Septic Tanks and the One Plan Information Sheet for Beach Property Owners

This information sheet provides guidance for Himatangi • Due to small land areas available for disposal in property owners considering joining the Manawatu Himatangi, it is highly likely upgrades to existing District Council community sewerage scheme. We systems will require a consent from us to continue recommend residents consider the scheme and its to operate. However, there is a high chance benefits, particularly if you are concerned about the that a consent may not be approved due to the performance of your septic tank or are considering environmental impacts an upgrade would have. making changes to your property in the future. • The NZ Building Code (clause G13.3.3) states that I have an existing on-site wastewater system – once a community sewerage system is in place, any what do I need to do? new system or upgrade must connect to it. Therefore if your system fails in the future, you will be required • Any existing on-site wastewater system needs to by Council to connect to the have been lawfully in existence at 1 July 2011. This community sewerage system to remain compliant. means that the system needs to have obtained the appropriate approval from the District Council when installed. Signs that your septic tank may not comply with the Horizons One Plan rules • The existing system also needs to meet a list of There are certain types of systems and some signs that standards to continue to operate without consent indicate whether or not your wastewater system will from the Regional Council. The check list on the back comply with the permitted activity requirements. For of this flyer sets out what these standards are. example, systems will not comply where:

• If you want to be certain that your system complies • A soak hole is used to dispose of effluent into the with Horizons regulations then we recommend water table; contacting a registered drain layer to check the system and sign off the attached check list. • The ground in the vicinity of the system is “spongy” or wet for part of the year;

What if I change or upgrade my system in the • On low-lying properties where groundwater is close future or the system fails? to the surface in winter; or • Any change or upgrade to a system in the future will be subject to Horizons’ One Plan rules. • Where systems have been altered by householders. Check List

Septic Tank compliance standards Note: Regular maintenance must occur in accordance with If you are considering not connecting, we recommend you the supplier’s specifications and the Manual for On-site engage a Registered Drainlayer to confirm that your system Wastewater Systems Design and Management (HRC, meets the standards set out in the One Plan. 2010). Maintenance records will need to be made We suggest you keep this completed check list as a record available to Horizons Regional Council on request. for future use. If the system does not meet any one of the criteria listed then it does not comply with Horizons’ rules and consent will be required if you do not connect to the Matters the drainlayer must determine and consider; community sewerage system. There is no guarantee that a consent will be approved. Y/N Design inflow no more than 2,000 litres per day………………

No wastewater run-off or seepage to the ground surface (e.g. spongy ground) ………………………………… Drainlayers Sign-Off

No direct discharge of wastewater to groundwater I have inspected the septic tank system at (insert or surface water (e.g. soak holes or pipes to local address)…………………………………………… drainage systems) …………………………………………… ...... No objectionable odour beyond the property boundary ……… and confirm that the system complies with the One Plan requirements of Rule 13-10. No discharge within 20 metres of: a. a bore …………….………………………………… Name: …………….………………………………… b. surface watercourse ………………………………… c. artificial watercourse………………………………… Signed: ……………………………………………… d. the coast ……………………………………………. Date: …………....…………………………………… e. a neighbouring soakage field (if system installed post 1999) …………………………

11-15 Victoria Avenue T 0508 800 800 Private Bag 11025 F 06 952 2929 Manawatu Mail Centre [email protected] 4442 www.horizons.govt.nz 2012/585