Farmers unaware of latest Environment Agency Requirement

Farmers in Brecon and Radnor were reminded about the new Environment Agency requirement to register septic tanks in Wales at the latest county meeting held at the NFU Cymru headquarters in Builth Wells.

Whilst the Environment Agency has suspended the requirement in England, this is not a cross border decision and the Welsh Government is continuing with the registration process in Wales.

The Environment Agency estimate that there are up to 87,000 discharges from septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in Wales with research suggesting that more than 80% of septic systems within the UK are probably working inefficiently, hence the requirement for registration.

NFU Cymru County Chairman Gwyn Price said, "My main concern is that a lot of householders do not know about the requirement to complete a registration form for the Environment Agency. Whilst the 1 January 2012 deadline for registrations in Wales remains, following NFU Cymru intervention, the Environment Agency will be able to accept registrations from individuals until June 2012."

Those wishing to register can contact the Environment Agency via their website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/132391.aspx to complete an online form or contact them by phone on: 03708 506506 to obtain a hard copy application pack.

Gwyn price concluded, "It is important that this registration process is completed in order to avoid costly fines. In the majority of cases registration will be free and a one-off requirement although it is a condition that the facilities are properly maintained. There will be some facilities which do not fit within the criteria, whereby an environmental permit will be required which is currently £125."