Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2013 A Report for the Year 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for on the Environment protecting and improving the environment as a valuable asset • Monitoring air quality and implementing the EU Clean Air for the people of Ireland. We are committed to protecting for Europe (CAFÉ) Directive. people and the environment from the harmful effects of • Independent reporting to inform decision making by radiation and pollution. national and local government (e.g. periodic reporting on the The work of the EPA can be State of Ireland’s Environment and Indicator Reports). divided into three main areas: Regulating Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Preparing Ireland’s greenhouse gas inventories and projections. Regulation: We implement effective regulation and environmental compliance systems to deliver good • Implementing the Emissions Trading Directive, for over 100 environmental outcomes and target those who don’t comply. of the largest producers of carbon dioxide in Ireland. Knowledge: We provide high quality, targeted Environmental Research and Development and timely environmental data, information and • Funding environmental research to identify pressures, assessment to inform decision making at all levels. inform policy and provide solutions in the areas of climate, water and sustainability. Advocacy: We work with others to advocate for a clean, productive and well protected environment Strategic Environmental Assessment and for sustainable environmental behaviour. • Assessing the impact of proposed plans and programmes on Our Responsibilities the Irish environment (e.g. major development plans). Radiological Protection Licensing • Monitoring radiation levels, assessing exposure of people in We regulate the following activities so that they do not Ireland to ionising radiation. endanger human health or harm the environment: • Assisting in developing national plans for emergencies arising • waste facilities (e.g. landfills, incinerators, waste transfer stations); from nuclear accidents. • large scale industrial activities (e.g. pharmaceutical, cement • Monitoring developments abroad relating to nuclear installations manufacturing, power plants); and radiological safety. • intensive agriculture (e.g. pigs, poultry); • Providing, or overseeing the provision of, specialist radiation • the contained use and controlled release of Genetically protection services. Modified Organisms (GMOs); • sources of ionising radiation (e.g. x-ray and radiotherapy Guidance, Accessible Information and Education equipment, industrial sources); • Providing advice and guidance to industry and the public on • large petrol storage facilities; environmental and radiological protection topics. • waste water discharges; • Providing timely and easily accessible environmental information to encourage public participation in environmental • dumping at sea activities. decision-making (e.g. My Local Environment, Radon Maps). National Environmental Enforcement • Advising Government on matters relating to radiological safety and emergency response. • Conducting an annual programme of audits and inspections of EPA licensed facilities. • Developing a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan to prevent and manage hazardous waste. • Overseeing local authorities’ environmental protection responsibilities. Awareness Raising and Behavioural Change • Supervising the supply of drinking water by public water • Generating greater environmental awareness and influencing suppliers. positive behavioural change by supporting businesses, • Working with local authorities and other agencies communities and householders to become more resource to tackle environmental crime by co-ordinating a efficient. national enforcement network, targeting offenders and • Promoting radon testing in homes and workplaces and overseeing remediation. encouraging remediation where necessary. • Enforcing Regulations such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), Restriction of Hazardous Management and structure of the EPA Substances (RoHS) and substances that deplete the The EPA is managed by a full time Board, consisting of a Director ozone layer. General and five Directors. The work is carried out across five • Prosecuting those who flout environmental law and damage Offices: the environment. • Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use Water Management • Office of Environmental Enforcement • Monitoring and reporting on the quality of rivers, lakes, • Office of Environmental Assessment transitional and coastal waters of Ireland and groundwaters; • Office of Radiological Protection measuring water levels and river flows. • Office of Communications and Corporate Services • National coordination and oversight of the Water The EPA is assisted by an Advisory Committee of twelve Framework Directive. members who meet regularly to discuss issues of concern and • Monitoring and reporting on Bathing Water Quality. provide advice to the Board. Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2013 Environmental Protection Agency An Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil P.O. 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Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2013 Authors: David Shannon, Noel Byrne and David Flynn Published by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland ISBN: 978-1-84095-569-9 Table of Contents Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................... i Key Findings 2013 .................................................................................................................................. ii Directive Compliance in 2013 .................................................................................................................iii 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Waste water treatment infrastructure .............................................................................................. 2 3 Effluent quality ................................................................................................................................. 5 3.1 Effluent quality at large urban areas ....................................................................................... 5 3.2 Effluent quality at all urban areas with secondary waste water treatment .............................. 7 3.3 Effluent quality at all urban areas ............................................................................................ 8 3.4 Assessment of compliance with standards for phosphorus and nitrogen ............................. 10 3.5 Areas meeting the 1991 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive quality and sampling standards........................................................................................................................................... 12 4 Enforcement of waste water discharge authorisations in 2013 .................................................... 13 4.1 Progress on infrastructural improvements required by the licence ....................................... 13 4.2 Identifying and targeting key issues ...................................................................................... 14 4.3 EPA monitoring of urban waste water discharges in 2013 ................................................... 14 4.4 Environmental incidents and complaints ............................................................................... 16 4.5 EPA audits ............................................................................................................................. 18 5 Waste water discharges linked with pollution ............................................................................... 19 5.1 Update on seriously polluted river sites ................................................................................ 19 5.2 Update on moderately and slightly polluted river sites ......................................................... 20 5.3 Waste water works linked with pollution ............................................................................... 20 5.4 Waste water works linked with bathing water failures .......................................................... 20 6 Sewage Sludge ............................................................................................................................. 21 7 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 22 7.1 Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................... 22