Phil Hogan
Question:923 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria for the upgrading of domestic septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23118/08]
View answerTuesday, 17 June 2008
Questions (863)
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently finalising a revised edition of its Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment Systems serving Single Houses in consultation with all interested parties, including my Department.
Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the treatment of effluent from wastewater systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document H provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H and incorporates, inter alia, Irish Standard Recommendation SR:6 of 1991 — Recommendations for Domestic Effluent Treatment and Disposal from a Single Dwelling House, issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). Compliance with the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the builder and the owner of the building while their enforcement is a matter for the local Building Control Authority.
A new European Standard for small wastewater treatment plants will come into force on 1 July 2009. The need for new systems to comply with this standard, together with recommended performance levels for treatment systems, has been brought to the attention of local authorities.
I understand that the EPA Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment Systems, when finalised, will refer to relevant European Standards and that the NSAI propose to with draw SR6: 1991, in favour of this Code of Practice. I will amend Technical Guidance Document H to include the Code of Practice in the guidance document.