“A relatively new problem has begun to crop up when selling homes that have a septic tank” says Anthony Burn, Branch Manager of Watsons Holt. “Recent property sales have been delayed so that drainage systems can be assessed by a competent drainage contractor who then applies through the environment agency for a “consent to discharge” if the system is draining to a ditch or stream etc. This has led in some cases to a new sewage treatment plant being installed before contracts are exchanged, so you can imagine how much of a delay this can cause!”
The new government guidance states: “You must use a small sewage treatment plant to treat the sewage if you’re discharging to a surface water such as a river or stream. A small sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant) uses mechanical parts to treat the liquid so it’s clean enough to go into a river or stream. If you have a septic tank that discharges directly to a surface water you will need to replace or upgrade your treatment system by 1 January 2020, or when you sell your property if before this date.
If the Environment Agency finds evidence that your septic tank discharging to a surface water is causing pollution, you will need to replace or upgrade your system earlier than 1 January 2020. You will usually have to do this within 1 year, although this will be agreed on a case-by-case basis”.
Once you have contacted a drainage contractor then they will then help you to consider the options:
- connect to mains sewer – where available
- install a drainage field (also known as an infiltration system) so the septic tank can discharge to ground instead
- replace your septic tank with a small sewage treatment plant.
“This is well worth thinking about before you start to arrange for your home to be placed on the market” says Anthony who has over 30 years’ experience of selling property in North Norfolk.
The new government guidance is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-binding-rules-small-sewage-discharge-to-a-surface-water
