Latest news with #EnvironmentalImpactAssessments
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Illegal peat harvesting uncovered on 38 sites across seven counties
Large-scale commercial peat extraction is being carried out illegally across seven counties in Ireland. That's according to a report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which revealed that large-scale commercial peat extraction is being carried out without any of the necessary authorisations from local authorities on 38 sites. The sites are located in Offaly, Kildare, Tipperary, Westmeath, Roscommon, Longford, and Sligo. According to the EPA, these illegal operations are contributing to an export trade of 300,000 tonnes of peat annually, valued at almost €40m. Between 2021 and 2024, the EPA allocated significant resources to carry out 170 enforcement inspections. It has also taken legal action in the District Court and High Court against operations exceeding 50 hectares. These legal actions have resulted in the halt of illegal peat extraction on several peatlands in recent years. A number of cases remain ongoing before the courts. Local authorities have the primary responsibility for regulating all commercial peat extraction, specifically ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, including the performance of Environmental Impact Assessments, Appropriate Assessments related to protected habitats, and the granting — or refusal — of necessary planning permissions for these activities. The EPA is directing local authorities to take appropriate enforcement actions against such operations within their jurisdictions. The report notes that proper regulation of peat harvesting can provide important environmental protections. Bord na Móna lawfully operated nine peatland complexes across 11 counties under EPA licence until operations ceased in 2020. Now, following licence conditions and with support from the Peatlands Climate Action Scheme, Bord na Móna is rehabilitating those peatlands. By the end of 2024, nearly 19,000 hectares will have been restored — bringing the land back to life and allowing nature to thrive again. Dr Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA Office of Environmental Enforcement, said: 'Operators engaged in unauthorised peat harvesting activities are in flagrant violation of environmental law. They are destroying our precious natural environments and this needs to stop. "The environmental damage caused by large-scale peat extraction operating outside regulatory control is catastrophic for the environment. It results in the destruction of vital ecosystems for biodiversity, the loss of important carbon sinks for our efforts on climate change and the decimation of an irreplaceable cultural and scientific amenity and resource." Read More Gardaí used decommissioned firearms in sting operations to trap illegal gun buyers
The Journal
3 days ago
- The Journal
‘Conspicuous' lack of law enforcement on illegal large-scale peat extraction
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Agency has said that local authorities are 'conspicuous in their lack of enforcement' of environmental law when it comes to operators of illegal, large-scale peat extraction. The EPA has investigated 38 sites across seven counties where large-scale commercial peat extraction is being carried out without any of the necessary authorisations from the local authorities. The EPA said these are 'flagrant violations' of environmental law which 'needs to stop'. The seven counties are: Kildare; Longford; Offaly; Roscommon; Sligo; Tipperary; and Westmeath. Offaly is home to nine of these illegal large-scale sites subject to EPA investigations and Westmeath is home to eight, while on the other end of the scale, one of the 38 sites investigated is in Sligo. Local authorities have the primary responsibility for regulating commercial peat extraction sites below 50 hectares and ensuring that operators comply with planning and environmental laws. Meanwhile, all sites above 50 hectares also require an EPA licence and come under the direct enforcement remit of the EPA. However, it is understood that some operations reduce their sites to below 50 hectares in order to come under the remit of local authorities as opposed to the EPA. The EPA also warned in its report that illegal large-scale peat extraction is 'widespread' in Ireland and that the 'sector does not operate within planning or environmental laws'. Its report relates to large-scale operators and does not refer to the extraction of peat as fuel for domestic use. The EPA added that it is not concerned with domestic cutting for turf or fuel but with large-scale, illegal extraction that is mainly for the export market. Its report found that illegal operations are contributing to an export trade of 300,000 tonnes of peat annually, valued at almost €40 million. The seven local authorities referred to in the report must now take 'appropriate enforcement action' against operators of illegal large-scale peat extraction. Regulation Large-scale peat extraction can only take place if it is granted planning permission and in some cases, an EPA licence is also required. Local authorities are responsible for granting or otherwise the necessary planning permissions for peat extraction, including carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Appropriate Assessments (AA). An EIA examines the anticipated environmental effects of a proposed project. An AA determines whether a project could have a significant impact on protected sites such as Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. Both are carried out on commercial operators as part of the licensing and planning process. However, the