Wastewater sludge management is regulated in the Waste Management Regulations of South Karelia (Sections 36–38). Wastewater from residential buildings located outside the sewer network is discharged into the property's own septic tank or closed tank (sludge/mud pit) or into a small treatment plant.
It is the property owner's responsibility to order these emptyings. Sludge transport should primarily be ordered from an operator that is approved for the waste management register in accordance with the Waste Act. Waste Management Compass - Home Page (jatehuoltokompassi.fi) or which has received an environmental permit for sludge treatment.
The sludge is delivered to the wastewater treatment plant by a transport company, unless it is treated independently in accordance with the South Karelia Waste Management Regulations (Section 38).
Sludge tank emptying intervals
Settling tank, sludge chambers of small treatment plants (other similar tanks): whenever necessary or AT LEAST once a year (exception for properties with little water, e.g. simplified holiday homes, where the interval is a maximum of three years) OR according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Closed containers: as needed (filling and operation of the fill alarm must be monitored)
Sand separation, oil separation, grease separation wells: whenever necessary, AT LEAST once a year.
Phosphorus removal wells: whenever necessary.
The owner or occupier of the property must ensure that:
Records are kept of the emptying of sludge tanks.
sludge tanks and related structures are intact, safe, and fit for purpose
the road to the sludge tanks is unobstructed and safe
the person emptying the tank receives instructions on how to empty it, if necessary
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