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Inspection of on-site sewage management systems
Inspections of on-site sewage management systems in Pittwater are to be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced professionals such as licensed plumbers or wastewater service agents.
Letters are sent to landowners with on-site systems advising of the year that the on-site system is next due for inspection.
Systems are inspected in accordance with a risk management classification:
- High Risk Systems are to be inspected every year
- Medium Risk Systems are to be inspected every two years
- Low Risk Systems are to be inspected every three years.
Generally, high risk systems are located on waterfront properties or close to a watercourse. Medium risk systems are located on properties one road back from the waterfront or on a larger parcel of land. Low Risk Systems are located on acreage properties (not near a dam) or at the top of a hill.
When an inspection of the on-site system is due landowners are required to submit the completed Inspection Report and Approval to Operate forms to Council.
When the documents are completed they are to be returned by fax (02 9970-1200), email (pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au), post (PO BOX 882, Mona Vale NSW 1660) or by hand to Council’s customer service offices at Mona Vale or Avalon.
At the time of inspection the suitably qualified and experienced professional (such as a licensed plumber or wastewater service agent) will be required to enter your premises and carry out a visual inspection of the site in order to monitor the condition of the system including tank/s and any effluent disposal areas. The inspection is to include all the items listed on the Inspection Report, which are the 'performance standards' required by legislation.
Inspections are a form of service and the person responsible for paying an inspection fee is to always receive an inspection report as evidence of service. The Inspection Report is to be completed by the person carrying out the inspection and submitted to Council.
Here an Inspection Report advises that works are required to ensure that the system is operating satisfactorily Council may require the carrying out of works within a site specific timeframe. Where the problem is more serious formal action may be taken by Council to ensure that the system is operated and maintained in a manner not likely to harm the environment or public health.
Click here to view and print the Inspection Report form
* Please be advised where Council does not recieve an inspection report by the required date, Council will complete the inspection and invoice the owner as per Councils's approved fees and charges.