Politicians must face the toxic truth about this incineration plan
In our view, the Government has failed this basic test when it comes to the issue of incineration in the Cork region. They must canvas all other waste disposal options first, conduct a full feasibility, cost and risk assessment plan for each, and publish all of this for we the people to read before any decision is reached.
If managed well and constantly monitored, incineration could be a viable waste disposal option. But done badly, the consequences are horrendous.
Incineration produces dioxins and furans, among the most lethal and long-lasting toxins known to science. They are lyphophilic, that is, they bond particularly well with both cow’s and mother’s milk. Evidence from places near incinerators shows five times the level of cancer and birth deformities in those who live nearby compared with people who don’t live near one.
Reducing and recycling waste can cut off much material before it reaches the disposal stage, and has the added advantage of creating employment. Has this option been fully pursued?
Speaking of the environment, our Government’s apparent wish for the incineration to proceed is tainted on several levels. First of all, we have already exceeded carbon emission levels under the Kyoto agreement, and more incinerators will make it impossible for us to bring them down again. Incineration contravenes the Stockholm pact on Persistent Organic Pollutants. It also goes against the spirit of the Rio Human Rights conference ruling that sustainability means: “providing for the needs of the present without compromising the interests of future generations”.
Considering that incineration turns waste into one part toxic ash (which must then be buried in a landfill site) to two parts poisonous airborne particles, it seems incredible that anyone in power (who after all only got there because of our support) is contemplating its implementation at all.
One final point is that incineration will be very expensive for public users while making big money for its operators.
Darina Allen,
Ballymaloe Cookery School,
Shanagarry, Co Cork
AJ Navratil, BEnvSc,
Cork Harbour Area for a Safe Environment,
Ballinacurra House,
Midleton, Co Cork
