Registration of septic tanks
SEPA’s fee waiver for registering septic tanks and small sewage treatment works ended on 31 May 2009.
SEPA wishes to make it clear that although there is a legal requirement to register, there is no time limit for registering, and no penalty for non-registration.
After Monday 1 June 2009, the fee waiver no longer applies and SEPA’s normal process for registrations will be followed.
Proof of registration is required when new properties are being built or existing properties change hands under the conveyancing system.
Property owners selling existing properties may find that they already have documentation demonstrating that their tank was registered under older environmental legislation. This documentation is acceptable for the conveyancing process so no further action is needed.
If no evidence of a previous registration can be found, please apply to SEPA.
Sewage pollution poses a risk to the environment and to human health. It is very important that tanks and other small private sewage treatment systems are kept in good order by their owners. If pollution is reported to SEPA by the public, we require the owner to take remedial action and to register their installation.
The relevant legislation is Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations which came into force on 1 April 2006. The legislation requires SEPA to recover the costs of dealing with registrations. The cost of registering a septic tank or small sewage treatment works is £103 by post, or £76 for online applications. This is one-off cost with no ongoing fees.