Anti-Hazardous Waste Group Continue Campaign – By Christy Parker

THE BLACKWATER ESTUARY ACTION GROUP (BEAG) continued their campaign against sludge treatment plant Eras Eco Ltd’s plans to process hazardous waste with two public gatherings last week. On Thursday November 24th, over 100 people attended an information night at the Walter Raleigh hotel. This was followed on-site demonstration at the gates of the Foxhole plant on Saturday 26th, which attracted a similar number. These events follow on a demonstration at Youghal town hall prior to November’s town council meeting.

West Waterford

Those attending the Walter Raleigh meeting were addressed by four speakers who delivered information compiled through extensive research by BEAG, assisted by contributory professional sources, over recent months. BEAG vice-chair Aoife Hennessy spoke on planning issues while committee member Pierse Hennessy commented on hazardous waste and the EPA planning process. That west Waterford is becoming increasingly represented in the campaign was reflected by the presence of Ava Farringdon, Tallow Road, who discoursed on site ownership and also by input from boat yard owner Bruce Bell of the Ferry Point who spoke about the Blackwater and about chemical-related accidents that have occurred in similar landscapes across the world in recent times.

Talking points

BEAG chairman Eanna Dowling says “several stand out points emerge from the presentations, including  i) the proposed upgrade would see Europe’s largest – and the world’s third largest- Super Critical Water Oxidisation plant treating hazardous  waste located in Youghal; ii) An Bord Pleanala are currently considering whether or not correct planning process was followed in Eras Eco’s successful application to Cork County Council to upgrade the facility; iii) Landowners’ Youghal Town Council’s refusal  to release a copy of the site lease to BEAG, citing commercial sensitivities and the absence of third party (Eras Eco Ltd.’s) consent; iv) agreement that NOBODY has the right to pollute or place at risk of polluting the protected  entity that is the Blackwater, on which nature, tourism and recreational activity is highly dependent.”

Saturday’s demonstration before the locked gates of the Eras Eco plant was determined, vociferous and peaceful, according to the Mr Downing. “We were very pleased with the attendance and the nature of the protest,” he adds. “No community in the world would want this happening on their doorstep and we will continue to do what we can to prevent it happening here.”

Waiting

Presently Bord Pleanála is considering whether the upgrade application to Cork County Council should have been made under ‘Strategic Structure Development’ criteria as against the parameters of regular planning. Should the Bord deem the application to have been invalid, Eras Eco Ltd will need to re-apply, this time to Bord Pleanála, alongside a process of public consultation and submissions. Should the Bord endorse the application, then its attention will turn to the appeal against the permission that was lodged by Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. The Bord’s direction may be announced at any time, but the expectancy is post-Christmas. “We will consider our options very carefully once that decision is made,” concludes Mr. Dowling.

Meanwhile BEAG will hold a fundraising art sale at the Rivergate Mall on Thursday December 15th. Further information on BEAG campaign from Eanna Dowling on 086-3315096; or BEAG line 089- 4210294.

Artist Eileen McGoldrick latest exhibition in Castlemartyr Resort & Spa. The Exhibition entitled “A Painted Life”, is an exhibition showcasing four decades of her paintings, from her first self portraits and life paintings, through to more recent abstracts.

The evening was well attended. Castlemartyr Resort & Spa provided wine and canapes for the attending Art Lovers. Andrew Phelan, General Manager, and his PA, Eilish O’Shea officially opened the exhibition, and provided the speeches. Artists Stephen Pearce and Diane Magee were also in attendance.
The Exhibition runs until the 28th October, and is open to all.

EILEEN McGOLDRICK: Eileen has been Painting and Drawing ever since she can remember. Her earliest memory is drawing on the coal hole door aged about three in Derby Street, in Belfast.
Eileen left Belfast and went to Birmingham Art college where she gained a BA Hons in Fine Art Painting, She then moved to Oxford where she continued to paint and work as a community artist and Tutor.
Eileen now lives and works in Youghal, Co Cork. The work on view here is all recent, and has been inspired by her return to Ireland. Eileen feels being an Artist has made every day an adventure, whereby she strives to explore the subject that she wants to represent, in what ever media she feels is appropriate. Eileen will work for months on an idea, or a feeling, by exploring it, following instinct, and relying on years of experience to create unique images that always excite, whether they are mixed media portraits, or an inner journey.

website: www.mcgoldrickart.com

Click on image to see the opening of the exhibition ‘A Painted Life’ by artist Eileen McGoldrick

A Lismore Town Councillor has added his voice to concerns over the planning permission granted to sludge drying plant Eras Eco Ltd’s plans to process hazardous waste at Foxhole in Youghal. Fianna Fail Cllr Bernard Leddy’s views emanate from a political and social founding but also from a professional perspective as he is a renowned pharmacist and former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).

