A man has been convicted of one count of illegally disposing of domestic septic tank contents along a public road.
The male, aged in his 60s, appeared before Waterford Circuit Court on Friday, December 17th, 2021.
According to a statement from An Garda Síochána, the man used a slurry tank spreader to dispose of the contents along the R639 near Cashel.
Domestic septic tank contents
The Garda spokesperson said:
“Not only is this activity illegal, but it also poses a significant risk to human health along with environmental damage.”
“Gardaí at Cahir would like to remind owners of septic tanks that they must satisfy themselves that a person providing such services is doing so in accordance with local authority regulations.”
“Please report any such occurrences to your local authority or your nearest Garda station,” the spokesperson concluded.
Man arrested after spreading septic tank contents along road
In March of this year, An Garda Síochána arrested a man (60s) in relation to a suspected breach of the Waste Management Act, 1996.
On March 10th, 2021, Gardaí at Cahir received a report of a possible disposal of contents from septic tanks along the N8 for a distance of three to four kilometres.
Gardaí from the Community Policing Unit met with locals and identified the areas concerned.
The council outlined that the public area is also close to a school where walkers and cyclists are frequent.
Gardaí executed an operation and identified a suspect tractor and slurry tanker.
On the evening of March 25th, 2021, Gardaí in Cashel arrested a man aged in his 60s.
Gardaí brought him to Cahir Garda Station and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
Gardaí later released him and prepared a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Furthermore, Tipperary County Council officials also attended the scene to carry out an inspection.
A spokesperson for the council said:
“The improper disposal of such material can have drastic effects on humans, animals, and the environment.”
“The public is urged to contact Gardaí or their local council if they suspect any breaches of the Waste Management Act.” the spokesperson concluded.
