SEPTIC TANKS
The new regulations
NEW REGULATIONS pertaining to private septic tanks are being welcomed by professional contractors and have been a long time coming.
That's according to Chris Sheridan, Operations Manager with Kelly Drain Maintenance which serves all of Leinster and has depots in Greystones and Gorey.
‘It's all about regulation. Previously many people would have been happy to hire a local farmer with a tractor and small slurry tanker attached to clean out their septic tanks for around €80. Companies such as ourselves can't compete with that as we have to ensure we are licensed, have the proper equipment and most importantly ensure that the waste is disposed of in a correct manner,' he explained.
‘ There are still people doing this and spreading the waste on farm land but it is illegal. It is human waste and is potentially dangerous if it seeps into the ground and water supply. Licensed contractors provide receipts to show that the tank has been cleaned out and that the waste will be treated through the council run plant. There is no indication at this stage of how the regulations will be enforced but I assume the council will carry out inspections.' Homeowners who have private tanks have always been responsible for having them cleaned out and Sheridan believes that there has been a lot of scaremongering about the changes. ‘ There are concerns that older tanks will have to be upgraded if they are inspected and condemned but this will be a very small number of cases. ‘It has been done in Cavan and the numbers were small. ‘ They would have to be replaced if they are leaking as the waste could leak into and contaminate water supplies.'
A financial scheme was announced by Minister Phil Hogan this week which will assist homeowners who have to upgrade their tanks. ‘ There definitely should be a grant,' said Sheridan. ‘In the cities the waste is looked after and houses are catered for so for people living in the country some sort of assistance should be provided.
‘For us the changes mean that reputable companies will have a chance to do business. It's extremely important that the waste is properly treated and hiring someone with the correct licence ensure that this happens.'