Priority Substances Directive – Surface Waters

2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directives 82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC, 84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC and amending Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council The directive is implemented by S.I. No. 272/2009 – European Communities Environmental...

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Integrated Pollution Control Licence (IPC Licence – Formerly IPPC Licence)

What is an IPC Licence The EPA Act 1992 (as amended) sets out the activities for which an Integrated Pollution Control or IPC Licence is required. An IPC Licence is a singular licence granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  An IPC licence addresses all activities undertaken on site which may impact on the environment...

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Public consultation process for EPA Strategy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is seeking the views of the public on how the Agency should prioritise activities over the next number of years to protect and improve Ireland’s environment. The public consultation process offers interested parties the opportunity to submit suggestions on the EPA’s fourth formal strategy before publication...

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Water bills could quadruple for Irish businesses

The price of water would quadruple in Ireland if European trends are applied, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and it is therefore crucial that businesses tackle water efficiency. The average cost of cold water was €2 per cubic meter in Ireland. However, in countries like Germany this cost was as high as €8...

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The National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTSs) – A Proposed Approach

Domestic waste water disposal accounts for approximately one-third of residences in Ireland.  There are an estimated 497,000 (CSO, 2012) DWWTSs in Ireland treating waste water from single houses not connected to a public sewer system. The Environmental Protection Agency will implement the  The National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems and will incorporate...

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EPA Public Consultation: National Inspection Plan for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems

Recent legislation requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National Inspection Plan for domestic waste water treatment systems, including septic tanks. The Inspection Plan is currently being developed and it is intended that a risk-based approach to inspections will commence in mid-2013. In the interim, the EPA is consulting and engaging with the...

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Guidelines on Water Pollution Licencing Legislation

In Ireland, in cases where Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) is not applicable, the control of water pollution is exercised through the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977-1990. City and County councils are the licensing authorities A discharge of wastewater (effluent) to waters (river, stream, lake, estuary etc. and groundwater) or to a municipal sewer...

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Revised Waste Licence Application Form: New Obligations

The EPA has issued a revised Waste Licence Application Form to reflect the requirements of the European Union Waste Framework Directive on Waste (2008/98/EC). The Waste Management Act 1996 to 2011 has already been amended to incorporate these requirements. The Waste Framework Directive and the Regulations apply to all waste activities It is likely that...

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Waste Directive: Waste Water Treatment Prevention of Odours and Noise

Directive 91/156/EEC replaces Directive 75/442/EEC on waste and provides for prevention of odour and noise emissions from wastewater treatment facilities. The directive is implemented in Ireland by S.I. 787/2005 European Communities (Waste Water Treatment) (Prevention Of Odours And Noise) Regulations 2005

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Draft Guidelines on carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment

The Department of the Environment has published draft guidelines for planning authorities on carrying out environmental impact assessment. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide practical guidance to planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála and result in greater consistency in the methodology adopted by consent authorities. The public consultation period runs until Friday 14...

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