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by Aoifeposted in Latest NewsNo comments yet
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Inspection Plan for 2019 also found that 51% of systems were failing.
MORE than a quarter of domestic water treatment systems inspected last year posed a risk to human health, it emerged yesterday.
And the same ratio (26%) were deemed to present a threat to the environment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Inspection Plan for 2019 also found that 51% of systems were failing altogether.
An EPA spokesman said: “While there has been progress, the failure to resolve older cases remains a concern and must be addressed as priority.”
Almost three-quarters 73% of fixed systems failed inspections between 2013 and 2016.
Mary Mulcahy, of Ireland Waste Water, who said more rigorous testing is needed, added: “The statistics in the EPAs most recent report are stark and they are a testament to the fact that there is not enough being done on building awareness the problems and of supports available to uphold standards.
“One of the major challenges is that local authorities, engineers and homeowners themselves are ultimately responsible for maintaining these standards on a daily basis, yet neither has enough knowledge or know-how to do so.”
Source: https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/more-quarter-domestic-water-treatment-18650103
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by Aoifeposted in Latest News
A WORRYING 41% of domestic wastewater treatment systems inspected in Co Kildare in 2019 failed, according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
34 inspections were required last year in the county and 46 were carried out – a failure rate of 41% translates to 19 systems.
The report also noted that just 65% of the systems in Kildare that failed inspection between 2013 and 2019 (which was 63) have been fixed as of 30 April 2020. This is an area, the EPA has said, that requires increased engagement and enforcement by local authorities.
A response to the figures was sought from Kildare Co Council but, as of time of press, had not been received.
Domestic wastewater treatment systems are used by householders to treat sewage and there are nearly half a million in Ireland – mostly septic tanks. If not built and operated properly, they can contaminate household wells with harmful bacteria and viruses, while excessive releases of nitrogen and phosphorus can pollute rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
The EPA is responsible for the development of a National Inspection Plan for domestic systems – under the plan, local authorities are required to undertake at least 1,000 inspections each year, distributed based on risk across the country.
Nationally, the EPA report on 1,160 local authority inspections in 2019 revealed that 51% of systems failed and 26% were a risk to human health or the environment. A lack of maintenance and desludging was identified as a key issue.
The failure rate, it said, shows that there are many systems that pose a risk to people’s health and the environment, which is especially concerning if they are near household wells or if effluent is ponding (pooling) in the garden or being discharged into ditches or streams.
Householders across Kildare have been advised to ensure their systems are properly built and maintained and that their wells are tested.
The EPA noted that the grant scheme for septic tanks was recently expanded to cover specific areas where work is being focused to improve water quality under the national River Basin Management Plan, which means that more people will qualify for a grant.
Grants of up to €5,000 are available to fix domestic wastewater treatment systems.
“If you do not maintain your septic tank, it can contaminate your own or your neighbour’s well, putting your health at risk and that of your family and neighbours. It may also pollute your local stream or river,” said Dr Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement. “You can take simple steps to maintain your septic tank by cleaning it out regularly and by making sure it is not leaking, ponding or discharging to ditches. The Government’s expanded septic tank grant scheme broadens the availability of grants and increases the maximum grant available which is welcomed.”
The EPA also found that 27% of systems that failed inspections during 2013-2019 are still not fixed. “It is important that householders fix systems where problems are detected and be aware that they can pose a serious health risk,” said EPA Senior Inspector Noel Byrne. “While there has been an improvement in the number of systems fixed, there are still many systems where faults are not addressed over a number of years. This requires increased engagement and enforcement by local authorities to address remaining failures.”
Ireland Waste Water, which designs, manufactures and installs the likes of precast concrete wastewater treatment systems and septic tanks, has called on the Government to roll out an awareness campaign on grant support and a training programme for local authorities and homeowners tasked with the responsibility of maintaining sewage standards.
The company says there are two primary issues affecting the quality of water in various – particularly rural – locations around the country, namely the improper spreading of slurry and the sub-par maintenance of household septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems.
“There are nearly half a million domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) used by rural householders to treat sewage in Ireland and most (90%) are septic tanks. A very large percentage of these are not meeting the standards required and even after this has been pointed out, a large portion remain unfixed,” said Mary Mulcahy from Ireland Waste Water. “We are advocating for a hastening of the pace at which Government and local authorities are addressing these issues, and perhaps more sanctioning for those who don’t abide by the existing guidelines. The way local authorities deal with this issue varies from county to county also – there is not a uniform approach to penalties and sanctions when perhaps there should be.”
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by Aoifeposted in Latest News
More than 1 in every 4 domestic waste water treatment systems nationwide inspected in 2019 were a risk to human health or the environment, and even though the stakes are so high when it comes to public welfare and environmental protection, there is very little accountability.
