A Shannon chemical plant has gone on trial accused of causing or permitting emissions into the atmosphere over two years ago.
Giving evidence on day one of the trial at Ennis Circuit Court, Shannon Garda Pat Keating told the court that people panicked after seeing a large red-orange plume appear over Chemifloc
Garda Keating said there was no smell from the cloud but he feared they’re might be an explosion or poisoning and was preparing for the worst.
A Shannon chemical plant has gone on trial accused of causing or permitting emissions into the atmosphere over two years ago.
Giving evidence on day one of the trial at Ennis Circuit Court, Shannon Garda Pat Keating told the court that people panicked after seeing a large red-orange plume appear over Chemifloc
Garda Keating said there was no smell from the cloud but he feared they’re might be an explosion or poisoning and was preparing for the worst.
The court heard when he arrived at the gates of the plant at half five on the evening in question, there was no difficulty in stopping people entering the Industrial Estate as they were all going in the other direction.
Garda Keating also told the trial that the cloud had lifted from the plant at 6.15 and everything was fine
The court also heard from Michael Kelly, officer with the Clare Fire Service, who said that after his personnel had dealt with the incident at Chemifloc, he was satisfied that there was no danger to the public.
Chemifloc Ltd has pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with conditions attached to its Integrated Pollution Control License (IPCL) issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in that it caused or permitted emissions to the atmosphere contrary to the provisions of its licence on May 24th 2007.
The case continues
