Uisce Eireann is to make urgent changes in how it operates a Waste Water Treatment Plant in Ballycommon after an EPA investigation. The plant, which was taken in charge by Tipperary County Council around 2016 – has no licence for an existing discharge pipe into the Nenagh river. Uisce Eireann says it did not know it was one of it’s assets until a complaint was received.
Independent Cllr Seamie Morris says it paints a very dim picture of the local authority that the Ballycommon Plant is unauthorised.
The EPA inspection comes following action by the local Independent Councillor and a complaint by the local anglers group. The EPA ordered that the discharge pipe releasing materials into the Nenagh River be disconnected. The EPA also ordered the council to empty the plant every single day by transporting the waste to the Nenagh Waste Water Treatment plant – Cllr Morris says this is costing the council €1,000 per day. This commenced on May 25th one day after the inspection visit and continues at present.
Uisce Eireann are now “required to apply to the EPA for a discharge Authorisation without delay” according to the EPA report . The Councillor hopes that an improved WWTP will be an enabler for housing development in the area in addition to protecting the environment.
