Priority Substances in Water Directive : The Irish Presidency secured approval

The Priority Substances in Water Directive controls emissions, losses and discharges of so-called ‘priority substances’ to water by establishing environmental quality standards (EQSs) for them in water and requiring monitoring programmes.  The substances concerned include chemicals, certain metals, biocides, plant protection products and dioxins. For substances classified as priority hazardous substances, the legislation requires their...

READ ARTICLE >

Better information about major accident risks

New rules that entered into force on 13th August 2012 will see EU citizens better informed about major threats posed by industrial plants in their immediate vicinity. The rules are part of an update of the Seveso Directive, a key instrument in industrial risk management. The Directive obliges Member States to draw up emergency plans...

READ ARTICLE >

Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources

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...

READ ARTICLE >

Ireland fined €3.5m for failing to comply with environmental law

Ireland has been fined €3.5m by the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with environmental law. In two judgements the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Ireland has to pay financial penalties for failure to comply with earlier Court judgments that established a breach of EU environmental law. This is...

READ ARTICLE >

Eco-innovation for SME

Eco-innovation matters in two ways for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). More than 99% of European Union companies are SMEs, covering all sectors, including crafts, manufacturers and retailers. SMEs are responsible for two-thirds of private sector employment, and about 60% of EU GDP. Spreading eco-innovative approaches throughout small and medium-sized companies could reap wide-ranging benefits....

READ ARTICLE >

EU rules on energy efficiency published

The Energy Efficiency Directive will enter force on 4 December following its publication in the EU’s official journal on Wednesday. Member states will have until June 2014 to transpose it into national law. Annual reporting on progress towards meeting the efficiency targets of each member state will be required. National action plans must be issued every...

READ ARTICLE >

REACH – Prior approval system to use chemicals starts February 2013

The use and marketing of certain dangerous chemicals will (for the first time) be subject to the first elements of a prior approval system as early as February 2013. This system known as Authorisation under REACH requires companies using listed chemicals to apply to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in order to continue to use...

READ ARTICLE >

EU Report: Waste Management Performance of EU Member States

A new report on how Member States manage their municipal waste shows startling differences across the EU. The report grades the 27 Member States against 18 criteria, using green, orange and red flags in areas such as total waste recycled, pricing of waste disposal, and infringements of European legislation. The resulting scoreboard forms part of...

READ ARTICLE >

Revised Waste Licence Application Form: New Obligations

The EPA has issued a revised Waste Licence Application Form to reflect the requirements of the European Union Waste Framework Directive on Waste (2008/98/EC). The Waste Management Act 1996 to 2011 has already been amended to incorporate these requirements. The Waste Framework Directive and the Regulations apply to all waste activities It is likely that...

READ ARTICLE >

Cities can win €10,000: EU Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan award for local authorities

Cities can win an award of €10,000 with the European Commission’s newly introduced Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan award. The European Commission recognises that sustainable urban mobility planning is key to creating sustainable urban transport systems which meet people’s needs. The EU’s first award has been launched to encourage the adoption of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans...

READ ARTICLE >