Back in September 2011  the government released some brief outlines of the proposed charges on Septic Tanks.  Many people referred to this as the “Septic Tank Tax”.

There have been delays getting the  Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 through the Dail – but it was finally passed in February 2012
It is going to mean yet another charge on top of the Household Tax for many rural homeowners.

This  legislation  provides for a registration and inspection system for septic tanks which is required to address a European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland.

It affects all domestic waste treatment systems – basically any property that is not connected to the main sewerage system.

Inspections of septic tanks and other waste ststems are expected to begin in 2013 and will involve checking as many as 400,000 septic tanks and waste treatment plants.  (At least it might create a few jobs)

All householders with septic tanks and other on-site systems will be required to register details of their system with the relevant local authority and a national register will be compiled and held by the EPA;

Householders will be required to pay a  septic tank registration fee :   The fee is going to be €50 – but anyone who registers in the first 3 months will only have to pay €5. See more about Septic Tank Registration Charges

Registration is expected to start in April 2012 and all households will be expected to register their waste treatment plants and septic tanks before April 2013.

Following the initial registration, householders will not be required to re-register their systems for several years – an interval of 5 years is envisaged between each registration; (No clarification is given on payment of re-registration fees)

- The revenue generated from registration fees will be used to fund the delivery of a national inspection plan which will be developed by the EPA and its roll-out will be managed by the local authorities;

Septic Tank Inspections will be concentrated on areas with higher risk to the environment and public health, they will also be carried out in lower risk areas but at a lower rate;

- Inspections may give rise to householders being advised to improve the maintenance of their systems or, in more serious situations, may require the upgrading or remediation of the treatment system.
The minister for the Environment staed in the Dail that he would ” do everything possible to ensure people do not experience financial hardship”.

If a householder is advised that their septic tank requires upgrading – they may appeal and apply for a re-inspection . This appeal will incur a fee – (not exceeding €200)

Note – Anyone who wants to apply to become a registered inspector of septic tanks  will also have to pay an application fee. (Not exceeding €1000 )