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Scottish septic tank and small sewage treatment work owners: register for free until 31 May (May 03, 2009)Reminder to septic tank and small sewage treatment work owners: register for free until 31 May
Scotland's environment watchdog is reminding people with septic tanks and small sewage treatment works (STW)1 that the registration fee is being waived until 31 May.
Registration normally attracts a one-off fee of £103, or £76 for an online application, but the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is suspending the fee until the end of May. This means people whose properties have septic tanks or small STW can register for the cost of a phone call, postage stamp or, if they apply online, just £1.
The register of septic tanks and small STW provides SEPA with information about sewage treatment systems in areas of Scotland not connected to main sewer networks. This helps the development of long term strategies for protecting Scotland's environment.
Well managed septic tanks in appropriate conditions provide suitable sewage treatment without damaging the environment. Poorly maintained tanks can, however, cause pollution and significant problems for neighbouring properties and communities.
SEPA's Director of Environmental Protection and Improvement, Colin Bayes, says:
"Waiving the fee during April and May has several advantages. It saves septic tank and small STW owners money and it encourages owners to ensure their system is legally registered, which is an important consideration when it comes to buying and selling properties. It also raises awareness of the importance of looking after septic tanks.
- new installations up to a max. population equivalent of 15 (application to be on the standard form);
- existing installations installed from April 2006 onwards, up to a maximum population equivalent of 15;
- existing installations installed before April 2006, up to a maximum population equivalent of 50.
How to register: a step by step guide
You can apply online or on paper.
At peak times our phones and website might be busy so if you can't get through please bear with us and keep trying. Please note that you can contact SEPA any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it may be easier to get in touch during quieter periods like evenings and weekends. If you need any help you can call any SEPA office, a list of contacts is available at www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/contacting_sepa/regional_offices.aspx
Outwith the hours of 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, call 01738 448414 to be put through to our 24 hour Communications Centre and our staff will be pleased to help. The Centre is open throughout the Easter weekend.
Applying online: go to: www.sepa.org.uk/WFDREG/pages/login.aspx
If you are a new user, follow the link near the top of the page - 'New Users click here to REGISTER'
If you are already registered enter your login details (scroll down to bottom of page).
