Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses

In October 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new code of practice called the “Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (p.e. ≤ 10) EPA 2009”. This code replaces the previous code “Wastewater Treatment Manuals Treatment Systems for Single Houses EPA 2000”.

In recognition of this, Wicklow County Council as Planning Authority has decided to revise its policy in relation to on site wastewater treatment and disposal systems for single houses. The current policy is contained within the “Supplementary Information Explanatory Notes – Services”, which accompanies planning application forms.

The new policy requires compliance with the new code of practice and additional requirements that the Council considers are necessary in the interests of public health. In this regard, the revised policy is available for downloading on the council’s website and will be available at the Planning Counter from the 24th February 2010.

The new policy will be implemented by the Council from the 6th of April 2010. All planning applications received after the 6th of April 2010 shall be assessed under the new policy, except where site assessments, design of treatment systems, e.t.c. have been carried out prior to the 6th April 2010. To allow for such particular cases arising a transition period up to the 4th of May 2010 shall apply. Thereafter, no exceptions to the assessment of planning applications under the new policy will be accepted.

The “Supplementary Information Explanatory Notes – Services” accompanying planning application forms and on the Council’s website will be changed from the 6th of April 2010.

The new site assessment form is also available on the EPA Website. The EPA have advised the Council that it intends running training courses on the new Code of Practice in the near future.

The Council would ask all agents who submit planning applications to highlight to successful applicants that the installation and ongoing maintenance of on site wastewater treatment and disposal systems is of the utmost importance. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that these systems are installed properly on their behalf and that they are properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid the systems malfunctioning and causing pollution. The Planning Authority in granting such developments does so in the knowledge of the applicant’s responsibilities in this regard.

If you have any queries in relation to this letter or the Policy please contact the Council’s Planning Department.