More than 80% of marine litter is plastics. The European Commission is proposing new EU-wide rules that target the 10 single-use plastic products most often found on Europe’s beaches and seas, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear. These products are the biggest part of the problem. Together they constitute 70% of all marine...

The first Europe-wide strategy on plastic waste, was adopted today, is a part of the transition towards a more circular economy.  It will protect the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation, turning a challenge into a positive agenda for the Future of Europe. There is a strong business case for transforming the way products are...

With the amount of harmful plastic litter in oceans and seas growing ever greater, the European Commission has proposed new EU-wide rules to target the 10 Single-use plastics products most often found on Europe’s beaches and seas, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear. Together, these constitute 70% of all marine litter items.  The new...

Under waste legislation construction and demolition waste is defined as “all waste that arises from construction, renovation and demolition activities.” If you are responsible for carrying out a construction and demolition project, you must ensure that you have a waste management plan.  ECOS recently successfully completed a waste management plan to the satisfaction of the...

The European Commission has issued its starkest warning yet of economic penalties facing the Government due to lack of progress in decarbonising Irish society and in adopting renewable energy.  Its 2018 Country Report Ireland concludes “existing climate change mitigation efforts will not enable Ireland to achieve its Europe 2020 climate goals domestically”. It adds: “Only limited progress...

The Environmental Protection Agency  is organising the National Water Event 2018 titled “Pathways to Progress” on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st June 2018 in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway. This event is a key forum for Local Authorities, Regulators and Water Professionals to learn about current changes in Ireland’s water policy and practices. Talks will...

The Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU (IED) is aimed at reducing emissions from industrial production processes using an integrated approach to management environmental emissions and impact. In the past the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland has issued Waste Licences and IPPC Licences for activities which are listed in the Third and Fourth Schedules to the Waste Management...

The EPA has published figures for emissions of five key air pollutants. These pollutants impact air quality in Ireland and further afield, causing respiratory problems, pollution of soil and surface water, and damage to vegetation.  This latest information from the EPA shows that Ireland exceeded its emission limits for ammonia for the first time in 2016 and...

If you use solvents, it is likely that either the Solvent Regulations 2012 or EPA Act will apply to you. Solvent Regulations Act The Solvent Regulations are aimed at solvent users who use between 1 tonne and 10 tonnes per year.  Such users must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from their local authority.  This certificate...

The EPA Fire Water Retention Guidance (Final Draft) Note provides guidance to operators of industrial activities on the requirements for, design and types of, firewater retention facilities.  The EPA first published its Guidance Note to Industry on Fire Water Retention Facilities in 1995.  This document is now being revised to update it to take into account...