EPA publishes figures relating to Compliance Investigations carried out in 2015
The EPA has published figures for EPA Industrial and Waste Licence enforcements in 2015. The report gives examples to the types of Compliance Investigations which were carried out and the outcomes.
The EPA initiates a Compliance Investigation when it encounters a situation in a licensed facility, which they deem to be a substantial risk or failure to comply with the terms of the licence.
There were 459 Compliance Investigations in 2015 with water pollution being the predominant issue in almost two thirds of cases.
| Probable Cause | Compliance Investigations | No of Associated Licences |
|---|---|---|
| Failure of abatement equipment | 18 | 15 |
| Leachate management | 22 | 21 |
| Overdue assessments/reports | 29 | 22 |
| Historical containment issues | 34 | 32 |
| Other | 35 | 34 |
| Failure of primary or secondary containment | 49 | 42 |
| Inadequate infrastrature | 105 | 92 |
| Inadequate operational procedures/training | 167 | 129 |
| Total | 459 |
The majority of compliance investigations were instigated due to inadequate operational procedures or infrastructure.
- Where licensees fail to address the requirements of an Compliance Investigation in a effectively and timely manner, the EPA may determine that further enforcement action is required
Our of the 459 Compliance Investigations in 2015:
- 13 summary prosecutions taken by the EPA in relation to licensed facilities
- 10 prosecutions resulted in conviction and fines.
- 3 companies and 1 company director, given the benefit of the Probation Act
The report clearly demonstrates how simple but essential steps and processes can make a huge difference for license holders to maintain compliance.
For more information on how our experience of enhanced environmental management could improve the performance of your business please call us at 061 633644 or info@ecos.ie