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On-site sewerage facilities
On-site sewerage facilities (OSSF) are used for the treatment and disposal of wastewater and domestic sewage on properties in unsewered areas.
On-site sewerage facilities include different types of treatment and methods such as septic tanks with transpiration trenches, aerobic sand filtration systems with sub surface irrigation and aerated wastewater treatment systems with surface irrigation.
Maintenance Arrangements
It is emphasised that maintenance is essential for the satisfactory performance of these facilities.
Aerated wastewater treatment systems
A permit to install an aerated wastewater treatment system shall only be granted on the condition that the householder has the installation inspected as per the model approval requirements by a Servicing Agent.
A report shall be prepared after each inspection with a copy to be retained by the householder and another to be forwarded to the Council.
The Servicing Agent must be engaged to carry out any necessary repair work to the installation as well as the routine cleaning and maintenance activities.
Any installation faults revealed in an inspection must be repaired promptly.
Legislative Background
Council undertakes assessment for on-site sewerage facilities under the requirement of the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002, the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code and Council's development permit conditions.
The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code sets out the technical requirements for sustainable management, site and soil evaluation, design, installation and operation for on-site sewerage facilities.
This code is to be read in conjunction with AS/NZS 1547 2000, which includes information relating to on-site domestic wastewater management.
The Site and Soil Evaluator
One of the important aspects of the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code is the requirement for a thorough site and soil evaluation to be undertaken as part of the process of obtaining Council approval for effluent disposal within the property.
It is essential for the evaluator to select the most suitable on-site effluent disposal facility for the property and engage the best environmental practices to support his or her design. The quality of effluent from an on-site sewerage facility is a key consideration to determine how sewage effluent is to be controlled and disposed of within the property.
Before lodging an application to install an on-site sewerage facility with Council, it is recommended that the property owner consult with a site and soil evaluator to discuss the options available for effluent disposal within the property.
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