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  • Existing sewage discharge that does not have an authorisation

Existing sewage discharge that does not have an authorisation

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This activity applies to the discharge of sewage effluent from a treatment system that is more than two years old on the date of application, to the water environment, from:

  1. less than or equal to 10 domestic properties; or
  2. non-domestic properties with a population equivalent of less than or equal to 50; or
  3. a combination of domestic and non-domestic properties with a total population equivalent of less than or equal to 50;

and has never been authorised under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) or the Water Environment (Controlled Activity) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR).

If your discharge is currently untreated and unauthorised this activity does not apply to you. You should contact waterpermitting@sepa.org.uk for advice. 

Authorisation level

Registration

Standard conditions

Your registration application will only be granted if you can confirm you are able to comply with the standard conditions set out below.

If you carry out an activity under a registration authorisation you must comply with the standard conditions. 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.

  1. The treatment system and outfall pipe must be maintained so that they are fully functioning except during any period when maintenance work is being carried out.
  2. The discharge must not have a significant impact on any supply of water for human consumption that was in existence on the date of application for this authorisation.
  3. The discharge must not have a significant impact on the water environment as a result of:
    1. iridescence or sheen;
    2. discolouration;
    3. deposition of solids;
    4. increased foaming; or
    5. microbiological growth

Fees and charges

An application fee applies to the application for a new authorisation for this activity.

How to apply

You can apply for a registration for this activity using our online private sewage treatment system (PSTS) application service from the 1 November 2025. The application process and the conditions that will be applied will be very similar to the current process and conditions applied under CAR. Our PSTS application service and guidance will be modified for EASR from 1 November.

It’s quicker and easier to apply online but if you want to apply on paper from 1 November 2025 you should download and complete the following application form:

Submit your completed form by email to our Registry team.

Help and guidance