Environmental guidance for your business in Northern Ireland & Scotland
Almost any type of solid, liquid or gaseous substance can cause water pollution. However, there are practical ways you can minimise the risk of causing a water pollution incident.
If you have a pollution prevention and control permit or waste management licence some of these measures may be included as conditions of your permit or licence, which you must comply with.
It is important that you store and handle materials in a responsible way. For example, you should:
If you store oil, such as petrol or diesel, in containers there are certain legal requirements that you may need to comply with. See our guideline: Oil Storage
Put in place measures to prevent uncontrolled releases or leaks from causing pollution. For example, you should:
GPP2: Above ground oil storage tanks (Adobe PDF)
GPP 26 Safe storage - drums and intermediate bulk containers
Be prepared for an accident at your site. For example, you should:
You may be liable for pollution that occurs as a result of damage caused by intruders.
See our guideline: Pollution incident response planning
NIEA have produced a leaflet that outlines the correct use of drains on your site.
GPP 4: Treatment and disposal of wastewater where there is no connection to the public foul sewer
GPP 5: Works and maintenance in or near water
Regulation that protects surface water and groundwater in Northern Ireland
Regulation that protects surface water and groundwater in Scotland
Consents and authorisations you will need
Notices that prevent and control water pollution
Practical ways you can prevent water pollution
EU review of fluorinated greenhouse gas (“F-gas”) policy and legislation, The EU is carrying out a review of its laws on F-gases, which may have an effect on NI stakeholders.
Guidance on Carrier Bags Charging Legislation in Northern Ireland (from 1 April 2022), DAERA has published guidance on the new Carrier Bags Charging Legislation
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