EPA found that local authority enforcement in this area is 'patently inadequate' and it has directed local authorities to take appropriate enforcement actions against such operations within their jurisdiction. Advertisement While it noted that Longford is 'moving in right direction' and has employed resources and issued notices, the other six counties are said to consider the EPA requirements to be 'resource intrusive' and that any action would have 'questionable chances of success'. The EPA said it will continue to use its powers to ensure that local authorities 'fully implement and enforce the environmental requirements pertaining to large-scale commercial peat extraction'. The EPA has carried out 170 enforcement inspections between 2021 and 2024 and has also taken legal actions at District Court and High Court level against operations on areas greater than 50 hectares. These legal actions have resulted in the cessation of illegal peat extractions on several peatlands in recent years and a number of actions remain live before the courts. But the EPA warned that local authorities have been 'conspicuous in their lack of enforcement of environmental law'. Dr Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA Office of Environmental Enforcement, said local authorities 'need to step up to meet their legal obligations as regulatory authorities, prioritise their resources and use the ample enforcement powers at their disposal to bring these illegal activities to an end and to protect our environment'. Ryan said the environmental damage caused by illegal large-scale peat operators is 'catastrophic for the environment'. He added that they result in the 'destruction of vital ecosystems for biodiversity, the loss of important carbon sinks for our efforts on climate change and the decimation of an irreplaceable cultural and scientific amenity and resource'. Peatlands are capable of absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and are known as 'carbon sinks,' making them ideal for helping to tackle climate change. Illegal peat extraction The EPA noted three methods of illegal large-scale peat extraction. One such method is 'milling' which involves the removal of the top few centimetres of the peatland and this milled peat is used predominantly as a peat compost in horticulture. Large sod peat involves excavating large sods or blocks of peat from the peatland and allowing them to dry and these large sods are also used in horticulture. Meanwhile, wet peat extraction involves partially draining the peatland and the peat is 'quarried' and excavated in its 'wet' state. The EPA describes wet peat extraction as the 'less sophisticated and most damaging' of the methods and this material is primarily used in the mushroom growing industry. The EPA said that a large quantity of peat extracted in Ireland has been exported all over the world and that its enforcement action has played a 'major part in driving down exports of peat arising from illegal large-scale operations'. 'Excellent example of engagement' Meanwhile, the EPA report noted that 'appropriate regulation of peat harvesting can provide important protections for the environment'. It pointed to Bord na Móna as an 'excellent example' of 'appropriate engagement with the environmental regulations'. Up until 2020, Bord na Móna lawfully operated nine different peatland sites across 11 counties. The extraction of peat at these peatlands has now ceased and large scale remediation programmes are underway. Bord na Móna is engaged in the rehabilitation of those peatlands, with almost 19,000 hectares rehabilitated by the end of 2024, with rehabilitation works to be carried out on the remaining 14,000 hectares. These rehabilitation works allow water levels to increase and stabilise across the peatland, providing conditions for peatland habitats and species to naturally recolonise the area. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Time Business News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How ISO 14001 Certification Supports Qatar's Industries
Environmental regulations in Qatar are becoming more stringent as the country advances toward its National Vision 2030. For industries operating in high-impact sectors—such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing—compliance with environmental laws is no longer optional. ISO 14001:2015 Certification offers a globally recognized framework that helps businesses in Qatar not only meet but exceed environmental regulatory requirements. Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) oversees environmental protection and sustainability. Industries in zones like Doha, Ras Laffan, Dukhan, and Mesaieed must comply with regulations covering: Waste management Air and water emissions Hazardous material handling Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Regular environmental audits Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, suspension of operations, and long-term reputational damage. ISO 14001:2015 is the international standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It provides a systematic approach for managing environmental responsibilities in a way that contributes to sustainability. Here's how it supports compliance in Qatar: ISO 14001 requires organizations to identify all applicable environmental legislation and regulations. This includes local laws from MOECC and international environmental agreements that Qatar adheres to. The certification process helps set up documented procedures to control operations that may impact the environment—such as emissions control in Ras Laffan or waste treatment in Mesaieed. Industries are required to monitor environmental performance