General rules for septic tanks
The General Binding Rules for Small Sewage Discharges to the Ground, as outlined on the UK government’s website, provide guidance for individuals and businesses on the proper management and disposal of sewage in a way that protects the environment and public health. This article will outline the key points of these rules.
The rules apply to small sewage discharges, which include domestic septic tanks, small sewage treatment plants, and cesspools. It is important to note that these rules do not apply to large sewage treatment plants or discharges into surface waters.
There are general rules, newer rules that apply to new situations from 2015, and additional rules that apply from October 2023.
Rules that apply to all discharges
- Rule 1: only discharge 2 cubic metres or less a day in volume
- Rule 3: only discharge domestic sewage
- Rule 4: do not cause pollution of surface water or groundwater
- Rule 5: use the correct treatment system
- Rule 7: make sure the discharge is not in a groundwater source protection zone 1
- Rule 9: make sure your treatment system meets the right British Standard
- Rule 10: make sure your treatment system is installed and operated correctly, and has enough capacity
- Rule 11: get your treatment system regularly maintained
- Rule 12: get your treatment system regularly emptied – for example our septic tank emptying service
- Rule 13: if you sell your property, tell the new owner about the sewage treatment system
- Rule 14: if you stop using your treatment system, make sure it’s decommissioned properly
Additional rules for discharges started on or after 1 January 2015
- Rule 15: check if you can connect to a nearby public foul sewer
- Rule 16: get building regulations and planning approval
- Rule 18: make sure the discharge point is not in or near protected sites
Additional rules for new discharges started on or after 2 October 2023
- Rule 22: make sure your new discharge does not use the same discharge point as any other discharge if the combined volume would exceed the general binding rule limit
- Rule 23: make sure your new discharge is not within 50 metres of any other exempt small sewage discharge
Getting help
The Environment Agency will give you advice to help you fix the problem. You should get advice from a competent service engineer if you need help understanding:
- what treatment system you have
- where your treatment system discharges
- what you must do to meet the general binding rules
A list of accredited engineers can be found at https://www.britishwater.co.uk/page/ListofAccreditedServiceTechnicians
Summary
In summary, the General Binding Rules for Small Sewage Discharges to the Ground provide clear guidelines for the management and disposal of sewage including septic tank emptying. These rules aim to protect the environment and public health by ensuring proper treatment, maintenance, and regulation of small sewage discharges. Compliance with these rules is crucial to prevent pollution and maintain the integrity of our water resources.
Information from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-binding-rules-small-sewage-discharge-to-the-ground used under the https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/