progress report to the municipal ... - shire of mitchell · mitchell shire domestic wastewater...

Bendigo Office: 468 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo PO Box 2410 Mail Centre, Bendigo, Victoria 3554 T (03) 5441 4821 F (03) 5441 2788

Melbourne Office: 880 Toorak Road, Glen Iris, Victoria 3554 T 1300 306 043 F 1300 724 181 E [email protected] W www.rmcg.com.au

March 2006

Prepared by

Mitchell Shire

Domestic Wastewater Management Plan

Progress Report

to the

Municipal Association of Victoria

Mitchell Shire Domestic Wastewater Management Plan Progress Report to MAV

RMCG Consultants for Business, Communities & Environment Mac Drive:Users:staceyc:Desktop:Mitchell DWMP.doc

P.O. Box 2410 P.O. Box 318

Bendigo 3554 Ashburton 3147

phone 03 5441 4821 fax 03 5441 2788 phone 03 9885 2599 fax 03 9885 2799

[email protected] [email protected]

Document Review and Authorisation

Version Date Printed

Job Number

Written By Checked By Release Approved By

Issued to Comments

1.0 30/3/2006 22-M-01 S McGuinness S McGuinness Mitchell Shire

2.0 31/03/2006 22-M-01 S McGuinness S McGuinness Mitchell Shire

Final Copy Distribution

Number Date Printed Issued to

1.0 31/03/2006 Mitchell Shire

Note: (e) after number indicates electronic distribution


RMCG Consultants for Business, Communities & Environment 0

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................1

2 DWMP Development, Implementation and Review .................................................................2

3 Context .....................................................................................................................................3

3.1 Goals and Objectives.................................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Risks associated with domestic wastewater .................................................................................. 3 3.3 State Legislation and policies........................................................................................................ 5 3.4 Stakeholder Roles, Responsibilities and Regional Planning ............................................................ 6 3.5 Linkages Council Plans ................................................................................................................. 9

4 Regional Profile ......................................................................................................................12

4.1 Current Wastewater Situation – Overview .................................................................................. 13 4.2 Approval Processes .................................................................................................................... 14 4.3 Monitoring and Compliance Processes ........................................................................................ 15 4.4 Land Capability Assessment ....................................................................................................... 15

5 Assessment of Current Wastewater Situation .......................................................................17

5.1 Local Wastewater Management Profile ....................................................................................... 17 5.2 Waterford Park........................................................................................................................... 18 5.3 Tallarook.................................................................................................................................... 23 5.4 Melrose Drive and Mill Road Precinct (Kilmore)........................................................................... 28 5.5 Small Towns .............................................................................................................................. 33

6 Priorities .................................................................................................................................35

7 Management Strategies .........................................................................................................36

7.1 Community Education ................................................................................................................ 37 7.2 Information Management and Compliance ................................................................................. 41 7.3 Low Cost Solutions for Small Towns ........................................................................................... 44 7.4 Low cost solutions for small towns ............................................................................................. 45 7.5 Sewerage Infill - Melrose Drive................................................................................................... 46 7.6 Implementation of Septic Tank and Lot Size Guidelines .............................................................. 47

8 References..............................................................................................................................48



1 Introduction

The Mitchell Shire Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP) aims to minimise the impact of domestic wastewater on public health and environmental values within the municipality. The Mitchell Shire DWMP was prepared using the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Model Municipal Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (July 2005) with assistance from the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program.

There are between two and four thousand septic tanks within the Mitchell Shire. The majority of these tanks are in residential areas, are more then twenty years old and are not performing satisfactorily. Many septics are split systems that discharge sullage direct to the stormwater. In addition to ageing and non-compliant systems, unsatisfactory septic tank performance is an outcome of poor maintenance and management practices by property owners and inappropriate planning of subdivisions. As a result of poor septic tank performance, there is an increased threat to public health and environmental values of waterways as well as poor amenity within some townships.

Development of the DWMP provides the Mitchell Shire with an opportunity to strategically assess the wastewater issues within the municipality and develop appropriate strategies and actions to prevent wastewater problems and minimise the impacts of existing problems. The plan will provide the Shire with clear priorities for funding septic management within the municipality,

The purpose of the Mitchell Shire DWMP is to:

Identify current responsibilities, practices, procedures and obligations for domestic wastewater management in the Shire;

Identify the main environmental values and wastewater threats in the Shire;

Assist with the long term planning and development of un-sewered areas in the Shire; and

Improve public health and environmental protection.

This report to the MAV was prepared to document progress as required by the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program. It provides details of the outcomes of the work completed to date and identifies additional work required to complete the Plan.



2 DWMP Development, Implementation and Review

The Mitchell Shire DWMP has been prepared using the MAV Model Municipal Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (2005). A Project Management Team comprising the Manager Environmental Health and consultants from RM Consulting Group worked closely to develop the Plan.

An important part of developing the DWMP is engagement and input of key stakeholders including Shire Staff, Goulburn Valley Water, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency. A workshop with these stakeholders is proposed for April 2006 to seek feedback on the Plan and to identify opportunities for improving relationships and processes between stakeholders.

The Mitchell Shire community will also be asked to participate in development of Plan by providing feedback on options for dealing with wastewater management issues.

The following list of sequential tasks outlines the process for development and implementation of the DWMP. The tasks in italics are yet to be undertaken at the time of preparing this Progress Report.

Information collection and analysis

Identification of issues

Risk assessment and identification of priorities

Development of strategies and action plans

Development of Draft DWMP

Consultation with stakeholders

Consultation with the community

Development of Final DWMP

Adoption by Council

Implementation review



3 Context

3.1 Goals and Objectives

The goals of the Mitchell Shire DWMP are to:

Protect public health;

Promote environmental best practice by reducing the impact of domestic wastewater in the local environment; and

Promote sustainable development of land and communities across the municipality by ensuring domestic wastewater is managed within the capability of the land.

The objectives of the DWMP are to:

Develop the Shire’s policy for management of domestic wastewater for consistent decision making;

Develop short and long term strategies for the management of septic tank systems;

Identify opportunities and the case for connection of unsewered urban and township areas to sewer where appropriate;

Develop a strategy for the management of domestic wastewater in areas of the municipality where the provision of sewer is not possible; and

Identify opportunities for improvement in the Shire’s environmental health systems, interaction between the Shire’s business units and external liaison with the community and relevant stakeholders

3.2 Risks associated with domestic wastewater

The following summary of risks associated with domestic wastewater is drawn from Domestic Wastewater Management: a planning guide for local government (2005) prepared by the MAV.

Public Health Risks

Raw sewage can carry a range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, Helminths (intestinal worms), and inhaled moulds and fungi;

Human diseases caused from these pathogens range from mild gastroenteritis to cholera, dysentery and hepatitis;

The public can be exposed to these pathogens via contaminated drinking water, swimming or boating in contaminated water bodies, eating contaminated foodstuffs such as shellfish, or contact with domestic animals that have been exposed;



Septic overflows can cause organic rich pooling, increasing mosquito breeding capacity resulting in a public pest and possible disease vector; and

Health risks vary across the community. For example children, the elderly or those not immunised are at greatest risk.

