The message below has just been received on the expected release of the revised Code which will include drip distribution systems.
4 February 2021
Mr. Joe Walsh
joe.walsh@ashtecs.com
RE: HPLG-MOBO-01495-2020
Dear Mr. Walsh,
The design and installation of wastewater treatment systems for single houses is presently addressed in the EPA Code of Practice in respect of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses published in 2009. The EPA are enabled to prepare, publish and revise Codes of Practice under Section 76 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 (as amended).
The purpose of the Code of Practice is to provide guidance on domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTSs) (septic tanks etc.), for single houses or equivalent developments with a population equivalent (PE) of less than or equal to 10. The objective is to ensure domestic waste water treatment systems (septic tanks etc.) are constructed and maintained properly, so they do not contaminate groundwater, surface water or endanger people’s health.
The EPA has prepared a revised Code of Practice for domestic waste water treatment systems (population equivalent ≤ 10) to replace the 2009 Code of Practice. The revised Code of Practice has been updated to reflect changes to standards, to incorporate clarifications issued since 2009 and to adopt new treatment options for low permeability sites and revised desludging recommendations.
The revised Code of Practice was reviewed by the Built Environment Advisory Unit, the Water Advisory Unit and the National and Regional Planning Policy sections of this Department and their observations were issued to the EPA in September 2020.
The Department understands that the EPA are currently finalising the revised Code of Practice for publication shortly.
I hope the above is of assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Niamh Redmond
Private Secretary