Air Pollution Control

The legislation and regulations governing air quality in Ireland are as follows:
Air Pollution Act, 1987, Air Quality Standards Regulations of 2002 and The Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels Regulations, 1998. The text of this legislation can be viewed online in the Irish Statute Book available on www.irishstatutebook.ie

Air Pollution Licences

Local Authorities are empowered under this legislation to licence certain classes of activities which may give rise to air emissions. Activities qualifying for an Air Pollution Licence are as listed in Schedule 3 of the 1987 Air Pollution Act, and it is the responsibility of the Local Authority to control and condition such activities.

Statutory Notices

Section 26 of the Air Pollution Act 1987, allows Local Authorities to issue statutory notices requiring “measures to be taken to prevent or limit air pollution” and give a time limit for these measures to be taken.

Odours from Landspreading

Sligo County Council acknowledges that landspreading of agricultural slurries is a normal part of agricultural practices, and that some level of odour can be expected from slurry spreading. All slurry spreading should be carried out in accordance with good practice guidelines as issued by Teagasc, the EPA, and or the Department of Agriculture.

Burning of Wastes

The term Backyard Burning is applied to the uncontrolled burning of waste. Such burning is frequently carried out in backyards and in gardens, but the term also refers to the burning of any waste in open fires, ranges and other solid fuel appliances or in the open. It includes the burning of waste on sites by builders.
Sligo County Council expressly prohibits the open burning of commercial / domestic waste, and will act to prevent this occurrence when reported. Proper refuse disposal is via appropriate recycling, composting or refuse collection service, or other licensed / permitted waste disposal facility.

Complaints

Most of the Air Pollution complaints received by Sligo County Council relate to the ‘backyard burning’ of waste. These complaints are dealt with under the Air Pollution Act, 1987, and in 2004 62 air pollution incidences were dealt with by Environmental Services, with enforcement procedures taken in 35 cases.

Duty of Care

There is a duty on all citizens not to cause air pollution nuisance. The burning of any waste material including household waste is not acceptable and may result in prosecution as a result of (a) nuisance and/or (b) air pollution.

Are you burning waste in your backyard?

As the disposal of waste becomes more regulated, many think that burning household refuse in the backyard is a feasible method of disposal.

It is incorrectly seen as a way to save money, as well as a harmless and legitimate way of reducing the amount of waste for disposal.

Very often we are concerned about the health impact of incinerators/thermal treatment, and much debate has taken place over the issue of Dioxins.

However, what we fail to realise is that almost three quarters of dioxins arise from domestic burning of waste.

The uncontrolled burning of waste should be avoided at all costs. It is the responsibility of householders to deal with their waste in a legitimate and environmentally conscious manner.

What the law says

Under Section 24 of the Air Pollution Act, 1987:The occupier of any premises is obliged to use best practicable means to limit and if possible to prevent an emission from their premises. Premises in this instance excludes the actual dwelling house but does include the backyard and the garden area.

The occupier of any premises shall not cause or permit an emission from such premises in such a quantity, or in such a manner, as to be a nuisance. Premises in this instance does include a dwelling house.

Under law it is prohibited to dispose of refuse by burning. It is also prohibited to burn in an open pile, barrel or mini incinerator in your back yard / garden.

Burning refuse produces smoke and emissions that may give rise to serious health problems and negatively affect the environment.

Today’s waste contains plastics, bleached & coloured paper, metals and a variety of synthetic materials. When these are burned, many chemical reactions take place and emissions are released into the air. These emissions will contain some compounds, which are harmful (toxins).

When refuse is burned in a barrel in the backyard, or when businesses burn their waste in piles or small incinerators, the fire is not hot enough to destroy poisons or to ensure efficient burning and a great variety of dangerous chemical combinations are possible. Oxygen-starved burning conditions, which are associated with back yard burning, may result in incomplete combustion and increased toxic emissions.

Sligo County Council encourages the following activities:

• Endeavour to prevent waste and to reduce, re-use & recycle where possible.
• Invest in a wheelie bin.
• Contact the waste contractor that services your area, identify your collection day.
• Learn to segregate waste correctly.
• Purchase pre-paid bags for non-recyclable waste.
• Purchase pre-paid bags for recyclable waste.
• Use you local bring banks for glass and cans.
• Get into composting.
• At all costs avoid the burning of domestic refuse.

If you have issues or difficulties with any aspect of these waste management policies, contact the Environment Section on (071) 91 11111.

Bonfires and Halloween

Sligo County Council wishes to advise the public that the lighting of bonfires at Halloween or on Bonfire Night should be undertaken with great care for health, safety and environmental reasons. Sligo County Council does not wish to spoil traditions steeped in our history and culture, but must advise the public of the dangers of large bonfires at these times, particularly when they are composed of waste materials.

The traditional bonfires burned wood and straw. Nowadays old tyres and waste materials are used as fuel. In some instances, householders will use the excuse of a bonfire to off-load waste materials. Waste material should not be provided by householders for the purpose of burning in bonfires. Following new regulations, it is now a offence to give your waste to any individual who does not hold a current and valid waste collection permit.

Tyres, in particular, are frequently burned in bonfires, be aware that they are one of the most polluting materials when burned. The application of chemicals in the manufacturing process, makes tyres a very dangerous product once heat is applied. They contain many chemicals, which during burning, produces toxic fumes. The heat of the bonfire does not destroy many of these emissions. They are emitted into the air we breathe. They contaminate the area around the fire and lands over a long range. Once released these toxins will persist for a long time in our environment. Some of the effects may be long-term and cumulative.

Backyard burning of waste including bonfires is illegal under the Air Pollution Act 1987. The Air Pollution Act 1987 obliges us all not to cause or allow emissions in such a quantity, as to be a nuisance or cause air pollution. The Waste Management Act 1996 prohibits the burning of any waste type except in accordance with a permit.

Nowadays we all have greater obligations with regard to our environment. Think before you light a bonfire this year.

Ban on Bituminous Fuels

The Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale & Distribution of Fuels) Regulations, 2003, designated Sligo town and the townlands of Finisklin, Knappaghmore and Ballydoogan, as ‘Smoke Free Zones’. The restriction on smoky coals with a high smoke and sulphur-dioxide content is intended to improve air quality by replacement with smokeless fuels in urban areas. This ban specifically relates to bituminous or smoky products i.e. Polish or Texan Coals, Singles, Doubles & Slack. There is a large selection of high quality smokeless products available. Smokeless coals will ensure better air quality in our Urban Environment. To comply with the ban – simply burn smokeless!