Statutory guidance

Small sewage discharges in England: the general binding rules

General binding rules for small sewage discharges from septic tanks or sewage treatment plants in England.

• From: Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 23 March 2023
• Last updated: 2 October 2023
  Show all updates

  1. 2 October 2023

     Updated the publication so it just gives the general binding rules that apply from 2 October 2023.

  2. 23 March 2023

     Added information on the general binding rules that will apply from 2 October 2023.

  3. 23 March 2023

     First published.

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

Documents

General binding rules for small sewage discharges (SSDs) with effect from 2 October 2023

Ref: LIT 67825

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Details

The general binding rules set out the conditions in the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 that allow you to use a septic tank or sewage treatment plant without an environmental permit. This publication summarises these rules.

Find out how to follow the general binding rules if you are the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.