Case Studies

IE License Compliance in Data Centres

TEAM

Environmental Management Team

Sector

Services Provided

Full site survey and mapping of underground drainage infrastructure, Integrity and water-tightness testing of underground pipelines for IE License compliance, EPA licensing, Risk-assessment of stormwater network, Project Management.

Overview of service

A multinational technology company operating a hyperscale data centre recently engaged ORS to assist with Industrial Emissions (IE) Licensing compliance for their emergency power generation infrastructure.

The facility falls under IE License Class 2.1 (Energy) of the First Schedule of the EPA Act 1992 (as amended). Under the Control and Monitoring Conditions in the IE license, all underground pipes require integrity and/or water-tightness testing every three years. This includes foul, process, and stormwater drainage networks.

ORS was appointed to conduct a full site survey, network tracing, risk assessment, project management, and quality assurance of the integrity testing, culminating in the preparation of a technical compliance report for submission to the EPA. Innovative approaches such as the risk-based prioritisation of network sections and advanced CCTV techniques were key to the project’s success.

Project Outcome

ORS successfully delivered a full underground infrastructure survey, completed risk-prioritised integrity testing, and managed all project phases with minimal operational disruption. All testing was conducted in accordance with Appendix D of the “IPC Guidance Note: Guidance Note on Storage and Transfer of Materials for Scheduled Activities” (2004). This guidance addresses the design, construction, operation, maintenance and testing of pipelines.

The result was a comprehensive technical compliance report, register and network map ready for EPA submission, ensuring the data centre remains fully compliant with IE License conditions. Key outcomes of the project included:

A €100K cost saving for the client through the application of a risk-assessment of the drainage networks. As permitted in the EPA “Clarification Note on the Requirements for Underground Pipeline Testing at Industrial and Waste Licensed Sites” (2019)
The development of a fully updated and accurate site drawing of the underground drainage networks.

This project set the industry standard for cost-effective environmental compliance practices across similar facilities.

Project challenges

Challenges

Access and Testing Complexity

The site’s underground drainage system was not originally designed with IE License compliance in mind, making access and testing challenging. Buried manholes and inaccessible junctions further complicated the project. Combined with the rigorous site security and safety measures.

ORS approached the challenges systemically:

A comprehensive site survey was conducted, tracing and cataloguing the entire foul and stormwater drainage networks.
A Risk-Assessment identified the “process area” and “non-process area” storm networks on site, helping to reduce the testing scope and cost for the client. This risk Assessment was completed in compliance with the EPA “Clarification Note on the Requirements for Underground Pipeline Testing at Industrial and Waste Licensed Sites” (2019)
Novel testing methods, including CCTV surveys, were employed for inaccessible areas.
Close collaboration with the client ensured minimal operational disruption during the testing process.

Leads

Key Contacts

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Luke Martin

Director
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Oisín Doherty

Associate Director
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Damian Kenny

Director

N5 Westport to Turlough Road

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IE License Compliance in Data Centres

A multinational technology company operating a hyperscale data centre recently engaged ORS to assist with Industrial Emissions Licensing (IEL) compliance for their emergency power generation infrastructure.

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ORS were appointed by Capital Homes in Q2 2018 to provide Civil and Structural services for a proposed residential development at Clara Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

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White Heart Lane Flood Risk Assessment

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Compliance for the Pharma Industry

ORS provides environmental consultancy services for a range of blue-chip clients within the pharmaceutical industry.

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Talk to A specialist

IE License Compliance in Data Centres

Project Outcome

Challenges

Leads

Key Contacts

Luke Martin

Oisín Doherty

Damian Kenny

Related Projects

N5 Westport to Turlough Road

Biogas Renewable Energy

IE License Compliance in Data Centres

Fire-Water Risk Assessment & Testing

KSN Flood Risk Assessment

Panda Fire Risk Assessment

White Heart Lane Flood Risk Assessment

Compliance for the Pharma Industry

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