Discharge Licensing / Assimilative Capacity Assessment
All effluent discharges to surface waterbodies require a discharge licence in accordance with Section 4 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 & 1990.
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A key component of the licencing process is the preparation of an Assimilative Capacity Assessment which aims to determine the receiving water body's ability to receive waste water without causing damage to aquatic life or human health.
To ensure each licence application contains the required information to satisfy the relevant licensing authority, Hydrec Environmental offer consultancy in Assimilative Capacity Assessment by evaluating the following:
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Determination of the baseline water quality of the receiving waterbody;
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Assessment of the ecological condition of the receiving freshwaters;
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Analysis of the flow data, including 95%ile flows and dry weather flows;
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When required, we also have the capability to undertake more specialist analysis including, toxicity testing, sediment bio-accumulation testing and solute transport and temperature modelling.
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In addition to surface water discharge licencing, Hydrec Environmental can assist with foul sewer licence applications to Irish Water and discharge licences to ground (i.e. required for discharges greater than 5m3/d).