Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reform the Environmental Protection Agency 2000 standard for septic tanks in order to promote more effective treatment systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20865/08]

P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is planning to ensure compliance with building regulations and planning permission conditions in relation to septic tanks or a minimum quality of treated effluent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20892/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 99 together.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently finalising a revised edition of their Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment Systems serving Single Houses in consultation with all interested parties, including my Department.

Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the treatment of effluent from wastewater systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document H provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H and incorporates, 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 (NSAI). Compliance with the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the builder and the owner of the building while their enforcement is a matter for the 37 local Building Control Authorities.

A new European Standard for small wastewater treatment plants has been introduced and will come into force on 1 July 2009. The need for new systems to comply with this standard, together with recommended performance levels for treatment systems, has been brought to the attention of Local Authorities by Circular Letters from my Department in November 2006 and January 2008 respectively.

I understand that the EPA Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment Systems, when finalised, will refer to relevant European Standards and that the NSAI propose to withdraw SR6: 1991, in favour of this Code of Practice. Moreover, I will amend Technical Guidance Document H to include the Code of Practice in the guidance document.