Environmental Risks

Contamination of groundwater by nitrate, ammonia and faecal pathogens;

Seepage can raise the groundwater table causing salinity in certain areas;

Surface runoff adds nitrogen and phosphorus to water catchments, stimulating algal and weed growth and causes land degradation, namely erosion;

Effluent carries suspended solids, ammonia and organic matter, which can affect fish, aquatic plants and microorganisms; and

Effluent can be carried into other bodies of water and cause further pollution.

Economic Risks

Indirect perception that the area is unsafe could decrease tourist-generated revenue;

Tourism capacity could be limited where enforced maximum seasonal septic loads exist;

Algal blooms or large mosquito outbreaks could impact on tourism potential;

Poor septic management decreases land amenity and economic value;

A build up of salt or soil nutrient concentration decreases land productivity;

Contaminated water bodies can negatively impact on aquaculture and agriculture using the water;

For home owners, replacing failing systems or connection to reticulated sewerage can be very expensive; and

Possibility of increased maintenance to stormwater drains which receive effluent due to excessive weed growth and scouring.

Legal Risks

Council can be found liable for failure to discharge their statutory responsibilities (eg Wallis Lakes); and

Risk of litigation is increasing as law firms become more proactive in seeking cases.



3.3 State Legislation and policies

The list of legislative requirements regarding domestic wastewater management are summarised below.

Environment Protection Act 1970

The EPA Act 1970 is the primary legislation that regulates and control septic tank systems. It outlines Council responsibilities in approving the installation, modification and use of septic tank systems, where the systems are designed to discharge up to 5,000 litres of effluent per day. Treatment systems that are designed for and/or produce more than 5,000 litres of effluent per day are scheduled premises under the Scheduled Premises Regulations and require Works Approval from the EPA for construction and an EPA discharge license to operate. The EPA Act also outlines the Council annual returns lodgement process with the EPA.

EPA State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria)

This policy ensures that all residential subdivisions are provided with reticulated sewer access at the time of subdivision or are capable of treating and retaining the domestic wastewater within the boundaries of the proposed allotments.

The policy also directs councils to use EPA’s Septic Tank Code of Practice, when they assess the ability of proposed developments to retain wastewater within lot boundaries.

EPA Septic Code of Practice

This document is essentially the manual for the design, construction, selection, installation and maintenance of septic tank systems. It contains information on land capability assessment, treatment and disposal options, the permit process, septic tank design, construction and maintenance and effluent management.

Health Act 1958

The Health Act (1958) states that it is the function of every council to prevent disease, prolong life ad promote public health through programs that control or prevent environmental health dangers and disease. The Act requires councils to find solutions, where possible, to all nuisances within the municipality.

Water Act 1989 Part 9 s. 180 Septic tank permit applications

The Water Act requires referral to water authorities if systems are proposed within drinking water catchments. There is also the power under the Water Act to require an upgrade at any time to septic tanks within a sewerage district.

Local Government Act 1989

The Local Government Act empowers council to enact local laws and set special charges for council activities. Councils can use these powers to develop local regulations for wastewater management as long as these regulations are consistent with State policy and legislation and to raise revenue for its wastewater management programs.



Australian Standards

There are a number of Australian Standards which have relevance to the construction and design of wastewater disposal systems. These include:

AS/NZS 1546.1:1998 – Onsite domestic wastewater treatment units – septic tanks;

AS/NZS 1546.2:1998 – Onsite domestic wastewater treatment units - waterless composting toilets;

AS/NZS 1546.3:1998 – Onsite domestic wastewater treatment units – aerated wastewater treatment systems;

AS/NZS 1547:2000 – Onsite domestic wastewater management; and

AS/NZS 3500- National Plumbing and Drainage - Domestic Installations.

EPA Guidelines for Domestic Wastewater Management 629 (November 1998)

These guidelines re-state the requirements of the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 1998 and detail council’s responsibilities in relation to submitting annual returns. They also specify factors to consider when assessing proposed off-site discharges from septic systems.

EPA Land Capability Assessment for Onsite Domestic Wastewater Management 746

This bulletin aims to ensure that the capability of the land for onsite wastewater disposal is assessed at the rezoning and subdivision stages of the planning process when it is not intended to provide the development with reticulated sewerage. The assessment should be used to ensure that unsewered residential development proceeds only on land that has an acceptable capability for sustainable wastewater management.

3.4 Stakeholder Roles, Responsibilities and Regional Planning

Within Mitchell Shire, there are a number of stakeholders with direct and indirect roles and responsibilities in domestic wastewater management. These are listed and described below.

Environment Protection Authority;

Mitchell Shire;

Goulburn Valley Water;

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority;

Goulburn Murray Water, and

Department of Sustainability and Environment.



3.4.1 Environment Protection Authority

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is responsible for the protection of the Victorian environment. The EPA’s responsibilities for the management of domestic wastewater include:

Declaration of State Environment Protection Policies (SEPP’s) that set environmental objectives to be achieved;

Establishing standards for discharge to surface water and off-site;

Approving the design and type of septic tank systems which can be installed for the issue of a permit to install a septic tank system;

The publication and updating of the Septic Tank Code of Practice;

Receipt and collation of councils annual returns to enable the Authority to identify trends impacting on the Environment in sensitive areas and to provide a basis for future domestic wastewater planning and research;

Approving the design of domestic wastewater treatment systems via the Certificate of Approval process;

Promoting provision of sewerage to unsewered areas; and

Approval of systems discharging more than 5,000 litres per day.

3.4.2 Mitchell Shire

The Shire is responsible for the following areas in relation to the treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater:

Ensure new subdivisions in unsewered areas are provided with reticulated sewerage or that allotments are capable f treating and containing domestic wastewater onsite;

Issuing permits to install new septic tank systems and issuing certificates to use septic tanks;

Refusing permits if it not an EPA approved system, if the site is unsuitable and/or the area for the treatment and disposal of effluent is not sufficient;

Ensuring that septic systems operate correctly;

Ensuring that any nuisance conditions arising from septic tank systems are abated;

Submitting an annual report to the EPA on septic tank activity; and

Ensuring that property owners comply with conditions on septic tank permits and certificates.



3.4.3 Landholders

A landholders responsibilities include:

Connecting to a sewerage system where it is available;

Obtaining a septic tank permit before a building permit is issued and installing the system;

Obtaining an certificate to use the system once installed;

Obtaining an permit to make alterations to the existing system; and

Complying with the conditions of the permit.

3.4.4 Goulburn Valley Water

Water and sewerage services in Mitchell Shire are provided and maintained by Goulburn Valley Water. The water authority is responsible for planning and implementation of appropriate infrastructure developments, such as the joining of urban areas to the sewerage system.

