Bonfire may cause health risk to reservoir

Concerns have been raised about a bonfire which has been built on the edge of a Co. Antrim reservoir with fears that it will impact upon people’s health in the area.

The bonfire has been built on the edge of Stoneyford Reservoir. The reservoir provides drinking water to Lisburn and South Belfast.
Under the 1997 Waste and Contamination Land Order the unlawful burning of tyres can result in a penalty of up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £20,000. Action can also be taken under the Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.

One member of the public said that the people who had built the Stoneyford bonfire had caused “pure and utter vandalism”.
“It is disgraceful what they’re doing. The reservoir serves a huge area. This is a public utility. They have built a bonfire on it, the consequences of which may lead to pollution of water supplies,” he said.
Responding, a spokeswoman for the Water Service said there was no health risk posed by burning tyres. This was because a bypass channel was in place to move any pollution away from the reservoir. Other precautions had also been taken, she said.

“Water Service staff will be keeping a close eye on the situation. It should be noted that the security gates around the reservoir which are kept locked have been vandalised; the lock has been cut.”