What is a Septic Tank ?

[webmaster]

A septic tank is a purpose made container, traditionally brick built, but usually nowadays a large plastic onion shaped affair. It is partitioned so that waste enters in one chamber and eventually overflows to the next and so on. Biological action within the tank breaks down the waste; the eventual remaining liquid from the tank is discharged either into a sub surface irrigation system - like a land drain in reverse, or into a ditch.

A septic tank requires a Prohibition Notice from the EA and not consent to discharge. This dictates the installation limitations and the proposed amount that can be discharged from the septic tank in the future. Once the Prohibition Notice is granted it is not subject to future legislation.

A sub-surface irrigation system from a septic tank must be at least 10 metres from a ditch or entry to a watercourse.

The tank requires emptying of sludge residue several times a year, which may or may not be carried out by the local council. Much of the cause of poor septic tank performance is as a result of infrequent emptying. Householders take the view that out of site is out of mind. Failure to empty the tank at least once a year can lead to solid carryover with the consequent blocking of the sub-surface irrigation system. Once this becomes blocking then the effluent could break the surface and give rise to environmental health issues.


Regards, Webmaster
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Regards, Webmaster