The European Union (Water Policy) Regulations 2014 places new obligations on Local Authorities in coordinating the catchment management and public participation elements of the Water Framework Directive.  It assigns responsibility to Local Authorities for regional coordination, public participation, and support to the Minister and the EPA in the development and implementation of the River Basin...

The Water Framework Directive was introduced by the European Union to protect and improve water quality in rivers, lakes, estuaries, costal waters and groundwater. Under this directive a River Basin Management Plan and Programme of Measures is drawn up every six years and sets out how public bodies, stakeholders and local communities can work together...

ECOS Environmental Consultants are delighted to involved with Tipperary Green Business Network, who are hosting The National Sustainable Transport & Business Conference on 25 May 2017.  The conference will deliver: Key Insights from thought leaders and service providers Case studies from business and sectoral leaders on the benefits of sustainable transport initiatives and more sustainable...

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...

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the measurement of the anticipated effects of a proposed project or development on the environment. The purpose of the EIA process is to ensure that: All projects that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment are assessed. People are fully aware of the likely effects of the...

An Appropriate Assessment involves a case by case examination of the implications of a development or activity for a Natura 2000 site and its conservation objectives. The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) placed an obligation on Member States of the EU to establish the Natura 2000 Network.  The Natura 2000 Network is a network of important...

The National Waste Collections Permits Office (NWCPO) is responsible of the co-ordination of the annual waste collection permit returns process, managing the annual return portal and providing guidance to waste collection permit holders on the submission of their return. Waste Collection permit holders should be aware that the local authority waste enforcement section and/or regional waste...

The European Environmental Bureau (http://www.eeb.org/) is currently developing a project researching the Water Energy Nexus.  The project studies water use related to thermal power generation, quality assessment of discharged waste water and water pricing strategies from lignite/peat mines and thermal power plants. Generation of electricity by thermal power plants is the second most important source...

A waste collection permit is required where a person wishes to collect waste for the purposes of reward or profit.  In accordance with Section 24(1) of the Waste Management ( Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 & 2008, a waste collection permit is valid for 5 years from the day it was granted. It is important for permit...

Team: A group of people with a full set of complementary skills required to complete a task, job, or project. Team members Operate with a high degree of interdependence Share authority and responsibility for self-management, Are accountable for the collective performance Work toward a common goal and shared rewards(s). A team becomes more than just...