A Breath of Fresh Air: Nearly 30% Drop in EPA Complaints in 2023
In a report that signals a potential turning point for environmental compliance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed a substantial 29% decrease in complaints lodged with the agency in the year 2023. Surprisingly, a whopping 90% of these complaints were related to just two issues: odours and noise disruptions, both of which troubled citizens in almost equal measure.
Odours and Noise Crown the Complaint Charts
The simple pleasures of fresh air and peace are evidently under threat, with the majority of the EPA’s received complaints in 2023 centering around unpleasant smells and annoying noise, primarily emanating from industrial and other licensed sites. These nuisances have not only disrupted the day-to-day lives of countless citizens but have also pushed them to seek intervention from the EPA to restore their longed-for tranquility and cleanliness.
Odours: An Unpleasant Air
The significant portion of odour complaints underscores the impact that industrial emissions and waste management practices have on air quality and, by extension, public health and satisfaction. Foul smells, often resulting from improper waste handling or processing, have turned many neighbourhoods into less desirable places to live, highlighting the importance of rigorous environmental enforcement and operational standards.
Noise: Breaking the Silence
Similarly, noise complaints paint a picture of a populace yearning for peace yet disturbed by the constant hum of industrial activity. From machinery operations to transport movements associated with these sites, the soundscapes of many communities are being altered in ways that many find unsettling and disruptive.
The EPA’s Response
The EPA hasn’t been sitting quietly amid these complaints. The report states that in response, the agency undertook a massive inspection campaign in 2023, conducting 1,200 inspections across 535 individual sites that hold a total of 889 licenses, with an impressive 91% of these inspections being unannounced. Such rigorous enforcement efforts have had tangible outcomes, including the agency concluding 22 prosecutions and securing over €380,000 in fines and costs related to these successful legal actions.
Dr. Tom Ryan, the Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement, expressed the agency’s dedication to addressing the nuisances arising from licensed sites, promising continued enforcement actions where necessary. The report also highlights the EPA’s dedication to managing and overseeing the aftercare of closed landfill sites, an area that saw two prosecutions against local authorities for insufficient management of leachate and landfill gas infrastructure.
Licensed Sites’ Impact on Water Quality
Beyond air and noise, the EPA has remained vigilant regarding the potential impact of licensed sites on water quality. Adhering to the Water Framework Directive requirements, the agency has initiated a targeted campaign aimed at enhancing surface water drainage systems at these licensed premises, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental protection efforts across air, land, and water.
In an equally significant stride towards environmental restoration, the submission of 14 peatland rehabilitation plans covering an expanse of 4,289 hectares across five counties by Bord na Móna was reported. This initiative marks a noteworthy effort in the restoration of these crucial natural habitats, reflecting the broader commitment to ecological recovery and sustainability.
With these comprehensive efforts and strategic focus, the EPA’s recent report provides a hopeful glimpse into the future of environmental enforcement and compliance in Ireland. By tackling the root causes of environmental complaints, from odour and noise to water and land management, the agency is steering the country towards a greener, cleaner, and more serene environment for all its residents.
Divya 
Mehek