THE crusading environmental activist whose compelling story was turned into a Hollywood blockbuster in her name, landing Julia Roberts with a Best Actress Oscar in the process, has taken up the cause of a group of Cork residents who are mighty upset at the level of the hazardous waste known as chromium six that could be in their midst.

Erin Brockovich, whose lack of formal education didn't deter her from leading the charge against the mammoth Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which was found guilty in 1993 of contaminating the drinking water of a California town with chromium six, told a Cork radio station on Monday that those living near the former Irish Steel site in Haulbowline should be diligent about finding out the truth.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions if you see something alarming. Don't be afraid to report it. Be vigilant," Brockovich said. "I would certainly hope that environmental groups will rally to come out there to get some testing done. I would clearly take a look at any water contamination that is occurring.

"I would encourage the community out there to stay after the government or the company to give them some answers about how much chromium six there is."

The Irish government has assured that the estimated 500,000 tons of waste buried at the site are not hazardous. The existence of such a large amount of waste came to light last week.

Brockovich earned worldwide fame after the success of the movie Erin Brockovich. She's traveling to Dublin in September, and it wouldn't be at all surprising to see Cork added to her itinerary given these developments.