Householders with a septic tank or sewage treatment plant need to be aware of new rules and
regulations issued by the Environment Agency under the EPP2 Legislation.Property owners with the above need to be aware that the regulations on domestic sewage systems, including septic tanks, changed in 2010, with owners of existing systems having until December 31st 2011 to register them with the Environment Agency. This applies no matter how old the system is. After this time, unless it is registered, all discharges will be classed as illegal and the fine for pollution is set at a maximum of £20,000.
New systems will also be subject to registration before installation and must be constructed and installed in accordance with current British Standards.
If you already have a ‘Consent to Discharge’ from the Environment Agency, then you do not need to register and the Environment Agency will automatically register the septic tank with exempt status. However, 99% of all septic tanks in the UK do not have a current Consent. If it does not qualify for exempt status then the consent will convert into an Environmental Permit. The exempt status or permit could be revoked if the conditions of registration are not kept. The conditions principally deal with proper maintenance of the system and record keeping of the servicing
The new rules are of particular importance if you are selling or buying a property with a septic tank. The new regime means that when you sell the property it is not necessary to notify the Environment Agency of the change of ownership provided the septic tank is operated and maintained properly. However, you must give written details to the new owner about the discharge and the conditions that must be met. Also, you must give the new owner any maintenance records.
Application for registration is relatively straightforward. It is best to do it online as online applications are processed more quickly. It is only necessary to register once. Registration is generally free but, if registration can’t be accepted, then it will be necessary to apply for a permit for which there is a charge.
If you are about to buy a property with a septic tank then you should check that, either the septic tank has already been registered, or get the current owner to register it with exempt status (or get a permit) before exchange of contracts and completion.