The use of sewage sludge is managed by Irish Water through its National Wastewater Sludge Management Plan.
The application of sewage sludge to agricultural land is controlled by local authorities through the maintenance of sludge registers and inspection/enforcement programmes.
The control of other industrial sludges (including sludge from dairy processing industry) is managed, where applicable, through IPC licences granted by the EPA.
A comprehensive understanding of the movement of sludges and the application of sludges to agricultural land is required to ensure the existing controls are fit for purpose.
During the NAP review, the Nitrates Expert Group will be working with the various stakeholders to adequately address the risk from this ever-increasing nutrient source.