19,477 householders have registered their septic tanks in County Clare, new figures reveal.
The registration figure represents 98% of Clare properties with domestic wastewater treatment systems, which were listed in Census 2011.
Recently Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced the provision of grant assistance for householders whose septic tanks are deemed to require remediation following inspection under the EPA’s National Inspection Plan.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Arkins stated: “I would like to welcome the Government’s decision to provide grant assistance for householders whose septic tanks are deemed to require remediation following inspection. The grant scheme will assist eligible homeowners in remediating their systems. I also welcome the signing of regulations providing exemptions from planning permission for works arising from an inspection under the National Inspection Plan”.
The grants scheme applies only where a domestic waste water treatment system fails an inspection carried out under the 2012 legislation and where the treatment system had been registered by the due date of 1 February 2013.
Clare County Manager, Tom Coughlan, commented “The level of registration appears to be relatively high in Clare with 19,477 registrations. This represents 98% of Clare properties with domestic wastewater treatment systems which were listed in Census 2011. I am asking those who have not already registered to do so now”.
Mr. Coughlan added: “Inspections by water services authorities are expected go get underway over the next few months. The inspection system will be of significant benefit to householders, their families and neighbours as it will address any risk to public health and the environment caused by malfunctioning systems. Ensuring clean and safe water will have a positive impact on local tourism, agricultural and food producing sectors”.
Training of qualified local authority staff and their formal appointment as inspectors by the EPA is underway. The National Inspection Plan provides that a minimum of 1,000 inspections will take place nationally between now and July 2014.
As part of the inspection, treatment systems will be examined to ensure that they are not posing a risk to public health or the environment through leakage or discharges to the surface of the ground or into nearby ditches. There will also be checks to ensure that regulations regarding roof and surface water as well as grey water are complied with.
Inspection locations will be finalised over the coming months. Householders will be notified in advance if their septic tank is to be inspected and inspectors will be required to carry identification and to present this on request to householders.
A new series of leaflets which provide practical information regarding inspections, operation and maintenance of septic tanks and other systems and the risk to private wells are available from local authority offices, libraries and Citizens Information Centres.
Registration remains open and persons who are liable to register should do so as soon as possible. People can register at their local authority office or at www.protectourwater.ie.
The registration figure represents 98% of Clare properties with domestic wastewater treatment systems, which were listed in Census 2011.
Recently Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced the provision of grant assistance for householders whose septic tanks are deemed to require remediation following inspection under the EPA’s National Inspection Plan.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Arkins stated: “I would like to welcome the Government’s decision to provide grant assistance for householders whose septic tanks are deemed to require remediation following inspection. The grant scheme will assist eligible homeowners in remediating their systems. I also welcome the signing of regulations providing exemptions from planning permission for works arising from an inspection under the National Inspection Plan”.
The grants scheme applies only where a domestic waste water treatment system fails an inspection carried out under the 2012 legislation and where the treatment system had been registered by the due date of 1 February 2013.
Clare County Manager, Tom Coughlan, commented “The level of registration appears to be relatively high in Clare with 19,477 registrations. This represents 98% of Clare properties with domestic wastewater treatment systems which were listed in Census 2011. I am asking those who have not already registered to do so now”.
Mr. Coughlan added: “Inspections by water services authorities are expected go get underway over the next few months. The inspection system will be of significant benefit to householders, their families and neighbours as it will address any risk to public health and the environment caused by malfunctioning systems. Ensuring clean and safe water will have a positive impact on local tourism, agricultural and food producing sectors”.
Training of qualified local authority staff and their formal appointment as inspectors by the EPA is underway. The National Inspection Plan provides that a minimum of 1,000 inspections will take place nationally between now and July 2014.
As part of the inspection, treatment systems will be examined to ensure that they are not posing a risk to public health or the environment through leakage or discharges to the surface of the ground or into nearby ditches. There will also be checks to ensure that regulations regarding roof and surface water as well as grey water are complied with.
Inspection locations will be finalised over the coming months. Householders will be notified in advance if their septic tank is to be inspected and inspectors will be required to carry identification and to present this on request to householders.
A new series of leaflets which provide practical information regarding inspections, operation and maintenance of septic tanks and other systems and the risk to private wells are available from local authority offices, libraries and Citizens Information Centres.
Registration remains open and persons who are liable to register should do so as soon as possible. People can register at their local authority office or at www.protectourwater.ie.
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