Almost 40 per cent of septic tanks viewed ‘below par’

INSPECTION RESULTS

WICKLOW HAS a 92 per cent inspection rate of household septic tanks but almost 40 per cent of the tanks inspected in the county are below par.

Figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week show that nationally 53 per cent of household septic tanks inspected by local authorities failed the first inspection.

In Wicklow the target number of inspections for 2013 was 25, with 23 inspections carried out by the end of February.

Of these only nine were compliant while 14 were non compliant. As a result of this non compliance 14 advisory notices were issued to house owners, 14 of which are still active.

Issues affecting the failure rate of the treatment systems include leakage, surface ponding unlicenced discharge, roof water, operation and maintenance, desludging and risk to human health or the environment.

Wicklow County Council's engagement with the public in relation to inspections included leaflet distribution, use of its website and letters/emails to registered owners.