Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2012
122 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish the standards by which waste water treatment facilities will be inspected under the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011. [5714/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 sets out the duties for owners of domestic waste water treatment systems including septic tanks. The Bill requires an owner of such a system to ensure that it does not constitute, or is not likely to constitute, a risk to human health or the environment and, in particular, that it does not create a risk to water, air or soil, or to plants and animals, create a nuisance through noise or odours, or adversely affect the countryside or places of special interest.
As I stated in reply to Question Nos. 171, 174, 175, 176, 177 and 180 of 19 January, it is not intended to apply new standards, for example as set out in the EPA's 2009 Code of Practice, to older on-site systems as part of the new inspection system. Where an inspection reveals a problem, issues such as existing site size, hydrological and geological conditions etc. will be considered to identify the most appropriate and cost-effective remediation works necessary.
It is my intention, following the enactment of the legislation, to carry out a public consultation on draft performance standards for domestic waste water treatment systems which will be prepared by my Department in consultation with the EPA. These standards will also include the minimum requirements for the maintenance and de-sludging of treatment systems.
