If you are developing a new house that is not connected to the main sewage system, you need to install a septic tank, based on the property. There are presently strict guidelines that you must follow, and you should register with the Environment Agency. Most of the time they'll accept your requests, if completed correctly. However if your property is near to a conservation area your requests could be denied.
You may want to note that if youre just replacing your old septic tank, and have formerly been issued with a Consent to Discharge‚ or have an Environment Permit For Sewage Effluent within the last 20 years then you don t need to apply for one yet again. Additionally cesspools don t need to be approved because they are a sealed unit and have no discharge. As a result they aren't believed to be a hazard to the environmental surroundings.
New systems need to be constructed, designed and installed in accordance with the British Standards, and also the same is true if you are installing an upgraded or any new devices.
If you are installing a septic tank as opposed to a cesspool, you have to make sure that the neighboring properties don t have any drinking wells, springs or boreholes within a fifty meter radius of where the sewage effluent will be discharged.
Once you obtain the okay from the environment agency, you must make certain that your septic tank is in kept in good maintenance. These include draining you tank at least once per year, whether it is necessary it. This would remove any excess slush, and should only be done by authorized companies. You have to make sure that you keep good documents of all maintenance and repairs. It is suggest that you keep all documentation for at least 5 years. In addition you need to make sure that you are not creating any pollution to the environment. For anybody who is experiencing difficulty with your septic tank then you definitely need a qualified engineer to inspect the problem, and correct is as quickly as possible.
You should take your time and read the full guidance which is issued from the Environment Agency, as it is your duty.
