Environment Agency Wales would like to remind people in Wales to register their septic tanks or small package treatment plants as soon as possible.
The Agency is sending letters and registration forms to over 70,000 people who are believed to have septic tanks to make the registration process as simple as possible.
People may receive these letters over the Christmas period or early in the New Year. The Agency is encouraging people to register as soon as possible but they should be aware that they can return them at any point before 30 June 2012.
The need to register is part of the environmental permitting regulations for both England and Wales, introduced in 2010.
There is strong evidence that poorly maintained septic tanks are contributing to poor water quality in rivers, lakes and coastal waters and there is also a danger that pollution from septic tanks could contaminate private water supplies from wells, boreholes and springs.
Knowing the location of septic tanks will help Agency officers check for any poorly maintained septic tanks that could be the cause of pollution in the area.
People can also register their tanks online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/sewagedischarge or, if people do not receive a letter and they have a septic tank, they can request a form by calling 03708 506 506.
In response to some concerns raised by members of the public, the Agency would like to clarify that anyone who is unaware of the requirement will always be given the opportunity to register or obtain a permit.
If people do not take this opportunity, enforcement action would be considered but the Agency’s first priority would be to get them registered.
In Wales, for the majority of people, registration is a simple process, free of charge and a one off requirement. This approach differs to some other parts of the UK and some EU Member States where this form of legal control is often subject to a fee.
Single properties with up to 9 occupants should be able to register for free.
However, in some cases (less than 3% of septic tanks in Wales) where a household has a larger septic tank or where a septic tank discharges within a sensitive area a permit will be required. This is specified by the environmental regulations and there may be a one off £125 charge.
Chris Mills, Director Environment Agency Wales, said:
"We are alerting people now to give them the time they need to complete the forms they will receive shortly. Alternatively they can register through our website.
"The majority of people will only need to fill in and return the form we send them to be registered.
"Following that, all we want is for people to maintain their septic tanks to a good standard to avoid any unintentional pollution.
"I have a septic tank myself and have registered it. It was relatively straightforward, but if anyone has difficulties or a query about this process they should call our contact centre for help."
To register go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/sewagedischarge or call 03708 506 506 and ask to speak to an advisor.
