Guinness hops set Green noses twitching

Brewery’s air emissions under the environmental microscope

By Carl O’Brien

THE SMELL from Guinness’s has wafted through the Liberties for generations. But for the first time, air emissions from the St James's Gate brewery are being put under the environmental microscope.

Under new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws, Guinness must apply for a pollution license to cover all aspects of air, water and waste emissions. However, eight months after their original application, Guinness's application is still being assessed.

Guinness would be forced to stop brewing if it violates regulations, but according to the EPA, the smell from St James's Gate would be unlikely to hold up the license application.

"Aroma is a very subjective thing and not easily scientifically measured, so I would imagine it wouldn't be a problem," said Betti Cantrell of the EPA. "All emissions will be considered for their nuisance level. The application would be refused if the brewery is found to be causing significant environmental pollution. "

Cllr Claire Wheeler (Green) and chairperson of Dublin Corporation's environmental sub-committee said: "As far as I know, the smell of the Guinness brewery has not been a concern of the Corporation's air quality management program. While I personally wouldn't be too fond of the smell, I'm sure the people who've lived in the Liberties for generations are well used to it by now."

Just four companies out of 400 have had their applications refused under the EPA’s environmental regulations introduced more than four years ago.

Guinness has an impeccable environmental record, with international awards for environmental management. According to Guinness, recently installed eco-friendly equipment has meant that the familiar smell of hops is not as strong as it used to be.

Steam from the brewery which carries the smell is being recycled to save energy, a Guinness spokesperson said. The St James’s Gate brewery previously only had to apply for a environmental license from Dublin Corporation relating to sewage discharge. Their new application is being made under new the first Schedule of the EPA Act, introduced four years ago. All breweries with production exceeding 100,000 tonnes per year were obliged to apply.

Guinness’s application is on-file in Dublin Corporation’s Civic Offices and can be viewed by the public. Anyone is welcome to make a submission, although the EPA has yet to receive any outside submissions in relation to Guinness’s application.