Why Maintenance is Vital
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The Biodigester range of private sewage treatment plants has a comprehensive two year warranty; however, servicing and maintenance is required on a regular basis to ensure efficient operation and compliance with Environment Agency consent conditions. An inadequately maintained system can have unpleasant consequences for you, your customers, your community and the environment.
- Treatment plants need regular maintenance for trouble free operation.
- Failure to carry out effective servicing can cost you dearly – in expensive repairs, government fines, or the shutdown of your business.
- The Water Resources Act 1991 as amended by the Environment Act 1995 'Consent to Discharge' section stipulates that 'a log of maintenance shall be kept for inspection by Agency Officers for a period not less than five years'.
- The 2002 Building regulations Part H2 states that 'regular maintenance and inspection should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions' and 'the owner is legally responsible to ensure that the system does not cause pollution, a health hazard or a nuisance'.
Additional Information
The following information, which may be useful to new or recent owners of private water treatment plants, is provided by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) in conjunction with the Environment Agency the NHBC and leading manufacturers of private sewage treatment plants in leaflet SP152L.http://www.ciria.org/
"It is important that a (small private sewage treatment) plant owner understands that these systems are not 'fit and forget'. In order for the plant to operate efficiently, thought should be given to the following maintenance requirements:
- Obtain and check the supplier's operating instructions for maintenance schedules and frequencies.
- It is important that daily, weekly and monthly checks be carried out. The plant manufacturer should be able to suggest simple methods for checking correct operation.
- Most treatment plants require professional servicing every 12 months with a detailed check every 6 months.
- Maintenance will be necessary even in the first year when the components are under warranty.
- All plants will require desludging by a licensed contractor at intervals as recommended by the plant manufacturer.
- Ensure safe and proper disposal of sludge by using tank cleaning and servicing companies.
- Due to health and safety reasons and the product knowledge required, it is recommended that a maintenance contract is taken out and that the plant is not serviced by the property owner."