3.4.5 Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority

The core business of the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is to coordinate the development and implementation of the North Central Regional Catchment Strategy in partnership with the community. Key strategies relevant to the Domestic Wastewater Management Plan include:

Regional River Health Strategy;

River Health Plans;

Floodplain Management Strategy;

Nutrient Management Strategies;

Streamflow Management plans;

Bulk Water Entitlements;

Rural Drainage Strategies;

Groundwater Management Plans;

Wetland Management Plans; and

Dryland Salinity Management Plans.

3.4.6 Goulburn Murray Water

Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) is a rural water authority and manages water storage, delivery and drainage systems across northern Victoria. The GMW Corporate Plan (2004 – 2008) spells out the strategic direction of the organization across the following key areas: services, environment, people, assets, finances and relationships.



3.4.7 Department of Sustainability and Environment

The Department of Sustainability and Environment is responsible for management of Victoria’s natural resources.

3.5 Linkages Council Plans

Mitchell Shire has a number of strategies and plans that provide a vision and objectives for the municipality. The diagram below shos the links between these strategies and the DWMP. Note that the Shire is currently developing a Municipal Health Plan.

3.5.1 Municipal Strategic Statement

The Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) outlines the vision for the Mitchell Shire and includes:

The objectives and strategies to be implemented to achieve the vision;

The rationale for the statutory planning controls and policies contained in the planning scheme;

A framework for the assessment of planning permit applications and amendment requests; and

Identification of additional strategic work which needs to be undertaken by the Shire.

3.5.2 Council Plan (2005 – 2009)

The Council Plan incorporates the strategic planning process and future direction for the Shire over the four years between 2005 to 2009 and addresses four broad areas of good governance, sustainable environments, health and well being and responsible resource management. Strategies relevant to domestic wastewater management include:

Continue to support and develop environment protection programs;

Develop and maintain strategic alliances with statutory authorities to facilitate development;

Mitchell Shire Domestic Wastewater Management

Plan

Municipal Strategic Statement

Council Plan Mitchell Shire Planning Scheme



Develop and maintain relationships with business and community that promote and maintain high public health standards; and

Develop and implement local laws and enforce relevant State legislation in order to support a safe and secure environment.

3.5.3 Mitchell Shire Planning Scheme

The Mitchell Shire has addressed domestic wastewater management at the following Clauses.

“Local Policy

22.03 ENVIRONMENT

22.03-1 EFFLUENT DISPOSAL & WATER QUALITY

This policy applies to development within those areas not presently serviced with reticulated sewerage and to those developments which it is assessed may impact upon water quality.

Policy Basis

Developments without adequate infrastructure provision can cause an adverse impact on the environment. This policy seeks to ensure the area of effective effluent disposal and water quality is monitored and provided for by appropriate performance standards and requirements on new developments.

Objectives

To ensure that uses and development seek to avoid, mitigate or repair degradation of natural resources.

To ensure that uses and developments comply with the relevant State requirements and guidelines, particularly the Septic Tank Code of Practice, EPA, March 1996.

To ensure that surface and ground water quality is not adversely affected by development. To prevent the discharge of effluent off site.

To ensure that the density of effluent disposal systems is suitable to the soil type and topography of the site.

To enable alternative effluent disposal systems, such as package treatment plants and composting toilets to be used where environmental conditions prevent the disposal of waste by septic tank.

Implementation

It is policy that:

All new use and development of land that proposes or requires waste water treatment locate effluent disposal systems and irrigation fields so as to avoid contamination of surface waters, supply channels and domestic water supply reservoirs and catchments.



Proposals for commercial, residential or industrial land uses or development not connected to an approved waste water treatment system demonstrate that there will be no decrease in the quality of water in any adjacent or nearby watercourse.

Applicants be required to provide a report demonstrating that the proposed density of septic tanks (effluent disposal system) will not overload the natural environment with effluent and lead to pollution of watercourses or other properties and that the design and location of septic tanks is appropriate to the site and environmental characteristics of the allotment.

Before deciding on an application to use, subdivide or develop land or carry out works the responsible authority consider relevant Land Capability Mapping.

Decision guidelines

65.02 Approval of an application to subdivide land

Before deciding on an application to subdivide land, the responsible authority must also consider, as appropriate:

The suitability of the land for subdivision;

The existing use and possible future development of the land and nearby land;

The availability of subdivided land in the locality, and the need for the creation of further lots. The effect of development on the use or development of other land which has a common means of drainage;

The subdivision pattern having regard to the physical characteristics of the land including existing vegetation;

The density of the proposed development;

The area and dimensions of each lot in the subdivision;

The layout of roads having regard to their function and relationship to existing roads;

The movement of pedestrians and vehicles throughout the subdivision and the ease of access to all lots;

The provision and location of reserves for public open space and other community facilities. The staging of the subdivision;

The design and siting of buildings having regard to safety and the risk of spread of fire. The provision of off-street parking;

The provision and location of common property;

The functions of any body corporate; and

The availability and provision of utility services, including water, sewerage, drainage, electricity and gas.

If the land is not sewered and no provision has been made for the land to be sewered, the capacity of the land to treat and retain all sewage and sullage within the boundaries of each lot. Whether, in relation to subdivision plans, native vegetation can be protected through subdivision and siting of open space areas.”



4 Regional Profile

The Mitchell Shire is 2,870 km2 in area and is the first municipality north of the Melbourne metropolitan area (Map 1). The Hume Freeway, a significant transport route between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, runs north south through the centre of the Shire. The resident population was estimated at over 30,000 in 2001, and is focussed on the towns of Seymour, Broadford, Kilmore and Wallan, Wandong-Heathcote Junction and the Puckapunyal Army Base.

The Shire of Mitchell is an amalgamation of the part or all of the former Shires of Kilmore, Wallan, Broadford, Pyalong, McIvor and Seymour.

The southern areas of the Shire are readily accessible to Melbourne via the road and train network. There is a high level of commuting to Melbourne for work in this part of the Shire. The construction of the Hume Freeway connection to the Western Ring Road and the Craigieburn bypass will further reinforce the development opportunities with travel times between the Mitchell Shire the CBD expected to decrease by 10-15minutes.

The annual population has increased at a rate of approximately 3% to 5% over the past 10 years, with the population growth in rural areas and small towns approaching 5%. This growth has created pressure to provide rural residential allotments. Areas in the south of the Shire are likely to experience continued residential development pressure and higher growth rates than areas to the north, partly due to the easier and shorter access to Melbourne.

Infill of some towns such as Tallarook and Waterford Park are constrained by the poor land capability for effluent disposal and small lot size of some exiting subdivisions.

The Shire has a diverse range of landscapes including steep to gently undulating sedimentary hills, dissected granite plateaus, undulating volcanic plains and various alluvial floodplains associated with major rivers and creeks. There is a pronounced variation in climate with a higher rainfall and longer growing season in the southern part of the Shire.

