Jim Higgins
Question:82 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to introduce a scheme for the replacement and improvement of defective septic tanks. [22825/01]
Written Answers. - Waste Management.
Under the rural water programme grants of up to £1,600, 2,032, per house are available from local authorities for the provision of private sewage collection and disposal facilities by way of group sewerage scheme. I have no proposals at present to introduce a grant for the replacement of existing septic tanks by individual householders.
The national rural water monitoring committee has reported to my Department with proposals for meeting the wastewater treatment and collection needs of small rural communities. The report recommends a pilot programme to test a range of new, small scale collection and treatment systems based on design, build, operate, DBO, procurement by local authorities. It also anticipates that the range of operations and services provided by DBO contractors would include the desludging of septic tanks and the treatment and disposal of sludges from all types of domestic wastewater treatment systems within the locality. I have approved the committee's recommendation and contract documents are currently being prepared for the pilot programme.
Subject to a satisfactory outcome to the pilot testing, the report envisages a potential role for group sewerage schemes in the collection of domestic wastewater from households outside the immediate catchment of the new treatment systems. The confirmation of such a role for group sewerage schemes must await the results of the pilot programme.
David Stanton
Question:83 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will implement the national hazardous waste management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/01]
Liz McManus
Question:131 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the timetable for the implementation of the national hazardous waste management strategy published by the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26671/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 131 together.
The national hazardous waste management plan was published by the EPA last July, relates to the period 2001 to 2006, and will be implemented as rapidly as possible within that timeframe.
Under section 26 of the Waste Management Act, 1996, relevant public authorities are required to have regard to the plan and, where they consider it appropriate to do so, to take measures to implement or otherwise give effect to recommendations contained in the plan. As recommended in the plan, my Department will shortly establish an implementation committee which will be responsible for guiding its overall implementation.
Other very significant elements of the plan will be addressed in the forthcoming policy statement on preventing and recycling waste. Improved collection and reception services for hazardous waste from household and commercial sources are already being put in place by local authorities.
With regard to infrastructure, the plan identifies a requirement for landfill and thermal treatment capacity for hazardous waste requiring disposal, so as to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce our reliance on export outlets. A private company has announced proposals to develop a hazardous waste incineration facility at Ringaskiddy, County Cork. As an exceptional measure, having regard to the polluter pays principle, it is intended that grant assistance will be available under the NDP to support the provision of landfill capacity for hazardous wastes.