The councillor finds the plant’s intended new technology  -AquaCritox- involving super critical water oxidation, “absolutely cutting edge technology” and ‘of Star Trek’ type consideration.’ He believes said it might very well be the future of waste treatment with the added bonus of it being an Irish company’s development (Cork-based Super Critical Fluids International- SCFI). The location was the problem, however.

The councillor is perturbed by the company’s declared intention to store and treat hazardous waste on a site adjacent to the Blackwater and, by inference, with relevance for Co. Waterford. He is unhappy that arsenic, cyanide, hydrofluoric acid, sodium, potassium hydroxide, barium, ammonia, to name a few, features on a lengthy list of chemicals the company hoped to treat (some of which are already being processed under its existing licence). “What amazes me is that Cork County Council could allow planning permission for processing this type of material at the mouth of one of the finest salmon rivers in Europe!,” he proceeds.

Waterford

From a political perspective, he believes Waterford County Council should have been consulted regarding the planning application. “I know the company are not legally obliged to do so but given the potential effect on everyone in the Blackwater basin if anything goes wrong, then we have a vested interest,” he says. “Waterford relies immensely on Blackwater tourism as well as employment in the fishing industry, our nature conservation and of course most important of all, people’s health. Somewhat ironically, Eras Eco Ltd is solely owned by Ormonde Organics, based at Killowen, Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

The pharmacist, who works for the Mari Mina chain, is particularly concerned about the treatment of hydrofluoric acid. “To be honest, I cannot see how that particular element can be broken down without a catalyst, through any process. Maybe I’m wrong but it’s one of the most indestructible chemicals there is,” he states.

Berlin

Without intending to be a scaremonger, Cllr Leddy refers to a chemical spill Berlin in 1986, which a former college colleague of his was charged with remedying. “They guaranteed said it was safe, yet an accident happened. The river turned pink in a major environmental disaster. That kind of potential will always be there. Toxic waste should be treated at source.”

The councillor proceeds that “a lot of people living by the river are now taking serious interest in this issue, and adds that he will be urging local authorities in Co Waterford to make submissions to any licence or other application that arises.

The councillor notes that SCFI’s promotional material cites “50,000 people” as necessary to run a pilot scheme  for the treatment of human waste alone, while “Youghal’s population is about 6,500” and that “500,000 to 1½ million people” would be needed to make it commercially viable.  He wondered from where the material would come and by what means. “The Rhine disaster was an absolute accident,” he elaborated, “and if this is allowed to continue, then I believe this is another one waiting to happen, especially if they should ever opt to import waste by boat.”

PAST, PRESENT AND PLANNED FUTURE OF YOUGHAL SLUDGE TREATMENT PLANT.
By Christy Parker

Youghal Waste Disposal & Recycling Ltd acquired a 35-year lease on the 3.5 acre site at Foxhole from landowners Youghal Town Council, before subletting it to AVR Environmental Solutions Ltd in 2002. AVR was a joint venture operated by AVR-Safeway in Fermoy and SWS Natural Resources in Bandon. According to documents researched by Cllr Barbara Murray, Youghal Town Council sought legal advice amidst suggestions that the acquisition reflected ‘change of use.’ The advice given was that the argument would not hold water, (no pun intended!) “Furthermore,” says Cllr Murray, “if individual councillors were to take action that halted the project, they could be open to personal litigation. This arises from case law whereby councillors ‘are not entitled to disregard technical advice from the executive and where there must be technical advice in support their resolution in circumstances where the executives’ advice is to the contrary.’

Eras Eco Ltd acquired the plant in 2006 and commenced its operations in August 2007. Eras Eco Ltd consists of a Sludge Drying and Waste Recovery/Transfer Facility, with licence to manage a maximum 70,000 tons p.a. of commercial and industrial non-hazardous waste, up to 30,000 tons p.a. of non-hazardous sewerage sludge and industrial sludge from water treatment plants and a maximum of 10,000 tons p.a. of landfill leachate. According to the company, up to 500 tons of sludge for drying and 200 tons of already dried sludge can “typically be expected to be held” on site during operations. The company is solely owned by Ormonde Organics, whose headquarters reside in Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

Future plan

The planned upgrade would see the installation of an AquaCritox sewage and sludge treatment system, developed by Cork-based Super Critical Fluids International (SCFI). An aerobic digester, capable of processing 20,000 tons of suitable sludge would also be incorporated. US industrial Rockwell has teamed with SCFI to market the system. Claims that it may surpass and replace incineration landfill systems, bringing immense social and financial cost savings in waste treatment, while producing more energy than it uses, means a very keen interest is undoubtedly being maintained by government in Ireland and beyond.

