The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2014 came into force on January 1, 2015, introducing General Binding Rules (GBRs) for domestic septic tanks and small sewage treatment systems.

These rules are designed to reduce sewage pollution in the nation’s water bodies, with a particular focus on eliminating the direct discharge of septic tanks into local watercourses like rivers and streams.

It’s recommended that all treatment systems:

1. Meet the relevant British Standard at installation or carry a CE mark. Systems installed before 1983 are exempt.
2. Have sufficient capacity for their intended use.
3. Be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Undergo maintenance at least annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Discharge sewage below the ‘mean low water spring mark’ if in a tidal area.
6. Be promptly repaired or replaced by a qualified professional if they are not functioning properly.

If additional rules apply, the following procedures must be followed:

1. If any part of the property served by your treatment system is within 30 meters of a public sewer, the Environment Agency (EA) will not permit a new discharge. This distance increases based on the number of properties (e.g., 90 meters for three properties).
2. If you are unable to connect to the sewer due to physical obstacles (e.g., a river or hill) or if your discharge point is within 500 meters of a sensitive area (e.g., Special Area of Conservation, Ramsar site), 200 meters of an aquatic local nature reserve, or 50 meters from a chalk river or local aquatic wildlife site, you will need to apply for a permit.
3. Obtain planning permission and Building Regulations approval for any new sewage treatment plant installation.
4. New discharges to ditches or surface waters are only allowed if there is sufficient flow throughout the year. The Environment Agency can offer guidance on this.