Jeff Howell: is there an alternative to a cesspool sewage system? However, some areas of Suffolk have heavy clay subsoil, which is not suitable for the leaching field option. In that case, you will need to invest in a mini-treatment plant, which is like a septic tank but with an extra second chamber, in which air is bubbled through the liquid waste using an electric pump, to provide the aerobic decomposition. The liquid waste (or "liquor" as it is charmingly called) can then be safely piped away into your nearby stream, whether it is flowing or not. You will need to pay a one-off fee for a "discharge licence" from the Environment Agency for this privilege. Septic squabbles Q: We live in a rural area with no mains drainage available. Since moving here 10 years ago we have shared a septic tank with our neighbours - the tank and soakaway are on their land. They sold up almost a year ago and the new owners are now gently hinting that they do not like the arrangement - they have young children and worry about any seepage of effluent (there hasn't been any to date). Although we have all the necessary permission to discharge into the system, we are beginning to foresee problems with their attitude and wondered if there is any other system that we could install on our own land so that we can be independent. We have a pocket handkerchief front patio but the rear garden is about a quarter of an acre and slopes away from the house, so we have room for our own tank but we don't think there is room for a soakaway and all the run-offs of a tank such as we now have. We have heard of sealed units but are not sure of the pros and cons. What are your thoughts on these and are you aware of any other suitable systems on the market? Any advice on where to go or look for help would also be appreciated. RL, Staffordshire A: Please see my answer to the question above for your technological options. However, the arrangement that you describe is not unusual in rural areas, where two or three houses share a septic tank or mini-treatment plant situated on one householder's land, and share the maintenance and emptying costs. It appears that your new neighbours might have an irrational fear of germs or contamination from this shared septic tank. I suggest you check the deeds to your property, where you will almost certainly find that you have an easement to use the septic tank on their land, in which case there is nothing they can do to stop you using it. If they don't like the arrangement, then this is something that their solicitor should have brought to their attention during the conveyancing process, and they should take up their grievances with him.