Reduction in cost of septic tank registration

The furore about Septic Tanks continues and I have no problem in meeting with groups who wish to outline their objections or concerns.  However, it is important that discussions are based on the FACTS and that consultations will be based on the common good and practical solutions.  I understand that people are feeling that it is one more nail in the coffers so to speak for householders, but I will set out below some points which I feel will are logical and necessary.

A modest fee must be charged to cover the costs of administration of the register by the water services authorities and of the inspections to be carried out.  The Primary legislation specifies that the maximum fee payable will be €50.  However, in order to incentivise early registration, the Minister has indicated that a reduced fee of €5 will apply for three months (until 30th June).   The vast majority of inspections will be carried out by local authority personnel who are already salaried employees of the authorities.  

This legislation has been deliberately framed to minimise the impact on householders who can be assured that if their systems are working properly and are being maintained the impact of the new system will be minor. We are adopting a very practical approach to the inspection guidelines. Once the Department’s consultation with the EPA and the European Commission has been completed,   Guidelines will be formally announced in two weeks which will be followed by a four week public consultation period.

 Practical standards that will be included in the guidelines – Septic tanks and waste-water treatment systems must be operational and maintained and the guidelines will outline some very simple and obvious examples of risks of a deficient treatment system. For example, is it leaking waste water or effluent? Or is it causing ponds of waste water to collect on the surface of the ground?”

Practical operational requirements that will be included in the guidelines:

• Ensuring that roof water or surface water run-off is not allowed enter the treatment system;

• That grey-water from washing machines and sinks is being treated in the system;

• Are the pipe-works and vents of a system blocked or obstructed;

• Are manhole covers and other components of the system of good working order or sealed where appropriate;

• Any mechanical or electrical components of the system, for example pumps or alarms, are fit for purpose;

• Recommendations will be included regarding the frequencies with which systems should be emptied or de-sludged.

The risk-based system of inspections will commence in 2013 and will be objective and evidence-based, i.e. unless there is evidence of endangerment of human health or the environment, the system in place will pass inspection.? There is no question of applying the EPA’s 2009 Code of Practice to older on-site systems.

Following over 30 hours of debate in the House of Oireachtas, the President signed into law the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 last week. This Legislation has been introduced for three reasons:

1. Non-compliance with EU legislation: On 29 October 2009, the European Court of Justice ruled against Ireland in relation to the treatment of waste waters from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. The enactment of this legislation is a critical element in Ireland’s defence against the imposition? of hefty fines by the Court.

2. Protect ground water?in rural Ireland:? The key objective of the new legislation is to enhance and protect public health and the environment which will, in turn, benefit rural dwellers in terms of a better quality of life and better quality water. ?Responsibility for protection of public health and the environment applies to everyone, whether living in urban or rural areas. ?Environmental and health issues must be dealt with as circumstances dictate and where risks exist. ?

3. Protect jobs: The provision of a continuous supply of clean water is a fundamental requirement for the economy. High quality water and security of supply is vital to attract foreign direct investment, high-end employment, and meet the needs and demands of our existing businesses and communities.

No-one should have any difficulty with these common-sense requirements, after all, if a septic tank is leaking or causing waste water to pond on the surface, the most immediate risk is posed to the health of the owner of the system and of his family and neighbours.

Under the legislation anyone who owns a septic tank or a waste-water treatment system needs to register before March 2013. After the 4 week public consultation period has been completed and the regulations have been published, a registration system will be in place by 31 March 2012. There will be an on-line registration system and a facility for written registration also.  Any further information which comes to hand will be updated on my blog.  Should any household have further queries I will do my best to seek clarification