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EPA Updates AER Format

The EPA has updated the template used by IPC, IE and Waste Facilities to submit their Annual Environmental Report (AER). There has also been new guidance issued to assist licensees in completing the new form. Licensees in the intensive agriculture sector will continue to use the current Excel template and guidance. The EPA is welcoming feedback from industry representatives on the new format. The new template may be used for the 2019 reporting year, but the current format will still be accepted for this year. This new reporting method uses a Word format and is based on the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) plain English guidelines. The purpose of updating the template is to make AERs more accessible and understandable for members of the public who wish to view them. To see the NALA guidelines click here.

To assist licensees’ transition to the new template, the Agency is allowing any AER that is submitted using the new template to be submitted on or before 30th April 2020. The previous format may still be used and submitted on or before 31st March 2020. This extension will only be for the 2019 reporting year and will not continue after this year. The new Word template will be mandatory for the 2020 reporting year.

The EPA requests that licensees use simple, clear language and not use technical terms, industry jargon or unexplained acronyms. Information not required in the tables and questions should not be included. If using the comment boxes, brief details are requested and, again, simple terms and language should be used.

Due to GDPR, there should be no information included in the AER that includes personal data which can include details of noise-sensitive or monitoring locations or any other information that could identify an individual. If any AER includes this information, it will be rejected by the Agency.

An AER in the new format should be converted to PDF and submitted as a licensee return on the EDEN portal on or before the 30th April 2020.  

The EPA is requesting that any comments or feedback on the new template are emailed to edenenforcementsupport@epa.ie to finalise the template. All comments should be emailed by Wednesday 5th February 2020.

To see the new draft AER template and the draft guidance click here.

Environet Solutions can assist with the completion of an AER. For any assistance or to get more information please contact us.

January 2020