Albert Einstein is reported to have said “Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” In our experience there are a number of more accurate quotations relating to common sense which directly relate to how we work with our clients: Science is nothing, but trained and organized common sense – Thomas Huxley...

Over the years the first thing we have always looked for on projects is the technical data which is required to establish the nature of the issue to be addressed.  This data will provide the basis for addressing the clients requirements including, licence requirements, environmental management and cost-benefit control. Way too often we have found...

The EPA has launched a new iPhone app to encourage people to report environmental pollution. You can download the App now from the iTunes App Store (search iTunes for: ‘See it Say it’) or visit http://goo.gl/gOJMa or scan the QR code here. Then, if you spot  environmental pollution or dumping, simpl open the App, take a...

Revised regulations on decorative paints and solvents were published on January 1st 2013.  Re-sprayers and dry cleaners are required by law to register with their local authority, and have their premises inspected to ensure that they use appropriate products, dispose of waste in an appropriate manner and take measures to protect the environment. The EPA...

On 17 December 2012, the EU’s Environment Ministers adopted conclusions setting out key actions to improve governance by those involved in managing water resources Improving land use Addressing water pollution Increasing water efficiency and resilience. The conclusions are the Council’s first response to the recent Commission communication“A blueprint to safeguard Europe’s water resources” and underline...

The EPA has published the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems 2013 and the European Commission has announced that Ireland has now adopted all the measures necessary to ensure compliance with the Court of Justice judgment in Case C‑188/08. The Plan outlines how septic tanks and waste water treatment systems will be...

It is often quite alarming to find out that, otherwise, good business are not aware of new laws which could have serious implication for the sustainability and indeed the viability of their business activities. The Directive on industrial emissions 2010/75/EU (IED) was due to be transposed into national legislation by Member States by 7 January 2013.  The...

How often has been found that insufficient data has been available relating to key control parameters of wastewater treatment operation and performance?  Unfortunately the answer is “way too often”. Many business could save themselves a lot of time and money through recording and reviewing key control parameters on a regular basis. The establishment of target and...

Quite often in wastewater treatment, problems arise where basic checks and balances have been overlooked or not acted upon. This basic guide for the operation, management and monitoring of the activated sludge process addresses fundamental issues which can mitigate against problems arising or assist in their resolution – saving time and money. Mass Balances It...

Everybody has heard of major environmental disasters and the legal, public relation and financial costs to high profile business, right!! Less well known are the easily avoidable environmental issues applicable to all types of business, be they SMEs or large Multi-National Companies, which add significant cost to businesses every year. Hands Up which businesses would...