Discharge of sewage to a phosphate sensitive catchment or a freshwater loch from less than or equal to 10 domestic properties or 50 population equivalent
This activity applies to the discharge of sewage effluent from:
- less than or equal to 10 domestic properties; or
- non-domestic properties with a population equivalent less than or equal to 50;
- a combination of domestic and non-domestic properties with a total population equivalent of less than or equal to 50;
in a phosphate sensitive catchment or directly into any freshwater loch.
Authorisation level
Permit
Public consultation
We may publicly consult on applications that, due to their nature or location, have higher likelihood of environmental impact and community impact.
Read more about public participation and engagement
Fit and Proper Person tests
Fit and Proper Person tests apply to this activity. You will be asked in your application if you have any relevant convictions held by you or any additional persons.
Read more about Fit and Proper Person tests
Fees and charges
An application fee applies to the application of a new authorisation for this activity.
Read our charging information for further information on application and annual activity fees.
Information on the application fees to transfer, vary or surrender a permit that authorises this activity, is in our charging information.
Permit conditions
Permits may contain both standard conditions and conditions specific to the activity and location. The conditions of your permit will be decided when we assess your application. This is to ensure that the appropriate limits and controls are in place to minimise pollution and protect the environment.
If you carry out an activity under a permit authorisation you must comply with the conditions set out in your authorisation. It is an offence if you do not comply with the conditions.
SEPA will not authorise this activity if it poses an unacceptable risk to the environment.
How to apply
In this section you can find out how to apply for a new authorisation and how to apply for a variation, transfer and surrender of an existing authorisation.
New applications
You can apply for a new permit for this activity using our digital application service.
If you are applying for new permit, we would encourage you to contact us with any pre-application enquiries before submitting your application.
Step 1: Download your activity form
You will need to download and complete the following activity form. The completed form will be submitted as part of your application:
Step 2: Provide supporting information
For a new permit, you will also need to provide the following supporting information:
- Non-technical summary of your application
- Details on why you are unable to connect to the public sewer
- Details on proposed phosphate mitigation measures and calculations (if applicable)
- Map showing the location of the soakaway and the location and type of any private water supplies (if applicable)
- Justification for discharge to a freshwater loch or pond (if applicable)
- Supporting documents if your discharge is above mean low water springs
Step 3: Submit using our digital application service
You can submit your completed application using our digital application service.
Make an application for a new authorisation