This is the contention of experts at Irish-owned wastewater treatment specialists, Ireland Waste Water, who, on the back of a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are calling on the Government to roll out an awareness campaign on grant support and a training programme for local authorities and homeowners tasked with the responsibility of maintaining sewage standards.
The EPA report found that in Wexford 70% of septic tank inspections failed inspection in 2019.
81% of the systems that failed inspection between 2013– 2019 have since been fixed Nationwide.
51% of systems failed and 26% were a risk to human health or the environment.
27% of systems inspected since 2013 were still not fixed.
A lack of maintenance and desludging was identified as a key issue at domestic systems.
Mary Mulcahy of Ireland Waste Water explained their position,
“The statistics in the EPAs most recent report are stark and they are a testament to the fact that there not enough is being done on building awareness the problems and of supports available to uphold standards. On top of this, testing is not as rigorous as it needs to be to ensure access to clean water.”
“The EPA suggests that greater engagement is needed from Local Authorities and while this might be the case, we must first address exactly why they are not currently engaged to a greater degree.”
“One of the major challenges is that local authorities, engineers and homeowners themselves are ultimately responsible for maintaining these standards on a daily basis, yet neither has enough knowledge or know-how to do so”.
IWW say Ireland needs better management of septic water systems, and the Government needs to ensure better understanding of the importance of good waste water treatment systems, and the risks of poor management across the board.
Mary Mulcahy went on to comment,
“The duty of care cannot rest solely with the homeowner, because this is the current state of play and we can see from this report and others before it, that there are far too many domestic waste water treatment systems not meeting the standards – and the cost to the public & the environment is just too great to ignore. The potential for environmental pollution and a negative impact on the health of the nation is great and, as contamination of water could have disastrous consequences for those affected, these issues need to be dealt with the gravitas they deserve.”
“It is imperative that Government and the relevant bodies review and engage with homeowners on grants and support available in order to incentivise the critical need for improvement and keep their foot on the gas when it comes to ensuring clean, safe water in this country in 2020 and beyond”.
IWW say there are two primary issues affecting the quality of water in various, particularly rural, locations around the country – namely, the improper spreading of slurry and the sub-par maintenance of household septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems.
Mulcahy explained,
“There are nearly half a million domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) used by rural householders to treat sewage in Ireland and most (90%) are septic tanks[3]. A very large percentage of these are not meeting the standards required and even after this has been pointed out, a large portion remain unfixed.”
“We are advocating for a hastening of the pace at which Government and local authorities are addressing these issues, and perhaps more sanctioning for those who don’t abide by the existing guidelines. The way local authorities deal with this issue varies from county to county also – there is not a uniform approach to penalties and sanctions when perhaps there should be”.
Source: https://wexfordtoday.com/2020/07/24/70-of-septic-tanks-tested-in-wexford-failed/
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by Aoifeposted in Latest News
MORE than one in every four domestic wastewater treatment systems nationwide inspected in 2019 was a risk to human health or the environment, yet despite the risk to public welfare and environmental protection, there is very little accountability.
This is the contention of experts at Irish-owned wastewater treatment specialists Ireland Waste Water who, on the back of a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are calling on the government to introduce an awareness campaign on grant support and a training programme for local authorities and homeowners tasked with the responsibility of maintaining sewage standards.
The EPA report found that in Co Carlow 19% of septic tank inspections failed, but thankfully, 100% of the systems that failed inspection between 2013 and 2019 have since been fixed.
This compares with a 51% failure rate of systems nationwide and 26% which posed a risk to human health or the environment. Of that total, 27% of systems inspected since 2013 were still not fixed.
The report indicated that a lack of maintenance and desludging was identified as a key issue with domestic systems.
Mary Mulcahy of Ireland Waste Water explained their position:
“The statistics in the EPA’s most recent report are stark and they are a testament to the fact that not enough is being done on building awareness of the problems and of supports available to uphold standards. On top of this, testing is not as rigorous as it needs to be to ensure access to clean water.
“The EPA suggests that greater engagement is needed from local authorities and while this might be the case, we must first address exactly why they are not currently engaged to a greater degree.
“One of the major challenges is that local authorities, engineers and homeowners themselves are ultimately responsible for maintaining these standards on a daily basis, yet neither has enough knowledge or know-how to do so.”
IWW says Ireland needs better management of septic water systems and the government needs to ensure better understanding of the importance of good wastewater treatment systems and the risks of poor management across the board.
They indicate that there are two primary issues affecting the quality of water in various, particularly rural, locations around the country – namely, the improper spreading of slurry and the sub-par maintenance of household septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems.
