On-site sewerage management
Not all areas of Narrandera, Barellan or the shire's villages are serviced by council's reticulated sewer system.
You will not be able to connect to council’s reticulated sewerage system outside the network and wastewater generating development or activity in those areas will require the installation of an on-site sewage management (OSSM).
An OSSM system is a general term that describes a device used to treat domestic sewage, such as a septic tank, aerated waste treatment system or composting system. The end product, often referred to as effluent, is then gravity-fed or pumped to an effluent disposal area. In some cases, the effluent disposal area is absorbed into the land, irrigated onto the land, or directed to a holding well and collected later by a tanker.
In NSW, OSSM systems must be designed, operated and maintained in a manner that
- Prevent public health risk
- Prevent environmental damage to land, soil, groundwater and surface waters
- Protect community amenity from odour, etc.
It is important that an on-site sewage management system is designed, installed and operated so that it works well into the future.
What are the approval requirements for OSSMs?
Application for all new systems must be applied for prior to installation and then inspected and approved by council prior to use.
How much does it cost to lodge an application with council?
Refer to the list of fees and charges in council's Fees and Charges for all current application fees. If you submit your application as part of a development application (DA), no additional fees apply.
Does Council require me to install a particular type of OSSM?
Lot size is a determining factor.
Council does not require specific types of on-site sewage management systems to be installed as the type of system most suitable depends on various factors. Site characteristics including soil type, soil depth, slope, proximity to water and water balance determine the most appropriate type of on-site sewage management system for your land.
Council recommends developers engage qualified person/s to investigate the site characteristics and recommend the most appropriate type of OSSM system. Their report will form part of your application to council.
What information is needed for an OSSM application?
The following information must be submitted with your application on the NSW Planning Portal.
Plans
Your application must be accompanied by a plan, drawn to scale, showing the location of
- The sewage management facility
- Any related effluent application areas
- Any existing or proposed buildings on the land
- Any environmentally sensitive areas within 100 metres of the sewage management facility
- Any related drainage lines or pipework (whether natural or constructed)
Specifications
Your application must be accompanied by full specifications of the sewage management facility proposed to be installed or constructed on the premise concerned. This information can usually be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier of the chosen system.
The system must be an approved system accredited by NSW Health and a certificate of accreditation must accompany your application.
Site Assessment
Your application must be accompanied by details of the climate, geology, hydrogeology, topography, soil composition and vegetation of any effluent application areas and an assessment taking those factors into consideration.
Operation and Maintenance
Your application must be accompanied by details of:
- The operation and maintenance requirements for the proposed on-site sewage management system.
- The proposed operation, maintenance and servicing arrangements intended to meet those requirements.
- The action to be taken in the event of a breakdown in, or other interference with, its operation.