Discharge licenses

In 2005 the licensing of discharges into controlled waters was implemented through provisions outlined in the Water Pollution Act 1993. Any discharges which were present prior to the licensing scheme were given ‘existing’ licenses with limited conditions. New discharges to controlled waters are subject to a license application, modelling, consultation and specific conditions. The discharge of effluent from septic tanks to controlled waters was ceased with only discharges from private sewage treatment works allowed to enter any controlled waters.

DEFA’s policy for determining discharge licenses is outlined below which ensures that other options for disposal of effluent is considered before a discharge license application is progressed. The diagram below explains the policy with the full document available:

  Connection to Manx Utilities Infrastructure (Mains)

  Full Soak-away - Subject to percolation tests

  Partial Soak-away - Subject to percolation tests

  Discharge to watercourse

To apply for a discharge license please complete the application form and send it to environmentalprotection@gov.im or to the following address: 

Below is a map detailing the location of all discharge licenses which have been issued by the Department.