Page 76 - Rooftops

New Environment Agency rules, known as the General Binding Rules, come into effect 1st January 2020. Here are some questions and answers we are frequently asked:
Q: Does this mean I will have to replace my existing septic tank?
A: Not necessarily. You do have to ensure that if your existing septic tank discharges to a ditch, watercourse, stream or river you will need to install either a sewage treatment plant or apply for a permit from the Environment Agency, although it is thought these would be granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Q: If I am selling my property will the sale be affected?
A: Possibly: If your property has a septic tank discharging to a watercourse then it will need to be upgraded by 1st January, 2020 or sooner if the property is sold before then. If your septic tank does not comply then it will be picked up by the Valuer or Surveyor and could potentially delay any sale. If you are putting a property onto the market it may be wise to upgrade to a sewage treatment plant prior to marketing or at least make arrangements for one to be installed during the selling process.
Q: If my septic tank discharges to the ground does it need to be changed?
A: Discharges to the ground (via a drainage field) can be from a septic tank or sewage treatment plant and will not need to be changed, provided it does not affect the environment in any way.
So, the rules are split between where you are discharging to (ground or watercourse). Also, if the septic tank was installed on or after 1st January, 2015 then it must conform to the GBR (General Binding Rules) and discharge to a drainage field. This is known as a new discharge and no action is necessary, providing the system is regularly maintained and serviced and is not causing pollution issues.
If, however, the septic tank was installed before this date, then it is known as an existing discharge and these are the systems the Environment Agency are targeting as no longer safe and it is these tanks that need to be replaced.
THE BASICS
The new legislation is to prevent high levels of ammonia polluting the environment, ammonia being carried in the water from the septic tank, which is harmful to the environment.
SOLUTIONS:
n Investigate connecting into the mains sewer (where possible)
n Replace with a micro sewage treatment plant
n The introduction of a drainage field so the tank discharges into the ground
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Don’t get bogged down with the new legislation regarding septic tanks
William Pewter, senior partner of the Pewter Partnership Surveyors strips bare the legislation coming into force in 2020
n A septic tank conversion unit. A permit is required for this and evidence will be required to ensure this will treat to the same standard as a sewage treatment plant.
FURTHER READING:
Visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment -agency
Or www.gov.uk/government/.../department-for- environment-food-rural-affairs
There is a lot more to the legislation than we have covered here, but do visit the above for much more detailed information.