Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify a matter on septic tank legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5206/12]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify a matter on septic tank legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5207/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.

Section 70 of the Water Services Act 2007 provides that owners of septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems must ensure that their systems do not cause a risk to human health or the environment. The Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 augments the requirements of the 2007 Act and will introduce a new registration and inspection system for septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.

As I stated in the reply to Question Nos. 171, 174 to 177, inclusive, and 180 of 19 January, it is not intended to apply new standards, for example as set out in the EPA's 2009 Code of Practice, to older on-site systems as part of the new inspection system. Where an inspection reveals a problem, issues such as existing site size, hydrological and geological conditions etc. will be considered to identify the most appropriate and cost-effective remediation works necessary.

It is my intention, following the enactment of the legislation, to carry out a public consultation on draft performance standards for domestic wastewater treatment systems which will be prepared by my Department in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency. These standards will also include the minimum requirements for the maintenance and de-sludging of treatment systems.

With regard to any remediation works required, I have previously signalled my intention to introduce planning exemptions for works arising from the Bill. Any necessary exemptions will be put in place in advance of the commencement of inspections.