Deviations from wastewater treatment requirements

Wastewater systems for properties built before 2004 located in coastal or groundwater areas must be brought into compliance with the wastewater regulation by October 31, 2019. The regulation applies to properties not located within the operational area of municipal wastewater treatment plants.

For areas other than coastal and groundwater areas, a property-specific schedule applies, determining the timing of the wastewater system renovation based on other permitted construction and repair works conducted at the property. New properties must immediately meet the treatment requirements set forth in the regulation and the Environmental Protection Act.

Domestic wastewater must be treated such that the environmental burden from organic matter is reduced by at least 80 percent, total phosphorus by at least 70 percent, and total nitrogen by at least 30 percent compared to the burden from untreated wastewater. Treatment requirements have been detailed in the building regulations of the municipality of Janakkala.

The construction or renovation of a wastewater system must be based on an appropriate plan. It is advisable to have an external expert prepare the plan. The wastewater system plan must be attached to the building or operation permit application or the construction notification.

All properties must have a wastewater report prepared, which describes the system’s structure as well as its usage and maintenance instructions. This report is required when the system is renewed or when the property is sold. The report must be kept at the property and presented to the supervisory authority upon request.

In properties with dry toilets and where water is carried inside (carried water), the amount of wastewater generated is so small that it can be disposed of untreated in the ground. Wastewater must not be discharged directly into water bodies or too close to drinking water wells. Sauna water and dishwater can be disposed of in the ground through a soakaway or similar device.

In summer cottages with pressurized water systems, wastewater cannot be absorbed into the ground as is. Properties must comply with basic treatment requirements for wastewater. If a dry toilet is used, the most cost-effective solution is typically to install a gray water filter for wash water..

Applications for deviations apply only to properties in groundwater areas and coastal areas (100 m from water bodies). A deviation does not need to be requested if:

the property uses carried water, or
the property is owned and permanently inhabited by individuals born before March 9, 1943.

The municipal environmental protection authority may grant an exception for the renovation of the wastewater system upon application, if the renovation is deemed unreasonable for the property holder. In assessing unreasonableness, the property’s location within the planned operational area of the sewer facility, the residents’ advanced age or unemployment, illness, or other comparable social performance obstacles are taken into account.