authorities; and if any improvements are contemplated.
Written Answers. - Chemical Spillage Regulations.
187.
Section 14 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, requires a person responsible for an accidental discharge or spillage of polluting matter which enters or is likely to enter waters or a sewer to notify the local authority in whose functional area the discharge occurs. A fine of up to £250 may be imposed on summary conviction for failure to give such notification. In so far as dangerous substances generally may be concerned, the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972, provides for the making of regulations in relation to the prevention of risk of injury arising from the conveyance, loading and unloading of substances to which that Act applies. The making of any such regulations is a matter for the Minister for Labour.