Galway docks change work practice after complaint about dust

A complaint from a member of the public regarding dust and run-off from the storage of scrap metal at Galway Harbour has led to new work practices being introduced to the area.

Following an investigation, Galway City Council has confirmed that ‘swarf’ or fine metal material will no longer be stored at the docks.

In future, all shipments containing swarf will only be delivered to the harbour at the time of ship loading and scrap metal will no longer be stored at the harbour.

The investigation by the local authority follows a complaint to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by city resident Patrick Mannion.

Mr Mannion, a retired man, had called on the EPA to investigate the storage of scrap metal at the harbour, amid concerns which the scrap metal had on both the air and sea environment.

He said he was compelled to raise concerns after dust particles from a consignment of scrap metal hit him after he parked his car in the docks area last month.

“As far as I could make out, there were no dust suppression measures being employed and I would consider that this constituted a health hazard,” alleged Mr Mannion.

After being alerted to a complaint from Mr Mannion by the EPA, Galway City Council found that larger iron, steel, and aluminium products were “no longer considered a waste” and not subject to waste legislation.

But the local authority found that the ‘swarf’ (fine metal) material was subject to waste legislation. Director of Services  Tom Connell said the company involved was advised that a waste facility permit was required for the continued storage of swarf at the Galway Harbour site.

Fresh assurances have been given to the local authority that swarf will no longer be stored in the area prior to shipment.

“All future shipments containing swarf will be delivered to the docks at the time of ship loading only and will be tipped onto a dedicated tray from where it will be immediately loaded onto the ship,” said Mr Connell.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.