Regulations

You’ll be pleased to learn that Tankology keep abreast of all the latest regulations for the storage tanks and systems we install. This ensures all installations carried out by us are fully compliant with both UK and Welsh law. Below are basic summaries of regulations that may concern new clients.

Septic tank regulations

Since 2020 the Environment Agency has introduced a range of new regulations called General Binding Rules covering the installation and operating of septic tanks and soakaway systems. This is a fair attempt at tackling water groundwater pollution and is welcomed by homes and businesses across the country.

You will need to register any septic tank with Natural Resources (Wales). This includes all sewage treatment plants too. You’ll need to conduct a percolation test for your soakaway, along with a Groundwater Source Protection Zone search. This is to protect drinking water and areas of special scientific interest (SSSI).

If your existing septic system was installed prior to 2015 this is called ‘existing discharge’. The regulations were updated again from then on. There are further regulations governing residential septic tanks which we won’t cover, but rest assured an installation with Tankology will tick all the boxes.

Fuel storage tank regulations

Any type of fuel is hazardous. It is extremely combustible and can also become a pollutant. For example, oil spillage damages streams and rivers, groundwater sites, plants and so on. For storing 30-275 litres of fuel such as heating oil or petroleum you must local contact the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA). From 275-3500 litres you will need a licence.

If you wish to store over 3500 litres you’ll need to install an fuel tank which may require planning permission.

Rainwater harvesting regulations

Whilst it is not illegal to harvest water from the sky, there are some regulations put in place by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). For example, ‘backflow prevention‘ means you need to have undertaken measures to ensure any rainwater you harvest cannot enter the local mains supply.

You also can’t harvest rainwater for drinking purposes, along with cooking, washing dishes and bathing. However, it can be used for watering the garden, flushing toilets, washing your clothes and so on.