According to SCFI, operating manager David Kerr, AquaCritox is ‘an odourless, full destruction rather than reduction-based technology. ’He describes it as using ‘super critical water oxidation to destroy organic waste without generating hazardous emissions,’ adding that, ‘it generates renewable energy and recovers by-products, such as phosphorus and carbon dioxide, for resale, while destroying 99.99% of wet organic wastes in an economical, sustainable process.’

The technology purports to treat waste with water temperatures in excess of 374oc and pressurised to 221 bar. ‘This moves water into a super critical condition,’ explains Mr Kerr, ‘where it is neither a liquid nor a gas, but a homogenous dense fluid. The water becomes a universal solvent for gases and organic compounds and by adding an oxygen supply, a very rapid and complete oxidation reaction takes place. This generates thermal energy while also converting all organic materials in sewage sludge into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and clean water. The nitrogen can be released into the atmosphere and the carbon dioxide may be sold on for industrial applications or dry ice production. Our solution is fast, safe and environmentally friendly, producing more energy than it actually uses and the rapid reaction also means that our plants are small in actual size,’ he concludes.

Commercial order

Interestingly, a report posted only last week on www.environmental.com reads that Eras Eco Ltd. “has placed the first commercial order of SCFI’s AquaCritox® technology, which provides a unique process for the sustainable destruction of organic wet waste. The system will be installed at the Eras Eco plant in Foxhole, Youghal in December 2011, and forms part of a €10m (£8.5m) investment to improve the environmental credentials of the site.”

THE GROUP opposing plans to allow Eras Eco Ltd to process hazardous waste will now operate under the collective title of the Blackwater Estuary Action Group (BEAG). The group’s executive includes Michelle Hennessy and Aoife Hennessy as committee officers and Éanna Dowling as PRO.

In its first official press release the group reiterates its resistance to the proposed plans. Under the banner headline, ‘Protect the Blackwater Estuary from Hazardous Waste,’ the release refers to traffic movements and, potential noxious odours and emissions to water as possible sources of “anxiety to all communities throughout the region.” BEAG perceives a threat to the local economy if hazardous waste is imported to Youghal and also expresses concerns over the company’s operational record to date, stating that limit exceedances “are regular, consistent and unacceptable.”

Citing self-regulation as “no regulation,” BEAG claims “Eras Eco Ltd has failed to inform the local community of operations at the plant and have failed to pro-actively engage local stakeholders in the planning process.” The group accuses the company of being bad “corporate neighbours” in choosing “not to host public meetings to present their annual reports and not alerting locals to breaches of their EPA licence.” It says the company is also presenting “experimental technology as well established and proven.”

The press release stresses that BEAG ‘will do everything in our power to protect ourselves, our children and our environment. We hope this will foster a more considered understanding of our deep and enduring need for a healthy environment, clean water and fresh air.’ It concludes with notice that a public meeting will be held at Youghal GAA club on Wednesday August 31st, 7.30pm. Inquiries: Éanna Dowling, 089- 4210294.

Statement from Eras Eco for Community Radio Youghal
20th August 2011

It is disappointing that misunderstanding of the implications of the proposed development is causing unnecessary anxiety among some sections of the local community. The proposed development is a small scale plant that involves the application of a well-established and proven technology with excellent environmental credentials and will improve the overall performance of the facility.

Eras Eco stands over the operational record and performance of its Youghal facility and we have provided full briefings on the development to a variety of local representatives including tours of the current facility. We hope that this will help foster a more considered reflection of the proposal.

Eras Eco is fully committed to being a good corporate neighbour and managing our operations in compliance with the strictest environmental and safety requirements. We hope to continue offering sustainable local employment and an on-going contribution to the local economy and this proposed development will help us do just that.

Some Questions Answered

Refute speculation

We categorically refute the speculation that there is any intention to develop a waste incinerator. That is just incorrect.

Dealing with Waste

The plan is to develop an ‘integrated waste’ treatment facility which includes storage and processing. There will be no dumping on-site. All wastes will be consigned to appropriate authorized facilities.  Waste water is treated on-site prior to discharge to sewer.

