CATEGORY: ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
By Taisa Baars, Environmental Health Scientist
Receiving a letter or notice from Council about your septic system can feel worrying, particularly when it refers to repairs, an upgrade, an Approval to Operate or a Section 68 application.
The important thing is not to panic—or immediately purchase a new wastewater system before the property has been properly assessed.
A Council notice does not always mean the entire system must be replaced. It usually means Council has identified a concern that needs to be investigated and resolved within a specified timeframe.
Why might Council contact you?
Council may write to a property owner after an inspection, complaint, development application or review of its records.
Common reasons include:
sewage or effluent surfacing on the ground;
odour or persistently wet areas;
a damaged or deteriorated septic tank;
blocked, overloaded or failing trenches;
stormwater entering the wastewater system;
an unapproved system or alteration;
no current Approval to Operate;
a proposed dwelling extension or additional wastewater load; or
the existing system not meeting current site or approval requirements.
Councils can require owners to repair, upgrade or replace an on-site sewage management system where necessary to protect public health and the environment. Byron Shire Council’s current OSMS guidance explains these responsibilities in more detail.
Start by reading the notice carefully
Check:
what Council has identified;
whether an inspection has already occurred;
what information or work Council requires;
whether a wastewater assessment or design report is requested;
whether a Section 68 application is required; and
the response deadline.
If the requirements are unclear, obtain clarification before arranging major work. A short conversation with the assessing officer can often prevent unnecessary design changes and delays.
Have the property and existing system assessed
The next step is usually a site-specific wastewater assessment.
This may include reviewing:
the existing septic tank or treatment system;
available Council records and previous approvals;
the number of bedrooms and expected wastewater load;
soil type and depth;
slope, drainage and groundwater conditions;
the existing effluent disposal area;
setbacks from waterways, boundaries, buildings and bores;
available land for an upgraded disposal area; and
whether parts of the existing system can reasonably be retained.
The purpose is to understand why the system is not meeting requirements and identify a solution suited to the property.
Do you always need a completely new system?
No.
Depending on its condition, approval history and the constraints of the site, the solution might involve:
repairing damaged components;
diverting stormwater;
replacing a failed trench or land application area;
improving effluent distribution;
upgrading the treatment process;
installing a new system; or
redesigning the wastewater arrangement to accommodate proposed development.
Some sites are well suited to simple passive systems. Others require pumping, advanced treatment or disinfection because of slope, soil, waterway setbacks or limited available land.
There is no single wastewater system that is best for every property. The site should determine the options—not a preference for a particular manufacturer or technology.
What is a Section 68 application?
Under the NSW Local Government Act, Council approval is generally required before installing, constructing or altering an on-site sewage management system.
The application is commonly called a Section 68 application. It is normally supported by a site-specific wastewater assessment, system design, calculations and a plan showing the proposed treatment and land application areas.
In Byron Shire, applications to install or alter a system are lodged through the NSW Planning Portal, and the physical plumbing work must be undertaken by a NSW-licensed plumber. Byron Shire Council application information
Avoid making unapproved changes
Do not install a new tank, relocate trenches or connect additional plumbing before the required approval has been obtained.
Early work can create further compliance issues and may result in components having to be removed or altered.
Emergency work may sometimes be necessary to prevent an immediate public or environmental health risk, but it should be discussed with Council and properly documented.
How Byron Environmental Consulting can help
Byron Environmental Consulting provides independent on-site wastewater assessments for existing homes, rural properties and development projects throughout the Northern Rivers.
The service can include:
review of the Council notice and available approvals;
communication with the project team or Council where clarification is needed;
site and soil assessment;
evaluation of the existing wastewater system;
assessment of practical repair or upgrade options;
wastewater calculations and system design;
preparation of a Section 68 wastewater report; and
plans showing the treatment system, land application area, setbacks and site constraints.
Recommendations are based on the individual property. Byron Environmental Consulting works with all wastewater system types and is not affiliated with a particular manufacturer.
Received a Council notice?
Getting appropriate advice early can help clarify what Council requires, avoid unnecessary work and establish a practical pathway toward compliance.
Contact Taisa Baars, Environmental Health Scientist, to discuss your property and Council notice.
0428 480 511
taisa@byronenvironmental.com.au