The steep granitic and sedimentary areas are highly susceptible to various land degradation problems such as erosion on steep to moderate slopes and gully erosion and salinity on sedimentary land.

The Goulburn River runs through the north-east corner of the Shire and is a major source water for rural and urban users in northern Victoria.



Map 1 Shire of Mitchell

4.1 Current Wastewater Situation – Overview

Wastewater in the Mitchell Shire is managed by:

Reticulated sewerage within some towns;

A combination of reticulated sewerage and septic tanks within towns;

Septic tanks in unsewered towns; and

Septic tanks in rural living and farming land.



Table 4-1 summarises the current wastewater management arrangements and associated issues for towns and localities within the municipality.

Table 4-1 Wastewater management arrangements and associated key issues across the Mitchell Shire

Current Wastewater Management

Towns/Localities Key Issues

Reticulated sewerage

Broadford

Heathcote Junction

Kilmore

Seymour

Wallan

Wandong

Planning for sustainable growth

Septic tanks in sewered towns Kilmore

Seymour Infill of sewered towns

Septic tanks in unsewered towns

Beveridge

Pyalong

Tallarook

Tooborac

Waterford Park

Options for managing wastewater problems in unsewered towns


Septic tanks in rural living subdivisions and on farming land

Kilmore East

Rural land

Management of individual septics


4.2 Approval Processes

The following steps outlines the process for approval of a septic tank permit:

Application form is completed by owner and or plumber with prescribed fee;

Site inspection of the site is conducted by EHO (either approved, modified or not approved);

Details from the application are entered on to a data base application given an approval number;



A ‘Certificate To Install’ is issued;

Either drainer/plumber notifies the health department for 1st inspection (open trench inspection);

Information recorded on data base;

2nd inspection (distribution pits mortared extension to tank inlet and back filled correctly);

‘Certificate of Approval’ is issued; and

All relevant paper is then filed on the property file.

4.3 Monitoring and Compliance Processes

Mitchell Shire does not have an established, comprehensive monitoring and compliance program.

4.4 Land Capability Assessment

Mitchell Shire has recently undertaken an analysis of the land capability of the Shire for effluent disposal and developed standard design criteria for new septic systems and recommended lot sizes for new subdivisions. This is reported in the Draft Land Capability Mapping and Assessment Tools for Domestic Wastewater Management (RM Consulting Group et al 2006).

An example of the recommendations provided by the report is shown below. Land capability class has been linked to minimum lot size by determining the minimum area required to retain all effluent on site.



Extract from the Land Capability Mapping and Assessment Tools for Domestic Wastewater Management :

The following lot sizes are considered appropriate for new subdivisions (considering only the issue of onsite domestic wastewater management). Determination of these lot sizes has included an element of conservatism (in particular, the flow rates specified are significantly higher than average rates per household). These values are designed to ensure that on-site wastewater management systems will operate effectively with minimal input from council.

Table 4-1 Recommended lot sizes for new subdivisions

Notes:

0. Based on <15% of the area of each lot to be set aside for effluent disposal

1. Setbacks account for at least half of this area to be set aside

2. Treatment to 20/30 quality effluent may reduce the thresholds above by 1-2 categories

3. For sprinkler irrigation, larger lots will be required, generally at least 6000 m2

4. Other site limitations such as proximity to watercourses, shallow groundwater (< 1.2 m), slope (> 20%) or shallow depth to bedrock (< 0.5 m) may result in a requirement for a larger lot size, or may make the site unsuitable for onsite wastewater management.

Soil

categoryTypical soil texture 1000 litres/day 750 litres/day 600 litres/day

Range Design

(m/day) (m/day)

1 Gravels and sands >3.0 - - - -

2 Sandy loams 1.4 to >3.0 1.4 2000 m2

3 Loams 0.5 to 3.0 0.5

4 Clay loams 0.12 to 0.5 0.12

5 Light clays 0.06 to 0.12 0.07

6a Medium clays ~ 0.06 0.06

6b Heavy clays < 0.06 0.04

6c Poorly structured heavy clays < 0.06 0.035 8000 m2

6000 m2

Scenario Very conservative

Reticulated water Roof supply only

Requirements Nil

Indicative

permeability (Ksat)

4000 m2

6000 m2

3000 m2

4000 m2

3000 m2

4000 m2

6000 m2

Appropriate for new subdivisions

Nominate area for land-application



5 Assessment of Current Wastewater Situation

5.1 Local Wastewater Management Profile

A wastewater management profile was completed for each town or subdivision nominated for inclusion in the DWMP. The data to complete these profiles was drawn from:

Audits of septic systems undertaken by the Shire (Tallarook, Waterford Park, Melrose Drive);

Knowledge of the Environmental Health Staff;

Site inspection of each town and subdivision;

A Land Capability Study of the Mitchell Shire (1996); and

Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategies.

The Shire undertook audits of septic systems in Tallarook and Waterford Park in 2004 and Melrose Drive in 2003. These are the only current data available for EHO’s and includes the following information:

Property number, address and owner;

System type;

Sullage discharge off-site;

Date desludged;

Record of permit to install;

Date of inspection; and

Comments on problems.

Since amalgamation of municipalities, many of the records relating to wastewater management have disappeared and in most cases there is no record of the permit, system type, permit conditions etc. This data provides a template for building a database over time.



5.2 Waterford Park

Waterford Park is an isolated residential subdivision set on the side of a valley in the Sunday Creek catchment (Map 2) amongst rural land. There are 86 homes in the subdivision. The land is steeply sloping. Stormwater is collected in earthen drains that discharges into Sunday Creek. Waterford Park is not within a Proclaimed Water Supply Catchment.

Most of the allotments within the Waterford Park subdivision are less than 1,000 square metres in area (Table 5-1). There are 12 vacant lots available for development and these cannot be developed, as they are unsuitable for septic tank installation due to slope, small size or both. A number of permits for septics tanks have not been approved for these reasons.

Table 5-1 Profile of Waterford Park

Town Profile

Number of allotments <1,000sqm 61

Number of allotments 5,000 to 10,000 sqm 4

Number of allotments >10,000 sqm 1

Number of houses 86

New septic systems in the last three years 7 since 1995

Vacant blocks 12

Number of commercial properties None

Number of public facilities 1, Public toilets

Septic systems

Most of the systems in use are old split systems with sullage water discharged directly to the stormwater systems and conventional septic systems. In recent times a number of aerobic wastewater treatment plants have been installed. Table 5-2 details the types of septic systems in use at Waterford Park.



Table 5-2 Septic systems in use at Waterford Park

System type Split system

(2 tanks)

Aerobic Wastewater Treatment

Conventional Tank and lines

Number 52 8 22

Age Unknown but thought to be > 20 years old

Unknown but likely to be < 5 years old

Unknown but thought to be > 20 years old

Efficiency 52 of the 86 systems had no obvious problems, others had bogginess in winter, some systems could not be located or lines have been inappropriately sited, package plants are not maintained regularly in accordance with EPA guidelines

Off-site discharge of sullage

47 homes discharge sullage directly to the stormwater system

Frequency of desludging or servicing

28 systems have been desludged in the last 5 years

Level of usage General living

Complaints None

Reticulated sewerage potential

There is little likelihood that Waterford Park will be connected to reticulated sewerage as it is not located close to an existing system and due to its small size.

