Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the installers of wastewater treatment plants for residential properties have any legal obligation to ensure that the system functions as intended; his plans to introduce legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5300/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The design and installation of wastewater treatment systems for single houses is addressed in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Code of Practice in respect of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (2009). On foot of a comprehensive review and public consultation, Part H (Drainage and Wastewater Disposal) of the Building Regulations and its accompanying Technical Guidance Document H (TGD H 2010) were amended in the latter half of 2010 to reflect the relevant parts of the EPA’s Code of Practice.

In relation to the use of septic tanks in particular, TGD H 2010 states that “Septic Tanks must conform to I.S. EN 12566 Part 1 or 4 including their national annexes and comply with the EPA Code of Practice - Section 7.” T GD H 2010 further stipulates that the design and commissioning of wastewater treatment systems should be carried out and/or supervised by a suitably qualified person and that the owner of the building should be provided with sufficient, clear and comprehensive information on any continuing maintenance required to facilitate the effective operation of the system in order to protect human health and the environment.I consider that the legal requirements of Part H of the Building Regulations as amended in 2010, including the requirement that wastewater treatment systems be designed and commissioned by a suitably qualified person, is sufficient to ensure appropriate protection in this matter and I have no further plans for legislation or regulations at this point.