General binding rules: small sewage discharge to the ground
Summary
The Environment Agency has published guidance on the general binding rules for small sewage discharges to ground from septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in England. The rules explain when a permit is not needed, when a permit or connection to the public foul sewer is required, and which system types and discharge arrangements are acceptable.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter these systems during inspections, valuations and due diligence, particularly in rural or off-mains drainage properties. Understanding the discharge rules and associated pollution risks helps identify compliance issues, potential defects and future remediation costs.
Key points
- Applies to septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants discharging to ground via a drainage field.
- No permit is needed only if all relevant general binding rules are met.
- Discharges over 2 cubic metres a day to ground require connection to the public foul sewer where reasonable, otherwise a permit may be needed.
- The sewage must be domestic in nature and must not cause pollution.
- Non-standard systems such as boreholes, shafts and concrete rings are generally unsuitable for new discharges to ground.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
