WATR06008 2018 Law and Compliance

Give an overview the Irish and EU legislative system, sources of legislation and list and explain key terms and definitions associated with environmental regulation

Outline the environmental legal and regulatory framework and functions of the key bodies and identify the role(s) that the public can have

List the main pertinent Irish environmental statutes and outline the main provisions of each

Explain the practical implications of Irish environmental legislation on operations in an organisation

Communicate information regarding environmental regulation and compliance in a manner appropriate to an audience of peers

This module will be delivered using blended learning techniques. This will include online lectures (via adobe connect or similar), and workshops augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student-learning needs. A learning platform such as Moodle will be used to upload educational material (i.e. presentations and recordings of online lectures plus supplementary reading material) and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). This blended approach (lectures and workshops) brings students together to facilitate group
learning.

This module is 100% Continuous Assessment

There will be three quizzes given during the semester at approximately 3-4 week intervals

There will be two other assignments.  The assignments will focus on the more practical implications of legislation.  For example preparation of a training document, examination and evaluation of one or more environmental licenses, the use of information/data to assess likelihood of compliance.

Repeat Continuous Assessment.

Introduction to law and legislative approaches

• Irish and EU law and legislation and their relationship
• Courts, liability
• Enforcement tools and instruments
• Enforcement Agencies and Bodies with responsibilities in environmental regulation
• Regulation and compliance
• Common provisions in legislation
• The public and the environment

Overview of main legislation specific to Irish Water, addressing aspects such as:

• EU origins where relevant
• Overview of purpose of legislation
• Irish regulators - Key roles/responsibilities
• Overview of key provisions
• other relevant aspects of each legislative area.

Legislative topics include:

• Drinking water
• WWTP – licences COR UWWTP regulations noise and odour
• Surface water standards legislation
  
• Waste responsibilities around facilities
• Licence to discharge to sewer
  

Identification of other key legislative responsibilities  – waste, water pollution, protected areas.