Confusion Reigns Over Septic Tank Registration

County Councils throughout Ireland have been inundated with enquiries relating to how to register their home wastewater treatment systems. The best they have been able to do is to redirect enquiries to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The situation has become quite confused and much of the good will that was out there appears to be evaporating very quickly. The Government needs to clearly set out a proper timescale and mechanism for registration so that those who have septic tank and home treatment systems know what to do.  

The environ.ie website has some good advice to householders, which will form part of the new standards, that will help them prepare for inspections that are due to begin in 2013:

• Know where your tank is located;
• Visually examine your tank every year;
• Ensure only domestic waste water is treated in your tank;
• Ensure your tank only discharges from those points for which it was designed to discharge from;
• Ensure the effluent is not discharged to or does not rise to the surface of the ground;
• Ensure your tank is not discharging into streams/ditches;
• Desludge your tank when necessary, using an authorised waste collector;
• Ensure that your tank is not polluting and operation and maintenance is in compliance with the manufacturer’s manual, as appropriate.

More information at link.