The Hindu        08.09.2014 

Plan to regulate septic tank lorries

The City Corporation, which continues to receive complaints on poor cleaning and disposal of sewer by septic tank lorries, has made it compulsory for those operating sewer lorries to obtain licence and permission.

Imposition of hefty fine and confiscation of lorries without permits have been planned to regulate private sewer tank operators.

The decision was taken at a meeting attended by health authorities of the civic body a few days ago.

V.P. Thandapani, Commissioner, who presided over the meeting, said that though the Underground Drainage system was in force, just 35 per cent of the households have been connected to the network. Remaining households were still using the septic tank method for disposing of domestic and human waste. The residents invariably have to solicit the service of private sewer operators to clean the tanks. However, complaints have been received that many of the sewer tank lorries dump the domestic waste on open lands inside or outside the Corporation limit. This affects the environment. Hence, it had been decided to regulate them. Anyone engaged in the business of removing and disposing of domestic waste from septic tanks, holding tanks, or other similar sewage treatment or disposal facilities must obtain a septic tank pumping contractor licence.

Mr. Thandapani added that licence-holders should pay Rs.2,000 a year as a fee.