Wastewater Problems

The Shire has estimated that effluent is not contained on site in 98% of the homes in Waterford Park. This is due to the small lot size and an inadequate area for effective on site disposal. There are no records to indicate that systems are regularly maintained and working efficiently. As a consequence treated and untreated blackwater and treated and untreated greywater are being discharged into the stormwater drains and ultimately to Sunday Creek.

A number of vacant lots in the subdivision have not been developed as they do not meet the requirements for a septic tank permit due to the slope and block size.

Map 2 shows the areas at risk in Waterford Park.

Wastewater Threats

Wastewater has the potential to harm human health or damage the environment. Table 5-3 summarises the threats and contributing factors posed by the types of wastewater problems at Waterford Park.

Failed systems with offsite discharge are the greatest threat with poor septic management the most significant contributing factor to wastewater problems in Waterford Park.



Table 5-3 Threats and threat ratings of wastewater problems at Waterford Park

Threat category

Contributing factors

Failed systems

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with onsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with offsite sullage

discharge

Re-use of wastewater Total

threat rating

Land capability

1 1 1 1 4

Small lot sizes 2 2 2 2 8

Poor septic management

3 3 3 2 11

Ineffective regulation

3 3 3 3 12

Stormwater infrastructure

Total threat rating

9 9 9 8 35

* 1 Low, 2 = Moderate, 3 = High, 4= Very high

Values

Values reflect the community perception of public health and the protection of beneficial uses of the environment. Table 5-4 summarises the values that are threatened by the wastewater problems at Waterford Park and the value rating.

At Waterford Park instream biodiversity is being impacted upon the most, followed by exposure to wastewater and amenity by the wastewater problems at Waterford Park.

Table 5-4 Values and value ratings threatened by wastewater problems at Waterford Park

Value category Specific value type Rating

Public health Infectious disease transmission -

Exposure 2

Environmental Surface water for potable use -

Surface water for recreational use -

Instream biodiversity 3

Groundwater for potable use -

Economic Development potential 3

Property value -

Amenity 3

Total 11



5.2.1 Risk assessment

Risk magnitude was calculated for all combinations of values and threats where the magnitude of Risk = Value x Threat. These ratings reflect local knowledge and experience rather than being an absolute value of risk. Table 5-5 details the outcomes of the risk assessment for Waterford Park

Table 5-5 Magnitude of risk associated with wastewater problems at Waterford Park

Wastewater threats

Receiving values

Failed systems

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with onsite

discharge

Treated effluent


discharge

Re-use of wastewater

Total

Public health Infectious disease

transmission

Exposure 18 18 18 16 70

Environmental Surface water

for potable use

Surface water for

recreational use

Instream

biodiversity 27 27 27 24 105

Groundwater for potable

use

Economic Development

potential 27 27 27 24 105

Property value

Amenity 27 27 27 24 105

Total 99 99 99 88 385



Map 2 Waterford Park

The entire subdivision of Waterford Park contributes to the wastewater problems and there is high public health risk throughout the subdivision

Sunday Creek is a high risk area of environmental impacts.



5.3 Tallarook

Tallarook is located north of Broadford on the Hume Freeway. The land is gently to moderately undulating and drains to Dabyminga Creek. Tallarook has a reticulated water supply. Stormwater is managed through a combination of brick-lined, concrete-lined and earthen drains. These drains are in a poor state and water pools and stagnates in the gutters during lot flows. Most of the allotments are less than 1,000 square metres (Table 4-6) throughout the town (Table 5-6).

Table 5-6 Profile of Tallarook

Town Profile

Number of allotments <1,000sqm 93


Number of allotments >10,000 sqm 231

Number of houses Approximately 161

New systems in the last three years

Number of commercial properties 2 (hotel and general store)

Number of public facilities 1 (school)

Septic systems

Most of the septic systems in use are old blackwater systems with offsite discharge of greywater to the stormwater system. In recent years aerobic wastewater treatment plants have been installed. Table 5-7 details the septic systems in use at Tallarook.

Table 5-7 Septic systems in use at Tallarook

System Type Blackwater systems with

offsite discharge of greywater

Conventional septic systems

Aerobic wastewater

treatment plants

Number 46 26 12

Age > 30 years old > 20 years old < 5 years old

Efficiency Unknown but thought to be poor

Unknown but thought to be poor

Many are not working efficiently because they are not correctly maintained


29 systems desludged in the last 5 years

Level of usage General living

Complaints None




There is some potential for Tallarook to be connected to reticulated sewerage. The town is likely to see some growth in the next few years with the improvements in the Hume Freeway and access to Melbourne. The town provides affordable housing and a train service to Melbourne and the northern suburbs. Reticulated sewerage would provide opportunity for development of vacant lots within the town.

What are the wastewater problems

Most systems within the town are split systems with greywater discharged off site to the stormwater system. In other cases systems are failing or operating at capacity and because of small block size, treated and untreated effluent is seeping and running off to the gutter. As the stormwater system does not drain efficiently wastewater is pooling in gutters.

A Common Effluent Drainage Scheme was recently constructed and services a portion of the town. Monitoring indicates that the system is effectively treating the collected effluent. The efficiency of the system is compromised though due to the poor stormwater drainage.

There have been a number of recent applications for subdivision and development of vacant lots within the town. The developers have indicated that they wish to subdivide down to small lots of 500 to 600 square metres which is likely to result in wastewater management problems due to the poor land capability and inadequate area to ensure all effluent is contained onsite.

Wastewater Threats

Wastewater has the potential to harm human health or damage the environment. Table 5-8 summarises the threats and threat rating posed by the types of wastewater problems at Tallarook. Map 3 shows the location of high-risk areas in the town.

Table 5-8 Threats and threat ratings of wastewater problems at Tallarook


Threat category Total contributing factor rating

Failed systems

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with onsite

discharge

Treated effluent


discharge


Land capability

1 1 1 3

Small lot sizes 2 2 2 6


3 3 3 9


1 1 1 3


3 3 3 3 12

Total threat rating

10 10 10 3 33




Values

Values reflect the community perception of public health and the protection of beneficial uses of the environment. Table 5-9 summarises the values that are threatened by the wastewater problems at Tallarook and the value rating.

Table 5-9 Values and value ratings threatened by wastewater problems at Tallarook


Public health Infectious disease transmission -

Exposure 2

Environmental Surface water for potable use -

Surface water for recreational use -


Groundwater for potable use -

Economic Development potential 3

Property value -

Amenity 3

Total values 12

• 1 Low, 2 = Moderate, 3 = High, 4= Very high

Risk Assessment

Risk magnitudes were calculated for all combinations of values and threats where the magnitude of Risk = Value x Threat. These ratings reflect the local knowledge and experiences of the EHO’s rather than being an absolute value of risk. Table 5-10 details the outcome of the risk assessment for Tallarook.



