Clenviro Insight: Debunking Sewage Treatment Plant Myths

When it comes to off-mains drainage, sewage treatment plants are often misunderstood. From being labelled "fancy septic tanks or cesspools with an outlet" to fears about smells and maintenance, there's no shortage of myths clouding the facts.

With stricter regulations, growing environmental pressures, and smarter system design, it’s time to clear the air.

In this blog, we debunk the most common misconceptions about sewage treatment plants — and explain why systems like our MATRIX range are setting the record straight.

Myth - 'They're Just Fancy Septic Tanks'

Septic tanks only provide primary treatment. MATRIX sewage treatment plants perform full aerobic / biological

treatment with over 96% efficiency, meeting BS EN 12566-3 standards and making them suitable for direct

discharge.

Myth - 'You Always Need a Permit'

Many domestic STPs like MATRIX do not require a permit under the General Binding Rules, provided

discharge is under 2m3/day to ground or 5m³/day to a watercourse and sits within appropriate environmental conditions.

Myth - 'They Smell Like Sewage'

MATRIX systems are designed to vent all gases / smells at high level to atmosphere by utilising the soli vent stack / pipe on the property, making it ideal for residential usage.

Myth - 'They're High Maintenance'

MATRIX systems have no internal moving parts, easily accessible above-ground electricals & failure alarms, and only require annual emptying, making

them low maintenance and cost-effective.

Myth - 'They Can't Handle Holiday Homes or Variable Loads'

MATRIX systems are designed and certified to handle variable and seasonal occupancy based on British

Water's Flows & Loads Code of Practice.

Myth - 'They Take Up Loads of Space'

With a compact, flat-bottomed cylindrical design, MATRIX units can be installed underground with minimal footprint and even

accommodate traffic-rated covers, semi-above ground installations, high water tables and variable inverts.

Myth - 'It's Easier to Stick With a Septic Tank'

With stricter environmental laws and long-term reliability concerns, septic tanks are often more problematic.

MATRIX offers compliance, cleaner discharge, and better value.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

Sewage treatment systems like MATRIX are the smart, modern choice for off-mains wastewater. They're

clean, compliant, compact, and cost-effective.