EPA defends decision to give factory all-clear

THE State environmental watchdog yesterday defended its decision to give the all-clear to a factory at the centre of a pollution row.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the Aughinish Alumina plant in Askeaton, Co Limerick, produced emissions in 2003 which were seven times higher than the permitted level and was unable to account for 7,000 tonnes of toxic caustic solution.

Despite heavy criticism from Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott, the EPA yesterday stood by the positive conclusion of its audit which said the environmental management system at the factory was “mature, well developed and generally operates well”.