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.

RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP (TEAGASC WALSH FELLOWSHIP)

A research studentship is available working with Dr Catherin Coxon of the School of Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin. The studentship (known as a Walsh Fellowship) is tenable at Trinity College Dublin in association with Teagasc, Johnstown Castle (Wexford, Ireland)

NITROGEN ATTENUATION ALONG DELIVERY PATHWAYS IN AGRICULTURAL CATCHMENTS

This project aims to investigate nitrogen transfer and attenuation within intensively managed agricultural river catchments, so that current mitigation strategies and response times can be evaluated. The project will involve fieldwork at several sites in southern Ireland and laboratory analytical work at Teagasc Johnstown Castle and is carried out within the frame work of the Agricultural Catchments Programme. The objectives include exploration of temporal groundwater fluxes within the landscape, determination of nitrogen transfer via groundwater to streams, investigation of N attenuation in the hyporheic zone and quantification of a nitrogen balance including nitrous oxide emissions.

Applicants should have a good primary degree (II1 or I) or a M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Environmental Science, Earth Science, Agricultural Science, Hydrology / Hydrogeology etc.). A full driving licence is also required.  The position is funded by a Teagasc Walsh Fellowship; value €21,000 per annum, to cover postgraduate stipend and tuition fees. (Note: tuition fees for European Union residents are currently €6,085 per annum). The project will start in September 2012. The funding is for a four year structured Ph.D. project, to be completed by end of August 2016.

 The project student will receive initial training based mainly at Trinity College Dublin for the first few months, but for most of the project they will be based at the Teagasc Johnstown Castle Environmental Research Centre, Co. Wexford. They will be registered as a full time research student in the School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin (www.naturalscience.tcd.ie), working under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Coxon. The student will work in association with Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme personnel (www.teagasc.ie/agcatchments) and the primary Teagasc supervisor will be Dr. Per-Erik Mellander.

Applicants should submit (a) a curriculum vitae, detailing their qualifications and experience, (b) proof of driving licence, (c) a covering letter explaining why they wish to pursue this project, and (d) contact details for two referees. This should be sent to: Dr. Catherine Coxon, Department of Geology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. E-mail: cecoxon@tcd.ie Phone +353-1-8962235
Closing date for applications: May 18th, 2012.

Red List highlights six Irish freshwater species at risk of extinction

Pollan
Copyright www.loughallenbasin.com/pollan.html

Six of Ireland’s 15 native fish species and one of its three amphibians have been included in the revised Red Data List of Irish Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Link. The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is listed as Critically Endangered and five more fish species (pollan, Artic char, twaite shad, Killarney shad and Atlantic salmon) were found to be Vulnerable. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita), is classified as Endangered.

For the first time, the status of naturalised non-native fish is discussed. Two of these, dace and chub, have been identified as invasive requiring management. The report sets out management polices and actions for the preservation of Irish Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish.

Water Meters...A Holistic Approach to Water Conservation



Copyright Plymouth Water

 Quite of few people have been asking for my opinion on the introduction of water meters in Ireland. To be quite honest I am not generally in favour of universal metering simply because of the cost. I would favour a temporary flat rate charge in areas where supplies are not at a critical level, but the introduction of meters in areas where alternative supply side investment is being planned, such as Dublin. However, I feel that the introduction of meters as planned is very crude and that a more integrated approach is needed for water conservation.  A more ambitious plan, which would secure our water supplies for at least the next fifty years, would be to include the householder more directly in this process. I would like to see every household have their supply pipe checked when the meter is installed for leaks, that it is not lead and that the electricity system is not earthed via the pipe. Also, every householder should be given the option to have all their taps and shower heads, and possibly also their toilets replaced with conservation low-flow units at a discounted rate to ensure maximum conservation of water. This installation of meters and household upgrades should be carried out by registered plumbers trained for this task. I would also subsequently like to see all households given the option to buy into some form of service arrangement so that they can have their household system checked regularly for leaks and repaired where necessary for a small annual fee. This would make water conservation savings well in excess of 40% possible as well as ensuring higher quality water. We need to tackle the lead issue, promote the sensible use of water and to reduce leakage on the supply side of the service pipe.

New Paper on Co-treatment of Acid Mine Drainage with Domestic Wastewater

In a new paper published by Theresa Hughes of the Water Technology Research Group the concept of treating acid mine drainage with conventional domestic wastewater using activated sludge has been shown to be a viable option. Using a synthetic drainage toxicity tests showed that activated sludge can withstand high proportions of AMD (EC50 19–52% AMD by volume). Laboratory-based sequencing batch reactors were also used to examine the treatability of AMD. Results from OUR inhibition tests on acclimatized activated sludge indicated that over a relatively short timescale (21 days), the activated sludge microbial community can adapt to AMD sufficiently so that shock loads of metals and acidity do not significantly inhibit OUR.
Theresa A. Hughes and N. F. Gray (2012) Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Acid Mine Drainage to the Activated Sludge Process. Mine Water and Environment, 31, 40–52 (DOI 10.1007/s10230-011-0168-y) Link

National Ground Water Awareness Week

With all the attention Irish groundwater has been given over the years by the EPA here in Ireland, and it’s protection being cited as the major driver behind the introduction of septic registration and monitoring; it is surprising that we haven’t adopted the scheme run by the USEPA and organized a Ground Water Awareness Week. Forty-four percent of America's population regularly depends on ground water for its drinking water supply with in excess of 90 % of all public drinking water systems relying on ground water resources. So public awareness and participation in its protection is very important. The USEPA have set up a dedicated site for the event with loads of interesting downloads and activities. I particularly liked the Citizen's Guide to Ground Water Protection which describes how everyone can help to protect supplies and how to build your own aquifer in a cup. Check it out!   Link

National Ground Water Awareness Week runs from  March 11 to 17

Water Restrictions Could Spread to Ireland

Shower timers can be tradtional egg timer
design or digital alarm systems

I am feeling rather depressed at not being issued with a waterproof four- minute egg timer for use in my shower as a simple tool to conserve water.  These are being issued throughout south-east England in an attempt to conserve supplies. South East and Anglia Water areas are especially at risk as are the midlands, including Birmingham.  However, with hosepipe bans inevitable, it appears that we are heading for a very dry year…as dry as 1975 which I remember very well.  It was the first and only time I have seen lawns and agricultural grassland simply wither and die.  Ireland may also be facing a similar situation this summer and as supplies are always at a critical level in the East, especially in the Greater Dublin area, it is perhaps time to seriously consider conservation measures and issuing waterproof egg timers here as well.