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.

De-sludging is needed at least once in every three years, or when sludge and scum accumulations exceed 30% of the tank volume, or are encroaching on the inlet and outlet baffle entrances, or as recommended by the system’s manufacturer.

The septic tank legislation also requires that roof water or surface water run-off shall not enter a domestic waste water treatment system.