Setting up of a Select List of Approved Site Suitability Assessors to carry out Site Suitability Assessments for On–Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
What is a List of Approved Site Suitability Assessors?
- A Site Suitability assessor is a person who carries out Site Suitability Test to determine whether a site (e.g. for a rural house) can safely treat/dispose of effluent using an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System and recommends a type/design to best suit the site.
- Site Suitability Tests are in turn submitted to the Council in support of Planning Applications. Certain applications must have an assessment submitted with the application.
- The List sets out the Names and Address of Persons who have undergone a rigorous selection process and have demonstrated the necessary Competency to carry out such Site Suitability Tests.
How does this affect me?
If you are applying for Planning Permission to build a Development requiring an On Site Wastewater Treatment System (e.g. a house not connected to a mains sewerage system) you are required by law to submit a Site Suitability Test with the Planning Application. The names on the list will help you select a competent Site Suitability Assessor.
When will the List become Active?
Planning Applicants/Agents submitting planning applications for developments requiring Site Suitability Tests on or after the 1st of February 2009 need to ensure that the Site Suitability Test has been carried out by a person taken from the Select List.
What are the benefits of Setting up a List of Approved Site Assessors?
The list will:
- Ensure that wastewater systems are professionally sited, designed and selected on the basis of an expert site suitability assessment to Environmental Protection Agency standards and so provide the highest level of protection to the environment and public health.
- Provide applicants with a certified choice of suitably qualified persons to carry out site assessments, offer confidence to applicants vis-à-vis the professionalism of the recommendations therein and the associated suitability of the wastewater treatment system for their specific site.