2013-2014 Septic Tank Information Pack and Form - Version 5-1

8/16/2019 2013-2014 Septic Tank Information Pack and Form - Version 5-1

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For residents and installers in Golden Plains Shire

Your guide to

Septic Tank Applications



12/01/16

About septic tank permits

Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 , any person requires a permit from Council toconstruct, install or alter any part of a septic tank system. Legal penalties apply for work carriedout without a permit.

The permit consists of a two stage process:

1. A ‘Permit to Alter/Install’ a septic tank system . This permit must be issued before abuilding permit can be issued.

2. A ‘Certificate to Use’ the septic tank system. This permit must be issued before abuilding Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

Contact usCall Golden Plains Shire Customer Service Visit our Bannockburn Office

Phone: (03) 5220 7111Local call: 1300 36 30 36Fax: (03) 5220 7100

2 Pope StreetBannockburn Victoria 3331

Postal Address Visit our Linton Office

Golden Plains Shire CouncilPO Box 111Bannockburn Victoria [email protected]

68 Sussex StreetLinton Victoria 3360



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All septic tank applications (installation and alteration) require the following:

1 Completed and signed application form

2 House/Building Floor Plan (detailing all rooms and plumbing fixtures)

3 Site Plan (refer to Site Plan section of this document)

4 Land Capability Assessment (if applicable – refer to Land Capability Assessmentsection of this document)

5 Current copy of Title and Plan of Subdivision

6 A copy of your Planning Permit (if applicable)

7 Applicable fee (refer to application form for current fees)

*Applications cannot be assessed until all documentation is received.

Important reminder: Any septic tank system must comply with the EPA Code of Practice and the Australian

Standard for onsite wastewater management Any septic tank work must be carried out by a licenced plumber.



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Selecting your septic system

This is a vital decision to ensure the system you select for your property will be sustainable andsuitable for the conditions of the site.

Information on types of systems is available in community fact sheets on Council’s website, on the

Victorian Environment Protection Agency (EPA) website and through discussions with your plumberand Council’s Environmental Health Unit. Types of systems available are listed on the Victorian EPAwebsite under ‘onsite wastewater’.

Types of septic systems

The two most common types of systems installed in Golden Plains Shire are:

1. Primary treatment 2. Secondary treatment

This is a conventional septic tank connected toabsorption trenches, usually a gravity based

system.

This is either a septic tank combined with asand filter; or a packaged treatment plant.

Both types are commonly connected tosubsurface irrigation lines.

Factors which may determine your decision about which system to use include: Restrictive site conditions i.e. heavy clay based soils, proximity to water courses or other

surface water, lot size. Cost of installation and ongoing maintenance costs Potential to irrigate garden and garden beds with effluent Recommendations in a Land Capability Assessment (if applicable) Restrictions on your land title relating to onsite wastewater disposal.

Placement of septic systems

Discuss with your plumber the suitable placement of the septic tank system and note thatconstruction over any part of the system is prohibited.

Factors to consider when weighing up proposed location of the septic tank system include: Restrictions on title or planning permits regarding placement of a wastewater system (if

applicable) Recommendations from a Land Capability Assessment (if applicable)

Locations of future sheds, house extensions, swimming pools, tennis courts, dog yards,clotheslines, garden paths and driveways

Required fall from the house to the septic tank system (discuss with your plumber) Location of internal plumbing and main outlet from the dwelling Setbacks to site boundaries, surface water, dams, drainage easements, storm water drains,

services, buildings (refer to setbacks / buffer distances of this document) Future landscaping (some systems are able to reuse effluent to irrigate garden beds if

constructed early) Septic tanks are installed at ground level so lids, vents, alarms are visible – consider whether

you want to see these components from your lounge room and/or decking area.



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Providing a site plan with your application

The Site Plan provided with your application must be legible and detailed.

Septic tank Site Plans are just as important as your Building Plans - rough sketches with no sitedetails will not be accepted.

Failure to provide a suitable plan with your application will result in a delay to the processing of yourpermit as you will be asked to resubmit.

If your neighbour has a dam on their boundary, or you have a dam or waterway running throughyour property, it must be shown on your plan. An appropriate site plan will ensure that everyoneunderstands the required works and your permit can be issued without delay.

