Irish Water has been instructed to take steps to mitigate against the pollution of the River Bride in Tallow, while a new waste-water treatment plant is being built.

This instruction comes from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), following representation on the case by Waterford TD, John Deasy.

Deputy Deasy referred the matter to the EPA in response to reports from a member of Tallow & District Angling Club who was alarmed to see a large volume of untreated sewage entering the river just 100 yards from Tallow Bridge.

The Council previously indicated a new treatment plant would be commissioned before the end of this year. However, the Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme, of which Tallow is part, was delayed.

Since taking over the combined project in January, Irish Water has included it in its Capital Investment Plan 2014-2016. The utility has signed a contract for the ’Seven Villages’ scheme which is due to commence shortly, with a two-year completion target. The local authority has already completed the collection system works.

The old part of Tallow is served by a septic tank and the new estates to the east of the town by an integrated constructed wetland. The septic tank discharges under gravity to the River Bride downstream of Tallow Bridge.

The EPA pursued Deputy Deasy’s complaint with Irish Water and also carried out a site inspection. It duly opened a compliance investigation and instructed Irish Water to take a number of actions — including emptying the existing septic tank and transporting the contents to a suitable facility for treatment. This was completed in mid-October.

“Irish Water was also reminded of the requirement to comply with conditions of their licence. In the interim, the licensee is required to optimise the current plant through increased operation and maintenance and a regular de-sludging programme,” a spokesperson for EPA said. The upgraded scheme is due to be operational in late 2016.

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