Septic Tank Inspection Update

The pending and much anticipated legislation on septic tank inspections has caused much debate over the past months. Speculation has been rife on how inspections will be operated and whether it will be a once off or a yearly fee. 

Recently The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., outlined the regime for septic tank registration and inspection, with the detailed arrangement due shortly. 

As part of this announcement he indicated that the legislation would first be risk based and second framed to minimise impact on householders whose systems are operating and being maintained properly.

The key features of the Minister's announcement are as follows:

• All householders with septic tanks and other on-site systems will be required to register details of their system with the relevant local authority and a national register will be compiled and held by the EPA;
• Householders will be required to pay a registration fee, following which householders will not be required to re-register their systems for several years
• The revenue generated will support the delivery of a national inspection plan which will be developed by the EPA and its roll-out will be managed by the local authorities;
• While inspections would be concentrated on areas with higher risk to the environment and public health, they will also be carried out in lower risk areas but at a lower rate;
• Inspections may give rise to householders being advised to improve the maintenance of their systems or, in more serious situations, may require the upgrading or remediation of the treatment system.

Click here for the full article from the Irish Government News Service