FACT FILE

Interim Septic Tank Requirements –

Southern Peninsula Sewer Scheme: December 2014

INTRODUCTION

This fact file was updated by Council in December 2014 and outlines the interim septic tank system requirements for new or altered dwellings within the backlog sewer areas covered by the Southern Peninsula Sewerage Scheme. This includes the townships of Rye, Blairgowrie, Portsea, St Andrews Beach, Tootgarook and Sorrento.

South East Water is currently in the process of rolling out of this program over the next 3 years. It has an Early Connection Option (ECO) for property owners to connect to the sewer system earlier. Owners can register their interest in the ECO via the South East Water web site at

The Shire fully supports this scheme and requires all properties to connect to sewer unless a wastewater re-use system is installed that meets Environment Protection Authority sustainable re-use guidelines (EPA Publication 891.3)

Sewering the Southern Mornington Peninsula addresses environmental and public health risks associated with failing on-site sewerage systems identified in the Shire’s Domestic Wastewater Management Plan. Reticulated sewerage is the preferred method of wastewater disposal through the Southern Peninsula.

This fact file will assist property owners, developers, designers and septic installers to design and install suitable interim septic tank systems until the sewer scheme is completed and sewer is available. It is applicable only to the southern peninsula and does not apply to other un-sewered townships.

INTERIM SEPTIC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Type of Development / Treatment and Disposal Method
Sub-Division or Boundary Re-alignment / Section 173 agreement with South East Water and suitable interim system
New Dwelling / All wastewater into 3200 all-purpose septic tank and 10 lineal metres of 600mm wide absorption trenches for a 3 bedroom house and install 5 metres of 600mm wide absorption trench for each additional bedroom in runs no longer than 30m.
Additional Bedrooms or Habitable Rooms / Connect to existing septic tank system and install 5 metres of 600mm wide absorption trench for each additional bedroom. In the case of soak pit, absorption trench must be installed.
Minor Alteration including en-suites / Connect to existing 3200 litre all-purpose septic tank and absorption trenches.

* Based on wastewater flow of 720litres/day (3 bedroom house), add 5metres of absorption trench for each additional bedroom

  • The installation of AAAor better rated plumbing fixtures and other water saving devices is mandatory for any interim septic system to minimise wastewater flow into the system
  • Depth of absorption trenches can range between 400mm and 500mm but must be no deeper that 500mm from natural ground level
  • Absorption trenches must be installed in accordance with Council’s Installation Guidelines and AS/NZS 1547:2012 On-site Domestic Wastewater Management
  • No off-site discharge of effluent will be permitted
  • Interim system application fee is $160.00
  • If sewer is not provided within 3 years, a suitable long-term septic system must be installed in accordance with the Shire’s Wastewater Management Policy
  • Current septic tank permits issued by the Shire that include sub-surface irrigation or full length of absorption trenches may be amended to include an interim septic tank system. To amend your current septic tank permit please send in to the Shire:

- An application to alter the septic tank system

- A site plan showing the location and dimensions of the proposed interim system

- Letters from South East Water and the property owner described below

HOW TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR AN INTERIM SEPTIC SYSTEM

  1. Register your interest on the South East Water web page for the Early Connection Option of the Southern Peninsula Sewerage Scheme
  2. Obtain written or e-mail confirmation from South East Water that they have received your expression of interest
  3. Send a completed septic tank application to the Shire including:
  • A site plan showing the location and dimensions of the proposed septic system
  • For Vacant blocks: Confirmation from South East Water that your expression of interest in the ECO has been received OR;
  • Copy of accepted application form from South East Water;
  • For existing house alterations OR knock down re-build: Notice of Agreement with South East Water to connect to sewer;
  • Letter signed by the owner agreeing to connect to sewer within 60 days of it becoming available;
  • Letter signed by the owner agreeing to install a suitable long-term effluent disposal system if sewer is not provided within 3 years. A sample letter is shown below:

FURTHER INFORMATION

This fact file is applicable until the South East Water ECO Sewer project has been completed.For further information please contact the Shire’s Environmental Health Team on phone 59 501050 or South East Water on phone 131 694. Further information is also available on the Shire’s web page

Interim Septic Tank Requirements – Last updated 16 July 2015 – EPACS – Obj ID A4760675