Table 5-10 Magnitude of risk for threats and values at Tallarook

Wastewater threats

Receiving values

Failed systems

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with onsite

discharge

Treated effluent


discharge


Total

Public health Infectious disease

transmission

Exposure 20 20 20 6 66

Environmental Surface water

for potable use

Surface water for

recreational use

Instream

biodiversity 40 40 40 12 132

Groundwater for potable

use

Economic Development

potential 30 30 30 9 99

Property value

Amenity 30 30 30 9 99

Total 120 120 120 36 396



Map 3 Tallarook

Wastewater problems are generated from small lots in the town centre

Dabyminga Creek runs through the centre of town and is the main receiving waterway of stormwater and offsite effluent discharge



5.4 Melrose Drive and Mill Road Precinct (Kilmore)

Melrose Drive is a Low Density Residential Development on the southern fringe of the Kilmore Township. The development is supplied with reticulated water and the stormwater is managed through concrete swale drains connected to the main stormwater system.

Table 5-11 provides a breakdown of the allotments sizes, housing, commercial and public facilities and number of new systems installed in the last three years.

Table 5-11 Profile of Melrose Drive

Town Profile

Number of allotments <1,000sqm -


Number of allotments >10,000 sqm -

Number of houses 22

New systems in the last three years None

Number of commercial properties None

Number of public facilities None

Septic systems

Most of the systems in use at Melrose Drive are aerobic wastewater treatment plants with two conventional systems with sand filters. Table 5-12 details the septic tanks in use at Melrose Drive. There have been no new installations in the last three years.

Table 5-12 Septic systems in use at Melrose Drive.

System Type Conventional septic tank with sand filter

Aerobic wastewater treatment plants

Number 2 20

Age < 10 years <10 years

Efficiency One system is not working satisfactorily

Many systems are not working efficiently and some are not

working at all


None are being serviced according to EPA guidelines




Reticulated sewerage is available at the northern end of the Melrose Drive estate and there is potential for the subdivision to be connected to the main system.

Wastewater problems

Many of the aerated wastewater septic systems are not functioning efficiently or at all because they have not been serviced in accordance with EPA requirements. In a number of instances the pumps had been turned off and raw sewerage is entering the stormwater system. A number of odour complaints were received in 2003 and Council conducted an audit of the systems (2005).

Council is aware that land adjacent to the Melrose Drive and Mill Road Precinct is soon to be developed. Council wants to ensure that the proposed allotments will be at a suitable size to ensure the domestic wastewater does not become a problem and that the systems are properly maintained and serviced. A preferable outcome would be for this land to be connected to reticulated sewerage at the time of development.

Council has indicated that guidelines recommending lot sizes and appropriate septic systems based on the land capability would assist in ensuring that problems associated with septic systems can be prevented in the future.

Wastewater Threats

Wastewater has the potential to harm human health or damage the environment. Table 5-13 summarises the threats and threat rating posed by the types of wastewater problems at Melrose Drive.

Table 5-13 Threats and threat ratings of wastewater problems Melrose Drive


Threat category Total contributing factor rating

Failed systems

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with onsite

discharge

Treated effluent


discharge


Land capability

Small lot sizes


3 3



Total threat rating

3 3




Values

Values reflect the community perception of public health and the protection of beneficial uses of the environment. Table 5-14 summarises the values that are threatened by the wastewater problems at Tallarook and the value rating.

Table 5-14 Values and value ratings threatened by wastewater problems at Melrose Drive


Public health Infectious disease transmission 3

Exposure

Environmental Surface water for potable use

Surface water for recreational use


Groundwater for potable use

Economic Development potential

Property value 2

Amenity 3

Total 11


Risk Assessment

Risk magnitudes were calculated for all combinations of values and threats where the magnitude of Risk = Value x Threat. These ratings reflect the local knowledge and experiences of the EHO’s rather than being an absolute value of risk. Table 5-15 details the outcome of the risk assessment for Melrose Drive.



Table 5-15 Risk assessment for Melrose Drive

Wastewater threats

Receiving values

Failed systems

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with offsite

discharge

Treated effluent

with onsite

discharge

Treated effluent


discharge


Total

Public health Infectious disease transmission

9

Exposure

Environmental

Surface water for potable use


Instream biodiversity

9


Economic Development potential

Property value

6

Amenity 9

Total 33 33



Map 4 Melrose Drive Kilmore

Melrose Drive development

Approximate location of closest reticulated sewer main

Candidate areas for future low-density development



5.5 Small Towns

There are a number of small towns throughout the Shire that do not have significant wastewater management problems but without appropriate planning policy, could develop problems if inappropriate subdivision is allowed.

5.5.1 Pyalong

Pyalong is small town north west of Broadford. There are approximately 84 homes in the town as well as a hotel, general store, school and golf clubrooms. The Shire believes that there is limited growth potential in Pyalong in the future. The township is surrounded by agricultural land used predominantly for sheep and cattle grazing. The land is gently undulating and drains to a tributary of Sunday Creek.

Most of the septic systems are old (>30 years) blackwater systems with offsite discharge of greywater. The level of servicing is unknown but there have been no complaints associated with wastewater and no indications that systems are not working effectively. Approximately six new homes have been established in the last five years.

Generally, the existing systems are not causing any wastewater management issues, though the Shire has indicated maintenance and servicing of septic systems.

5.5.2 Tooborac

Tooborac is located in the north west corner of the municipality and comprises 144 homes, a hotel, general store, school and football clubrooms. There have been o applications for installation of new septic system in the last five years and the Shire believes that there is limited potential for growth in the future. The town is surrounded by agricultural land used predominantly for sheep and cattle grazing.

Generally, the existing systems are not causing any wastewater management issues, though the Shire has indicated that maintenance and servicing of septic systems is generally poor.

5.5.3 Kilmore East

Kilmore East is a hamlet south of Broadford and east of Kilmore on the North Eastern Railway Line. There area is zoned Town in the planning scheme but much of the land is still to be developed. There is a station at Kilmore East and the Shire believes that this may lead to future development pressure with the opportunity for commuting to Melbourne. A number of septic tank permit applications have been refused as the blocks are small, the soil has poor land capability and onsite effluent disposal cannot be achieved.

Generally, the existing systems are not causing any wastewater management issues, though the Shire has indicated that maintenance and servicing of septic systems is generally poor.



5.5.4 Meade Court, North Kilmore

Meade Court is a rural residential development north of Kilmore on steeply undulating land with blocks of approximately 2 ha. The soil has very poor drainage properties. While the management of wastewater is not ideal, the problems are not significant. However, the Shire wants to ensure that there will be no further subdivision of land in this area as this would most likely result in a significant wastewater problem.

