Latest news with #EnforcementOrders
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
QLDC Responds To Environment Court Decision On Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Environment Court has released its decision to approve the application for an Enforcement Order over the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), following mediation between Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC), and Otago Regional Council (ORC). QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure, Tony Avery accepted the Environment Court's ruling and was pleased to share that Council was already making progress against the orders. 'We're ahead of our programme to significantly upgrade the WWTP by the end of this year, which will introduce a second treatment reactor and a range of supporting infrastructure to further improve the quality of treated water discharged from the facility and cater for our growing district,' said Mr Avery. 'The Orders largely reflect activities and investments that Council has already identified and committed to, which is a positive outcome and positions us well to deliver on these obligations on behalf of the community.' The Environment Court decision includes a range of requirements to avoid, remedy, and/or mitigate adverse effects on the environment caused by the operation of the Shotover WWTP, which must be actioned by specific dates. These requirements relate to the operation, maintenance and upgrading of the facility, and include but are not limited to: enhancements to the facility's Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manual, sampling and monitoring regime, and operator training procedures; completion of upgrade works already underway at the facility by 31 December 2025; and decommissioning the facility's remaining oxidation ponds by 31 December 2027. The decision also requires QLDC to submit a consent application for a new disposal system by May 2026, and to implement that system by December 2030. The Environment Court's decision is separate to Council's retrospective consent sought in early May 2025 for emergency works at the WWTP, and the bypassing of the facility's disposal field to discharge treated wastewater into Shotover River. This application remains with ORC for assessment. Mr Avery confirmed that the results of ongoing testing of the treated wastewater since direct discharge began remain well within consented limits and are publicly available on the Council's website. The decision made by the Environment Court also declined Aotearoa Water Action Inc's (AWA's) application to join the enforcement proceedings out of time. The Court agreed with QLDC, and the parties, that granting the waiver would have been highly prejudicial to QLDC, ORC and QAC given the work undertaken through mediation to finalise the Enforcement Orders, and also, the Court found that AWA did not have an interest in the matter greater than the public generally.
BreakingNews.ie
13-05-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Mouse droppings among reasons for restaurant closures in April
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported that 10 enforcement orders were issued to food businesses across the country in April, with eight closure orders issued. The Enforcement Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE). Advertisement Two closure orders under the Fsai Act 1998 were issued to Greenville Deli in Monkstown, Co Dublin, and • Sirmone Limited T/A Soul Bakery in Ballymount industrial estate in Dublin. Six Closure Orders were served under the European Union Regulations to The City Arms Gastro Bar/ Bistro bar in 50 High Street in Co Waterford, the Tasty takeaway in Charleville, Co Limerick, and the Namaste Indian Cuisine in Smithfield, Co Dublin. Closure orders were also issued to Bojon Spices in Dunboyne, Co Meath, the Barne Lodge in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and the Rio Latte Bar in Prussia Street, Dublin 7. Two improvement orders were issued to the Sancta Maria Nursing Home in Kinnegad, Co Meath, and Sligo Spice. Advertisement Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders included multiple mouse droppings in the premises, including in a cupboard, under a sink and wash hand basin used for storing cleaning equipment. Lack of evidence to support use-by dates on defrosted food, no hot water or designated hand wash basin in the food preparation area, visible dirt and grease on cooking equipment, and customer toilets not been cleaned were also among the reasons. Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, warned that there is an obligation for food businesses to act responsibly and ensure the food they provide to their customers is safe to eat. 'Food businesses owe it to their customers that the food they are selling is safe to eat. Not only is it the right thing to do, it's also a legal requirement under food law. Consumers have a right to trust that the food they buy is safe to eat and that it complies with all relevant food safety legislation. Advertisement "The findings that led to these Enforcement Orders highlight an unacceptable disregard for basic food safety and hygiene practices. These are preventable issues, and there are simply no excuses for failing to comply with the law. "Food businesses must remain vigilant, ensuring regular checks, effective pest control, and thoroughly cleaned well-maintained premises to protect their customers' health and uphold consumer trust in the food chain.'
