EPA criticised amid Smithstown odour concerns

THE people of Shannon don’t know what they’re breathing in, this week’s meeting of Shannon town councillors heard, while there was trenchant criticism of the Environmental Protection Agency. There were also concerns expressed about the rate of cancer in Shannon and the surrounding areas.
The EPA wrote to the council, in response to an earlier letter, outlining some of its activities in Shannon.
“I refer to your letter dated September 14, 2011, received by the agency on September 16, 2011 in relation to your request that the agency investigate significant odour problems in the Smithstown area in Shannon. The agency has been working with Clare County Council in relation to this issue and the following outlines the agency’s work to date.”
The letter went on to state that the EPA received odour complaints relating to EPA-licensed facilities in the Smithstown Industrial Estate on 10 specific dates in August, September and October. It also stated the complaints were passed on to both Chemifloc Ltd and Shannon Environmental Services (t/a Enva Ireland Ltd) for investigation. There were dates given on which site and odour surveys in Smithstown were completed.
“It is apparent that the odours in the Shannon Town area are from multiple sources. All possible sources of odours at EPA-licensed facilities have been, and continue to be, investigated and corrective and preventative actions implemented when necessary. Other possible odour sources continue to be investigated by Clare County Council. The agency will continue to work with its licensees in Shannon to ensure they are not the cause of off-site nuisance odours.”
However, the letter did little to appease the council members.
“That’s a disgraceful letter. It’s high time we called the EPA out of the high grass,” said Councillor Gerry Flynn.
Councillor Patricia McCarthy also criticised the letter, which didn’t include specific information on the outcome of the site and odour surveys.
She claimed the letter contained the “same waffle and the same tripe” as earlier communications from the agency. The independent councillor said people are terrified in Smithstown and the public are being treated with “a form of contempt”.
Councillor Sean McLoughlin added his voice to the chorus of disappointment. “I could tell you that there were complaints myself. People want to know the results of the monitoring and what will be done now.”
Sinn Féin representative Cathy McCafferty said she wanted to know what means and methods would be used to resolve the situation. She also claimed local people don’t know what they’re breathing in.
Councillor Greg Duff noted a large number of people in Shannon and nearby areas have suffered cancer. He also felt an EPA representative should be brought to a council meeting.
His party colleague Tony McMahon said the impact on the community’s health is “the vital factor”, while he said there is “too much recurrence” of the problems. Councillor Vincent Coleman also criticised the letter, claiming it “doesn’t relay any new information or give any solutions”.