and measure outcomes, ensuring ongoing compliance with both ISO and national laws. Regular audits allow early identification of potential non-conformities, giving industries the opportunity to resolve issues before regulatory inspections. Implementing ISO 14001 goes beyond compliance. Industries in Qatar gain multiple strategic advantages: Risk Reduction : Identify and mitigate environmental risks before they escalate. : Identify and mitigate environmental risks before they escalate. Regulatory Trust : Certified companies enjoy greater credibility with local authorities. : Certified companies enjoy greater credibility with local authorities. Operational Efficiency : Waste reduction and energy optimization lead to cost savings. : Waste reduction and energy optimization lead to cost savings. Market Access : Certification is often a prerequisite for global partnerships and tenders. : Certification is often a prerequisite for global partnerships and tenders. Employee Awareness: Encourages a culture of environmental responsibility among staff. In areas like Dukhan and Ras Laffan, where oil and gas operations dominate, ISO 14001 has enabled companies to align their operations with environmental expectations. These firms have reported fewer compliance violations and smoother environmental assessments, securing long-term operational licenses. For industries in Qatar, especially those in regulated industrial zones, ISO 14001 Certification is not just an environmental badge—it is a strategic compliance tool. It bridges the gap between legal requirements and sustainable operations, supporting both business continuity and environmental stewardship. Get ISO 14001 certification from Qdot – and ensure your organization is legally compliant, environmentally responsible, and globally competitive. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
Urban centres: SCF concerned about environmental issues
HYDERABAD: The Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) has raised serious concerns over the escalating environmental crisis in Sindh's urban centres, saying big cities like Karachi and Hyderabad are facing an impending ecological breakdown that demands immediate action. Single-use plastics are clogging our drains, polluting waterways, and posing serious health risks, said Javed Hussain, Executive Director of SCF. By tackling plastic pollution, strengthening environmental laws, and engaging communities, we can restore urban ecosystems and safeguard public health for future generations. He said in Karachi, the megacity's tree cover has fallen to below 3%, one of the lowest among global megacities, exacerbating the urban heat-island effect. This has led to soaring temperatures, making the already critical environmental situation in the city even worse. The lack of public waste bins, combined with clogged drainage systems, significantly increases the risk of urban flooding and the spread of waterborne diseases. There is absence of municipal bylaws on waste segregation, water protection, and sustainable construction practices, which only deepens the environmental crisis. Furthermore, environmental education is largely absent from school curricula, preventing the younger generation from developing a sense of ecological responsibility. SCF has proposed a comprehensive four-point strategy to address the crisis: enforce zoning laws and require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all new urban developments to minimise environmental harm; mandate the inclusion of green roofs on public buildings to reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and support biodiversity; implement strict regulations to control plastic use, improve waste disposal systems, and monitor air and water quality through transparent mechanisms with penalties for violations; and launch community-driven 'Clean and Green' initiatives, such as neighbourhood clean-ups, rooftop gardening, and door-to-door recycling, to foster environmental responsibility and public engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
World Environment Day: Role of Project Management in Environmental Stewardship
January 2025 was the warmest year since record-keeping began, highlighting that climate change is not only palpable but also accelerating. Combating climate change requires global action, including adopting sustainable practices and transitioning to green technologies. Project managers, the beating heart of projects big and small, are crucial to this ongoing transition. They help maximise project success to elevate the world. Mr. Amit Goyal , Managing Director for South Asia at PMI , shared his insights on the pivotal role of project managers in advancing sustainability and combating climate change. With his extensive experience in fostering impactful collaborations across industries, he highlighted how project professionals can drive green initiatives, ensuring environmental stewardship while shaping large-scale infrastructure projects that align with global sustainability goals. The Heart of Every Project Project managers are at the core of every project. They coordinate the efforts of dozens, and often thousands of professionals and workers. They manage project timelines, procurement, budgeting, and more. Their position gives them the unique responsibility and opportunity to ensure projects are completed in the most sustainable manner and with minimum impact on the environment. Projects Begin with Project Managers A project manager skilled in environmental stewardship takes ownership of a project before anyone else. For instance, most projects, particularly those involving infrastructure, begin with an environmental assessment. A project