Inspections of domestic wastewater treatment systems or septic tanks

A registration and inspection regime was introduced in 2012 for domestic wastewater treatment systems, such as septic tanks. The aim is to protect human health and water quality from the risks posed by domestic wastewater treatment systems.

Annual inspections for 2020 are currently being undertaken to ensure that domestic wastewater treatment systems are working properly and not posing a risk to human health or the environment. These are risk-based site inspections carried out by registered and trained inspectors who will carry the relevant authorisation. However, it is advisable to seek proof of identity from any person seeking to carry out any inspection at your property. The regulations require owners of domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTSs) to operate and maintain their systems and this includes de-sludging.

What to expect from an inspection

The following outlines the general steps that are followed during the inspection process:

Cavan County Council reviews the risk maps and identify areas of concern within our functional area as per the NIP.

We then select individual properties for inspections.

We notify the householder in writing of the inspection. We give at least 10 working days' notice.

We will arrange a suitable date for inspection with the householder, but the inspection can proceed without the householder being present.

The inspector will carry identification and will check:

- Whether the system is registered

- If the system is leaking

- If the system components are in working order

- If effluent is ponding on the surface of the ground

- If the system is discharging directly to surface water

- If all greywaters are directed to the system

- If the effluent is being properly treated or being discharged directly to groundwater

- If rainwater or clean surface water is entering the system

- Whether the system is being properly operated and maintained

- If the system has been de-sludged; and

- If the system is being managed in a manner that does not adversely affect the environment.

The inspector will inform the householder of the results of the inspection at the time of the inspection:

If the system passes the householder will receive a certificate of compliance. Please retain this for future reference.

If the system fails the inspection, an advisory notice will be issued to the householder. It will state the reason for failure and advise what works will need to be carried out.

If the householder does not agree with the findings of the inspection, they can request a re-inspection by contacting Cavan County Council and paying a fee of €20.

Grants

Grants are available for the carrying out of remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or replacement of, a domestic waste water treatment system, where such remediation, repair, upgrading or replacement arises directly from an inspection and subsequent issue of an advisory notice under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012.

What you can do

Every year, check your wastewater system, checking:

- all manholes for blockages;

- level of sludge

- for unwanted pools of effluent (ponding) on the surface of the percolation area/soakaway;

- for odours;

- for noises, and

- for sewage in nearby ditches and streams

- Use a permitted contractor to remove sludge from your wastewater system.

- If you are a farmer with your own land, you can spread the sludge but only in accordance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations.

For further information please contact the Environment Section of Cavan County Council on 049-4378300 or emailenviron@cavancoco.ie