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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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Awful sad news . The Ryan’s are an excellent hurling family in Clara. People will remember this man’s son Lester receiving the McCarthy cup and giving an excellent speech, all in Irish language, only a few months ago. At dheis De go raibh a ainm.
Tragic, these stories are too common. RIP.
Rest in peace….condolences to his family.
Very sad, may he rest in peace.
Can’t understand the red thumbs on some of these comments! RIP
I think it might be how people interpret comments. For example, is it really appropriate to green thumb a comment saying “An awful tragedy”? If anything, we shouldn’t be allowed to comment on these sort of stories.
You get pr#%ks who like to go against people views no matter the circumstances… R.I.P.
Rip. Condolences to the ryan family. Dreadful tragedy
RIP
So, so sorry to hear about this today. My condolences to Lester and all the Ryan family.
Terrible stuff. Should always be 2 people working together in that type of situation. I realise it’s not always possible to hire people if they can’t afford it. #RIP
When do farmers ever have two driving a tractor?
Don’t be silly Maggie. On most farms (that can afford it) there’s always 2 people together, especially around dangerous equipment. I think it might even be law.
It’s not the time for a debate but you’re wrong on this one Fergal. Slurry spreading is usually a one man per tractor job. If you’ve your own equipment to do the job you’d usually just do it on your own. RIP to the man.
RIP, Dreadfully for the family to lose a loved one in such circumstances. Safety in industrial operations has improved over the years but safety on farming has not kept pace. There is an urgent need for compulsory education around safety on the farm.
RIP to the man and I hope his family find peace.
Shockin
Red thumbs people with fuc* all else to do only thrive on other people’s misery…would piss u off..
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