Locals living near a disused toxic mining dump in Silvermines, Co Tipperary, have rejected proposals by the Mogul of Ireland Ltd mining company to dispose of organic waste there.
Under the proposals for the rehabilitation of the Gortmore Tailing Management Facility, the mining company plans to cover the existing surface of the 149-acre waste mining facility with organic waste to prevent toxic dust blows.
However, Mr Michael Leamy, chairman of Gortmore Environmental Action Group, said the local community were "very disappointed" with the proposals.
"People living around here are horrified that sewage sludge, and other organic wastes, will be dumped here.
"We feel very strongly that the tailings pond, which is a very toxic site, should not be used to dump waste currently being placed in a landfill," said Mr Leamy.
Senator Kathleen O'Meara (Labour), who has been heavily involved with community attempts to have the Silvermines area rehabilitated, said the Mogul proposals did not represent a solution to the Silvermines environmental problems.
"It is now against EU rules to spread sewage sludge on land. It must go to landfill. I am therefore not convinced that it would be good environmental practice to spread sewage sludge on the tailings," Senator O'Meara said.
Under a clause contained in Mogul's State mining lease, the company has contractual liability to repair the lands affected by its working of State minerals.
Last year, the Department used a rehabilitation report, published in May 2002, to draft a notice of the works the company is required to carry out under the terms of the clause.
The report, which was drawn up by consultants Steffan, Robertson and Kirsten (SRK), recommended a €5.2 million, four-year remedial plan to prevent pollution in the Silvermines area.
Mogul is to start a process of consultation with Silvermines residents on its plan in the coming weeks.