Uni:Gem★ septic conversion units meet the standard for 2020GBR

01.07.2020

2020 General binding rules (GBRs) which came into force on 1 January 2015 are designed to reduce the level of pollution from sewage in the nation’s watercourses

According to the GBRs, if you have a septic tank that discharges directly to surface water, you must have upgraded or replaced your tank by 1st January 2020 (alternatively you must have plans in place to carry out this work within a reasonable timescale, typically 12 months).

Septic conversion units – the facts

• Contrary to recent reports, septic tank conversion units ARE compatible with GBRs so long as they meet the right British Standard – BS EN 12566.The GBRs clearly state septic conversion units as an acceptable option under the following condition:“Your treatment system must meet the relevant British Standard that was in force at the time of installation. The standard currently in force for new systems are:– BS EN 12566 for small sewage treatment plantsYou can only use a septic tank conversion unit under the general binding rules if it meets these standards.”Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-binding-rules-small-sewage-discharge-to-a-surface-water
• One of the most economical methods of upgrading your septic tank is to install a septic conversion unit that is designed and approved to BS EN 12566 standard.
• A septic conversion unit is a tertiary treatment plant which can be installed and connected to a pre-existing septic tank. The septic conversion unit treats the wastewater to a sufficient quality allowing it to be discharged to surface water.
• Septic tank converters that fit inside a septic tank do not comply with GBRs and require the site to be assessed to see if a permit would be allowed.
• For complete peace of mind British Water offer impartial advice and provide a list of viable sewage treatment options:
  https://www.britishwater.co.uk/Accreditation-Certification/certified-small-wastewater-treatment-systems-for-up-to-50-pt.aspx

So, what are your options?

1 Connect to main sewer

This may not be possible in remote locations, although pump chambers can be used to direct wastewater to the mains sewer.

2 Install a drainage field (Designed in accordance with BS6297)

This allows the septic tank to discharge wastewater into the ground instead of surface water. In many cases, the installation of a drainage field is not possible due to site constraints such as space and/or the soil not having sufficient drainage potential (ie, rock, clay, high water table).

3 Install a Uni:Gem STAR septic conversion unit

A Marsh Uni:Gem STAR can be installed and connected to a pre-existing septic tank. This treats the septic tank effluent to a sufficient quality allowing it to be discharged to surface water.

4 Replace your septic tank with a Marsh sewage treatment plant

A Marsh sewage treatment plant eliminates the need for a drainage field or septic conversion unit and ensures that the wastewater is fully treated before being discharged.

Marsh Uni:Gem★ septic conversion unit

The Marsh Uni:Gem★ septic conversion unit is to our knowledge the only system available on the market to UK merchants that is fully tested and accredited to BS EN 12566 standard. Effluent discharge from these units exceed the minimum requirements for BS EN 12566.

Certification: https://www.britishwater.co.uk/media/download.aspx?MediaId=2158

Marsh package sewage treatment plants

Marsh Ensign and Marsh UP-L package sewage treatment plants are also fully accredited to BS EN 12566 standard and eliminate the need for a septic conversion unit or drainage field ensuring wastewater is fully treated before being discharged.

For more detailed information on septic conversion units or to discuss your options, please contact the Marsh technical team on sales@marshindustries.co.uk or call us on 01933 654582.