Reports by the Environmental Protection Agency have identified septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems as a potential source of water pollution, particularly of groundwater which is an important source of drinking water for many people; this is particularly the case in areas with sensitive environments or high densities of on-site systems. Primary responsibility for the prevention of pollution from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems rests with owners or occupiers of premises served by such systems.
The Government has given a commitment to progress the introduction of a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. In October 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that Ireland failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic wastewater from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation is required to give effect to a new inspection and monitoring system for septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.
My Department has been considering how a monitoring and inspection system should operate and comprehensive consultation with key stakeholders has recently been undertaken with the co-operation of the National Rural Water Services Committee. The submissions received are currently under review and will inform the draft legislation required and which the Government will consider early next year.