The following details need to be included on your plan: Locations and dimensions of all buildings

or proposed buildings

Locations and dimensions of all currentand proposed structures such asswimming pools, tennis courts, dog yards,garden paths, driveways, cubby houses,etc

Water tanks, water pipes, storm waterdrains

Driveways Underground power, water and

telecommunications connections

Sites with hills, an indication of surfacerunoff

Location of proposed system includingdisposal field

The position and direction of North

The fall of the land

Distances from the closest part of theseptic system to site features including;property boundaries, buildings, sheds,other services, waterways, dams andeasements.

On the following page you will find examples of Site Plans:

iNote: your Site Plan is

important – a poor plan willresult in delays to the

processing of your permit asyou will be asked

to resubmit a suitable plan.

Plans don’t have to beprofessionally drawnbut they do need tobe clear, legible anddetailed.

Your builder needsdetailed plans to buildyour house and yourplumber needsdetailed plans toinstall a septic tank.

Include as much detailas possible on yourplan.



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Suitable site plan – example 1 – Septic tank and absorption trenches



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Suitable site plan – example 2 – AWTS and subsurface irrigation



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Land Capability Assessments

Do you need a Land Capability Assessment?If your property/development meets any of the following criteria, a Land Capability Assessment(LCA) will be required. Is your site:

smaller than 4000 m2 (1 Acre)

within the Moorabool (Sheoaks) Open PotableWater Catchment Area

classified as high risk for groundwater –groundwater is of high quality and within 5 metresof the surface

of a slope of greater than 20% covered by 50% or more FO (Flood Overlay) smaller than 2 hectares and a primary treatment

system is proposed in an area where clay basedsoils are evident

a non-residential development.

About Land Capability Assessments (LCA)

LCA’s are to be prepared in accordance with EPA publication 746.1 and the MAV – Victorian LandCapability Assessment Framework and must be carried out by a suitably qualified consultant (soilscientist or hydro-geologist).

A LCA will detail the groundwater depth, soil permeability, average rainfall, soil category rating; soilclassification and any other aspects of the site relevant to that particular property. The informationcontained in a LCA report will determine a range of recommended irrigation and effluent disposaldesigns that are dependent on soil classification.

If a LCA is required for your property, you need to engage an assessor and ask them to contactCouncil to discuss the assessment with an Environmental Health Officer prior to commencement.This will ensure that the assessment addresses any constraints specific to the site. Ensure youprovide the assessor with all the relevant information including future land use plans, such as plansfor house extensions or sheds.

Details of areas in Golden Plains Shire which are classified ‘high risk groundwater’ and‘heavily sloped’ are detailed in Map 16 of Council’s Domestic Wastewater Management Plan(available on the website)

If you are unsure if your application requires a LCA, please make sure you contact Counciland speak with an Environmental Health Officer prior to lodging an application.

iNote: in rare circumstances,

there may be an accumulationof additional constraints that,

upon assessment of anapplication by Council,

warrant a LCA.



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Conventional septic tanks

Septic tanks must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1546.1.

Conventional septic tanks are a minimum of 3200 Litres. Wastewater is retained within the tank fora minimum of 24 hours where solids settle to the bottom of the tank and anaerobic digestion of

organic solids occur. The liquid content is discharged to absorption trenches preferably by gravity, orby a pump well where sufficient fall cannot be achieved.

Septic tanks are to be de-sludged every three years or as required upon assessment by a suitablecontractor. Septic tanks need to be installed in stable ground and all inspection openings must be atground level so that the tank can be located and maintained i.e. inspection openings, inlet of septictank and access lids.



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Absorption trenches

Absorption trenches must be constructed in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1547.

Absorption trenches are a traditional method of disposal of wastewater from primary treatmentseptic tank systems. The trenches are constructed with a “slotted pipe” or “arch tunnel” to distribute

the effluent evenly along the trench.

The effluent is disposed of by:a) absorption into the surrounding soilsb) transpiration into roots of grasses above the trench andc) evaporation through the top-soil.

Absorption trenches are to be a maximum length of 30 metres , a minimum 2 metres apart , eachinstalled with a distribution box at the beginning of the trench with access at ground level. The topof the trench is to be mounded to allow for natural settlement of soil and to stop surface water

entering the trench. Absorption trenches are not suitable in heavy clay based soils.

Construction of trenches are to be in accordance with the following schematic:

Aggregate is to be 20-40mm clean, hard quartz stone or other approved stone free of dust, dirt,loam, soft particles, organic and other foreign matter.

