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Updated 7.05pm
THE LIME LEAK at the Poolbeg incinerator was caused by an incorrectly fitted hopper door gasket from an external contractor, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated legal proceedings against the company who operate the site.
Covanta, the company that runs the Waste-to-Energy plant, released a statement today outlining the cause, saying that the EPA had determined that there was no danger to the public following the incident.
The hopper door gasket refers to the initial entry point for the refuse waste and the seals on that door were incorrectly fitted, the company said.
Eleven people were brought to hospital last month following an ‘unscheduled’ release of lime from the plant’s fabric filter baghouse, which filters emissions during the burning process.
While operations were suspended at Poolbeg following the leak, the conclusion of an investigation from the Health and Safety Authority has allowed the recommencement of facility operations, Covanta said.
The EPA has also recommended recommencement, and burning is set to restart at the incinerator in the coming days.
The agency has however, launched legal proceedings against Covanta following the lime leak incident, and a “a number of other incidents which resulted in breaches of the licence conditions during the first week of operation”.
A spokesperson told TheJournal.ie: “On foot of its assessment of the incidents, the EPA has initiated legal proceedings against the company.”
In its statement, Covanta said: “Covanta wishes to re-state its absolute commitment to the safety of our workers, our contractors and the community, and will continue to work with our neighbours and the appropriate authorities to demonstrate this enduring commitment.”
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Washington street is one of the main thoroughfares through the city and its a bit run down in places. It’d be great to see an injection of life into it
@Tweety McTweeter: they did a nice job on the old factory on the coal quay where tk Mac is. Surely that can be replicated.
Huge shortage of accommodation in Cork and he’s complaining his students won’t have a nice view……
Fabric my h0le. That building is disgusting
I agree with Hurley on many of those points but in fairness she’s OTT too. I mean its only a portion of the entire street not a whole section of the city no matter what the history and admits the planners were admirable in their plans anyway. Its seems hard to get anything done these days when its badly needed. The ongoing saga of the old Beamish brewery is a complete farce at this stage too.
You can see a pic of the proposed development below. We like bland boring architecture in this country.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/property/planning-notes-go-ahead-for-further-student-digs-468578.html
@Hatchjaw: A Peugeot 206??… Interesting plan!
@Hatchjaw: its bland because people object to anything different
Generally student ghettos tend to be the worst kind of housing ghettos when it comes to antisocial behaviour, noise, late night partying, abandoning cars everywhere, putting furniture on the streets, not taking care of rubbish, et cetera. And that’s before we even think about so-called RAG week. Until we educate our youth about community living and values, who could blame anyone not wanting them anywhere near them? Parents really need to take more responsibility.
@Dr Richard DeWitt: what college are you hanging out near?! Went to college in Cork ten years ago, still live near UCC and I’ve never seen anything like that. There’s parties occasionally but they’re all gone out around 11. Rag week is a little messy but there’s no badness in it. You sound like a grumpy old fart. Maybe you should partake in rag week and enjoy yourself
@Vote Tá For All Mná: And…another oxygen thief graces cyberspace.
@Dr Richard DeWitt: pr!ck. Have a lovely day.
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