Public Health Issues
Minimum Area Calculation (Excel Spreadsheet)
ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
COUNCIL’S ROLEIf you live in a house that is not connected to the main sewer, then chances are that your yard contains an on-site sewage management system. If this is the case then you have a special responsibility to ensure that your system is working well. Poorly maintained systems have the potential to significantly affect you and your family’s health, as well as the local environment.
On-site sewage management facilities which are not operating correctly have the potential to create environmental disasters. In recognising this potential, the NSW government has enacted legislation that requires approval not only for the installation of systems, but for their continued operation.
Council’s On-site Sewage Management Strategy details the way in which this environmental issue will be dealt with.
Those circumstances which determine the level of risk have been grouped to define the potential risk as low, medium or high. Operating systems will be inspected starting with high risk situations. Following the inspection, a time limited consent to operate will be granted. At this time, the maximum approval will be for 5 years, the minimum 3 years.
Council has put together a strategy which outlines their proposed method of (dealing with) the situation.
WILL COUNCIL BE INSPECTING MY SEPTIC TANK / ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM?
Under Council’s On-Site Sewage Management Strategy there will be a requirement for all On-site systems to be inspected. After the inspection the system will then be classed as either high, medium or low risk.
IF I HAVE A SEPTIC TANK WILL THIS NEED TO BE REPLACED BY A NEWER ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SYSTEM?
Many people are concerned that when Council inspects their property that they will have to spend thousands of dollars upgrading their system to a newer environmentally friendly system. This however will not be the case. When Council inspects your system, whatever type of system that it is, if it is found to be in good working order then no upgrade will be necessary. If your septic system or other system is found to have problems you will only need to repair it so that it is working efficiently.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO WHEN APPLYING FOR APPROVAL FROM COUNCIL?
When applying for an approval for your septic system you will need to obtain a form from Council. This can be downloaded from the web site or you may obtain one by visiting the Council Administration Building which is located in Maitland Street Muswellbrook.
When lodging your application with Council you need to ensure that the following information is included:
You will need to ensure that the model that you are intending to install has been approved by NSW Health. If your tank has not been approved by NSW Health then Council will be unable to process your application. If you want to know if the tank you are looking at has been approved by NSW Health ask your manufacturer or contact Council’s Health and Building Surveyor on 6549 3773.
A site map that indicates dimensions (distances etc)
A picture with details of the proposed unit
Details of a licensed plumber
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