Environment Protection (Effluent Standards) Regulations, 2023 (S.I. 53 of 2023).

These Regulations, made by the minister responsible for environment under sections 5, 14 (b) and 80 (1) (d) of the Environment Protection Act, 2016, are about prevention and mitigation of pollution caused by effluent. Persons carrying out activities that likely produce effluent shall put in place a management system that includes, among other things, employing the best available technology and cleaner production techniques and installing effluent treatment equipment and facilities for effluent emanating from the activities of the applicant. The standards for effluent on discharge into any watercourse or on land are prescribed Schedule to these Regulations. The Minister may exceptionally vary standards and impose conditions. The Minister may also issue the Code of Practice set out in Schedule 3. A person who intends to discharge effluent shall apply to the Minister for an authorisation. The Minister may revoke an authorisation to discharge effluent where the person who was granted the authorisation fails to comply with the Code of Practice. The point or points of discharge of effluent shall be approved by the Minister, who may also establish and maintain a register of effluent points of discharge. The Regulations provide for monitoring and inspection by authorised officers and self-monitoring.