Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 971: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied). [11741/08]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 1012: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12325/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 971 and 1012 together.

I have received the correspondence referred to in the question and a reply will issue shortly from my office to the correspondent. In the reply to Question No. 679 of 19 February 2008, which related to previous correspondence, I set out the position in regard to waste water treatment systems under the national building regulations. Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the treatment of effluent from waste water systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document H provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H and calls up, inter alia, Irish Standard Recommendation SR:6 of 1991 — Recommendations for Domestic Effluent Treatment and Disposal from a Single Dwelling House, issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Technical Guidance Document H also acknowledges that waste water treatment systems other than septic tanks may be used. Such systems are accepted as satisfactory if it can be shown they are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are used. Part D of the Building Regulations (Materials and Workmanship) specifies alternative ways of proving compliance, including compliance with appropriate product standards or being subject to certification by an appropriate national certification body.

The Irish Agreement Board is the national and European recognised body for certifying new building products or systems for which national standards do not exist. The board is an independent body which operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. A new European Standard (EN 12566-3) for small waste water treatment plants has been introduced and is now in the transitional phase of implementation. The need for new systems to comply with this standard was brought to the attention of Local Authorities in my Department's Circular Letters BC16/2006 and BC 2/2008, dated 8 November 2006 and 28 January 2008 respectively. The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, is finalising a revised edition of its Manual on Waste Water Treatment Systems serving Single Houses in consultation with all interested parties. It is understood that the EPA Manual will refer to relevant European Standards and that the National Standards Authority of Ireland proposes to withdraw SR6: 1991, in favour of the proposed new edition of the EPA Manual, when available. My Department plans to amend Technical Guidance Document H to call up the EPA Manual and to consider any related issues at that time.