5.5.5 Beveridge

Beveridge is located south of Broadford. The main township is located on rising, undulating land east of the Hume Freeway. A more recent rural residential development on low-lying flat land is located west of the Freeway.

For the township on the eastern side of the Freeway, currently there are no problems. On the eastern side of the Freeway, while there are currently no problems, the very low capability for on-site effluent disposal means there is a significant risk of developing problems if development is allowed to proceed on blocks that are too small. There has been little activity within the township. A number of homes have been established in a rural subdivision in the last 5 years with a substantial amount of vacant land still available for development.

For each of these areas the Shire has indicated that guidelines recommending lot sizes and appropriate septic systems and trench lengths based on the land capability would assist in ensuring that problems associated with septic systems can be prevented in the future. This is especially of concern in the 2 ha subdivisions where there may be demand for further subdivision in the future.



6 Priorities

The outcomes of the risk assessment have been used to establish the priority towns, priority threats and priority values which are outlined in the tables below. These priorities are used to guide the development of management strategies and action plans.

Table 6-1 Priority Towns

Town Threat Rating Values Risk Priority Rating

Tallarook 33 12 396 1

Waterford Park 35 11 385 2

Melrose Drive 3 11 33 3

Table 6-2 Priority Contributing Factors

Towns Total Priority Ranking Contributing Factors Waterford Park Tallarook Melrose Drive

Poor system management

11 9 3 23 1

Ineffective regulation 12 3 - 15 2

Small lot sizes 8 6 - 14 3


- 12 - 12 4

Land capability 4 3 - 7 5

Table 6-3 Priority Values

Towns Total Priority Ranking Value types

Waterford Park Tallarook Melrose Drive

Amenity 3 3 3 9 1

Instream biodiversity 3 3 3 9 1

Development potential 3 3 6 2

Exposure 2 2 4 3

Infectious disease transmission

3 4

Property value 2 2 5

Surface water for potable use





7 Management Strategies

Management strategies define a range of management actions that respond to the wastewater problems in priority towns and address the priority threats and contributing factors which pose the greatest risk to the receiving environment.

The project team have aimed to identify management strategies and actions that will address the identified priorities and are achievable within available resources (staff time and budget).

Management strategies in Mitchell Shire include:

Community education;

Information management and Compliance;

Low cost solutions for small towns;

Sewerage infill;

Building better partnerships; and

Implementation of septic tank and lot size guidelines.



7.1 Community Education

Poor system management was identified through the risk assessment as the greatest contributing factor to the wastewater management issues in the Shire. Poor system management arises because property owners:

Do no know they have a septic system;

Do not know their obligations to comply with septic tank permit conditions;

Do not know how a septic system works;

Do not know how to prevent problems arising; and

Do not know how to detect a problem.

The domestic wastewater community education strategy will aim to raise awareness of septic tank management and achieve a higher level of compliance with septic tank permit conditions including regular maintenance and servicing.

The high priority towns of Tallarook and Waterford Park will be the initial focus of the community education strategy.

The community education strategy will utilise the community education kit developed by the MAV, Keeping Your Backyard Health – getting informed about your septic (2005), developed to assist Shires with the development and implementation of a community education program as well as providing some templates for brochures, fact sheets etc that can be tailored for local areas.

Following implementation and evaluation of the community education program, the Shire may consider an incentive program to provide assistance and encouragement to property owners to undertake regular servicing of septic tanks.



7.1.1 Community Education for Priority Towns

Priority area for implementation: Waterford Park, Tallarook

Responsible Manager: Environmental Health Manager

Strategic objective: To inform the community of their responsibilities with regards to septic tank management and to improve the management of septic tanks

Action steps Responsible person

Budget Due date Monitoring indicators

Identification of owners and addresses Rates officer

IT officer

Within budget September 2006

Completion by due date

Database of owners

Development of a communication plan targeting:

• Individual landowners

• Media

• Council website

And utilising established resources from the MAV handbook and other municipalities

EHO $2,000 for design, development and printing of written material (note material to also be provided in electronic format)

September 2006 Completed plan

Education resource ready for distribution

Implement communication plan EHO $200 postage January 2007

Arrangements for handling and monitoring enquiries

EHO/Customer services

Within budget January 2007

Evaluation of plan EHO/Customer services

Within budget Number of service reports received

Number of enquiries re: permit conditions

Number of enquires re: tank management information



7.1.2 Community education for new permit holders and new property owners

Priority area for implementation: New septic tank permit holders and new property owners

Responsible manager: Environmental health

Strategic objective: To ensure that when properties change hands that the new owners are aware that a septic tank permit applies to the property and the conditions of the permit


Budget Due date:

Date Completed:

Monitoring Indicators

Establish a referral system with rates office so that EH receive notification of change of home ownership

EH/Rates offices Within budget September 2006

Prepare a standard covering letter to accompany a pack of educational material (from 7.1.1) to be circulated to new septic tank permit holders and new property owners

EH Within budget September 2006

Distribute material as permits are issued and changes of home ownership referrals are received

EH Within budget Ongoing



7.1.3 Septic tank servicing incentives program

Priority area for implementation: Waterford Park

Responsible Manager Manager, Environmental Health

Strategic objective Develop and trial an incentives program in Waterford Park to achieve regular servicing of septic tanks and establish if incentives will be a useful tool to achieve a high level of septic maintenance in accordance with EPA Guidelines

Action steps Responsible person Budget Due date Monitoring indicators

Identification of owners and addresses Rates office Within budget September 2006 Completion by due date

Database of owners

Develop a program of incentives e.g.:

Rate rebates

Negotiate group rates with desludging companies

EHO Within budget September 2006

Estimate cost of program based on number of households

EHO Within budget

Prepare a proposal for consideration by Council EHO Within budget

On approval for funding implement incentives program including:

Media announcement

Letters/information for landholders circulated with rate notes

Arrangements for hading enquiries

Arrangements for handling service reports

Media officer

EHO

Customer services

EHO

Within budget

Evaluate outcomes of program and prepare report and make recommendation to continue, expand or discontinue program to Council

EHO Within budget



7.2 Information Management and Compliance

Compliance is a legislative responsibility for Mitchell Shire. To instigate a compliance and enforcement program, EHO’s require information on the types of septic systems, their location and a history of maintenance to know when servicing is due. Ideally, this information would be linked with other municipal databases such as the planning scheme and land capability. This would open up possibilities for implementing education and compliance programs in a strategic way focussing for instance on small allotments in high-risk areas.

Currently, the Shire has a simple, stand-alone Excel database with records of septic tanks in Tallarook and Waterford Park. There are records for other septic systems in hard copy files however many records were lost during shire amalgamation.

A critical first step therefore to implementing a compliance program will be to establish a septic tank database that is compatible with other systems used by the Shire. A group of municipalities are currently working together to develop a septic tank database that could be adapted for use by Mitchell Shire.

