septic tank problem

[richard taylor]

Hi guys, got a bit of a head scratcher.I have an old block built septic tank that at the moment just runs directly to a ditch, not ideal.The problem is what to do instead as as far as i can see i have no way of meeting all the regulations criteria for any system of discharging.Not much space at the front of the house so too close to the building, boundary and a ditch for a soakaway and the land behind slopes up quite steeply.If i was to install a treatment plant my understanding is i still cannot discharge to the ditch even after treatment so im at a bit of a loss what to do as im worried if i ask sepa (scotland) what they recommend they may insist that the discharge is stopped and condemn the house as unfit for habitation.

House Plan

• richard taylor
• 20 Apr 2020

 

[lostinthelight]

Not idea either but a Cess pit ? I assume youve read : https://www.septictank.org.uk/regulations/lincolnshire/scotland/
In Wales septic tank discharges had to be recorded with EA in around 2010, if the same in Scotland your tank if not compliant may hinder future house sale?

 

[richard taylor]

From what iv read a cess pit is more like a money pit needing emptied every few weeks.

 

[lostinthelight]

From what iv read a cess pit is more like a money pit needing emptied every few weeks.

It is but if there isnt a septic/treatment plant solution it may be the only alternative. It does make one water usage conscious thought.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer/water/water-and-sewerage-s/septic-tanks-s/

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

A packaged treatment plant, if maintained correctly, (and looked after in terms of what's put into it!), should produce a final effluent of acceptable quality to be discharged into the ditch.

I'd recommend looking at the Klargester Biodisc, a simple but effective design, and probably thousands of various shapes and sizes in operation up and down the country. As long as it is desludged and serviced as required, it should give you many years of trouble free service. https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/wastewater-management/domestic-sewage-treatment-plants

A cesspit is simply a holding tank, and will need emptying very frequently, a complete non starter unless every other avenue has been exhausted.

 

[richard taylor]

Apparently cesspits are illegal in scotland so thats not even a last resort option.