asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the proposed feasibility study which he is commissioning of the technical and economic aspects of the possibility of the provision of a national hazardous waste incinerator; the approximate cost of the proposed study; if such studies have been conducted in the past; the length of time he expects the study to take; and when he expects to make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Waste Incinerators.
179.
The detailed terms of reference for a feasibility study of prospects for establishing a contract incinerator in this country are being finalised and I expect that the study will be commissioned in the relatively near future. Pending an agreement with consultants, it would be inappropriate to disclose any estimate of the likely cost of the study which I intend should be completed this year. I am not aware of any previous study of the kind now proposed.
180.
asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has set emission limits for pollutants coming from waste incinerators; whether he has set guidelines for the disposal of noxious residues from such a project; and if he will make a statement on the recent proposals to have a waste incinerator in Dublin city.
181.
asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has specified emission limits for various pollutants that would apply to burners in hospital grounds; and if he will make a statement on the current emissions from the chimneys in the Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
Emission limit values have not been specified for any class of premises or air pollutant. However, under section 24 of the Air Pollution Act, 1987, there is a general obligation on all non-domestic premises to use the best practicable means to limit and, if possible, to prevent emissions.
Specific guidelines have not been set for the disposal of incinerator waste residues, but disposal of any such wastes is subject to the European Communities (Waste) Regulations, 1979 or, in the event of wastes coming within the definition of toxic or dangerous, to the European Communities (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, 1982. Appropriate conditions in relation to the handling, storage or disposal of wastes could also be incorporated in the planning permision for an incinerator.
Environmental control in relation to the two particular cases mentioned in the questions is a matter for the local authorities concerned within the statutory framework described above. In the case of the waste incineration facility, I understand that Dublin Corporation have as yet taken no final decision to proceed with it. In the case of emissions from the Beaumont Hospital incinerator, I understand that the corporation have investigated the problem and are discussing ways to resolve it with the hospital authorities.