Not quite flooded

[Bayliss]

It just had to happen as we put the house on the housing market. Property opposite has blocked drain causing massive back-up of flood water, and I am on a septic tank. Road under water, my house almost an island and neighbour in denial about who is responsible. Called loads of different agencies for urgent assistance and all bar one said 'not us guv'. In the end Highways came out as road was under water. I am told E.A. will be out to see me this week, local council investigating cause of flood and its all very nasty now that I have had to take reporting action. My septic tank has never let pollution into the open drain and I use a bio improver on a regular basis. Can the E.A. condemn my septic tank system or do they have to prove it is faulty, which it is not it is simply the fact that we were flooded through our neighbours negligence.

 

[Flyfisher]

Does the septic tank only serve your property? If so, how could a neighbour cause your tank to overflow? If the problem was caused by surface water flooding (for whatever reason), I don't really see what you could have done to prevent your tank overflowing. Doesn't this sort of thing happen all the time during flooding? Even to public sewers?

 

[Bayliss]

Does the septic tank only serve your property? If so, how could a neighbour cause your tank to overflow? If the problem was caused by surface water flooding (for whatever reason), I don't really see what you could have done to prevent your tank overflowing. Doesn't this sort of thing happen all the time during flooding? Even to public sewers?

My next door neighbour also has a bio digester which outlets into the same open watercourse. The watercourse is one of the main drains in the area and wends its way around a large area. The blocked drain pipe in my neighbours property is part of the same system, the water cannot flow any further therefore it backs up causing flooding. The outlet to this blocked pipe is trickling with water into another open watercourse, this watercourse is only at approx' one eighth capacity . So the back up comes up the outlet in my septic tank fills my septic tank which in turn backs up into our bathroom facilities. The various Agencies are now involved as its an Environmental issue as well as flooded road. All down to one person who refuses to accept their responsibilities of ensuring the section of watercourse is kept free flowing.

 

[MdB]

I can't comment on the flooding issue (though it does sound like your neighbour is at fault) but I would caution your use of the word Septic Tank as I believe these aren't allowed to directly discharge into a water course but need to go through a soakaway first. Use the term sewage treatment instead as they are allowed - though you need a certificate to say that it complies with the regs from the manufacturer. "Septic Tank" and "direct discharge" might raise red flags with the environment agency.

 

[Bayliss]

I can't comment on the flooding issue (though it does sound like your neighbour is at fault) but I would caution your use of the word Septic Tank as I believe these aren't allowed to directly discharge into a water course but need to go through a soakaway first. Use the term sewage treatment instead as they are allowed - though you need a certificate to say that it complies with the regs from the manufacturer. "Septic Tank" and "direct discharge" might raise red flags with the environment agency.

Thanks mdb, yes our septic tank goes through a field type filter system underground before discharge into water course. It is clean water as the ducks seem to enjoy the swimming.

 

[MdB]

Thanks mdb, yes our septic tank goes through a field type filter system underground before discharge into water course. It is clean water as the ducks seem to enjoy the swimming.

Sounds good. If it meets all the appropriate regs then I don't see a problem. They can't be expected to work when underwater.

 

[Flyfisher]

Yes, that was my thought, which is what my clumsy questions were about. Can't really expect any unsealed system to be unaffected by flooding!

Good point about the terminology as well. In that context, I wonder if the term 'discharge' should also be avoided. My understanding of *cough* septic tanks is that they discharge into a system of land drains whereby the outflow gradually filters into and through the subsoil.

While I agree that such outflow will undoubtedly find it's way into a nearby watercourse, I don't think I'd expect that to be called a discharge into the watercourse. That sort of thing implies a pipe to me.

But it's all just guessing on my part.

 

[MdB]

I guess the thing not to say is the "discharge from the septic tank goes into the water course". What you need to say is the "discharge from the sewage treatment system / filter system goes into the water course". They can't have a problem with that.

 

[Flyfisher]

Yes, but is the outflow of the septic tank the problem in the first place, or is it the overflowing of the septic tank due to surface water flooding?

 

[Bayliss]

Thank you to all respondents, this afternoon a local came along with valuable knowledge going back decades. He knew where the offending pipe was outflowing and located it for me. He then used rods and found a massive obstruction about 8 yards into the pipe. He managed to dislodge this and suddenly the (forgive the unintended pun) floodgates opened. The water surge is still continuing as I write but is reducing water levels now (panic over). As suspected it was this solitary partially blocked drain causing so much of a problem.
Now I have to deal with the E.A. sometime this week. I have noted your good advise and will ensure my terminology is correct regarding our 'treatment filter'. It does work correctly and we take great pains ensuring we do not cause pollution of any discription. Thanks again for good advise.

 

[Flyfisher]

Good news that the problem has been sorted out, plus you've gained valuable information about the layout of things in case of any future problems. Sounds like the local chap may have been passing on the baton of local knowledge. :wink:

Might be worth contacting EA to tell them the blockage has been cleared and there's now no need to come out?

 

[Bayliss]

Will contact EA but not sure they will cancel their visit, can only see what they say. Thank you again to all respondents. Crisis over.

 

[Bayliss]

To end this thread, E.A. contacted me and are fully satisfied that our septic tank system meets the requirements
Also the flood team from the Borough Council have issued an order to my neighbours to effect 'keep your drainage pipe system clear, or we will prosecute you with criminal negligence'. What a pity my neighbours acted so unsociably and irresponsibly that it had to come to this. Needless to say I will be keeping a close watch on drainage levels following sustained heavy rain in future.
Thanks for all good advise posted.

 

[Flyfisher]

Sounds like a sensible outcome for all concerned. Thanks for the update.