How to Apply for a Trade Effluent Discharge Licence in Dublin

Understanding the Application for a Trade Effluent Discharge Licence in Dublin

If your business or premises in Dublin discharges trade effluent or other matter into the public sewer system, you are required to obtain a licence or review an existing licence from Dublin City Council. This process ensures that the effluent discharged complies with water pollution regulations and protects the environment and public health. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, necessary documentation, and key considerations to help you prepare and submit your application effectively.

Objective of the Licence Application

The primary goal of this application is to secure legal permission to discharge trade effluent or other substances into Dublin’s sewer network. The licence sets out conditions regarding the volume, characteristics, and treatment of effluent, ensuring compliance with the Water Pollution Acts of 1977 and 1990, as well as associated regulations. Whether you are establishing a new discharge point or reviewing an existing licence, understanding the legal framework and requirements is essential to avoid penalties and environmental harm.

Preparing Your Application

Gathering Essential Documentation

Before completing the application form, you need to assemble several key documents:

• Site Location Map: A duplicate map showing the premises, public roads, and all points where effluent is discharged into the sewer. The map should be to a suitable scale, clearly indicating all relevant features.
• Site Drainage Plan: A detailed plan, in triplicate, at a scale of 1:100 or other appropriate scale. This plan must illustrate all drainage on-site, including pipes, treatment facilities, and discharge points, with colour coding to distinguish different drainage systems.
• Application Fee: A fee of €380.00 must accompany your submission. Ensure payment is made according to the council’s preferred method, as specified in the application instructions.

Completing the Application Form

The application form requires detailed information about your premises, processes, and effluent characteristics. Key sections include:

• Applicant and Premises Details: Name, address, and contact information.
• Operational Data: Number of employees, start date of discharge, and process descriptions.
• Discharge Specifics: Point of discharge, pipe size and type, sampling location, and flow measurement method.
• Volume and Timing: Average and maximum daily volumes, maximum discharge rate, and periods of discharge during the day.
• Effluent Treatment: Description of any treatment processes applied before discharge.

Characterising the Effluent

Accurate characterization of your effluent is crucial. The form requires you to specify physical and chemical parameters, such as temperature, pH, colour, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids, and concentrations of ammonia, nitrates, phosphates, sulphates, chlorides, phenols, and other relevant substances. These values should be expressed in mg/litre, with ranges provided where applicable. Additionally, details on the presence of detergents, oils, fats, grease, metals, and toxic substances must be included if relevant to your process.

Submitting and Following Up on Your Application

Completed applications should be sent to the Senior Engineer in the Drainage Division at Dublin City Council, located at the Civic Offices, Fishamble Street, Dublin 8. It is recommended to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

After submission, the council will review your application, possibly requesting additional information or clarifications. The review process considers compliance with environmental standards and the technical feasibility of your proposed discharge. Once approved, a licence will specify permissible discharge volumes, characteristics, and treatment requirements.

Contacts and Additional Information

For further guidance or clarification during the application process, you can contact the Drainage Division at Dublin City Council by phone at 2222155. It is advisable to consult the official regulations and guidance notes to ensure your application aligns with current legal requirements.

In summary, applying for a trade effluent discharge licence involves detailed planning, accurate data collection, and adherence to legal standards. Proper preparation will facilitate a smoother application process and help your business maintain compliance with Dublin’s water pollution control measures.