Toxic Times for Septic Tanks

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 impose obligations on occupiers whose properties use septic tanks or package sewage treatment plants rather than connecting directly to the public sewer. Gemma James, Partner in the Property Department at Mundays Solicitors LLP explained: “It was intended to be compulsory from 1st January 2012 for all such occupiers to ensure their tank or plant is registered with the Environment Agency but this is now only the case for Wales because a formal review of the position in England is being conducted. Registration in England is currently voluntary.”

The duty is on the occupier (not landlord/registered proprietor) to register on-line and confirm that the tank or plant meets the criteria such that an Environmental Permit is not required.