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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

Limerick Clare Kerry Regional Waste Management Office co-ordinate the implementation of the objectives set out in the Limerick Clare Kerry Regional Waste Management Plan and ensure that the targets set out in the Plan are achieved within the specified dates. NIPP (or New Integrated Prevention Programme) is a co-ordinated programme of waste prevention initiatives undertaken...

The Repak fee structure for a Major Producer comprise two distinct elements: Participation Fees (2012): Participation Fees are charged at a flat fee per tonne, irrespective of the material type, and are charged depending on the activity, or activities, of the Member Material Specific Fee: Material Specific fees – are based on the weight of...

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...

The Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) is based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle.  It requires those operators whose activities pose an imminent threat of environmental damage to take preventive actions, and where such damage has occurred, to remediate it and cover the costs of these measures and any costs incurred by the competent authority (Environmental Protection...

In Ireland the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, (as amended by the 1990 Act) provides the principal legal framework for the prevention and control of water pollution. This act includes A general prohibition against water pollution as well Provisions on licensing direct and indirect discharges Water quality standards and management plans. Increased maximum penalties...