Groundwater Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009, No. 254 (as amended)

The Groundwater Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 were established to protect groundwater from pollution and deterioration. These regulations align with the broader objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive, focusing specifically on maintaining the quality of groundwater to ensure it is kept at a sustainable level for future generations.

Purpose: The primary aim of these regulations is to prevent the input of hazardous substances into groundwater and to limit the input of non-hazardous pollutants. This is to ensure that groundwater remains a viable resource for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use and to preserve the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Requirements:

1. Prohibition of Direct Discharge: The regulations strictly prohibit the direct discharge of any hazardous substances into groundwater.
2. Assessment and Permitting: Any facility or activity that has the potential to discharge or input pollutants into groundwater must first undergo a thorough risk assessment. If deemed necessary, they must obtain a permit that details conditions under which operations can proceed to ensure minimal impact on groundwater.
3. Monitoring and Reporting: Operators are required to monitor groundwater quality and quantity impacts from their activities regularly. They must report these findings to the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
4. Remediation: In cases where pollution has occurred, immediate actions must be taken to remediate the affected groundwater. Operators are responsible for restoring the quality of groundwater and may face penalties if they fail to take adequate remedial measures.

Applicability: The regulations apply broadly to any individual or entity that engages in activities potentially impacting groundwater. This includes, but is not limited to, industrial operators, waste management facilities, agricultural businesses, and construction companies. Specific attention is given to industries that handle large quantities of chemicals and other hazardous substances that pose a risk to groundwater quality.

By enforcing these regulations, Northern Ireland ensures the protection and sustainable management of its groundwater resources, critical for public health, economic activities, and environmental integrity.

The Groundwater Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 specify rigorous evidence requirements to ensure the protection of groundwater resources from pollution. These requirements are crucial for monitoring, enforcement, and compliance purposes.

Key Evidence Requirements:

1. Permit Applications: Entities that require a permit for activities that have the potential to impact groundwater must provide detailed information about their operations. This includes the nature and volume of substances that could enter the groundwater, methods of operation, and proposed measures to mitigate risks.
2. Risk Assessments: Operators must conduct and submit thorough risk assessments that evaluate the potential for their activities to harm groundwater. These assessments must identify hazards, evaluate the likelihood and consequences of contamination, and describe preventative and mitigative measures.
3. Monitoring Data: Regular monitoring of groundwater quality and quantity is mandated. Operators must collect and submit data that demonstrates their compliance with permissible levels of pollutants and the effectiveness of their pollution control measures. This data helps in assessing long-term impacts on groundwater.
4. Incident Reports and Remedial Actions: In case of any pollution incidents, operators are required to provide immediate notification along with detailed reports of the incident, its effects on groundwater, and the actions taken to remediate the situation.
5. Compliance Documentation: Ongoing compliance documentation is required to ensure that all conditions of the permits are being met. This includes updates on operational changes, improvements in pollution control technologies, and modifications in operational procedures.

These evidence requirements are designed to enable regulatory authorities to effectively oversee and manage the potential impacts of industrial and other activities on groundwater, thereby safeguarding this vital resource from pollution and degradation.