Home sewage treatment plant regulations in Scotland

Home sewage treatment plant regulations are designed to make sure these constructions are safe for the environment. It’s important that all wastewater is treated sufficiently so that it can be released back into our waterways without harming wildlife or plants. Here are a few things to consider when planning the installation of a new sewage treatment plant with us.

Scotland has its own rules

The first thing to remember when researching this topic is that Scotland has its own rules and requirements. These are often different to those of England, Wales or Northern Ireland. 

The main point of contact when it comes to water rules in Scotland is the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). The rules and regulations regarding sewage treatment plant construction in Scotland is the Building Standards Technical Handbook 2020. 

Obtaining permission to discharge your water

In order to legally discharge your treated water from your plant into Scottish waterways, you need authorisation from SEPA. All discharges of sewage effluent need to be signed off by them first. 

It is often best to speak to SEPA in the early stages of planning. Doing so means they will be able to offer guidance on how best to proceed in order to gain their approval. 

Points to consider

There are a few points from the technical handbook to consider when planning your treatment plant. In brief, they include:

• Every part of a private wastewater plant and septic tank should be located at least 5m from a dwelling.
• A large number of small sewage treatment works in a limited area is undesirable.
• When sizing and selecting the wastewater treatment plant, take into account unusual pollution loads such as waste disposal units.
• A private wastewater treatment plant and septic tank should be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the recommendations of BS EN 12566-1: 2000 for a prefabricated septic tank.
• The settlement tank of a private wastewater plant should have a securely sealed, solid cover that can be opened by a single person using standard operating keys.
• Every dwelling with a drainage system which discharges into a private wastewater treatment plant or septic tank should be provided with a label to alert the occupiers to such an arrangement.

Septic Tank Services for your wastewater installations

We are well versed with all the home sewage treatment plant regulations, requirements and best practices when it comes to installing your system. Want to find out more? Simply get in touch with us at Septic Tank Services in Scotland and we’ll be happy to chat.