What is the IPC Licence and Who needs an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licence
The Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing framework in Ireland, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is crucial for managing industrial emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Organisations engaged in specified industrial and agricultural activities must obtain an IPC license to legally operate. This requirement underscores the importance of maintaining compliance with environmental regulations, which can be complex and demanding.
The Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing framework, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland, is designed to manage environmental impacts from specified industrial and agricultural activities. This article summarises the framework, requirements, and processes associated with IPC licenses, as well as how Glancy Enviro can assist businesses in maintaining compliance through its environmental services and expertise.
What is the IPC Licensing Framework?
The IPC licensing system aims to prevent and reduce pollution from industrial activities by setting standards for emissions and environmental management. The EPA grants IPC licenses to specific industries listed in the First Schedule of the EPA Act. These include various sectors such as:
- Minerals and other materials
- Energy
- Metals
- Mineral Fibres and Glass
- Chemicals
- Intensive Agriculture (poultry and pigs)
- Food and Drink
- Wood, Paper, Textiles and Leather
- Fossil Fuels
- Cement, Lime and Magnesium Oxide
- Waste
- Surface Coatings
- Other Activities (includes testing of engines, manufacture of printed circuit boards, production of lime, the manufacture of ceramic products, the capture of CO2 streams and treatment of waste water).
Requirements
To operate legally, businesses must obtain an IPC license before commencing any activities that fall under this framework. Key requirements include:
- Application Submission: Businesses must submit a detailed application to the EPA outlining their planned activities, potential emissions, and environmental management strategies.
- Compliance with Thresholds: Some activities are subject to specific thresholds. If a business operates below these thresholds, it may not require a license; however, exceeding these limits without a license is an offence.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: Depending on the nature of the activity, businesses may need to conduct assessments to evaluate the potential environmental impacts.
Processes
- Application Process: Businesses seeking an IPC license must complete an application that includes technical details about their operations and proposed pollution control measures.
- EPA Review: The EPA reviews applications to ensure they meet regulatory standards. This process may involve public consultation.
- License Issuance: Once approved, the EPA issues an IPC license that outlines specific conditions and requirements for compliance.
- Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: License holders are subject to regular inspections and must submit periodic reports to demonstrate compliance with the terms of their license.
How Glancy Enviro’s Services Support IPC License Holders and Applicants
Glancy Enviro can help you become and remain compliant by offering:
- Expert Consultation
- Compliance Audits
- Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
- Training Programs
- Monitoring and Reporting Services
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Crisis Management Support
Glancy Enviro provides a comprehensive suite of commercial and industrial services that are essential for Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license holders and applicants. Each service is designed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, enhance operational efficiency, and minimise risks associated with pollution. Below is a detailed overview of how each service can assist IPC license holders:
Liquid Waste Management
How It Helps: Proper management of liquid waste is crucial for compliance with IPC regulations. Glancy Enviro ensures that all liquid waste is collected, treated, and disposed of in accordance with EPA guidelines, preventing environmental contamination and legal penalties.
Septic Tank Emptying / Cleaning
How It Helps: Regular emptying and cleaning of septic tanks are necessary to prevent overflow and ensure proper wastewater treatment. Glancy Enviro follows EPA recommendations for desludging, helping clients maintain compliance while ensuring their systems operate efficiently.
Drain & Sewer Unblocking
How It Helps: Blocked drains can lead to significant environmental issues and compliance violations. Glancy Enviro provides prompt unblocking services to restore proper drainage flow, mitigating the risk of pollution incidents.
Drain & Sewer Cleaning
How It Helps: Regular cleaning of drains and sewers prevents the buildup of debris that can cause blockages and overflows. This service helps maintain operational efficiency and compliance with IPC standards.
CCTV Drain Surveys
How It Helps: CCTV drain surveys allow for detailed inspections of drainage systems to identify potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach helps IPC license holders address problems early, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Localised Patch Repairs
How It Helps: Localised patch repairs can quickly address specific issues within drainage systems without extensive disruption. This service minimises downtime and helps maintain compliance by preventing leaks or spills.
Drain & Sewer Relining
How It Helps: Relining damaged pipes is a cost-effective solution that extends the life of existing infrastructure while minimising environmental impact. This service helps IPC license holders avoid costly replacements and remain compliant.
Robotic Cutting
How It Helps: Robotic cutting technology allows for precise repairs in hard-to-reach areas without excavation. This minimises disruption to the environment and helps maintain compliance with IPC standards.
Integrity Testing
How It Helps: Conducting integrity tests on drainage systems ensures that they are functioning correctly and not leaking harmful substances into the environment. This service is essential for maintaining compliance with IPC regulations.
