Sewage spills prompt calls for urgent action

Sewage spills prompt calls for urgent action

3 February 2016

CALLS have been made for the replacement of a seeping sceptic tank which services a number of Housing Executive properties outside Killyleagh.

Wallace Hill Road residents claim the tank is seeping on to farm land and could find its way into a local watercourse.

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, said the sceptic tank, which he believes is well over 40 years old, must be replaced.

“The Housing Executive agrees the tank needs to be replaced and the sooner this happens the better,” said councillor Walker. “Land surrounding the tank is being polluted and this must stop as I believe it poses a health and safety hazzard.

“There is a powerful stench at times in the area around the tank which is particularly prevalent after heavy rain. I hope the Executive can identify the finance it requires to ensure the tank is replaced in the interests of both tenants and the environment.”

Councillor Walker said it is his understanding the Executive needs to purchase land as part of the solution to deal with the issue and hopes the process is completed soon.

He added: “The recent wet weather has exacerbated the problems at the Wallace Hill Road which Executive officials are acutely aware of.”

A spokesperson for the Executive confirmed the organisation is aware of an issue regarding a septic tank which services four properties at Wallace Hill Road. She said a mini sewage treatment works and new storm drainage needs to be installed, explaining that in order to do this, the organisation needs to purchase a small piece of land and arrange a so-called way-leave.  

“All such land purchases and way-leaves are negotiated with landowners on our behalf by the Department for Finance and Personnel’s Land and Property Service. There have been a number of delays to the purchase of the land, most of which have been outside of the Housing Executive’s control. However, we continue to work with Land and Property Services on the matter,” said the spokeswoman.

She added: “In the meantime, we remain in contact with all relevant parties and while the matter is being resolved, we have arranged for the septic tank to be emptied regularly.”