Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability relates to activities and developments which address current needs without compromising the ability  to meet future requirements. We apply our specialist knowledge to support clients with a range of activities including: Product and Process Appraisal Training & Reports Independent Unbiased Information  Performance Audits Technology and Operations Review Cost Effective Compliance ECOS utilizes our...

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Prevention is Better than Cure: Sustainability

Pollution prevention rather than trying to address problems caused by pollution is essential for efficient, economically viable development, ie Sustainable Development. It  makes sense, both economically and environmentally, to. Reduce the input of materials and energy Minimize the amount of waste for treatment and disposal Reuse or sympathetically dispose/treat of wastes Invest in prevention to save...

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Water Charges for 1.35 million households from 2014

Up to 90% of the country’s 1.35 million households will start paying water charges from 2014, according to a new report prepared for the Government. Consumers will also pay VAT on top of their bills, as a private company, Irish Water, will be charging for the services instead of a public body.   The water...

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Inefficient use of water resources threatens the economy, productivity and ecosystems

The European Environment Agency (EEA) report which was presented at the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille stated that the continent’s water resources were under pressure, limited supplies were being wasted, and nations had to implement existing legislation more effectively. The EEA report is the first of five water-themed reports that the agency planned to...

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Draft Performance Standards for Septic Tanks and other Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems

The draft performance standards for septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems were published on 1 March 2012. The draft standards set out the responsibilities of owners of septic tanks and other systems may be summarised as follows: Know where your tank/treatment system is located. Visually examine the tank/treatment system and percolation area...

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Environmental Liability

The European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008, (SI 547 of 2008) came into force in Ireland on 1 April 2009 with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage. Environmental liability is based on the “polluter-pays” principle.  The Regulations introduced a positive reporting obligation on operators in respect of actual or threatened environmental damage....

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Water Quality Legislation

The Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990 enable local authorities to: prosecute for water pollution offences attach appropriate pollution control conditions in the licensing of effluent discharges made to waters or to sewers; issue notices  specifying measures to be taken within a prescribed period to prevent water pollution issue notices requiring a person...

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Evaluation of the replacement Waste Management Plan Limerick/Clare/Kerry 2006-2011

The Limerick/Clare/Kerry Waste Management Region has commenced an evaluation of the replacement of the Waste Management Plan Limerick.Clare/Kerry 2006 – 2011 and, the Plan will be revised or replaced as necessary to comply with the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC). The evaluation of must occur by 31 December 2012. The subsequent revision or replacement of waste...

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How To Reduce Waste, Save Money and Benefit The Environment

The BeGreen programmes provide specific sectors with ways in which they can participate in making Ireland a more sustainable country while saving themselves money. BeGreen brings together all of the guides and programmes that have been put in place by the EPA, local authorities and others to promote waste prevention. The guides provide easy to...

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Packaging Waste Compliance Requirement in Ireland

Since 1997 Irish legislation has placed the responsibility for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste on those who handle packaging at any stage of the supply chain. A ‘Producer’ of packaging waste is a business who, for the purpose of trade or otherwise in the course of business sells or otherwise supplies other persons...

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