Let’s talk about Environment Permits

Here’s why obtaining the correct permits isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s vital for protecting the environment, keeping you compliant, and avoiding hefty fines.

1. It’s the Law

In England, the Environment Agency (EA) regulates how and where treated effluent can be discharged. Many small discharges can proceed under the EA’s “General Binding Rules,” which set limits on the amount and type of discharge you can make without formal permission. But if your discharge doesn’t meet those criteria, for example, if you’re discharging more than 5,000 litres per day to a watercourse, or if your site is in a sensitive location — you are legally required to apply for and hold a permit.

Failing to obtain a permit where one is required is a criminal offence. You could face prosecution, fines, and even an order to stop using your system altogether.

2. You May Also Need Internal Drainage Board Consent

In addition to the EA’s requirements, many watercourses, ditches, and drains are managed by local Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), public bodies responsible for managing water levels and flood risk in low-lying areas. If your treated effluent is discharged into a watercourse within an IDB district, you may also need to apply to the IDB for land drainage consent before making the discharge.

The IDB’s consent is separate from the EA’s permit, and failing to obtain it can also result in enforcement action and extra costs. So it’s vital to check who manages your outfall point and make sure you’ve got all the necessary permissions.

3. Protecting the Environment

Treated sewage may look clean, but it still contains nutrients and bacteria that can harm local ecosystems. Rivers, streams, and groundwater are vulnerable to pollution, particularly in areas of special scientific interest or sensitive drinking water catchments. The EA and IDBs assess applications to ensure your discharge won’t damage water quality, cause flooding, or harm wildlife habitats. Without the right permits, you could be contributing to long-term environmental harm — and be held responsible for it.

4. Future-Proofing Your Property

If you’re selling or developing a property, prospective buyers and their solicitors will almost certainly ask about your sewage arrangements. Being able to show you’re compliant, with the proper environment permit(s) and consents in place, if required, will save you headaches and delays during the sales process. If you don’t have the right permissions where you should, it could put buyers off or force you to upgrade your system or change your discharge arrangements at short notice.

5. Avoiding Fines and Enforcement Action

Both the EA and IDBs are stepping up enforcement against unauthorised discharges.

Inspections and water quality monitoring make it easier than ever for non-compliant discharges to be spotted. If you’re found to be discharging illegally, you could face thousands of pounds in fines,  plus the cost of any remedial works. Getting the right environment permit and consents up front is far cheaper and much less stressful than dealing with enforcement action later.