On 16/08/2018 13:19, NY wrote:
....
I'm wondering because at some stage in the next decade or so we will
probably be selling my parents' holiday cottage which has a dual chamber
septic tank that was installed probably in the late 60s or early 70s
(certainly by 1975 when we bought the cottage). As far as I know, all
the properties have septic tanks and these drain into a common "land
drain" that also takes grey water and rainwater and I think drains into
a stream just beyond the village. I don't think it goes into underground
soakaway.

The EA rules prohibit a septic tank from discharging into an open
waterway. I am not sure whether that includes a common land drain that
eventually discharges into one. The addition of grey water and rainwater
may make it acceptable. You will probably have to ask the EA or water
authority for clarification.

--
--

Colin Bignell