Waste water

The Company has a dedicated Waste Water Treatment Plant on-site which treats waste water from the drying process prior to discharge to sewer. The company invested in an EPA approved upgrade of the plant in 2010.  The period during the implementation of an improvement programme waste water was ‘transported offsite’.

Emissions limits

Following last year’s EPA approved upgrade works all emission limits are being met. All previous exceedances of EPA emissions were minor and immediately reported to the EPA. The EPA has reported that the Company has never exceeded its total annual mass emission limits and progressively reduced and improved our discharges since acquiring the site in 2009.  Under the new site plan, there will be a further reduction of emissions to atmosphere and sewer.

Licensing & approval

While notice of intent to grant planning approval was advised by Cork County Council, the application was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, the statutory body responsible for adjudicating on the development. The proposal will require a review of our Waste License. We intend to apply to the EPA for this as soon as possible.

We are confident that the development proposed will meet the strict requirements of both An Bord Pleanála and the EPA.

Description of the proposed system

The enclosed process uses water and oxygen at high temperature and pressure to organically break down the wastes, with no harmful emissions to air or water.

The closed loop system uses waste heat from the process to generate steam to drive turbines for power generation.

The cooled steam is recycled in the system but any waste water is sent to an on-site treatment plant and then discharged to sewer.

Over 120 people have attended a Youghal meeting opposing Cork County Council’s decision to grant sludge treatment plant Eras Eco Ltd permission to expand its operations towards processing hazardous waste.  The meeting pledged to contest the company’s licence application through a community-wide campaign. The proposed €10m upgrade at its Foxhole plant would allow treatment of toxic materials but the decision is currently under appeal to Bord Pleanala.

Quoting Eras Eco’s most recent environment report, meeting organiser Michelle Hennessy said 2009 saw over 40 level limit exceedances, including 36 Carbon Oxygen Demand (organic compounds) breaches plus exceedances in Biochemical Oxygen Demand, chemical gases, suspended solids, sulphate, ammonia and one cyanide, of which the  level limit is 0.01mg/l and an exceedances reached 0.033mg/l.

The EPA says just 11 Notifications of Non Compliance, have been issued since the plant commenced operations (in 2006 under AVR Environmental Solutions Ltd), three of which related to exceedances of licence limits,” and two to “odour assessments.”

The plant, which employs 10 workers and occupies a 35-year least from Youghal Town Council, was acquired by Eras Eco Ltd in 2008. Under its original planning permission, effluent discharge must be connected to a council-owned wastewater plant when it is in operation, though this awaits construction.

Last November the EPA forbade discharges into the estuary pending implementation of “a strict remedial action programme.” Eras Eco says it treats wastewater from the drying process through “a dedicated wastewater treatment plant on-site,” while the EPA says wastewater is “transported off-site.”

Local protestor Eileen McGoldrick has accused Cork County Council of “once again, regarding Youghal as just a dump.” Meanwhile Fine Gael TD for Cork East David Stanton said he was “very concerned” and would be “raising the issue at the highest level” in the Dail. “Companies must operate to the highest standards or be shut down,” he stated.

An Eras Eco spokesman says, “It is disappointing that misunderstanding of the implications of the proposed development is causing unnecessary anxiety,” adding that, “the proposed development involves the application of well-established, proven technology with excellent environmental credentials.”

He adds, “All exceedances of EPA emissions were minor” and the company “has never exceeded its total mass emission limits and progressively reduced our discharges since acquiring the site in 2009.”(sic).

Another public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday August 31st 2011.

Click on image to enlarge

AN EXHIBITION of artistic works by Eileen & Will McGoldrick is currently underway at The Grain Store, Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co. Cork. Officially opened by Tom Doorly at an exclusive launch evening on the 30th of June, the cleverly titled “Between a Rock and Good Place, continues until 17 July 2011. Housed in a restored 17th century farmyard building the exhibition presents the paradox of imagination and reality as subjects are explored both through paint and lens.

This unique exhibit consists of two main bodies of work. ‘Dreams’ by Eileen McGoldrick is a series of archival prints made from a mixed media journey exploring the sequence of the dream and ‘Irish Rock’ by Will McGoldrick is a photographic series based on work done over the past two years exploring the coastal rock formations of the South Coast, and in particular the East Cork / West Waterford areas. A selection of other works by both artists are also on display.

