asked the Minister for the Environment if he will indicate the location, ownership, management and monitoring of industrial and toxic waste dumps throughout the country.
268.
Written Answers . - Toxic Waste Dumps .
267.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that the dumping of industrial waste, some of which is dangerously toxic, is occurring in an un-monitored way throughout the country and that this constitutes a danger to the environment and to human life; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
: I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
I am aware of the problems which exist at the present time with regard to the disposal of industrial waste.
As was indicated in reply to a similar question on 26 June last the primary responsibility for the safe disposal of industrial and toxic waste rests with the producer of the waste. It was also pointed out that under the European Communities (Waste) Regulations, 1979, which came into operation on 1 April last, local authorities are responsible for the planning, organisation, authorisation and supervision of waste operations in their areas and for the preparation of waste disposal plans. The regulations provide local authorities with adequate powers to monitor the disposal of all types of waste arising within their areas and most of them have now commenced such monitoring operations. My Department have been in constant touch with local authorities in regard to the implementation of the regulations.
Local authorities have been requested to facilitate the disposal of those industrial wastes which can safely be disposed of on their landfill sites or at sea. Certain categories of industrial and toxic waste, however, cannot be safely disposed of on landfill sites or at sea without further treatment. A working party which is being co-ordinated by my Department and which also includes representatives of the Geological Survey Office and the IIRS have commenced a study for the purpose of identifying one or more sites which could serve as national centres for the collection, treatment and disposal of such wastes. It is expected that the first phase of this study will be available to me in two months' time.