- NEWS
Cat’s got the cream and the ducklings love itAnything the dogs can do it seems cats are always determined to do better.
Martin backs proposed bill on abortion Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he personally supports proposed legislation allowing abortion in limited circumstances, which he said is "consistent with the pro-life position".
- WORLD
Woolwich killing: Further arrests as spotlight turns on security servicesBritish police arrested two more people yesterday in a hunt for accomplices of two British men of Nigerian descent accused of hacking a soldier to death on a London street in revenge for wars in Muslim countries.
The ‘perfect’ celebrity would look like thisThis is how the ideal female celebrity would look, according to a survey carried out in Britain.
- BUSINESS
Noonan examining ways to capitalise banks It is believed the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan told the IMF that he will look to Contingent Convertible Capital (CoCo) Notes if the banks need additional capital buffers following the stress tests.
O’Driscoll back for unfinished businessRABODIRECT PRO12 FINAL: Leinster v UlsterThe perception prior to Brian O'Driscoll's recent decision to add an extra year onto his stellar career was that a place on a victorious Lions tour was the only box left to tick after 14 long years, but it was never that simple.
- SPORT
Familiar look to Donegal side tasked with beating TyroneChampions Donegal will begin their defence of the Ulster SFC against Tyrone at Ballybofey on Sunday (4pm) with the same 15 players who started last September's All-Ireland final win over Mayo.
- LIFESTYLE
Byzantium marks return to vampire genre for director JordanByzantium, partly filmed in Ireland, is Neil Jordan's second film in the genre he has loved since Bram Stoker's home first spooked him as a child, says Marc O'Sullivan
Autocenter for the peopleA new exhibition in Cork showcases artists from Berlin, says Tina Darb O'Sullivan
9-12C
Breaking stories
Hogan: Owners at most risk from defective septic tanks
By Stephen Cadogan
Septic tank or waste-water treatment systems should pass inspection unless there is evidence of endangerment of human health or the environment, said Environment Minister Phil Hogan, as he announced that risk-based inspections will start in 2013.
“I have ensured that this legislation has been deliberately framed to minimise the impact on householders,” he said. “It is very simple: Owners of septic tanks and on-site treatment systems must ensure that their systems do not cause a risk to human health or the environment. If a system is defective it is the owners, their families and their neighbours who will be at most immediate risk.”The legislation requires owners of domestic waste-water treatments systems to.
* Know where their septic tank is located.
* Operate and maintain the system so it is fit for purpose and fully operational.
* The system cannot pollute the environment by discharging/leaking waste anywhere it is not supposed to — into the ground or a water source.
* Roof water or surface water run-off cannot enter a domestic waste water treatment system.
* The system should be de-sludged at intervals appropriate to the tank capacity and the number of persons resident in the premises connected to it, or as recommended by the system manufacturer.
Homeowners who have a septic tank or waste-water treatment system need to register their system by Feb 1, 2013. The registration fee is €5 until Sept 28, 2012, increasing to €50 after that date.
There are three ways people can register their system:
* Online at www.protectourwater.ie.
* By Post: Forms are available from city and county councils, libraries and Citizens’ Information Centres or LoCall 1890-800800 for information. Cheques made payable to ‘Protect Our Water’ and post to Protect our Water, PO Box 12204, Dublin 7.
* Local authority office (no administration fee).
Mr Hogan said: ‘There are two main reasons for the implementation of the registration and inspection regime for septic tanks.
“First and foremost, the key objective is to enhance and protect public health and the environment which will, in turn, benefit rural dwellers in terms of a better quality of life and better-quality water.
“Protecting our environment will also have positive economic benefits for the tourism, recreation, agricultural and food-producing sectors, all of which rely on clean water.
“The second reason for the legislation is to ensure compliance with the European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland in Oct 2009 in relation to the treatment of waste waters.”
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved