Minister for the Environment Svandís Svavarsdóttir has requested a thorough and nationwide investigation of possible dioxin contamination from garbage incinerators across the country.
As has been reported, incinerators in the West Fjörds, the Westman Islands and in Kirkjubæjarklaustur have been shown to be emitting dioxin, a highly toxic chemical that was at one time used to make the notorious herbicide Agent Orange. The matter was first brought to light when dairy producers in the northwest detected unusually high amounts of dioxin in milk.
Vísir reports that Svandís has asked the Icelandic National Audit Office to conduct a total investigation of the matter. This will include reviewin municipal and ministerial offices that worked with any incinerators the received work permits before 28 December 2002.
The purpose of the investigation will be to see whether preparations for the construction and opening of the incinerators were conducted according to law, and whether the interests of the public and the environment had been protected during the process. In addition, there is the motion put forward that damages be paid, if need be, to those municipalities who may have suffered from dioxin poisoning and pollution.
Related articles:
Dioxin Levels In Milk Have Not Been Measured Everywhere
High Dioxin Levels Reported In Westman Islands
Pollution In West Fjörds Becoming Serious Problem
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