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by Aoifeposted in Latest News
Call on Government to roll out awareness campaign on grant support and nationwide training programme for homeowners and planning authorities
More than 1 in every 4 domestic waste water treatment systems nationwide inspected in 2019 were a risk to human health or the environment, and even though the stakes are so high when it comes to public welfare and environmental protection, there is very little accountability. This is the contention of experts at Cork-based, Irish-owned wastewater treatment specialists, Ireland Waste Water, who, on the back of a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are calling on the Government to roll out an awareness campaign on grant support and a training programme for local authorities and homeowners tasked with the responsibility of maintaining sewage standards.
The EPA report found:
Cork
52% of septic tank inspections failed
93% of the systems that failed inspection between 2013 – 2019 have since been fixedNationwide
51% of systems failed and 26% were a risk to human health or the environment.
27% of systems inspected since 2013 were still not fixed.
A lack of maintenance and desludging was identified as a key issue at domestic systems.Mary Mulcahy of Ireland Waste Water (a private firm based in Cloverhill, Coolcarron, Riverstick, Co Cork) explained their position,
“The statistics in the EPAs most recent report are stark and they are a testament to the fact that the not enough is being done on building awareness the problems and of supports available to uphold standards. On top of this, testing is not as rigorous as it needs to be to ensure access to clean water.The EPA suggests that greater engagement is needed from Local Authorities and while this might be the case, we must first address exactly why they are not currently engaged to a greater degree.
One of the major challenges is that local authorities, engineers and homeowners themselves are ultimately responsible for maintaining these standards on a daily basis, yet neither has enough knowledge or know-how to do so”.
IWW say Ireland needs better management of septic water systems, and the Government needs to ensure better understanding of the importance of good waste water treatment systems, and the risks of poor management across the board.
Mary Mulcahy went on to comment,
“The duty of care cannot rest solely with the homeowner, because this is the current state of play and we can see from this report and others before it, that there are far too many domestic waste water treatment systems not meeting the standards – and the cost to the public & the environment is just too great to ignore. The potential for environmental pollution and a negative impact on the health of the nation is great and, as contamination of water could have disastrous consequences for those affected, these issues need to be dealt with the gravitas they deserve.
It is imperative that Government and the relevant bodies review and engage with homeowners on grants and support available in order to incentivise the critical need for improvement and keep their foot on the gas when it comes to ensuring clean, safe water in this country in 2020 and beyond”.
IWW say there are two primary issues affecting the quality of water in various, particularly rural, locations around the country – namely, the improper spreading of slurry and the sub-par maintenance of household septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems.
Mulcahy explained,
“There are nearly half a million domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) used by rural householders to treat sewage in Ireland and most (90%) are septic tanks. A very large percentage of these are not meeting the standards required and even after this has been pointed out, a large portion remain unfixed.
We are advocating for a hastening of the pace at which Government and local authorities are addressing these issues, and perhaps more sanctioning for those who don’t abide by the existing guidelines. The way local authorities deal with this issue varies from county to county also – there is not a uniform approach to penalties and sanctions when perhaps there should be”.Source: https://www.thecork.ie/2020/07/26/52-of-septic-tanks-tested-in-cork-failed-inspection-in-2019/
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by Aoifeposted in Latest News
ACCORDING to a new report from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) 29% of septic tanks tested in Laois failed inspection last year.
Following the release of the Ireland Waste Water (IWW )criticised the EPA for not doing enough to uphold standards of Irish domestic water systems.
It has now called on the Government to roll out an awareness campaign on grant support and nationwide training programmes for homeowners and planning authorities.
In Laois the EPA found that between 2013 to 2019 of the numbers of systems that failed – 79% have since been fixed.
In a statement Mary Mulcahy from IWW said: “The costs to public health are just too great to ignore. More than one in every four domestic waste water treatment systems nationwide inspected in 2019 were a risk to human health or the environment. Even though the stakes are so high when it comes to public welfare and environmental protection, there is very little accountability.
Ms Mulcahy said: “The statistics in the EPAs most recent report are stark. They are a testament to the fact that not enough is being done on building awareness of the problems and supports that are available to uphold standards. On top of this, testing is not as rigorous as it needs to be to ensure access to clean water.”
She said: “The EPA suggests that greater engagement is needed from local authorities. While this might be the case, we must first address exactly why they are not currently engaged to a greater degree. One of the major challenges is that local authorities, engineers and homeowners themselves are ultimately responsible for maintaining these standards on a daily basis, yet neither has enough knowledge or know-how to do so”.
Ms Mulcahy said: “The duty of care cannot rest solely with the homeowner, because this is the current state of play and we can see from this report and others before it, that there are far too many domestic waste water treatment systems not meeting the standards – and the cost to the public and the environment is just too great to ignore. The potential for environmental pollution and a negative impact on the health of the nation is great and, as contamination of water could have disastrous consequences for those affected, these issues need to be dealt with the gravitas they deserve.”
Source: https://laois-nationalist.ie/2020/07/27/septic-tanks-in-laois-failed-test-last-year/#.Xyv9mTUo_IU
