Padraic Larkin - Saturday, April 02, 2011
Over a year ago, the European Court of Justice ruled that Ireland was failing to comply with the EU Waste Framework Directive. The case concerned domestic wastewater disposed of in rural areas through septic tanks and other individual wastewater treatment systems.
EU law stipulates that the necessary measures must be taken to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health, and without using processes or methods that could harm the environment.
There are over 400,000 septic tanks in Ireland and discharges from these tanks have contributed to the microbiological pollution of groundwater and nutrient pollution of surface waters. Human health is at risk because pathogens can enter drinking water sources via septic tanks that are poorly designed or badly maintained. Irish legislation still lacks provisions for systematic periodic checks and inspections.
The European Commission is now urging Ireland to comply with the European Court of Justice ruling. The Commission is concerned that, a year after the Court ruling, no legal measures have been adopted to ensure that septic tanks are subject to adequate checks and inspections to protect human health and the environment.
On a recommendation by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a letter of formal notice under ongoing infringement proceedings has been sent to Ireland. If Ireland fails to act, the Commission could refer the case back to the Court and request financial penalties.
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