Discharge to waters enforcement

Discharge to waters enforcement 

Local authorities regulate the discharge of wastewater from developments including:- 

• Manufacturing facilities 
• Businesses and private housing developments to groundwaters and surface waters (rivers, lakes & coastal waters).  

Discharge licences are issued by Galway County Council which set appropriate emission limits and monitoring frequencies. Each licence site is audited annually for compliance with licence conditions. 

Discharge to waters licence 

Local authorities regulate the discharge of wastewaters to groundwater, rivers, lakes and the sea. All businesses must apply to the local authority for a licence to discharge wastewater. 

Discharge licences are issued under Section 4 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977, as amended in 1990, in respect of the discharge of trade effluent to surface waters or groundwater. Licences set conditions so the discharge is treated and controlled in a manner that protects the environment. 

A discharge licence must be obtained under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 for the following: - 

• All domestic wastewater discharges to surface water 
• All trade effluent discharges to surface water or groundwater 
• All discharges of domestic wastewater greater than 5m3 in any period of 24 hours which is discharged to an aquifer (groundwater) from a septic tank or other disposal unit by means of a percolation area, soakage pit or other method 
• All trade effluent discharges to groundwater 
• All trade effluent discharges to sewer. These licences are granted by Uisce Eireann 

Discharges to Surface Waters – Section 4 Licences 

• Activities discharging wastewater directly to a river require a licence, in accordance with Section 4 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 – 2007.  
• Before issuing a licence Galway County Council must be satisfied that the wastewater is adequately treated and will not cause water pollution. Licences set conditions so the discharge is treated and controlled in a manner that protects the receiving environment. 
• Galway County Council maintains a Register of Licences issued in the county. 

Discharges to Sewers – Section 16 Licences 

• Discharges of trade effluents to sewers require a licence, in accordance with Section 16 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 – 2007. 
• For details of applications forms for new licences see the Uisce Éireann Website 

The discharge of trade effluent to waters without a licence is an offence under the Act. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a Discharge Licence is an offence under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977, as amended. 

Discharge to Waters Licence Register 

We maintain a public register of businesses which have a licence to discharge wastewater to groundwater, rivers, lakes and the sea.