Manhole Surveying
How It Helps: Manhole surveys assess the condition of access points in drainage systems, identifying potential issues that could lead to non-compliance. Regular surveys help ensure that all components are functioning correctly.
Off Road Jetting
How It Helps: Off-road jetting services clear blockages in hard-to-access areas, ensuring that drainage systems remain operational and compliant with environmental regulations.
Tank Cleaning
How It Helps: Regular tank cleaning prevents contamination and ensures that storage tanks meet regulatory standards. This service is vital for maintaining compliance with IPC requirements related to storage facilities.
Pump Station Cleaning
How It Helps: Cleaning pump stations prevents equipment failure and reduces the risk of spills or leaks into the environment, helping maintain compliance with IPC licensing conditions.
Pump Station Servicing
How It Helps: Routine servicing of pump stations ensures they operate efficiently, reducing the risk of non-compliance due to equipment failure or environmental incidents.
Grease Trap Maintenance
How It Helps: Regular maintenance of grease traps prevents blockages and ensures proper functioning, helping businesses comply with wastewater discharge regulations as outlined in their IPC licenses.
Confined Space Entry
How It Helps: Glancy Enviro’s trained personnel safely conduct work in confined spaces, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations while performing necessary maintenance tasks.
Sewage Treatment Plant Servicing & Maintenance
How It Helps: Regular servicing of sewage treatment plants ensures they operate effectively, reducing the risk of non-compliance due to untreated discharges into the environment.
Fuel & Oil Separator Maintenance
How It Helps: Maintaining fuel and oil separators prevents contaminants from entering drainage systems, ensuring compliance with IPC licensing conditions related to pollution prevention.
Civil Engineering & Groundworks
How It Helps: Civil engineering services support the construction and maintenance of infrastructure necessary for effective waste management systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Water Tanker Services
How It Helps: Water tanker services provide efficient transport of liquid waste or water for treatment or disposal, ensuring that businesses meet their regulatory obligations without disruption to operations.
At Glancy Enviro, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our experienced team is committed to providing efficient, environmentally responsible solutions for various industries. Some of the key services we offer include:
- Pollution Incidents and Oil Spills: Our rapid response team is equipped to handle pollution incidents and oil spills, ensuring swift containment, cleanup, and remediation to minimize environmental impact.
- Forecourt Cleaning and Maintenance: We offer cleaning and maintenance services for commercial forecourts, helping businesses maintain a clean and safe environment.
- Wet Well Cleaning and Maintenance: Our expert team can efficiently clean and maintain wet wells, prolonging their lifespan and preventing costly repairs.
- Large Diameter Sewer and Culvert Cleaning: We have the equipment and expertise to clean large diameter sewers and culverts, ensuring proper flow and minimizing the risk of blockages.
- Gully Emptying Services: We provide gully emptying services to maintain proper drainage and prevent flooding.
- Sewer Network Maintenance: Our skilled technicians can maintain and repair sewer networks, ensuring their efficiency and longevity.
- Site Clearance: We offer site clearance services to prepare land for new construction or redevelopment projects.
- Top Hats: We can install top hats, a type of liner used for manhole rehabilitation, to prevent infiltration and extend the life of the manhole.
- Manhole Rehabilitation: Our team specialises in rehabilitating manholes, ensuring they are structurally sound and functioning properly.
- Silo and Hopper Cleaning: We provide thorough cleaning of silos and hoppers to prevent contamination and maintain efficiency.
- Deep Pump Station Cleaning: Our technicians can efficiently clean deep pump stations, ensuring optimal performance and preventing breakdowns.
- Filter Media Removal: We offer filter media removal services to maintain the efficiency of filtration systems.
- Vacuum Excavation: Our vacuum excavation services provide a safe, non-destructive method for excavation projects.
- Digester Cleaning: We clean and maintain digesters, ensuring optimal performance and preventing breakdowns.
- Confined Space Entry and Rescue: Our team is trained in confined space entry and rescue techniques, ensuring the safety of personnel during specialized operations.
- Traffic Management: We can provide traffic management services to ensure smooth traffic flow during our operations.
- Sludge Dewatering: We offer sludge dewatering services to remove excess water from sludge, making it easier to transport and dispose of.
At Glancy Enviro, we are dedicated to providing our clients with customised, cost-effective solutions that prioritise safety and environmental responsibility. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your project.
Glancy Enviro’s diverse range of services plays a critical role in supporting IPC license holders and applicants in maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. By leveraging these services, businesses can effectively manage their waste, minimise pollution risks, and ensure sustainable operations while adhering to the stringent requirements set forth by the EPA.
Call now your Glancy Enviro account manager or request a quote online or by calling Glancy Enviro 24/7 Call Centre on Freephone – 1800 844 060