manager makes this assessment by identifying potential environmental risks and impacts the project may have. Project managers use different sources and methods for this analysis, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), Environmental Risk Registers, Environmental Checklists, and Environmental Audits. Compliance, Regulations, and Stakeholders Following an environmental assessment, the manager handles compliance and regulations. Managers ensure the project complies with environmental laws, regulations, and standards. In addition, they obtain the necessary permits and certificates. Subsequently, they develop an environmental management plan (EMP) outlining specific measures to mitigate a project's environmental impact. They also engage with key stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and environmental groups. By engaging and working with stakeholders, they address concerns and incorporate feedback to ensure the project meets everyone's expectations. Since project managers oversee so many professionals and workers, they're also responsible for imparting training to others working alongside them. A project manager's expertise proves invaluable, helping mitigate a project's environmental impact as much as possible. And since project managers are the nucleus of every project, they constantly receive information, including real-time data flows, concerning an initiative's environmental impact. They monitor this data, verifying everything remains within environmental targets, which is vital for continuous improvement and accountability. In India, project managers have assessed the environmental impact of major projects, including the Bangalore Metro Rail Project and the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Project. They've also undertaken an EIA of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project by evaluating the effect of construction and traffic congestion on the city's air quality. The Kochi Metro underwent a similar assessment. Demand for Project Managers Skilled in Environmental Stewardship As the fight against climate change continues alongside ambitious infrastructure projects, the demand for project managers skilled in environmental stewardship will continue to grow. The Indian government has vast infrastructure projects underway and in the pipeline. For instance, the Bharatmala Pariyojana envisions completing 26,000 kilometres of economic corridors and will transform logistics in India. Project managers with expertise in environmental stewardship will continue to play a vital role in this project for years. Project management professionals will also be needed to reduce the environmental impact of the ambitious bullet train project connecting Mumbai to Ahmedabad. Other massive projects, including the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, will also need project managers skilled in environmental stewardship. Furthermore, as the AI race heats up worldwide, demand for project managers skilled in sustainability will continue accelerating. Realising the Potential of AI Project managers will achieve the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), and help reach the goal of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Globally, there's a headlong race to build data centres to reach AGI before rival powers. The enormous computational demands of AI mean leading nations are building vast data centres, each requiring enormous energy. According to experts, the US alone needs 90 Gigawatts (GW) of additional power for data centres. To put this number into perspective, 1 GW is roughly equivalent to an entire city's energy needs. India has ambitious plans to build a 10 GW data centre. These massive facilities must be built and powered sustainably, necessitating the need for environmentally astute project managers. Certified Project Management Professionals In an era where economic growth and sustainability are inseparable, certified project management professionals with expertise in environmental stewardship will remain essential. They'll bridge the divide between robust growth and safeguarding nature. For Indian youth and professionals, the ongoing construction of infrastructure projects, data centres and supporting structures, coupled with the transition to sustainable technologies, presents an enormous opportunity. By acquiring a project management certification that trains them to balance growth while safeguarding nature, India's youth and professionals can put their careers on a higher growth trajectory. Moreover, in a rapidly growing economy like India, demand for such experts will remain upbeat for decades in multiple arenas, making project management a long, rich, and financially rewarding career. Conclusion: Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Project Management Project management has evolved beyond traditional metrics of time, cost, and scope to embrace environmental stewardship as a core responsibility. As climate challenges intensify, project managers stand at the forefront of implementing sustainable solutions across sectors. By acquiring project management certification that trains them to balance growth while safeguarding nature, professionals can position themselves for career advancement while contributing meaningfully to environmental preservation. In rapidly growing economies like India, demand for such experts will remain strong for decades across multiple sectors, making project management with an environmental focus a long, rich, and financially rewarding career path. The future of our planet increasingly depends on project managers who can deliver results while protecting our shared environmental heritage.
