Wastewater from sparsely populated areas

Decree of the Government on the treatment of domestic wastewater in areas outside the sewerage network (157/2017) and the Environmental Protection Act (527/2014) the amendment articles regarding waste water treatment and in areas outside the sewer networks were changed 3.4.2017.

For existing waste water systems, properties in sparsely populated areas must have a report on the waste water system (entered into force in 2004) and operating and maintenance instructions for the waste water system, which must be presented to the environmental protection authority upon request. If a wastewater system plan has been drawn up for the property, there is no need for a report.

When repairing/improving an old wastewater system or building a new one, there must be a plan. The plan must take into account the planned and other possible use of the property and the life cycle of the buildings. The plan must contain information on the quantity and quality of the waste water generated and information on the waste water system and its dimensions. Information in the form of a site plan on the location of the waste water system's pipes, equipment, and treated wastewater discharge point, the location of treatment and maintenance sites and their accessibility, the wastewater system and buildings located within the area of ​​influence of the wastewater, domestic water wells and other water intakes, surface and groundwater, and other land use, as well as, if necessary, an assessment of the functioning of the wastewater system, when surface and groundwater are at their highest. There must be maintenance and operating instructions for the waste water system.

A permit must be obtained to repair the wastewater system or build a new one. A building or operation permit is applied for from the municipality's building control.

You can get more information about the matter and report forms from Carita Kattainen carita.kattainenimatra.fi (carita[dot]kattainen[at]imatra[dot]fi)  tel. 020 617 1179 or from the customer service of the environmental department, tel. 020 617 4323 environmental actionimatra.fi (umparistotoimi[at]imatra[dot]fi)

According to current legislation:

1. The wastewater system does not need to be renewed
- the property was granted a building permit in 2004 or later
- the property is connected to the sewer network
- the property has a waste water system that meets the regulations
– you were born before 9.3.1943
- the property has running water and a dry toilet (huussi)

2. The property's wastewater system must be renovated 31.10.2019 by
- the building is located no more than 100 m away from a body of water or in a groundwater area used for water procurement or suitable for it
- you can deviate if the amount of waste water is remarkably small or the costs are unreasonable for the property owner

3. The property's wastewater system must be renovated in connection with the next major renovation (no deadline)
– construction of a water toilet or permit-required repair/modification of water and sewage systems, in which the system is renewed or completely repaired
- repair or alteration work that requires a building permit comparable to the construction of a building

In addition to the legislation, the regulations given in the environmental protection regulations of the municipalities and the building regulations of the municipalities, which may be stricter in coastal and groundwater areas, must be taken into account.