In this Section

Decommissioning Onsite Effluent Disposal

Connecting to Sewer

When sewer becomes available as part of the sewerage infill program, the Water corporation requires properties to connect to sewer within:

 

  1. 5 years of it being available; or
  2. 12 months of the property being sold; or
  3. 60 days from the day any alterations or subdivisional approvals have been given.

 

When to Decommission Effluent Disposal systems

Under the Health (Treatment of Sewerage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) regulations 1974, where a property has connected to sewer or a connection to sewer has become available within 90m, the owners must decommission their septic tanks or effluent disposal systems in the following circumstances:

 

  1. When there is a change in the use of the premises, decommissioning must occur within 60 days after the day on which the change in use occurred;
  2. When there is a change of ownership of a property, decommissioning must occur within 60 days following that change of ownership;
  3. If a building permit expires and a dwelling or structure has not been completed, decommissioning must occur within 60 days following the permits expiry;
  4. If foundations for a building on the premises are to be built closer than 1.2 metres from the apparatus, or a building is to be constructed above the apparatus, decommissioning must occur before building works commence.

 

Please note that if a property is to be sold, the cost associated with decommissioning can exceed $1000, therefore it is recommended that you ascertain that decommissioning has already occurred.  If decommissioning has not occurred, purchasers may take such costs into consideration at the time of offer and acceptance, as legislation states that it is the ‘new property owner’ who must carry out the required decommissioning within 60 days of a change of property ownership.

 

How to Decommission Your Effluent Disposal System

  1. The septic or ATU tanks, leach drains or soak wells must be pumped out by a Licensed Liquid Waste Contractor and the waste is to be disposed of at an approved site.
  2. The empty septic or ATU tanks, leach drains or soak wells are to be removed from site and the area is to be backfilled with clean fill (e.g. yellow sand) and then compacted adequately;
  3. The Licensed Liquid Waste Contractor or Demolition Contractor must give written detail confirming the decommissioning and method of decommission to the LGA’s Health Services within seven (7) days. Any receipts for the disposal of controlled waste should be kept as they may be asked for. 

     

OR

  1. The septic or ATU tanks, leach drains or soak wells must be pumped out by a Licensed Liquid Waste Contractor and the waste is to be disposed of at an approved site.
  2. If it is not practicable to remove septic or ATU tanks, leach drains or soak wells, the lids must be removed and the bottom of the septic or ATU tanks broken up. The septic or ATU tanks, leach drains or soak wells must then be backfilled with clean fill and then compacted.
  3. The Licensed Liquid Waste Contractor or Demolition Contractor must give written detail confirming the decommissioning and method of decommission to the LGA’s Health Services within seven (7) days. Any receipts for the disposal of controlled waste should be kept as they may be asked for. 

 

Should you require any further information regarding this matter, please contact the EHO of your Local Government or the Department of Health.

For more information on decommissioning a septic tank please email us or call 08 9574 9347.