Septic Tank Inspections Start in Six Months Time

Inspections of septic tanks and small household systems will commence in February 2013. The performance standards, essentially that they do not cause a risk to human health or the environment, are explained in the Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012. (Link). For the first time regulations have been set for the operation and maintenance of systems including frequency of de-sludging.

There will be some complex issues arising, one will be odours. The problem is that if the tank is properly vented then odours will be released either at the tank level or at the sewer vent at the roof top…so odour generation becomes a complex issue of wind direction, speed and temperature. The crust formation on the tank does reduce odours but with more frequent desludging and less scum developing due to greater detergent use and less use of heavy fats and oils…then crust formation is slower to form and less developed leading to odour release. To quote from the department of the Environment webpage: ‘There is no question of imposing modern standards, for example those set out in the EPA’s 2009 Code of Practice, to older systems. Nor is there any question of householders having to acquire additional land to facilitate remediation work. Where an on-site system fails an inspection, the remediation work required will be based on factors such as the nature of the problem, the extent of risk to public health or the environment, existing site size and the hydrological and geological conditions present’.

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.

The Water Services (Amendment) Bill Passed in Dáil

The Water Services (Amendment) Bill, which introduces the charge to householders for the inspection of their septic tanks has been passed in the Dáil by 76 votes to 34 with the €50 fee was written into the legislation.  The Government have been very careful to reassure the public that the fee will not be increased, however, it is the potential costs of upgrading and replacement which is primary concern for rural householders rather than a one off or annual registration fee.

PhD Scholarship with Water Technology Research Group

Applications are sought from suitably qualified candidates (plant science, experimental biology, environmental science) to work on a 4 year PhD studentship entitled Sustainable nutrient and metal removal from domestic and industrial wastewaters using Lagarosiphon major and other submerged macrophytes under temperate conditions. Application deadline is 13 May 2011 and all applications must be made through: Link The studentship will be based with the Water Technology Research Group based inTrinity College Dublin at the Centre for the Environment.

Dangerous gases from Septic Tanks

A number of people have emailed me concerning fumes from septic tanks.  The problem with all stored organic wastewaters that go anaerobic is that large quantities of hydrogen sulphide and methane will be produced.  These gases are much heavier than air and displace the air within the tank, so once opened, the gas will rise from the tank and form a dense layer around the manhole at ground level. Hydrogen sulphide is very dangerous and as I said earlier odourless at high (lethal) concentrations so there is always a potential problem.  The key thing here is to ensure that all septic tanks are cross vented.   Cesspools or sealed septic tanks are highly dangerous in this regard.  The most dangerous scenario is where the tank is in a hollow or the entrance is contained in a riser or in a building so that the gas can build up. Never climb into a tank which has only been partially emptied unless you are sure it has been vented with air.  Most complete treatment systems such as the Biocycle are continuously vented via the aeration system, so that such gases should not build up.  However, if you are working in this area, and some of you who emailed me are, you should always have a gas detector.  It is worth the investment.  For more information see Link and more safety information see Link.

The Constructed Wetlands Association

The CWA is a professional organization that represents all those interested in design, constructing or researching constructed wetlands. Set up in 1999 by some of the early researchers in the field, such as Paul Cooper from WRc, it runs CPD courses, meetings, conferences as well as accreditation for those who want a career in this popular area. It also has a very useful website with a wide range of online resources. As the end of the 2010 draws near then membership of the CWA for the coming year would be a useful as well as enjoyable Christmas present for yourself. More details at:  http://www.constructedwetland.co.uk/

Launch of SFI Principal Investigator Programme 2011

The SFI Principal Investigator Programme call will be launched in December and SFI is hosting a webinar to outline the main points, including submission deadlines, of the 2011 call on Friday, December 3rd 2010 at 11.00 a.m. which will last an hour.  The webinar will also include an overview of the new SFI grants and awards management system (SESAME) through which applicants to the 2011 call must submit their proposals. To register for the webinar, please click on the link below.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Senior postdocs interested in applying for this programme in association with the Water Technology Research Group should contact me as soon as possible. Webinar link:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/465285563

Septic Tank Design in the United States

My undergraduates are looking at small scale treatment systems this week and here is a very interesting video looking at the design of  aUS septic tank system which gives us an interesting comparison with our own systems here in Ireland.

Inspecting Septic Tanks

New regulations coming into place next year will require all septic tank systems in Ireland to be inspected.  Here is a interesting video from the US looking at some problems associated with tank assessment.

Septic tanks and on-site treatment systems to be monitored and inspected

The European Court of Justice ruling in October 2009 in relation to Irish on-site wastewater treatment systems, which of course includes the much maligned septic tank, will require new legislation in order to achieve the level of compliance required by the EU. Currently this is being prepared by the various State Agencies. What this will mean to the average householder with an on-site system is yet to be seen. However, it appears inevitable that the legislation will include prescribed standards covering both the operation and performance of systems. For these to be enforced then licensing, monitoring and inspection of systems will be required. What this will mean is that householders will have to become much more hands-on with their systems or pay someone else to look after them. Where systems fail standards then remedial action will be necessary.

Personally I am worried that this will lead to much hardship for many rural people and even in extreme cases the possibility of people unable to continue to live in their homes. Currently it costs about €5,000 to install a simple septic tank percolation area and approximately €18,000 for a sophisticated on-site treatment and percolation system. On top of this is the annual desludging costs of between €180-275. There are also possible maintenance or service charges for on-site treatment plants which range between €250 to €500 and which usually excludes the cost of replacement parts. To include a possible annual licence fee for on-site systems and then an equivalent monitoring and inspection system to the National Car Testing scheme with possible costly remediation or up grading work after inspection will create enormous hardship for many. I often wonder if there is an urban-rural divide in Ireland, in terms of water and wastewater provision there certainly appears to be.