Trenches are to be installed a maximum of 400mm deep. Deeper trenches will cause the system tofail. Where sufficient fall cannot be achieved between the septic tank and absorption trenches tomaintain this depth, a pump well will need to be installed prior to the trenches.



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Aggregate is to be clean, hard quartz stone or other approved stone free of dust, dirt, loam, soft

particles, organic and other foreign matter. Small aggregate is to be 5-10mm in size. Large aggregate is to be 20-25mm in size. Sand layer is to be clean washed sand that:

o Contains less than 5% clay and fine silt content by volumeo Has an effective size between 0.25 and 0.6mmo Has a uniformity coefficient less than 4

In addition to the above schematic, the following are requirements of installation of Sand FilterSystems:

Distribution boxes are to be installed so that the access cover is at ground level Base of the sand filter is to be lined Distribution pipes are to be 90mm slotted pipe a maximum 1 metre spacing apart and a

minimum 500mm from the edge of the sand filter The distribution and/or distribution pipes are to be vented Pump wells are not to be installed inside the sand filter.

Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)

AWTSs are a secondary treatment system installed prior to the effluent disposal system.

AWTSs aerate effluent from a septic tank (or primary chamber) using electrically powered blowers. In addition to aeration, clarification and disinfection is often used to achieve a higher level oftreatment. AWTSs are required to be serviced by a qualified service agent once every quarter andthe report provided to Council. AWTSs are required to be installed in accordance with the relevantEPA certificate of approval for the system. A list of approved AWTS can be found on the VictorianEPA website under ‘onsite wastewater’.



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Sub-surface irrigation systems

Sub-surface irrigation disposes of effluent through a network of pressure-compensating pipes andemitters in the sub-soil (100-150mm below ground level).

Irrigation systems are the preferred effluent disposal method for secondary treated effluent i.e.

effluent which has been treated through either an AWTS or a sand filter system. As there aredifferent types of pipe available, irrigation pipe is required to be approved for use with waste water.Irrigation pipe must be purple or lilac in colour. Irrigation systems are to be fitted with a in-line meshfilter, an air valve and a flush valve as per manufacturer’s specifications. Larger irrigation systems(generally above 400 m2) should be zoned in accordance with pump capacity. Sub-surface irrigationcan be used in clay based soils in combination with gypsum application and can be used to irrigategardens and garden beds. Irrigation systems need to be flushed periodically and the filter cleanedregularly (normally fortnightly to monthly).

Disposal field sizing A LCA will determine the size of your disposal field (irrigation area required) in the report.

To assist property owners who are not required to obtain a LCA, the table included in the ‘Sizing ofEffluent Disposal Systems’ section outlines the minimum disposal area for onsite wastewaterdisposal. These figures have been calculated based on AS/NZS 1547:2012 and the EPA Code ofPractice. They are based on a clay dominated (Category 6 – DIR/DLR 2 mm/day) soil type andtherefore provide a conservative approach.

The minimum disposal areas provided in the table are aminimum that will be approved within Golden PlainsShire Council, unless additional evidence (e.g. a LCA) isprovided to support the reduction of the recommendedarea.

Final approval of your effluent disposal area will befinalised after an assessment of the site and thesupporting documentation by Council’s EnvironmentalHealth Officers. Please note that the installation of high

water volume features, such as spas, will requireadditional disposal field area to be installed.

iNote: a habitable room

includes any room that maybe closed off with a door,such as a study, library or

sunroom that could be usedfor the purposes of a

bedroom.



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Sizing of effluent disposal systems

Due to an increased average rainfall in the northern part of the Shire, an additional 10%recommended minimum disposal area is required to cope with the additional wet conditions.

Generally any property north of the townships of Rokewood and Maude are classified as medium

rainfall areas. Detailed mapping on this criteria is available in Map 12 of Council’s ‘DomesticWastewater Management Plan – Volume 2’, which is available on our website.

Other important considerations: All disposal fields must be a permanent dedicated area within the property boundaries It must be protected from vehicles and livestock Do not place your disposal field in a paddock that will be planted and harvested For construction of new dwellings it is important to think about your landscaping plans at

septic tank application stage, as irrigation can also be used in garden beds.

