Onsite Wastewater Management

Council is required to prepare an On Site Sewage Management Strategy(PDF, 217KB)  for its Local Government Area.

The On-site Sewage Management Strategy outlines an inspection regime for all septic tank systems in the Local Government Area based on a number of risk factors (e.g. land size, availability of water, location in drinking water catchment).

Council’s Environmental Health Officers will be progressively implementing the On-site Sewage Management Strategy.  Fees for the inspections and approvals will apply in accordance with Council’s Revenue Policy.

When do I need approval?

An approval is required whenever:

  1. a new system is installed; or
  2. alterations are made to an existing system. This includes new and altered plumbing and drainage works.
  3. ongoing approval to operate an OSSMS is required.

 

New systems or alterations

Your application should be supported by:

  • a Geotechnical report
  • a site specific plan indicating the type and location of the system

These documents should be attached to your completed New or Alter/Modify a Sewage Management System application form.  You will be contacted to pay the relevant fee once your application has been assessed.

You will also need to obtain a copy of the current NSW Health Accreditation available from NSW Health.  

Once an approval of installation is issued, work may commence. As Council is responsible for ensuring the installation the proposed system is in accordance with the specifications and the geotechnical report a number of mandatory inspections are required at certain stages of the installation process. 

At completion a final inspection will be conducted and an Approval to Operate will be issued. The Approval to Operate gives an approval period of 2 years for a new or modified system.

Ongoing approval to operate a OSSMS

The owner of the system must apply to renew the Approval to Operate prior to it’s expiry by completing the Approval to Operate a Sewage Management System & Change of Owner application form. Council will send a letter to property owners to remind them of this requirement when an on-site sewage management system is due to expire. Once an application to renew the Approval to Operate is received and the relevant fees paid, Council's Environmental Health Officers will complete an inspection to ensure the system is working efficiently.

The Online Waste Management Guide booklet(PDF, 1MB) shows how to manage your wastewater treatment system safely.

Council's  On site Sewage Management System  Factsheet(PDF, 4MB)  and Septic Safe brochure(PDF, 1MB)  provide additional information.

 

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