merrion street

Environment Minister Phil Hogan today announced the  details of the performance standards for septic tanks at the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Community and Local Government. Homeowners who have a septic tank or waste-water treatment system need to register their system by 1st February 2013.   The registration fee is €5 until 28th September 2012 increasing to €50 after that date.   The risk-based system of inspections will commence in 2013 and will be objective and evidence-based, i.e. unless there is evidence of endangerment of human health or the environment, the system in place should pass inspection.

Speaking at the Oireachtas Committee today Minister Hogan said:

There are two main reasons for the implementation of the registration and inspection regime for septic tanks. First and foremost the key objective is to enhance and protect public health and the environment which will, in turn, benefit rural dwellers in terms of a better quality of life and better quality water.

The second reason for the legislation is to ensure compliance with the European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland in October 2009 in relation to the treatment of waste waters from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.

I have ensured that this legislation has been deliberately framed to minimise the impact on householders. It is very simple, owners of septic tanks and on-site treatment systems must ensure that their systems do not cause a risk to human health or the environment. If a system is defective it is the owners, their families and their neighbours who will be at most immediate risk.

There are three ways people can register their system:

•  Online at www.ProtectOurWater.ie
• By Post: Forms can be got in City/County Councils, libraries and Citizens Information Centres or by calling LoCall1890-800 800 for information. Cheques made Payable: ‘Protect Our Water’ and post to: Protect our Water, PO Box 12204, Dublin 7
• Local Authority Office ( there is no administration fee)