Chemicals find raises fears of a toxic dump in Barraduff

June 1992

TWO’ separate investigations are underway following the discovery of an illegal and possibly toxic chemical clump in. a disused gravel pit near Barraduff village.

Thousands of gallons of an orange coloured industrial cooling oil were found in a specially-prepared pit measuring 30 feet by 20 feet and up to 10 feet in depth.

Environmental experts at the scene say the substance has tested negative for radioactivity. However, they are unable to say whether or not the material in, the pit is toxic.

Samples taken from the pit have been rushed to the science and technology agency Eolas for analysis by scientists.

Initial results of their analysis are expected today or tommorrow.

In the meantime, Kerry County Council’s environment section and gardai are conducting two separate investigations to identify the source of the chemicals and those responsible for the dump.

The results of the tests carried out on the chemicals by the Eolas scientists will be crucial to both of these investigations, according to a member of one of the investigating teams.

The chemical dump was discovered after an anonymous tip-off to Kerry County Council and the gardai. It is located in a disused gravel pit about a mile on the Killarney side of Barraduff village. It is off the main road and was specially prepared using an excavator or JCB, the investigators believe.

It is understood that there is only one house in the immediate vacinity of the pit and that the chemicals present no immediate danger to those living in the area. However, there is some concern that the chemicals could seep into a nearby stream.

The scene has been examined by Kerry County Council chemist Vincent Hayes. Following this examination, Acting County Secretary John O’Connor said the Council was satisfied that the liquid had been contained within a pool.

“At the moment, there is no evidence of the liquid leaking into a watersource,” said Mr O’ Connor.

He said that while analysis had not yet shown whether the chemicals were toxic or not, the Council’s investigating team were satisfied that residents in the area were not at risk.

Mr O’ Connor said that if analysis shows that the material is a pollutant, then criminal proceedings would be instituted.

Gardaí are understood to be trying to trace a black oil tanker with British registration plates which was seen in the area earlier in the week. They be-

Junior Certificate students from St Michael’s Presentation Secondary School, Milltown on Wednesday; (from left) Nicola Fitzgerald, Cathrionn O’ Shea, Patricia McCarthy, Fiona Murphy, Dolores O’ Connor and Sarah Mangan.