A discharge consent is required for the disposal of waste waters into controlled waters which includes groundwater, rivers, streams, lakes and the sea.

 

If you discharge any sewage, effluent or contaminated run off to surface waters or groundwater you must have prior written authorisation from your Environmental Regulator (Environment Agency / Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) in the form of a discharge consent or other appropriate authorisation.  Contact information can be found on the Environment webpage.

 

Discharging without consent or exceeding conditions are serious criminal acts and attract significant fines and possible imprisonment. For general advice or information contact Ask Al - Safety Advice Line.