Having available in Ireland the most advanced thermal treatment technology would prove essential to maintaining strong economic growth, according to a US expert on treating industrial residues.
Dr James Hnat, president of Vortec Corporation, told the public hearing the type of recycling proposed by Thermal Waste Management was "a real solution to the national waste problem [in the Republic] and will be sorely needed as Ireland expands its domestic and international commerce".
He added: "The growing Irish economy is a good thing, but Ireland must be prepared to implement responsible waste management practices to handle the increased amounts of industrial and municipal waste which will be generated as a result of its expanding economy."
In its design, the thermal treatment plant, which includes Vortec technology in recycling residues - notably ash - had effectively eliminated any environmental or human health risks to local residents, Dr Hnat said.
This would include converting waste to energy and feeding into the national electricity grid; manufacturing glass and ceramic products from residues for use in construction; metal separation; and the creation of sulphur and chlorine by-products including agricultural fertiliser materials and rock salt. It would also eliminate a requirement for landfill.
The only solid waste from the plant would be spent activated carbon from an air pollution control plant. This would amount to 500 tonnes a year and would need to be disposed of at a hazardous waste landfill facility, Mr Michael O'Donnell, for TWM, said.
Legislation empowering the Environmental Protection Agency specifically precludes consideration of a range of environmental and health issues at the hearing. Mr Ben Cranwell, a planning inspector, ruled it was possible to consider issues of visual amenity arising from the development. After Mr O'Donnell disagreed with this interpretation of the 1992 EPA Act, Mr Cranwell said if his position was found to be incorrect it would be a matter for the planning appeals board to rule on.
