WEXFORD’S Government Chief Whip and Minister of State Paul Kehoe TD, has revealed that it will cost just €5 to register a septic tank for inspection before June 30th following the introduction of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012.
“Despite all of the scaremongering on this issue in recent months we have decided that the inspection fee will be just €5 for the first three months. This will encourage people to register before June 30th and I would recommend that people do.
“I’m keen to ensure that this inspection system has a minimal impact on householders across county Wexford. Minister Phil Hogan will launch a four week public consultation period shortly; this gives anyone who has concerns about the process to raise these concerns”.
Minister Kehoe was in a position to reveal what will be involved in these inspections that will begin next year.
“The key is that practical standards are maintained, so septic tanks and waste-water treatment systems are operational and maintained. Guidelines that will be published shortly will set out clear examples of deficient treatment systems, such as; leaking waste water or effluent or ponds of waste water collecting 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.
“These inspections will be evidence-based, therefore, unless there is evidence of endangerment of human health or the environment, the system in place will pass inspection. The EPA’s 2009 Code of Practice will not be applied 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 to comply with EU legislation. To protect ground water in rural Ireland and protect jobs by maintaining a high quality water”.
Under the legislation anyone who owns a septic tank or a waste-water treatment system needs to register by 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.
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