Think T.A.N.K! septic tank campaign
The Dee Catchment Partnership is launching a campaign to encourage north-east residents to avoid the problems that can be caused by septic tanks. The campaign, called ‘Think T.A.N.K.’, is being launched at the Tarland Show on 13 August. Owners will be able to learn more about the care of a septic tank system, pick up free information and samples of septic-friendly products, and enter a competition to win a hamper of eco-friendly household products. There will also be an opportunity for groups of residents to sign up to have their tanks emptied at a discounted rate.
Aberdeenshire has one of the highest numbers of private septic tanks in the UK, with over 4,000 households using a septic tank to treat wastewater from baths, sinks and toilets. When working properly, these are very effective treatment systems, with helpful bacteria doing the work of digesting waste. However, if a septic tank is not functioning properly it can cause odour nuisance, flooding, pollution, serious health risks, and considerable expense for the owner to meet legal requirements.
The liquid that drains away from the tank (effluent) can cause a number of problems. If a system is failing, the effluent may contain high levels of harmful bacteria and so pose a serious health risk to families and communities. The effluent from all tanks (even those that are well-maintained) contains chemical residues (called phosphates) from household cleaning products. Phosphates are a serious pollutant of watercourses and therefore it is important that septic tank owners only use products that are labelled ‘phosphate free’ or ‘septic friendly’, especially if where a tank discharges directly to a burn, river, loch or the sea.
The Dee Catchment Partnership (DCP) is running a ‘Think T.A.N.K.’ campaign to encourage septic system owners to avoid these problems by ‘making friends with their septic tanks’.
Dr Susan Cooksley, DCP Project Officer said, ‘We are promoting four simple steps for septic tank owners to follow. First, they should Tidy the site. Owners should locate and check the tank, pipes and outfall, making sure pipes they are not blocked or broken and the areas around the tank and soakaway are always accessible. Second, they must Avoid putting harsh chemicals (such as bleach, disinfectant or caustic soda) down the drain, and always use eco-friendly cleaners and disinfectants, preferably those labelled ‘suitable for septic tanks’. Third, No rainwater must enter the system so owners should make sure surface water drainage is not connected to the septic tank; this is one of the most common reasons for frequent tank emptying and failures. Finally, owners must Keep the system maintained. You should have your tank emptied, or de-sludged, regularly. By following these steps, owners should find that their tank needs to be emptied less frequently. However, if in doubt always arrange for your tank to be cleaned out.’
Septic tank owners have a number of legal responsibilities. They must make sure that the tank is maintained and working properly in order to prevent risks to public health and to protect the environment. All new septic tanks require authorisation before installation, and all existing septic tanks must be registered with SEPA. This can be done at any time, but will be a requirement when the house is next sold.
A guide to the use and management of septic tanks has been produced by the Dee Catchment Partnership, an association of agencies, organisations and individuals who work together to protect and enhance the rivers, burns and lochs in the River Dee Catchment area. The leaflet answers questions about how to find your septic tank, how your septic tank works and why you need to look after it. It offers tips to help you keep your septic tank in good working order, reducing the number of times it has to be emptied, protecting the environment as well as saving unnecessary expense.
For further information and free copies of the leaflet email info@theriverdee.org. To register your septic tank, visit www.sepa.org/wfdreg or call 0800 80 70 60.