Waste water de-sludging for agricultural use

New septic tank legislation stipulates that the owner of a domestic waste water treatment system may carry out de-sludging of that system and use its contents in agriculture, subject to compliance with, in particular, the use of sewage sludge in agriculture regulations, and good agricultural practice for protection of waters regulations.

In general, waste water treatment system de-sludging shall be carried out by an authorised contractor, and contents disposed of in accordance with legislation.

An owner shall retain for five years evidence of de-sludging or a receipt from the authorised contractor.