Environmental Agency Septic Tank

In january 2015 new rules were introduced that simplify the way septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants are regulated in england protecting the environment and improving water quality.

Environmental agency septic tank.

Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases. The web site provides guidance and technical assistance for homeowners government officials industry professionals and epa partners about how to properly develop and manage individual onsite and community cluster systems that treat domestic wastewater. There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in northern ireland scotland and wales. Kreissl systems and engineering evaluation branch municipal environmental research laboratory cincinnati ohio 45268 robert s.

Dunlap ground water research branch robert s. Fact sheet to help regulators determine which septic systems to regulate as class v wells. Soil based systems discharge the liquid known as effluent from the septic tank into a series of perforated pipes buried in a leach field chambers or other special units designed to slowly release the effluent into. Kerr environmental research laboratory.

Your septic tank includes a t shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling to the drainfield area. Epa 600 3 77 096 august 1977 environmental effects of septic tank systems marion r. When is a septic system regulated as a class v well. The septic tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter e g oils and grease and solids from the wastewater.

Here is what they stipulate about any septic tank. You have a non standard system you must contact the environment agency to find out if you. Information published by the environment agency for households and businesses with septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants. Kerr environmental research laboratory ada oklahoma 74820 and james f.

If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt a new system may have to be installed. On the whole this is not true you may be able to have a septic tank and still conform to the environment agency s regulations. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet your tank needs to be pumped. However septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris and must be professionally cleaned.