22/04/2024
General Binding Rules: Small Sewage Discharge to the Ground – Your UK Guide
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General Binding Rules: Small Sewage Discharge to the Ground
Disposing of sewage responsibly is crucial for protecting public health and the environment. In the UK, property owners with septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants that discharge wastewater into the ground must adhere to specific regulations called the General Binding Rules, overseen by the Environment Agency. Understanding these rules ensures legal compliance and environmentally sound wastewater management.
Understanding the General Binding Rules
The applicable regulations depend on when your sewage discharge system commenced operation:
Existing Discharges (Before January 1, 2015): If your system predates this date and hasn't undergone significant modifications, you need to comply with the basic set of rules.
Existing Discharges (January 1, 2015 – October 2, 2023): Systems operational during this period must adhere to both the basic and additional rules.
New Discharges (October 2, 2023 and onward): The most stringent regulations apply, encompassing basic, additional, and the newest rules.
Core Rules for All Discharges
Discharge Limit: Daily discharge volume must not exceed 2 cubic meters (2,000 litres). Residential properties can utilise online calculators for estimations.
Domestic Sewage Only: Ensure the discharged wastewater originates solely from typical household activities (toilets, showers, kitchens, etc.).
Pollution Prevention: Take all necessary measures to prevent groundwater and surface water contamination.
Additional Considerations
Permit Requirements: A permit is likely necessary if you surpass the discharge limit or your system doesn't meet specific guidelines.
Planning Permission & Building Regulations: Always obtain the required approvals before installing or modifying a sewage treatment system.
Complying with the General Binding Rules
Here's a detailed breakdown of the regulations to help you ensure your system is compliant:
Rule 1: Discharge Volume Limits
Crucial Limit: Your daily discharge to the ground must not exceed 2 cubic meters (2,000 liters).
Calculating Your Discharge: Residential properties can leverage online discharge calculators. For commercial or holiday properties, follow British Water's Flows and Loads guidance to account for all sources.
Exceeding Limits: If your discharge surpasses the limit, connecting to the public sewer is generally mandatory, where feasible. Otherwise, an official permit is required.
Rule 3: Domestic Sewage Only
Eligible Sources: Wastewater must originate from typical household or business uses (toilets, showers, kitchens, etc.).
Additional Information: Refer to relevant government websites for a comprehensive definition of "domestic sewage."
Rule 4: Prevention of Pollution
Zero Tolerance: Your discharge must never cause contamination of groundwater or surface water.
Rule 5: Choosing the Right Treatment System
Septic Tanks: These underground vessels allow solids to settle, while wastewater flows to a drainage field for further filtration. Septic tank effluent cannot be discharged directly into watercourses.
Small Sewage Treatment Plants: Similar to septic tanks, but with enhanced treatment through mechanical components before release into the drainage field.
Drainage Field: A network of perforated pipes in trenches for additional wastewater filtration by the soil.
System Requirements: Your system must comply with the relevant British Standard in effect at the time of installation (more on this in Rule 9).
Drainage Mounds: These can comply with General Binding Rules if they are not located in floodplains and are designed according to British Standard BS 6297:2007.
Rule 7: Protecting Groundwater (Source Protection Zone 1)
Critical Check: Determine if your discharge point falls within a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1), safeguarding drinking water supplies.
How to Check: Use the Magic map tool https://magic.defra.gov.uk or contact the Environment Agency for assistance.
Within a SPZ1? You'll need a permit with additional conditions to comply with the rules. The Environment Agency can assess pollution risk and offer guidance.
General Binding Rules: Small Sewage Discharge to the Ground – Your UK GuideIf you manage a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant in the UK, there's a g...
