DRAFT Onsite Sewage Management System Strategy on public exhibition

28 Jun 2018 2:17 PM -

Leeton Shire Council endorsed the DRAFT Leeton Shire Council Onsite Sewage Management System Strategy to be placed on public exhibition for 28 days from Friday 29^th June until Thursday 26^th July.

Manager Planning, Building and Health Garry Stoll stated in his report to Council that Council is required to manage the approval and regulation of all onsite sewage management systems (OSSMs) within its local government area.

“The operation of a system of sewage management became a prescribed activity under the Local Government Act 1993 on 6 April 1998. This change ensured that such a system cannot be operated lawfully without being given an Approval to Operate from the Local Council as per Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993.”

Preliminary work in the Leeton Shire indicates that there could be up to 2000 OSSM systems in total across the Shire that will need to be registered.

Mr Stoll further added that the draft OSSM Strategy will be used to assess, regulate and manage the installation, operation and performance of OSSM systems.

“The Strategy employs a risk based approach to on-site sewage management by identifying the requirements of the legislation relative to location and performance history of each system. This will ensure that all owners of OSSMs have an approval to operate and that the OSSM systems are managed in a safe and effective manner.”

The following wastewater treatment devices are all classified as OSSMs: septic tank and absorption trenches, septic tank and evapo-transpiration areas, aerated wastewater treatment systems, septic tank to pump out, dry composting toilets and grey water treatment systems, wet composting toilets and subsurface application systems, septic tank and constructed wetlands, septic tank and soil mound systems, package treatment plants and any other systems that stores, treats and/or disposes of sewage and wastewater onsite.

The suggested inspection timeframes for inspecting high risk OSSMs is annually, medium risk ones 3 to 5 years and low risk ones on an adhoc basis or on receipt of a complaint. Most systems in Leeton Shire are considered low risk.

To download a copy of the DRAFT OSSM Strategy please CLICK HERE

The community is encouraged to provide feedback to Council on the draft OSSM Strategy via the following methods:

• Electronically by completing the consultation survey we have compiled on our “Have Your Say Leeton” community engagement website http://haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au/
• In writing addressed to the General Manager by post or emailed to council@leeton.nsw.gov.au
• By completing a form (electronic surveys printed in hardcopy) at the Library or Council Administration Office