Farmers in the Aghancon Valley in Co Offaly, who have been warned not to use their well-water for personal use or dairying, have expressed fears about possible contamination of milk supplies.
The farmers expressed concern about crop safety after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said some of the pollutants, lethal Chromium VI particles, may settle in the soil and be difficult to eradicate.
Offaly County Council, acting on advice from the EPA, warned the owners and users of 12 private wells on Friday last that their water supplies had tested positive for known carcinogens.
The advice to farmers and householders was not to use the water for human consumption, food preparation, washing, and added that "the water is not suitable for dairying purposes".
Farmers, who are to attend a public meeting in Aghancon tonight, told The Irish Times that they are concerned for the quality of the milk produced by their herds.
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