The OEP has a focus on the risk and impacts of the nutrient load delivered to surface water bodies from wastewater assets on sensitive habitats and water bodies in Northern Ireland (NI). This has identified the need for a robust evidence base and risk assessment with which to understand the effectiveness of current environmental regulations.
This report describes the datasets, methods and outcomes of research aimed at identifying the types of wastewater asset that pose the greatest risks to aquatic ecosystems in NI and whether the current regulatory framework delivers the required regulation and protection.
The objectives of this research were to carry out an assessment of the discharges from sewage and industrial wastewater systems in NI and to identify the magnitude and relative importance of the impacts of each of these wastewater asset categories on aquatic ecosystems.
The views provided in this report are those of WSP and do not represent the opinion or position of the OEP. The outputs of this work will support the work of the OEP’s nutrients programme.
This commissioned work was published on Friday, May 15 and the WSP model will be published alongside the report soon after.