Inspections of Onsite Sewage Management Systems - Approval to operate a system of sewage mangement

Introduction

It is important if you live in a household where the main Sydney Water sewage system is not available that you choose the best system for waste water disposal on your site. On-site sewage management involves the collection and treatment of human waste and wastewater, followed by the release of liquid (treated wastewater) and solid (sludge, sewage and compost) products into the environment. The inappropriate use or disposal of these products can have adverse impacts on the community and public health through the spread of disease by bacteria, viruses, parasites and other organisms in the wastewater, contamination of ground water and surface water, degradation of soil and vegetation and loss of amenity, caused by odours and insects.

 Types of on-site sewage management systems

If you own or rent a house that is not connected to the sewerage system provided by Sydney Water, you will have some type of sewage management system on the property. Any system that stores, treats or disposes of sewage on a site must be maintained in a manner that ensures no impact occurs to public health and the environment . These systems are all classified as on-site sewage management systems and require approval to operate under the Local Government Act 1993.

 Council's responsibility

To prevent environmental harm and protect public health by: carrying out routine inspections of on-site sewage management systems, providing advice and directions where necessary and follow up inspections where necessary; quickly investigating and appropriately actioning complaints relating to on-site sewage management systems; and providing education to residents that have on-site sewage management systems. Council keeps a register of all onsite sewage management systems and all these systems are required to be inspected regularly.

There is an initial fee for the registration and inspection of the systems. Further inspection will be necessary depending on the risk category for the system or site.

Fee Structure

 $40 - Approval to operate on-site sewage management system. All onsite systems must be approved by Council.

$250 - Inspection fee of the on-site sewage management system. (If Council Officer required to undertake)

$200 - Inspection fee for temporary sewerage management systems.

 All systems registered with Council are routinely inspected depending on their risk category. Council approval to operate a system of sewerage management is required to be obtained for all on site sewerage management systems under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993. It is an offence not to pay this fee or operate the system without or not in accordance with an approval.

DA Requirements for on-site sewage management systems

A Development Application (DA) is required to be lodged for an assessment and determination for all proposals to install or modify on-site sewage management systems and the installation of a swimming pool, spa, horse stable etc where the property is not connected to sewer.

*Please note- If a like for like (ie/ 3000L septic tanks is replaced by a new 3000L septic tank in the same hole) a Development Approval is not required.  As soon as you change the type of system or location approval is required.

Products that affect your septic system

Bleach, bleach based products, whiteners, nappy soakers and spot removers - Don't put them into your septic tank via the sink,

• Hygiene products, condoms, tampons, sanitary napkins, disposable nappies and cotton buds - Don't put them down the toilet, dispose safely into rubbish bin in sealed plastic bags.
• Disinfectants and detergents - Don't use more than the recommended amounts, try to use detergents with a low phosphorus or biodegradable products.

Tips on reducing water usage

Reducing water usage will help keep your on-site sewage management system functioning efficiently for years to come and lessen the likelihood of problems with your system. The system is unable to effectively cope with large amounts of water. Try to spread your washing and showers throughout the day and week. When buying new appliances that use water look for the 'AAA' rating which indicates reduced water usage. Showers use 10-30 litres per minute, 200 litres in 10 minutes. Try using water saving heads or flow restrictors.  Toilets use up to 11 litres per flush, installing a dual flush system or low flush system saves water.  Washing Machines use 100 - 200 litres per load. Fully load your machine.  Some types of washing machines and dishwashers use less water than others. Use low phosphorus detergents and recommended amount. Dishwashers use approximately 50 litres per cycle. Use low or no phosphorus detergents and don't use the dishwasher until there is a full load.  Leaking taps can lose up to 5 litres per hour. Baths use an average of 120 litres.

If things go wrong

If you are experiencing problems with the operation of an on-site sewage management system on a property within Pittwater local government area contact Council for assistance and provide the following information; Your contact details, including name, address and phone number; The address details where the problem is occurring; Specific details of the problem; and Any other relevant information. Council will quickly respond to your complaint, keeping your details confidential. Report complaints about pollution, odour, spray drift etc to Council urgently on  (02) 9970 1111.