Over half of septic tanks fail EPA inspection

More than half of the country’s septic tanks inspected under a controversial new testing regime have failed the test, according to latest figures from the EPA.

And, even though there are 449,109 registered septic tanks in the country, just 423 of these were inspected by the country’s 100 inspectors in the first eight months of the new inspection regime.

Up to 53% of the household septic tanks inspected failed first inspection. The most common reasons that the householders were told to upgrade their waste disposal system were:

-The need to de-sludge.

-Ineffective operation and maintenance of the tank.

-Roofwater entering the system.

-Unlicensed discharges and leakage from the system.

According to the EPA, many of the failures could be avoided by householders taking simple steps to maintain their treatment systems.

David Flynn, programme manager of EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “There are simple steps that homeowners can take to help pass a septic tank inspection.

“On a regular basis, have the sludge emptied from your tank using permitted contractors; retain the receipt; and if you have a package treatment system get it serviced. Look at www.epa.ie to find out information on septic tanks.”

The compulsory registration of septic tanks was controversially introduced last year by Environment Minister Phil Hogan in response to legal action by the European Commission, which complained that Ireland had failed to meet its obligations to enforce standards in the emissions of human waste.

At the time, there were fears in rural areas that the upgrading of such sewage treatment systems would cost householders thousands of euro.

However, 90% of septic tanks have been registered at this stage as registration eventually only cost €5.

According to the EPA interim report, there was a wide variety in the number of inspections that have taken place in the first eight months of the new scheme.

In Cork, 35 inspections have taken place up to end of February out of an annual target of 99; while in Kerry, 26 have taken place out of a target of 57.

In Cavan, just 18 inspections have taken place from a target of 48.

And in Co Kilkenny, just eight out of 31 inspections have taken place.

These local authorities have another four months in which to make their individual targets.

The 224 tanks which failed were given advisory notices requesting that improvements be carried out.

Just 27 of these carried out the necessary improvements and so their cases have been closed.

Householders have three to six months after a failed test to carry out improvements.

Grant assistance is available for households where a treatment system has failed inspection.

Households with an income of up to €50,000 per year can apply for a grant of 80% of approved costs — with €4,000 the maximum grant payable.

Households with incomes of between €50,001 and €75,000 will be eligible for a grant of 50% of approved costs, with €2,500 the maximum grant payable.