08/12/2008

Haulbowline Is Safe Says Report

The controversial site at Haulbowline has been declared safe by a government report today.

The assessment published by the Minister for the Environment John Gormley today has said the risks posed by toxic waste at the former Irish Steel plant in Cork poses no identifiable threat to local residents.

The assessment was compiled by environmental consultants White Young Green, and involved soil and water testing. Although deadly toxins such as Chromium 6 have been found at the Haulbowline site, the levels are not dangerous to humans.

The consultants were appointed by the Environment Minister to investigate any risks in the harbour area following the discovery of unusually high levels of toxins earlier this year.

Further investigations will be carried out to establish why elevated levels of mercury, arsenic and nickel were found in water samples taken from the harbour area.

An estimated 500,000 tonnes of waste material had been buried at the former steel plant, which closed in 2001.

(DW)


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