Understanding problems associated with small-scale Private Sewage Systems (PSS) from regulators' perspectives - Main Report

Private sewage systems (PSS) refer to systems that are not connected to the mains sewer. According to estimates by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) the majority of PSS in Scotland serve domestic properties. SEPA is aware that problems in PSS design, siting, management and maintenance may lead to problems such as nuisance and diffuse pollution. A detailed account of the different types of PSS-related problems from the perspective of the householder, neighbours, local communities and regulatory authorities, i.e., SEPA and the local authorities, will help to inform bespoke actions. This work focuses on PSS serving up to nine properties, i.e., up to 50 population equivalent (p.e.), and regulators’ perspectives.