Package treatment plant

A package treatment plant is a compact prefabricated unit that uses aerobic biological processes to treat domestic sewage to a higher standard than a traditional septic tank. Wastewater passes through settlement, aeration and final clarification chambers, where bacteria break down organic matter before discharge to a drainage field or, with permit, to a watercourse. UK installations follow Building Regulations Part H2, BS EN 12566-3 and the Environment Agency General Binding Rules. Effluent quality is typically much better than septic tank discharge, allowing direct release to watercourse under certain conditions. Plants require a continuous power supply for blowers and regular servicing by a competent engineer. They are increasingly common in rural Greater London villages and on properties off the public sewer in adjoining counties.