Environment Agency and Building Control
If you do not have a tank at present, it may be necessary to apply for planning permission to
site a septic tank or sewage treatment plant, especially if you live in a National Park or
similar location. If you already have a tank, the replacement does not normally require planning
permission.
A ‘Consent to Discharge’ from the Environment Agency is mandatory for all new installations, but
many old and existing systems may not have a consent in force. Consent has historically been
accepted as a given fact, as long as no problems are apparent. However, many new purchasers
question the efficiency of private drainage systems, it is now accepted that a formal ‘Consent to
Discharge’ is an asset and worth obtaining. Retrospective applications are acceptable.
The Environment Agency issue ‘Consents to Discharge’, but allow local Building Control Departments
to sanction the installation of discharges to soakaways of up to 2 cubic metres per day, from 1
dwelling. For all discharges above 2 cubic metres per day or discharges to a watercourse
an application to the Environment Agency is mandatory. Building Control may ask for a letter,
signed by the applicant, stating the criteria for the application, location of the proposed
tankage site, proximity to a watercourse and volumes of discharge, so that they can ensure
compliance with the guidelines.
When installing, and /or repairing and diverting any sewerage a Building Control Notice is
required. This is an advantage when a property changes hands, as the work would have been
recorded as done correctly and passed by the Building Inspector. It is worth noting, at this
point, that the Building Control Notice may ask that the electrical work performed complies with
Part P of the Building Regulations; this is correct, but if included within the application for
the Building Control Notice, the electrical work can be inspected by the Building Inspector. If
connecting the electrics yourself please be careful to follow the manufacturers’ instructions
when installing a package sewage treatment plant and/or pump chamber, and check the earthing and
isolation requirements.
The application to the Environment Agency is relatively straightforward, but care must be taken
to ensure that all details are supplied, as omissions will delay the process. Once the
application is accepted, the Agency will make all enquiries as to other discharges in the area,
dilution rates of any water courses, and a topographical survey to determine the discharge
criteria required for your location. This process may take up to four months. The ‘Consent to
Discharge’ will detail the quality they require for your discharge. This will be expressed in
milligrams per litre for BOD and Suspended Solids and may include Ph and Ammonia limits, along
with the volumes allowed.
Volumes in excess of 5 cubic metres per day will invoke an annual charge for the discharges and
these are calculated from the formula in the Environment Agency booklet. Less than 5 cubic
metres per day are not chargeable for domestic sewage, but commercial and trade discharges are
dealt with on their merits.
Planning Applications may take a few weeks, usually about 6 – 8, with the Building Regulations
only a few days or 72 hours notice of commencement of works. So for all new works I suggest that
you get the paperwork running well in advance with the Environment Agency application potentially
taking the longest.
For specific help with the paperwork you will find the Environment Agency extremely helpful, or
for general information please contact S&B Services.