General Binding Rules for Sewage Treatment Plants in England
A plain-English introduction to the Environment Agency General Binding Rules that apply to small sewage discharges in England.
This guide applies to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different regulatory arrangements.
The Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules set conditions that allow qualifying small sewage discharges to operate without an environmental permit.
Operation and maintenance
The system must be installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification. Maintenance must be undertaken by someone competent, and waste sludge must be safely disposed of by an authorised person.
Discharge limits
For domestic sewage, the rules set different daily volume thresholds for discharges to ground and to surface water. Other location and installation rules can also apply.
When the system is not working properly
Environment Agency guidance says a treatment system should be repaired or replaced if it is not in good working order. Examples include leaks, blocked pipes, poor drainage, sewage smells, failed motors, failed pumps and failed electrical supplies.
Property sales
When a property is sold, the operator must provide the new operator with written information about the sewage discharge, system and maintenance requirements.
This is a practical summary, not legal or permitting advice. Always check the current Environment Agency guidance for the property and discharge concerned.
Read the current Environment Agency / DEFRA General Binding Rules on GOV.UK.
Send your postcode, plant make and symptoms and we can use the details to understand the job.