Absorption/transpiration trenches (with PVC pipe/reln or arch drain)

Number of habitablerooms

Minimum disposal arearequired (Low rainfall)

Minimum disposal area (Medium rainfall)

1 60 m 2 66 m 2

2 90 m 2 99 m 2

3 120 m 2 132 m 2

4 150 m 2 165 m 2

5 180 m 2 198 m 2

Subsurface irrigation (secondary treated effluent only)

Number of habitablerooms

Minimum disposal arearequired (Low rainfall)

Minimum disposal area (Medium rainfall)

1 150 m 2 165 m 2

2 225 m 2 248 m 2

3 300 m 2 330 m 2 4 375 m 2 413 m 2

5 450 m 2 495 m 2



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Setbacks/buffer distances

Setbacks are predetermined distances that must be maintained between site features and anypart of the treatment system and disposal field.

These distances have been determined by the Environment Protection Authority and must be

adhered to at all times. The following setback distances are required for all septic tank systemdisposal fields.

Don’t forget that setback distances also apply to features on neighbouring properties.

Landscape feature or structure

Setback distances (m)

Primarytreated

effluent

Secondarysewage andgreywatereffluent

BuildingWastewater field up-slope of building 6 3

Wastewater field down-slope of building 3 1.5Wastewater up-slope of cutting/escarpment 15 15

Allotment boundaryWastewater field up-slope of adjacent lot 6 3

Wastewater field down-slope of adjacent lot 3 1.5

Surface waters (up-slope of)

Dam, lake or reservoir (potable water supply, includes waterfor food production)

300 150

Waterways (potable water supply) 100 100Waterways, wetlands (continuous or ephemeral, non-potable); estuaries, ocean beach at high-tide mark; dams,lakes or reservoirs (stock and domestic, non-potable)

60 30

Groundwater boresPotable or non-potable 20 20

Services

Water Supply pipe 3 1.5Wastewater up slope of potable supply channel 300 150Wastewater field down-slope of potable supply channel 20 10

Gas supply pipe 3 1.5

In-ground water tank 15 4Stormwater drain 6 3

Recreational areasChildren’s grassed playground (school, council, community orother children’s playground)

6 3

In-ground swimming pool 6 3



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Permit to Install

Council will issue a Permit to Install if the proposed system is suitable for the development, theapplication is filled in correctly (including a detailed plan on the page provided) and copies of anyother information required are provided.

If a permit has been issued and the applicant changes details of the system and/or the registeredplumber, then an application to amend a permit must be completed. A fee will apply for thisapplication. This form can be found on our website.

The Permit to Install is valid for two (2) years from the dateof issue. Should the works take longer than the two (2)years, the applicant must complete an Application for aPermit Extension prior to the expiry date. A fee will apply forthis application. This form can be found on our website.

NO work can commence on the installation of your systemuntil you have received your septic tank permit. Please note:All permits are issued with conditions. Compliance with thepermit conditions is required.

Inspections of your system

All septic systems require mandatory inspections which must be conducted by Council’sEnvironmental Health Department.

Inspection are carried out a) prior to issuing a Permit toInstall, b) when the system is being installed and c) a finalinspection when the system has been completed.

You or your installer must contact Council’s EnvironmentalHealth Officer two (2) working days prior to installation toarrange a suitable time for the installation inspection.

Allow ten (10) working days after final documentation isreceived (refer to the next page) for a final inspection to becarried out and a Certificate to Use being issued.

To arrange your inspection please contact Council’sEnvironmental Health Department on03) 5220 7111.

iNote: please allow up to

four weeks for theprocessing of your Septic

Tank Application.

iNote: all inspections are

mandatory and willdetermine whether Council

will issue aCertificate to Use. Failure to

book in an installationinspection may result in

your Certificate to Use notbeing issued.



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Certificate to Use

The following additional information is required prior to a finalinspection and a Certificate to Use being issued:

A copy of the Plumbing Industry Certificate If a package treatment plant is installed, a

commissioning certificate If a pump well is installed, an electrical certificate, and An ‘as installed’ plan.

MaintenanceOwners of a septic tank system must comply with the Certificate to Use and relevant EPAcertificate of approval and maintain their system in good working order.

iNote: the issuing of a

Certificate to Use is a legalrequirement. Your systemshould not be used until

approval has beengranted. Fines apply whena system is used without

approval.

2013-2014 Septic Tank Information Pack and Form - Version 5-1

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