THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO ENSURE THAT ONLY FULLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS ARE APPROVED FOR A NEW INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR UP TO HALF A MILLION SEPTIC TANKS.

A EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE RULING TWO YEARS AGO REQUIRES THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT ENSURE THERE ARE “PERFORMANCE STANDARDS” AND A SYSTEM OF MONITORING AND INSPECTION FOR ON-SITE WASTE-WATER TREATMENT.

THIS NEW REGULATION LOOKS SET TO IMPOSE ADDITIONAL COSTS ON HOUSEHOLDERS, PREDOMINANTLY RURAL HOUSEHOLDS THAT ARE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE A SEPTIC TANK.

SPEAKING AT THE ENGINERERING CONFERENCE IN GALWAY, MICHAEL MADDEN SAID MUCH COULD BE ACHIEVED IN ADDRESSING THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE IF IT WAS A “PREREQUISITE” THAT SUCH SYSTEMS WERE DESIGNED AND CERTIFIED BY A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL IN THE FIRST PLACE.