If you own a property that uses a Septic Tank, it is important to know that new regulations came into effect on 1st January, 2020. First Drainage can make sure that you meet the new Environmental Agency rules.
If a Septic Tank discharges into surface water areas such as ditches, streams and surface drains, it will need to be replaced by a full sewage treatment plant or use a proper drain field. The Environmental Agency has ruled that dispersing waste water from Septic Tanks into a surface watercourse is a potential cause of pollution. Failure to comply with the new rules could result in a hefty £100,000 fine, so don’t neglect to meet your responsibilities.
Septic Tanks may need to be configured to discharge waste via an appropriately designed drainage field. Ezy drains, tunnels, soakaway crates or pits do not meet the requirements. Our qualified drainage engineers will make sure that your Septic Tank discharges into an infiltration system. You are required by law to upgrade your system by 2020 or if you are selling your property. A sale cannot go ahead if your Septic Tank fails to meet the new regulations. A Septic Tank must discharge into the ground rather than a body of water.
Our team can make sure that your new Septic Tank operation uses a sewage treatment plant including full BS EN 12566 paperwork, or we’ll redirect waste to a drain field that meets British Standard BS6297:2007. It is important that your Septic Tank meets compliance regulations and treats sewage to the same standard as a sewage treatment plant. In some cases, it may be possible to connect the Septic Tank to a mains sewer system instead.
If you need assistance in this area, call on First Drainage. We can also advise and help with making sure that planning permission is in place. The team can also help with de-sludge treatments and Septic Tank maintenance. As a general rule of thumb, we advise that your plant is de-sludged at least once per year. Our team can also help with the disposal of old Septic Tanks. To find out whether we can upgrade your existing tank, or whether its time to get a new one, contact us today.
A list of some of the areas we cover is on this page.
Call on First Drainage for blocked or broken drains, water level problems, bellied drains and pipework, tree roots damaging drains, french drainage, ditches, dried concrete in pipes, joint displacements, fat, grease, or detergent in drains. Soakways, clogged or broken pipes, overflowing or leaking septic tanks and cesspits, problems with shared drains, blocked toilets and showers, bad smells, longitudinal cracking in drains…
Contact us today.