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General Binding Rules in Brockenhurst

When considering drainage installations for a new property or upgrading an existing system, it is crucial for homeowners to understand their legal obligations under the General Binding Rules. These regulations, enforced by the Environment Agency, ensure that small sewage discharges from domestic properties do not cause pollution to the environment. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement actions or the need to obtain Environmental Agency Discharge Permits.

What Are the General Binding Rules?

The General Binding Rules are a set of legal requirements that apply to properties discharging domestic sewage into the ground or surface water via systems such as septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants. These rules are designed to prevent pollution without the need for the property owner to apply for an Environmental Agency Discharge Permit, provided certain criteria are met. However, where installations do not meet the specified standards, such a permit becomes mandatory.

Key conditions under the General Binding Rules include:

  • Discharges must not cause pollution to the environment.
  • The sewage must be domestic in nature (not industrial or commercial).
  • The maximum daily discharge volume must not exceed 2,000 litres to ground or 5,000 litres to surface water.
  • The discharge point must be a minimum distance away from water sources, buildings, and boundaries.
  • Systems must be maintained and emptied regularly.

Failing to adhere to these rules may result in non-compliance, which can incur penalties or remedial obligations.

Importance of the Percolation Test

A percolation test is a soil assessment that determines how quickly water drains through the ground. This is essential in confirming whether the soil can safely absorb effluent discharged from a drainage field. Without a successful test, your installation may not comply with the General Binding Rules, necessitating alternative discharge methods or the application for an Environmental Agency Discharge Permit.

Typical percolation test procedures include:

  • Digging test pits to a specified depth in the intended discharge area.
  • Filling the pits with water and measuring the time taken to drain.
  • Repeating the test under consistent weather conditions to ensure reliability.
  • Analysing the infiltration rate to determine suitability.

If the percolation test fails, a system discharging to surface water using a treatment plant may be required instead of a drainage field.

Environmental Agency Discharge Permits: When They’re Required

An Environmental Agency Discharge Permit is necessary when the conditions of the General Binding Rules cannot be satisfied. This often applies to larger discharges, non-domestic sewage, or high-risk environments. The application process can be time-consuming and costly, requiring detailed environmental risk assessments and system design documentation.

In Brockenhurst, where properties are frequently located in environmentally sensitive zones, homeowners may find themselves needing this permit even for smaller discharges. This makes early evaluation and expert consultation crucial.

Contact Us

To discuss your project or to book a survey or test, contact Smart Drainz today on 07950 753233. Our experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of drainage law and system design with confidence.