In Ireland, in cases where Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) is not applicable, the control of water pollution is exercised through the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977-1990. City and County councils are the licensing authorities A discharge of wastewater (effluent) to waters (river, stream, lake, estuary etc. and groundwater) or to a municipal sewer...

2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, known as the Water Framework Directive. The Directive is implemented by S.I. 722/2003 European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 The directive relates to planning for protection and improvement of all waters, including surface...

Water and wastewater and the implications to businesses for non-compliance are provided for under Irish Law, including costs and treatment requirements. ECOS enable businesses to address their requirements in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner. Our areas of expertise include: Water & Wastewater Quality, Control & Treatment Liability & Risk Assessment Licence Application & Review Compliance...

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is a law which aims to protect and improve the quality of all waters throughout the European Union. The key objectives of the Directive are to: protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems promote sustainable use of water provide for sufficient supply of good quality water provide enhanced protection and...

Farmers have collaborated with scientists in France to evaluate agri-environmental measures that reduce soil erosion and surface water pollution at a catchment level. The exercise helped the farmers understand the benefits of the measures and provides an example of how policymakers could engage with stakeholders under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The farmers helped develop...

Prevention of waste production and pollution is more efficient and economically viable than non-compliance with legal requirements. ECOS helps all types of businesses to cost effectively comply with legal requirements and prevent pollution. ✓         Reduce the input of materials and energy ✓         Reuse or sympathetically dispose/treat of wastes ✓         Employ the most...

In recent years, strict legislation was introduced to control the amount of nitrate and phosphate that runs into the sea from European rivers.  However, water quality has not improved as much as expected and researchers estimate that a time lag of up to 40 years may need to be considered. Excess nutrients can cause an unnatural...

The European Commission has proposed to boost innovation to deal with water related challenges by creating a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Water. The EIP on Water will seek to align the activities and outcomes of existing European, national and regional activities. Anticipated outputs of the EIP on water include: Innovation sites to identify barriers...

Concerns for sustainable urban development include: Increases in water consumption The urban heat island (UHI) effect, whereby building materials in cities, such as concrete and asphalt, retain heat and create local warming. A study in the United States has suggested that: Urban sprawl resulted in an increase in evaporation and therefore external water consumption.  As water evaporation...

Reports are great when they are accurate, to the point and understandable Documentation and reporting are fundamental to the management of environmental requirements. Technical Review Environmental Sustainability Cost-Benefit Analysis License Application and Review Environmental Compliance Environmental Liability Risk Assessments ECOS prepares and presents reports to assist clients to meet their corporate and legal requirements.  We...