General Binding Rules 2020
The UK General Binding Rules 2020 (GBR 2020) is a set of regulations that came into effect on 1st January 2020, which apply to anyone who owns, operates, or uses a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant (STP) in England. These rules are designed to protect the environment and human health by ensuring that domestic wastewater is treated and disposed of safely and effectively. What are the implications of the GBR 2020 for septic tanks and why are treatment plants a better alternative?
Implications of the GBR 2020 for Septic Tanks
The GBR 2020 requires all old tanks that discharge into surface water to be upgraded or undergo a septic tank conversion by 1st January 2020 or when the property is sold, whichever is sooner. Septic tanks that discharge into the ground are exempt from this requirement but must still comply with the general binding rules. These rules include:
- Septic tanks must be installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Septic tanks must be maintained and emptied regularly to prevent overflowing or pollution.
- Septic tanks must not discharge into a watercourse, unless it meets the relevant environmental standards.
Septic tanks can be effective at treating domestic wastewater, but they have limitations. They only provide primary treatment, which means that the wastewater is only partially treated before it is discharged. This can result in the pollution of the environment and cause harm to human health. Furthermore, septic tanks require regular maintenance and emptying, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
Why Treatment Plants are a Better Alternative
Sewage treatment plants are a better alternative to septic tanks because they provide more effective treatment of domestic wastewater. They use a combination of mechanical, biological, and chemical processes to treat wastewater to a higher standard than a septic tank. The treated water can then be safely discharged into the environment, meeting the relevant environmental standards.
Treatment plants are also more flexible than septic tanks. They can be installed in a wider range of locations, including areas with high water tables, and can be adapted to suit the specific needs of a property. Furthermore, septic tank maintenance is required more often making treatment plants a more cost-effective waste solution.
The UK General Binding Rules 2020 have implications for anyone who owns, operates, or uses a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.
Septic tanks that discharge into surface water must be upgraded or replaced by a sewage treatment plant to comply with the rules.
Treatment plants are a better alternative to septic tanks because they provide more effective treatment of domestic wastewater and require less maintenance.
If you have any questions about the GBR 2020 or the installation of a sewage treatment plant, please contact our friendly team today.
Why choose Cotswold Drainage?
As a leading drain cleaning company, Cotswold Drainage has more than 25 years of experience, is CHAS-approved for health and safety, and is a member of Constructionline. You can rely on us to maintain and clean your drainage system in emergency situations and across commercial and domestic properties with the least amount of disruption possible. We make use of the most cutting-edge technology and can schedule follow-up visits both during and after your 6-month warranty.
What we offer
Here at Cotswold Drainage, our team have over 25 years’ experience and the expertise guaranteed to sort your problem quickly with minimum of fuss, leaving you more than satisfied.
We offer a 6-month warranty, along with a free drain camera health check and a guarantee that you will receive follow-ups during and after your 6-month warranty.
We operate a large fleet of vehicles, equipped with specialist equipment for any situation, including our high-power jetting system for removing blockages & cleaning, and also CCTV for on-site surveying of the problem or damaged drainage systems.
