Seán Power
Ceist:188 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation dealing with septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25948/03]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
The forthcoming water services Bill will place a general duty of care on owners-occupiers to ensure that septic tanks or treatment systems serving their premises are kept so as not to cause a nuisance, or a risk to human heath or the environment. It is envisaged that complementary provisions will enable operating standards and codes of practice to be prescribed for this purpose. Detailed proposals for such controls will be formulated at a later stage. It is expected that the Bill will be published shortly.
A revised manual on treatment systems for single houses, previously published in 2000, is being drafted by the Environmental Protection Agency. The manual is intended to help planning authorities and builders deal with the requirements of on-site waste water treatment systems. It will include recommendations on such matters as separation distances from water courses and wells, and site boundaries. It is intended to incorporate the revised manual in technical guidance document H on part H – drainage and waste water disposal – of the national building regulations.