You must apply to Council's Environmental Health Office for permission to install or alter a septic tank system or other domestic wastewater treatment system.

Applications must include the following:

• a completed and signed permit application form (for a copy of the form, contact Environmental Health on 9747 7200)
• a plan of the proposed septic tank (completed by your plumber) that includes the following information:
  • location of the house in relation to the property boundaries
  • exact location of all plumbing fixtures and fittings
  • location of all buildings or proposed buildings, water tanks, swimming pools, driveways, excavations, stormwater drains, water pipes, easement drains, streams, dams and water courses
  • fall of land in vicinity of wastewater disposal area
  • position of septic tank and layout of wastewater disposal area

All effluent disposals must be sub-surface irrigated and if from a treatment plant the effluent must be evenly distributed via pressure compensated piping.

As the waste water treatment system is installed, you or your plumber must contact the Environmental Health Department to ensure the correct inspections occur.

A ‘permit to use’ will be issued once the plant is installed, all necessary inspections completed and the plumber’s compliance certificate submitted. A waste water treatment plant must not be used until the ‘Permit to Use’ has been issued.

For more information, contact Council's Environmental Health Officer on 9747 7200.