In areas where town sewerage is not available wastewater must be disposed of via an approved septic system. Councils are authorised to approve systems that can treat up to 5000 Litres per day. Larger systems require individual approval from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
All dwellings that are not connected to a reticulated sewer are required to install a septic tank system.
By definition in the Environment Protection Act 1970, a “septic tank system” means a system for the bacterial, biological, chemical or physical treatment of sewage, and includes all tanks, beds, sewers, drains, pipes, fittings, appliances and land used in connection with the system.
A Septic Tank Permit is required for all new septic tank systems to be installed.
If you are planning to alter your wastewater treatment system you must also lodge an application for a permit to the Environmental Health Unit.