Sewage management systems
There are a number of areas within the Maitland Local Government Area where a direct connection to Hunter Water reticulated sewer system is not available meaning that wastewater must be managed on site.
Council has a role of ensuring that on site wastewater treatment systems are installed, operated and maintained appropriately under the Local Government Act 1993.
Domestic wastewater treatment systems installed include:
- septic tanks with evapotranspiration beds or absorption trenches
- aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS)
- effluent pump out system
- composting systems (worm farms)
- pump to sewer systems.
For enquires of premises connected to the reticulated sewer system please contact Hunter Water on 1300 657 657.
Please note: Whilst the same application is used, an approval to install, alter or construct an on-site sewage management system (OSSM) differs from an approval to operate and you must submit both depending on your circumstances.
Yes, approval is required from Council before a waste treatment system can be installed, altered or constructed.
To apply, please complete the application to install/construct and or alter a sewage management facility and submit your application in person at Council's administration building 285-287 High Street, Maitland (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5.00pm) or by post to PO Box 220, Maitland 2320.
The application must include site plans, dwelling floor plan, system specification and NSW Health accreditation documents. Systems with on site effluent disposal will also require a site specific assessment report from an appropriately qualified Environmental Consultant. Application fees are payable at the time of lodgement.
It is important to contact Council's Environmental Health Officer on 02 4934 9700 before submitting an application to discuss any specific issues.
Yes, every on site system requires an approval from Council to operate. An approval is issued once the application to operate a sewage management facility is received and where a satisfactory inspection is carried out, and/or where the service history indicates the system is regularly serviced and is in good working order.
In most cases, these approvals are granted for a period of 2 to 5 years. If you are a property owner, your approval to operate has expired and you wish for Council to inspect your system to issue a new approval, please complete an Application for Septic ATO Renewal Inspection.
Applications can be submitted in person at Council's administration building, 285-287 High Street, Maitland or by post to PO Box 220, Maitland 2320.
Property owners must comply with the conditions of their approval. Monitoring and inspections will be undertaken and the frequency of inspections depends on the risk level assigned to your system in accordance with council’s On-Site Sewage Management Policy.
Did you know? Approval to operate an OSSM system is not transferable. New owners must submit an application to operate an OSSM system within a period of three months after the date on which the land is transferred or otherwise conveyed to another owner.
It is an offence to operate an on site system without approval from Council.
Council operates an inspection program to ensure systematic and ongoing management of sewage management systems. Inspections are conducted on risk-based principles. Factors that are considered in the risk based principles include the location, system type, and compliance history of the system.
On-Site Sewage Management systems in the Maitland Local Government area can operate at the highest level of performance and not be causing a potential public health or environmental health risk. Not all systems may be operating satisfactorily and may need upgrading or works to be undertaken to ensure that these risks are managed.
Domestic wastewater treatment systems installed include:
- Septic tanks with evapotranspiration beds or absorption trenches
These are the most common types of systems. Effluent settles in the septic tank and then is disposed of into trenches or beds. The septic tank pre-treats the wastewater before it goes to the land application system.
The land application area is either a transpiration area or an absorption trench. You could have either application areas on your land.
- Aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS)
Aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS) is a mechanical septic system that treats effluent by aeration and disinfection, so it is suitable for irrigation onto lawns or gardens.
AWTS require ongoing maintenance by a technician on a 3 monthly basis to ensure that the system is working to its manufacturing standards.
An AWTS will either have surface sprays or sub surface sprays to dispose of the treated effluent on your land.
- Effluent pump out system
Effluent pump out systems incorporates a septic tank and a holding well and/or effluent pump. The septic is maintained by the owner of the land. The septic tank holds the solids in the tank and the effluent wastewater is disposed out via a pump out truck that attends the site on a scheduled basis.
- Approved composting systems
There are two kinds of composting systems - the waterless system, which requires a separate greywater tank, and the wet composting system, where all wastes go in together. Dry composting toilets are good for houses on tank water, or on a restricted water supply. They use very little energy are the most water efficient type of 'septic system'.
- Pump to sewer systems
Pump to sewer pressure systems incorporates a septic tank and a holding well and/or effluent pump. The septic is maintained by the owner of the land. The septic tank holds the solids in the tank and the effluent wastewater is pumped to the Hunter Water network for treatment.
For enquires of premises connected to the reticulated sewer system please contact Hunter Water on 1300 657 657.
Please note: Whilst the same application is used, an approval to install, alter or construct an on-site sewage management system (OSSM) differs from an approval to operate and you must submit both depending on your circumstances
Authorised Officers from Council can undertake the following regulatory action following an inspection of an On-Site Sewage Management System:
- Advice letters
- Warning letters;
- Orders under the Local Government Act 1993 (usually preceded by Notices of Intention to Issue an Order);
- Clean Up Notices and Prevention Notices under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997;
- Penalty Infringement Notices (PIN) under Local Government Act 1993 or Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 for operating a OSSM without approval, and not complying with an order or notice, or polluting waters.
- Prosecution under the Local Government Act 1993 and Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
Are you looking to purchase a new property with a septic system? You can approach Council to undertake a pre-purchase inspection of the property to ensure all of the correct approvals are in place before making your purchase.
You can apply for a pre-purchase inspection being completing and submitting a Septic Pre-Purchase Application Form