EPA deny probe was inadequate
In a letter to the IFA, the EPA has totally refuted the findings of Professor Brian Alloway.
The IFA commissioned Dr Alloway to analyse EPA reports produced after their 4m investigation of the cause of more than 100 livestock deaths and animal health problems on farms in the Askeaton area over 15 years.
In his report published last November, Dr Alloway stated, “From the results provided, the lack of any data for certain probable pollutants and the uncertainty inherent in some of the analyses, it is not possible to accept the assertion that pollution did not play any role in the livestock health problems”.
He added, “There is need for further monitoring and analysis with more reliable methods to clarify the situation. Even at this late stage, some 10 years since the onset of the main problems, it is still important to determine the concentrations of pollution in milk and to monitor the air, soil, water and herbage quality using reliable methods”.
In a key point in his report, he said, “The fact that a relatively large number of horses, in addition to cattle, were affected by serious health problems, is not given sufficient prominence in the reports. There is a very strong case being put that Askeaton was not exposed to significant amounts of environmental pollution”.
“The assertion ... that Askeaton was not exposed to acid rain is definitely wrong”, said Dr Alloway.
But the EPA has now defended the manner in which they carried out their investigation, the extent of their investigation, and monitoring, as being adequate.
They have totally rejected the assertion in Dr Alloway’s report that the investigation reached conclusions without adequate monitoring or research.
Meanwhile, farmers in the area claim that livestock health problems continue, not as severe as during the early nineties, but animal losses and poor thrive are still being experienced.