Until a comprehensive database has been established, the Shire will be limited in the compliance activities it can undertake. There is an opportunity when properties change hands to ensure that the details of the septic system are established and the new property owner is aware of the type of systems and management obligations. For properties where the septic tank permit has been lost, this is also an opportunity for establishing the type and location of the system and if it is working satisfactorily.



7.2.1 Establish a database of septic tank permits

Priority area for implementation: Municipality

Responsible manager: Environmental Health

Strategic Objective To establish septic tank permit database to underpin compliance activities.


Budget Due date

Monitoring indicators

Liase with other municipalities and monitor development of the septic tank database

EH Manager Within budget

Budget for purchase the appropriate software EH Manager Unknown

Budget to provide assistance (e.g. work experience students, causal short-term employee) to input exiting septic tank permit records on to database

EH Manager

Identify priority list of towns for septic tank audits


Undertake audits as budget allows to update septic tank permit database




7.2.2 Compliance

Priority area for implementation: All towns


Strategic Objective Ensure new property owners are informed of the existence of a septic tank and any recorded problems

Re-establish details of septic tanks for properties where a permit is not available


Budget Due date

Monitoring indicators

Work with the rates to establish a system for Section 32 notices to include a copy of the septic tank permit to inform potential property buyers of the existence of a septic systems and associated obligations

EH Manager

Within Budget December 2006 Section 32’s referred to EH team

Develop and implement a Shire policy requiring property vendors in residential areas to establish the type and location of the septic system and that the system is working satisfactorily where a record of permit is no longer available..

EH Manager Within budget December 2006



7.3 Low Cost Solutions for Small Towns

The towns of Tallarook and Waterford Park have significant wastewater problems that are impacting on the environmental health of waterways and also pose a public health risk. Any solution to these problems must acknowledge the generally low socio-economic profile of these towns and any costs that may be borne by the property owners. Replacement of split systems will not be possible firstly because the blocks are generally too small to accommodate an all-waste system and secondly, it is beyond the means of most property owners.

Given the environmental impact and potential for further development, Tallarook may be a candidate for State Government support for reticulated sewerage. Most property owners would find it cost prohibitive to connect to a sewer without State government support. While wastewater problems at Waterford Park are also having a significant impact on the environmental health of Sunday Creek, there is little development potential and it is unlikely to be a candidate for reticulated sewerage.

Low cost solutions to managing the wastewater problems in these towns are required that will not disadvantage property owners and that can accommodate discharge of sullage to the stormwater in to the future.

The Shire has constructed a small common effluent drainage scheme in Tallarook. Grey water sullage is collected via the stormwater system and directed to a reed bed prior to discharging to the creek. Monitoring of the treated water indicates a significant reduction in nitrogen, phosphorous and suspended solids (Table 7-1). Approximately 30% of the towns stormwater system drains to the reed bed.

Table 7-1 Analysis of water entering and leaving the effluent treatment reed bed at Tallarook*

Inlet to Reed bed Outlet to Creek

Total Phosphorous 1.6 mg/L 0.7 mg/L

Total Nitrogen 9.3 mg/L 5.4 mg/L

Suspended solids 27.0 mg/L 18.0 mg/L

pH 7.6 7.0

* From analysis undertaken by OMIC Australia, July 2006.

The cost of installing the reedbed and associated infrastructure was approximately $15,000. There will be ongoing maintenance of the reedbed to ensure that the reeds work to the maximum potential. The system would also be improved by upgrading the stormwater drains where sullage water pools and stagnates during low flows.

The EH Team are pleased with the performance and cost effectiveness of the system in Tallarook and see that there may be potential to expand the system to capture the stormwater from the entire town.

An alternative to the reed system is to install a small treatment plan to treat the collected sullage/stormwater through a common drainage scheme.



7.4 Low cost solutions for small towns

Priority area for implementation: Tallarook and Waterford Park


Strategic Objective To investigate low cost solutions to environmental and public health risks at Tallarook and Waterford Park.



Investigate options for treating stormwater and effluent from a CED scheme


Prepare a briefing paper for community consultation


Consult with community on options for managing wastewater


Based on community feedback develop a detailed project proposal for implementation




7.5 Sewerage Infill - Melrose Drive

The failure of systems at Melrose Drive is posing a significant public health risk with raw sewerage entering the stormwater system. The logical long-term solution is for this subdivision to be connected to the nearby reticulated sewerage system. This will also provide an opportunity for nearby vacant land earmarked for development to be connected to the system at the time of development.

In the interim, a compliance program is required to ensure that property owners undertake servicing and maintenance as per the septic tank permits.

Priority area for implementation: Melrose Drive, Kilmore


Strategic Objective To address public health and environmental risks in Melrose Drive and prevent risks developing in future, adjacent developments



Establish a working group with Goulburn Valley Water to develop a plan for reticulated sewerage


Consult with Melrose Drive community regarding the wastewater problems and proposal to connect to sewerage

EH Manager/GVW Within budget

Goulburn Valley Water to develop detailed designs and costings to take back to the community for comment

GVW/EH Manager

If community accepts proposal, develop a detailed proposal (timelines, budget) to be endorsed and implemented by Goulburn Valley Water

GVW

In the interim, and if community rejects reticulated sewerage, a compliance program will be developed to ensure systems are maintained if functioning or repaired if failing

• Notices to all residents of requirements for notifications of servicing

• Follow up on properties that do not submit service notifications

• Enforcement notices to those with failing systems

EH Manager



7.6 Implementation of Septic Tank and Lot Size Guidelines

In 1996, the Shire undertook a detailed assessment of the land capability of the municipality. This information has recently been used to develop guidelines and policy for approval of septic tank permits and minimum lot sizes in new subdivisions based on the capability of the land for effluent disposal. These guidelines and policies need to be adopted by Council as a reference document under the planning scheme. To implement the guidelines and policies, protocols and systems need to be developed and put in place in partnership with the statutory and land use planning arms of the Shire.

Priority area for implementation: Melrose Drive, Kilmore


Strategic Objective To ensure installation of septic tank systems and lot sizes in future subdivisions reflect the capability of the land for effluent disposal and prevent wastewater management problems emerging in the future



Submit Land Capability and Tools for Assessment Report to Council for adoption as a reference document


Conduct workshops with statutory planning and land use planning to explain guidelines and develop protocols and systems for implementation




8 References

Domestic Wastewater Management: a planning guides for local government (2005) Municipal Association of Victoria. www.mav.asn.au/environment/dww_managment

Keeping you backyard healthy : getting informed about your septic (2005) Municipal Association of Victoria

Land Capability of the Mitchell Shire (2006) Jones, E. and Boyle, G. Technical Report No.35 Centre for Land Protection Research

Land Capability Mapping and Assessment Tools for Domestic Wastewater Management. Draft (2006) RM Consulting Group, van de Graaff and Associates, Department of Primary Industries.

Model Municipal Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (2005) Municipal Association of Victoria

progress report to the municipal ... - shire of mitchell · mitchell shire domestic wastewater...

Documents