Why does united Utilities control trade effluent?
The Water industry Act 1991 gives United Utilities the job of controlling trade effluent, as the statutory sewerage undertaker for this area.
Effluent from industrial processes, if not controlled, can have harmful effects which include damage to sewers, compromising the health and safety of people working in the sewers, inhibition of processes used in the treatment of wastewater and harm to the fauna and flora of watercourses.
United Utilities aims to provide a financially competitive and reliable service to industrial customers by helping to ensure that their waste water complies with legal requirements, so preventing unacceptable effects on people, water resources and the environment.
How does United Utilities control trade effluent?
Any company who wishes to discharge wastewater into the public sewer will need permission from United Utilities.
United Utilities give permission to discharge in the form of the following documents:
- A Trade Effluent Consent or Agreement - for long term discharges, that are not domestic sewage.
- A temporary wastewater permit - For short term or one off discharges such as groundwater from a building site or central heating flushing of commercial premises.
Once a company has permission from United Utilities they will need to ensure their effluent complies with the conditions laid out in the relevant permission.
Discharging without permission or not complying with the conditions given in a permission document is an offence and if convicted a company will receive a fine. Please read our enforcement policy for further information.
How do I get permission to discharge to the public sewer?
In order for United Utilities to give permission to discharge a company will need to complete preliminary particular forms. As part of the application you will be asked to provide;
- A comprehensive site drainage plan
- Information on the nature of the discharge
- Water meter details
If you wish to receive a trade effluent information pack, or apply for permission to discharge to sewer, please contact the Trade Effluent Department at the following address: United Utilities, Lingley Mere Business Park, Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP. Telephone 01925 678173, email TEQUERY@uuplc.co.uk
Your local Regulatory Controller will then contact you and advise you on the process of getting permission.