The installation of septic tanks throughout the Shire is in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) code of practice.
Septic tanks at a glance
- Septic tanks provide an onsite sewage disposal system for properties that have no access to a sewer connection
- You will require a permit to construct, install, or alter a septic tank system
- All septic tank systems must comply with the current Australian New Zealand standards
- You should regularly pump out the sludge from your tank (at least every 3 years but preferably every year)
On this page:
- Application Process
- Approval Process
- Maintaining your System
- Fees
- Moorabool Shire's Domestic Wastewater Management Plan
What is a septic tank system?
A septic tank system treats and retains sewage and sullage within the boundaries of your property.
The Environmental Protection Act requires that all systems generating less than 5,000 litres per day must be approved by Council prior to installation.
Applications must be made to Council for permission to install or alter septic tanks or other domestic wastewater treatment systems.
Step 1
Contact Council to determine whether a planning permit is required. A septic tank permit cannot usually be approved until the planning permit is issued.
Step 2
Contact either your relevant water authority if applicable (Central Highlands Water, Barwon Water, Western Water, Goulburn Murray Water, or Southern Rural Water) to find out if further conditions apply.
Step 3
Submit the application form and pay any relevant fees. Along with the application form, you must also submit a site plan.
Step 4
Provide the plumber or builder your “Permit to Install”.
A Land Capability Assessment (LCA) needs to be submitted as part of the application process. An LCA is a written report that assesses the various aspects of a site and determines the capability of the land to sustain a wastewater system.
You can contact a Land Capability Assessor but note that Council does not actively endorse any of the consultants listed.
Council will be assessing LCAs received using both the EPA Code of Practice and the recently released Victorian Land Capability Assessment Framework (VLCA) – 2nd Edition January 2014.
Council’s Environmental Health Unit recommends you ensure your LCA meets the requirements of these documents and taking this approach to ensure consistency in the quality of LCAs received.
Approval Process
- No installation work should be conducted without the “Permit to Install”. 24 hours before works begin the owner or the plumber should contact Council’s Environmental Health Unit to request a progress inspection
- Once Council’s Environmental Health Unit receives and approves this document, you will be issued with a “Permit to Use” the septic tank system
- Note: A Building Surveyor cannot issue an “occupancy certificate” until Council issues your “Permit to Use”
Maintaining your System
- The property owner is responsible for maintaining the septic tank system
- All septic tanks including a standard septic tank and an aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS) must be desludged at least once every 3 years
- An AWTS must be serviced through a contract with an accredited service technician every 3 months
A list of service providers is available and an example of a service report is provided that shows all the areas that need attention during a service.
Failure to maintain System
Council follows up all owners or occupiers that are not maintaining their systems within the required timeframe.
Failure to maintain your system is an offence under Section 53N of the Environmental Protection Act 1970 and can result in an infringement of 5 penalty units.
Fees
| Septic Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Permit to Install | $1375.00 |
| Major alternation (including 2 inspections) | $647.00 |
| Minor alternation, Cost of works max $2000 (including 1 inspections) | $200.00 |
| Extention to current permit only 1 extention allowed | $50.00 |
| Grey Water Permit | $455.00 |
| Additional inspection request | $100.00 |
| Septic information request | $141.00 |
| Septic information request no inspection required | $50.00 |
| Sample request | Cost of sample plus 20% |
Need further information?
Service agents responsibilities
Home owners and renters responsibilities
Domestic Wastewater Management Plan
Council's Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP) allows for better development of houses in regional areas where waterways may otherwise have excessively restricted growth.
Moorabool Shire Council Audit report (December 2017) presents the findings resulting from the audit of the DWMP.
