discharges before your permit could be granted. We cannot permit new discharges to ground in SPZ1. It is very important that septic tanks and PTPs are kept in good working order by their owners. The system should not cause pollution. Once you have your registration you must ensure: • that new systems have been properly installed; • maintenance is undertaken by someone who is competent and you should have a maintenance plan; • desludging must only be carried out by an authorised person; • clean roof or surface water does not enter the system; • chemicals and solvents do not enter the system (see the British Water Codes of Practice); and •. | Environment Agency Guidance for the registration of small sewage effluent discharges Version July 2011 We are The Environment Agency. It s our job to look after your environment and make it a better place - for you and for future generations. Your environment is the air you breathe the water you drink and the ground you walk on. Working with business Government and society as a whole we are making your environment cleaner and healthier. The Environment Agency. Out there making your environment a better place. Published by Environment Agency Horizon House Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AH Tel 03708 506506 Email enquiries@ Environment Agency All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency. ii Registration of small sewage effluent discharges July 2011 Contents Executive summary 2 A quick guide to registration 2 1 Introduction 4 What is this guidance for 4 Who is this guidance for 4 Background 4 How to use this guidance 9 Further reading 9 2 Technical background 11 Type of discharge 11 How to calculate your discharge 11 Additional information for new discharges 12 3 Criteria for registration 14 Criteria for small sewage discharges 14 Additional criteria for discharges to surface water 20 Additional criteria for discharges to ground 22 4 Following your registration 14 Operation and maintenance requirements 14 Use of competent servicing engineers and personnel 14 Ensuring that exempt status is maintained 14 Handing the registration over to a new occupier 15 De-registering 15 Decommissioning 15 Data Protection Act 1998 15 References 17 Glossary 18 List of abbreviations 19 Appendix A 20 Revised interpretations of domestic sewage and trade effluent 20 Registration of small sewage effluent discharges July 2011
