Hospital Waste Threatens River
July 27th, 2002
By Graham Caswell
Hospital waste illegally dumped at Coolnamadra near Donard in west Wicklow could threaten a nearby tributary of the river Slaney, according to an environmental consultant. Some of the waste, which includes tubes of blood, could endanger the river
€20 Million to Clean Up |
|
with even a little seepage, it was claimed.
The consultant was speaking at a High Court case taken by Wicklow County Council against Clifford Fenton, owner of the land containing the illegal dump, and Swalcliffe Ltd., trading as Dublin Waste. Over 8,000 tonnes of waste has been illegally dumped at the site, including hospital waste from the mater Hospital and the Blackrock Clinic.
According to the consultant, Donal O'Laoire, the illegal dump is in a sand pit quarry that is very permeable to groundwater. The site is located beside the river and is on a steep slope which is crumbling into the river. Overall the site is 'totaly unsuitable for a landfill', he said.
It is understood that it could cost €20 million to make the site safe. The Coolnamadra illegal dump is one of over 100 located around the Garden County.
|
|