Speaking of ‘Dreams” Eileen explains her artistic concept saying “This journey will take one from entering the dream state, to confronting the different types of dreams, and experiencing the desire for the dreams to end. The final stage lifts one upwards, re-entering consciousness”. Contrastingly Will’s subject matter is very much a study of something more solid as he himself explains “When looking at rock, I am looking at its composition, light, colour and form. When these elements come together, and especially following a high tide, the rocks glisten with water, salts and oils that somehow work in a symbiotic way to reveal the vibrant colours, grains and striations. Smell and sound also play a major part in these experiences; the sea-weed, the salt air, the electric sound of the water running off shingle, or a minor thunderclap as a wave hit’s a rock in a corner. These all add to my journey when recording this project.  My aim here is to highlight to the viewer, the beauty that exists around us, and how nature has carved and painted places of sensory delight, that are just waiting to be found. Ultimately both ‘Dreams’ and ‘Irish rock’ exude a fascinating juxtaposition as contrasting concepts come to both compliment and provoke thought.

*Those who are unable to attend the exhibition are welcome to visit Mc Goldrick Art and Photography Gallery which is located at 59 North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork.

For Further Information contact
087 4116483 / 087 2286591
mcgoldrickarts@gmail.com
www.mcgoldrickart.com

Profile: Eileen
Belfast born Eileen has been Painting and Drawing ever since she can remember. Eileen left Belfast and went to Birmingham Art College where she gained a BA Hons in Fine Art Painting. She then moved to Oxford where she continued to paint and work as a community artist and Tutor.
Eileen feels being an Artist has made every day an adventure, wherein she strives to explore the subject that she wants to represent, in whatever media she feels is appropriate. Eileen will work for months on an idea, or a feeling, by exploring it, following instinct, and relying on years of experience to create unique images that always excite, whether they are mixed media, portraits, or an inner journey.

Profile:Will
Will is a skilled photographer with over 20 years experience creating images that portray a wide range of subject matter in his own unique way. Born in Belfast, he moved to Oxford where he gained his degree, and studied Photography. Will returned to Ireland in 2003 and is based in Co. Cork.
As a founder member of the “In Camera” group of photographers in Oxford, he has exhibited widely, both as a solo artist, and as part of a group of artists. His recent work has been inspired by his surroundings, and hails his use of colour as opposed to his Black & White images created in the UK.
Will’s work has been eagerly sought by commercial Business’s and by Collectors alike.

EILEEN & WILL MCGOLDRICK are currently holding a photographic exhibition at their gallery on North Main St. Youghal. The exhibition is entitled ‘Celebrating Youghal’ with images of the town and the surrounding area taken by photographer Will McGoldrick. The photographs are complimented by beautiful paintings of Youghal scenes done in different media by Eileen McGoldrick. Will and Eileen’s family traveled specially from Oxford, England, to be at the opening night which was attended by many friends and admirers of their work.

If you haven’t yet visited the gallery, please come along and see the wonderful images and paintings. Maybe you need a portrait, or a piece of Fine Art, or a simple, but quality image of Youghal.
McGoldrick Art & Photography will also host art lessons weekly, on Mondays. Two sessions, managed by Eileen, will cater separately for children and adults. Classes are open to all levels from total novices to budding Van Gogh’s! “It will be tailored totally towards the nurturing and developing the abilities of each individual,” says Eileen.

Details:  (024) 90494; 087-22865921; 087-4116483. Web: www.mcgoldrickart.com;  email: mcgoldrickart@gmail.com

Click on image below to enlarge – Pics: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

Over 300 people turned up to the opening of the ‘Harvest Art Exhibition’ held at Ballymaloe House on Wednesday (11th August 2010) Mayor Mary Linehan Foley, Sheila & Nick Loughnane, Katie & Johnny Fitzgibbon and  artist Eileen McGoldrick  all  from Youghal.

The broad range of work on view in this exhibition fully represents the exciting artistic life of Cork and its environs, and is a wonderfully engaging and authentic reflection of a genuinely vibrant cultural scene.

Daragh Dukes a musician from Limerick, also from Limerick Colette O’Sullivan, Maeve Magill and Barra O’Toole. Guests were very impressed with the show,  a ‘stunning display of  talent’ was one of the many comments, most  people intend to return and see it again as it was so busy!

Hugh Lonergan CIT, Crawford College of  Art opened the show and  delivered a poignant and witty speech. Delicious canapes were provided in abundance by Hassets Bakery Carrigaline.

This exhibition is a ‘must see’ and will run in the Grain Store at Ballymaloe until Sept 18th, 12noon to 6pm daily.