On-Site Sewage Management (OSM) OVERVIEW

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Jemima Gaines
6 years ago
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1 On-Site Sewage Management (OSM) OVERVIEW

2 WELCOME Introduction Amenities Emergency procedures

3 AGENDA Council s Role in OSM Daniel Operation, Maintenance and Inspections Matt Future Direction Tait Questions, Discussion and Feedback

4 WHAT IS ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT? The management of any human waste treatment device that does not dispose directly to sewer

5 BACKGROUND Wallis Lake Hepatitis A Oyster Outbreak Traced to failing OSM systems The incident led to an: Increase in Regulation Increase in Environment and Health Standards

6 LEGISLATION AND REGULATION Local Government Act 1993 Installation/modification approvals Operational approvals Power of Entry Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 SEPP62 - Priority Oyster Aquaculture Areas

7 REGISTRATION, APPROVAL TO INSTALL AND TO OPERATE Council maintains a register of on-site systems Currently about 5500 systems Council approvals Approval to install required for new systems or modifications of existing Approval to Operate (ATO) like registering a vehicle

8 NEW PROPERTY OWNERS OPERATING THE SYSTEM IN MY NAME Three months for new owners to apply for an Approval to Operate Council will send reminders to new owners An application is required, we cannot update with the notice of sale

9 PREPURCHASE INSPECTIONS HAVE YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED BEFORE YOU BUY Pre-purchase inspections are not required, but they: Can identify potential problems with the system prior to purchase Give a piece of mind the system is registered and operational Include the approval to operate fee required for new owners

10 MY SEPTIC OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS

11 HOW DO SEPTICS WORK?

12 AERATED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

13 LAND APPLICATION AREA

14 LAND APPLICATION AREA

15 INSPECTIONS / AUDITS WHAT WE LOOK FOR Tank integrity and seal Risks to Public Health (disease transmission) Risks to the Environment (pollution) Compliance with legislative requirements Stormwater diversion Signs of failure Overflow Relief Gully

Harsh chemicals entering system Animals/vehicles on

20 REASONS SYSTEMS FAIL Age of system Too much sludge or scum in tank Too much water entering tank / tank too full Harsh chemicals entering system Animals/vehicles on disposal area Blockages Sanitary products flushable wipes nappies

21 HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO REPAIR / UPGRADE? High risk systems will have to be addressed quicker than low risk systems Depends on what has to be repaired / upgraded We will try to work with the owner to get an agreed upon time frame (must be reasonable)

22 WHAT CAN I DO? Perform regular check-ups Check for: Odours Damp soggy ground Lots of dark green grass Check taps, toilets and drains Not leaking/running Not slow to drain De-sludge every 3-5 years Clean effluent filter (if one is present)

23 NOTIFICATION OF INSPECTION HOW DO I KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN?

24 FUTURE DIRECTION

25 The Septic Safe Program Every Council in NSW is required to have a septic safe program. Most Councils use a risk based inspection program Some charge per inspection Some charge per system Some have a rates based charge A few Councils don t inspect due to the lower risks PMHC - Rates charge and random inspections.

26 SERVICE REVIEW Review of the On-Site Sewage Management program has identified; Policy requires updating Risk-based inspection program advised Tiered fee structure advised Per system charge advised PMHC are cheap compared to other Councils Not meeting service requirements Establishment of extra positions/resources

27 POLICY WHY HAVE ONE AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME? Increased inspections Tiered fee structures Self-assessment option Upgrades & Installation requirements

28 RISK RATINGS HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE RISK OF A SYSTEM? Risk ratings High Medium Low Ratings are based on: Age and type of system Wastewater volume Distances to: Ecologically sensitive areas Waterways (permanent and intermittent) Boundaries

30 FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEPTIC I PAY A FEE WITH MY RATES, WHERE DOES IT GO? Annual approval to operate Routine auditing of systems Administration Register maintenance AWTS signage Complaint investigations Environmental monitoring Education & EHO s

31 SMALL TOWN SEWER SCHEME UPDATE The construction of the 3 Villages Sewerage Schemes (i.e. Comboyne, Long Flat & Telegraph Point) are currently on hold pending advice regarding funding from the State Government. It is expected that information will be provided to the October or November 2015 Ordinary Council Meeting to advise village residents and the wider community of new completion date.

32 Questions & Feedback PLEASE COMPLETE BOTH FEEDBACK FORMS BEFORE YOU LEAVE

33 For further information on On-site Sewage Management, visit our website:

34 IMAGE AND CONTENT REFERENCES Local Government Act 1993 title image; accessed via NSW Legislation website: Bradley, Bill; Builder Bill Overflow Relief Gully, Gully Trap, Or Plain Old ORG Ministry of Health (NSW); NSW Health Advisory Note 5 Office of Local Government (NSW); Silver bullet Environmental & Health Protection Guidelines; On-site Sewage Management for Single Households Office of Local Government (NSW); The easy septic guide Smith, N. (unpublished images) BEST Building & Environmental Services Today Sydney Catchment Authority; Types of treatment and application (disposal) systems

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