Did you know as a homeowner and if your septic tank discharges directly to a watercourse...........

You must upgrade or replace your septic tank as soon as possible—the deadline for doing so has already passed. It is your responsibility to install a sewage treatment system compliant with the general binding rules.

Being non-compliant will not only detract potential buyers but you may also be subject to enforcement action by the Environment Agency. Or if you are wanting to buy a property ensure you are getting a home survey check to ensure the property you intend buy still has a compliant waste management system, if it doesn’t ask the seller whether they intend to replace or upgrade it—agree to this as a condition of sale. Alternatively, consider lowering your offer to make up for the future costs of improving it yourself.

DON’T BE CAUGHT OUT!

How to comply with the general binding rules for sceptic tank regulations:

1. Connect to a mains sewer Check with your local water company to find out if there is one nearby. You must then apply and pay for your property to be connected to the sewer system through your local water company.

If your property is within 30 meters of a public sewer, you will not be able to replace your septic tank with a small sewage treatment plant. If you’re within 30 meters of a public sewer but can’t connect to it, (e.g. there is a river in the way) you will need to apply for a permit to be granted use of a small treatment plant.

2. Sewage discharge into the ground Your septic tank or small sewage treatment plant must treat the sewage before discharging it into the ground via a drainage field, you cannot use a soakaway. Drainage fields allow wastewater to be safely dispersed into the ground and prevent pollution—they must meet British standards. A small sewage treatment plant works in a similar way to a septic tank but treats the waste liquid to a higher degree. In both instances, the solids sink to the bottom forming a sludge that needs to be professionally disposed of, usually once a year.

3. Upgrade to a sewage treatment plant To discharge wastewater into a watercourse, you must install a small sewage treatment plant and have building regulations approval to do so. They treat sewage to a higher standard than a septic tank and cause less pollution.

Cannot comply with the rules? If you believe you are unable to follow the general binding rules, then you will have to apply for a permit. You can get help from the Environment Agency and it is recommended you contact them before making any changes to your discharge system to ensure you comply correctly.

If you are still unsure give us a call or check the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/small-sewage-discharges-in-england-the-general-binding-rules