Unauthorised installation, alteration or operation of OSSM

Unauthorised installation or alteration of OSSM

Installing or altering on onsite wastewater system without an approval is an offence. Make sure you, your plumber or service agent are in possession of an approval before any such works commence.

There are no exemptions to this requirement and Council does not approve the installation or alteration to systems informally. Do not accept tradesmen advising otherwise.

Examples of altering a system include

  • Changing the treatment system
  • Changing the location of disposal
  • Changing how treated wastewater is disposed of i.e. if approved to dispose underground it cannot be changed to surface irrigation.
  • Altering the sanitary drainage fittings connected to the system

Repairs to an approved system that do not substantially change the system as approved are permitted without an approval, examples of repairs include:

  • Replacing components like for like
  • Repairing cracks or resealing tanks
  • De-sludge pump-out
  • Restocking consumables such as chlorine

Council cannot grant retrospective approval for any installation or alteration works that have already been undertaken, however depending on the circumstances it may be regularised through an Approval to Operate. For further information see Approval to Operate an Existing System of Sewage Management | CCC

Council will preference a conciliatory approach where a party is proactively seeking to regularise the unauthorised installation or alteration of a system but retains the option to instigate compliance action having regard to our Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

If you are unsure, contact Council’s Customer Service team on 4993 4100 and ask to speak to the Environmental Health Duty Officer.

Unauthorised operation of OSSM

Operating an on-site sewage management system without an Approval to Operate is an offence under the Local Government Act 1993.

Council will preference a conciliatory approach where a party is proactively seeking to regularise unauthorised installation, alteration, or use of a system but retains the option to instigate compliance action having regard to our Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

The most common scenarios and guidance on what to do is provided below.

Scenario

What to do

A system has been installed without approval

 

Complete and submit Unauthorised on-site sewage management system application as described below.

A system has been altered without an approval to do so rendering the existing approval void

 

1. Reinstate the system as approved;

or

2. Complete and submit 'Unauthorised on-site sewage management system application' as described below.

An approval to operate has been revoked by Council

The reason for revocation, and guidance on what is required will have been included in any revocation notice. Contact Council to discuss if you are unsure.

A system has been approved to be installed but is yet to have the final inspection conducted approving its operation.

1. Contact your installer or Council to discuss the outstanding requirements.

2. Once satisfied the system is installed as approved book a final inspection by contacting Councils Customer Service team on 4993 4100

If you believe you have a system that has not been approved to operate, you may submit an application to rectify using the ‘Approval to Operate an Existing System of Sewage Management’ form.

***Please note, you will need to complete and upload the required documentation with your application including:

  1. On-Site Waste Declaration and Owners Consent form
  2. All relevant supporting documents as specified in the On-Site Waste Application Checklist.
  3. If applicable Site & Soil Assessment Report for an On-Site Sewage Management System form.

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice from your system installer, service agent or a wastewater consultant regarding your specific circumstances and to assist you with the application process.

Decommission an on-site wastewater system

If your septic system is no longer needed (e.g. you have connected to sewer or installed a new wastewater system) then the system must be made safe.

To decommission a system you will need to engage a licensed plumber to complete the works and complete the Notice of Decommission with required attachments.

Once received, Council will update our register and remove the 'annual approval to operate' charge for this system from your rates notice.

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