Environment Agency Permit
In April of 2010 Water Discharge Consents were brought into the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), in an aim to streamline existing environmental regulation. Please note that if you already have Permit to Discharge it automatically became an environmental permit on 6 April 2010. By the 1st January, 2012, ALL discharges from septic tanks and sewage treatment plants will have to be registered with the Environment Agency under the EPP2. This applies to both new, replacement and existing systems, no matter how old they are.
If you are going to make a discharge to surface water (for example a river, stream, estuary or the sea), or to groundwater (including via an infiltration system) then you may need to apply for an environmental permit to make that discharge. If the water is clean surface run-off, for example, from a roof, road, pathway or clean hard standing area, you do not need an environmental permit.
If you want to discharge treated sewage effluent, to a river, stream, estuary or the sea and the volume is <5 cubic metres per day or you want to discharge sewage effluent, to groundwater via a drainage field or infiltration system and the volume is <2 cubic metres per day, you might be eligible for an exemption rather than a permit. Exemptions are for activities that don`t need a permit but these activities do still need to be registered with the EA. If you can`t meet the requirements for an exemption then you will need to apply for a standard or bespoke permit depending on your activity.
By instructing WCI as your agent, we can complete and submit your EA application. We can also undertake porosity tests, design a permit compliant system, draw up site plans and manage the entire process.
This legal documentation once issued will state your permit number, the final treatment quality and maintenance requirements of your system. The paperwork should stay with the deeds of the property.
Contact WCI now on 01984 623404 to discuss your private sewage treatment system options and arrange a site visit (free for those situated within 50 miles of Wiveliscombe, otherwise there will be a charge for mileage only).