Groundwater Authorisations

What is an authorisation?

An authorisation is a legal permission from The Northern Ireland Environment Agency to dispose of waste pesticide or sheep dip by spreading it onto land. We carry out a suitability determination using a geographic computer system which can tell us about the soil type, geology, and underlying groundwater. We may have to visit you to find out more information such as the location of drinking water supplies.

The authorisation will contain a set of conditions to be complied with such as the maximum quantity of waste which is permitted for disposal. The authorisation will also contain details about the fields including a site location map. Authorisations will be reviewed at least every four years.

Do I need to apply for an authorisation?

Yes, if you intend to dispose of waste pesticide or sheep dip by spreading it onto land. Emptying waste pesticide or sheep dip into slurry tanks before spreading on land is considered as 'tipping for the purposes of disposal' and also requires authorisation for all the fields on which the slurry/sheep dip mixture would be spread.

How do I apply for an authorisation?

Telephone: 028 9025 4824 or click on 'Application Forms' for an application form. We will send you the form, a guidance booklet and a reply envelope. Fill in the form and return it with a map marking the fields on which you propose to make the disposal and also the location of the dipper and drinking water supplies. We will send you an acknowledgement letter and undertake the processing of your application.

When will I get my authorisation?

Applications made before 1 April 1999 are treated as authorised if they are related to a disposal activity which existed before that date. This means you may continue with the disposals until we can process your application.

If you applied after 1 April 1999 it is illegal for you to dispose of waste pesticides and sheep dip to land until the authorisation has been granted. We have four months to process these applications unless a time extension is agreed with you in writing.