Sir, - I refer to the article by your Environment Correspondent, Frank McDonald, on the effect of the pilot tax relief scheme for certain resort areas such as Courtown, Co Wexford (The Irish Times, June 19th).
While the article is undoubtedly comprehensive, balanced, and thought-provoking, there is one aspect on which I must comment.
The article states: "Since there is no sewerage in Ballymoney and it will be at least three years before a proper treatment plant is provided in Courtown, new estates are operating on biocycle systems - in effect, larger, more sophisticated septic tanks - though there are doubts that these will work if used intermittently."
The name Biocycle refers to a particular product, and is not a generic term for waste water treatment systems. It should be noted that the systems referred to in estates in Courtown/Ballymoney are not Biocycle systems.
Far from being a larger, more sophisticated septic tank, the Biocycle is a multi-functional system which is the result of many years development and considerable investment. It has been assessed, approved and certified for use by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. If installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements, its performance is guaranteed by Biocycle Ltd, which also operates a comprehensive maintenance service.
There are several other established and reputable companies in the waste water business whose products operate on different principles to the Biocycle. In recent years, however, a growing public concern with the pollutant possibilities of septic tanks has led to the appearance of a number of new products in the waste water field.
Some of these systems are being marketed as "biocycles", or "biocycle-type" systems. We are aware of this through the distress calls we receive from persons who have purchased these systems, and who claim that their supposed Biocycle has ceased to function, or has never worked properly. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do for such people.
While it might be considered flattering to have one's name used as a marketing tool by others, it is no advantage to be associated with a system which has devalued a homeowner's property, become an embarrassment to their professional adviser, and a problem for their local authority.
May I say to your Environmental Correspondent: "Thanks for the mention, Frank, pity about the context."
To those of your readers contemplating purchase of a waste water treatment system, either in a new development or as replacement for a septic tank, may I offer some advice:
1. Deal only with companies which have an established track record (preferably Biocycle of course).
2. Consult a building professional with expertise in the field of waste water treatment. Or,
3. Seek advice from your local authority planning or environmental department, as they may have to deal with the consequences of your mistakes.
Otherwise, Caveat emptor. - Yours, etc.,
Frank Cavanagh, Managing director, Biocycle Ltd, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13.