Jerilderie Shire Council

ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

The information contained in this document is solely for the use of the client identified on the cover for the purpose for which it has been prepared. No representation is made or is implied as being made to any third party.

Building & Environmental Services Today 26 Goulburn Street JUNEE NSW 2663 Ph/Fax: 6924 3986 Mobile: 0428 243 228 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.bestoday.com

2 CONTENTS

ON SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 4

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2. PURPOSE...... 4 3. OBJECTIVES ...... 5 3.1 PREVENTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ...... 5 3.2 PROTECTION OF SURFACE WATER...... 5 3.3 PROTECTION OF GROUNDWATER ...... 5 3.4 PROTECTION OF LAND ...... 5 3.5 CONSERVATION AND REUSE OF RESOURCES ...... 5 3.6 PROTECTION OF COMMUNITY AMENITY...... 5 4. GOALS ...... 6 5. PROGRAMS ...... 7 5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM ...... 7 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OF THE JERILDERIE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ...... 7 5.3 REGULATORY PROGRAM...... 10 5.4 RISK ASSESSMENT PROGRAM ...... 11 5.5 MONITORING PROGRAM...... 13 5.6 SERVICE PROGRAM ...... 14 5.7 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION...... 14 5.8 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM...... 14 6. RESOURCES ...... 15 6.1 FUNDING ...... 15 6.2 LEGISLATION ...... 16 6.3 STANDARDS APPLYING TO ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS...... 16 6.4 COUNCIL PLANNING INSTRUMENTS & DOCUMENTS ...... 16 7. ENFORCEMENT ...... 17 8. EVALUATION ...... 17 9. ACTIONS SUMMARY SHEET ...... 17 10. CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT – REVIEW OF THE PLAN...... 17 11. APPENDICES

APPENDIX A RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX APPENDIX B SITE INSPECTION CHECK LIST – EXISTING SYSTEM APPENDIX C APPLICATION FORM APPENDIX D PROCEDURE FOR APPROVING INSTALLATION OF NEW SYSTEMS APPENDIX E APPROVAL TEMPLATE FOR INSTALLATION OF A NEW SYSTEM APPENDIX F PROCEDURE FOR APPROVING OPERATION OF NEW AND EXISTING SYSTEMS APPENDIX G APPROVAL TEMPLATE FOR OPERATION OF NEW AND EXISTING SYSTEMS APPENDIX H STANDARD CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION APPENDIX I SPECIFICATIONS FOR SYSTEM INSTALLATION APPENDIX J RECOMMENDED PLANTS FOR USE IN DISPOSAL AREAS APPENDIX K EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL FOR OWNERS OF OSSMS APPENDIX L SELF ASSESSMENT FORM APPENDIX M LETTER BOX DROP – PHILOSOPHY OF OSSMS MANAGEMENT APPENDIX N LETTER TO OWNER RE-UPGRADE APPENDIX O REGISTER OF OSSMS APPENDIX P GOALS SUMMARY

ON SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. INTRODUCTION

Effective management of domestic sewage and wastewater is an important consideration for the public health of Jerilderie Shire Council residents and the environment. It requires the active involvement of both the Council and landholders.

Management of sewage on-site will not be seen as the simple disposal of an unwanted nuisance. Wastewater, including the nutrients and organic matter it contains, will be managed appropriately and used whenever possible.

This Management Plan has been developed to help Jerilderie Shire Council assess, regulate and manage the selection, design, installation, operation and maintenance of on- site sewage management systems. The Plan may also be useful to householders, developers and others who wish to reside in the Jerilderie Shire Council area.

This Management Plan draws upon the principles, technical data and overall advice contained in the publication “Environment and Health Protection Guidelines - On Site Sewage Management for Single Households”1. This publication is available at Jerilderie Shire Council office.

This Plan was adopted at Council’s meeting held on <______>.

It is the Council’s intention to incorporate the on-site sewage management strategy within its Management Plan. Each year Council’s State of Environment Report may address on- site sewage management matters.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of the On-site Sewage Management Plan is to:

2.1 Guide landholders towards sustainable on-site management of domestic/business/commercial sewage and wastewater.

2.2 Protect and enhance the quality of public health and the environment in the long term within the Jerilderie Shire.

2.3 Assist Council to prioritise resources for the efficient regulation and monitoring of on-site sewage management systems within its area.

1 These guidelines have been developed by the Department of Local Government, NSW Health, the EPA, the Department of Land and Water Conservation and the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning. The Guidelines were published by the NSW Department of Local Government

4 3. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this On-Site Sewage Management Plan are -

3.1 Prevention of public health risk - sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites and other disease-causing organisms. Contact with effluent should be minimised or eliminated, particularly for children. Insects can also act as vectors for disease where they have access to effluent. Residuals, such as composted material, should be handled carefully. Treated sewage should not be used on edible crops that are consumed raw.

3.2 Protection of surface water - on-site sewage management systems should be selected, sited, designed, constructed, operated and maintained to ensure that surface waters are not contaminated by any flow from treated systems and land application areas. (including effluent, rainfall run-off and contaminated groundwater flow)

3.3 Protection of groundwater - on-site sewage management systems should be selected, sited, designed, constructed, operated and maintained to ensure that groundwater will not be contaminated by any flow from either the treatment systems or land application areas.

3.4 Protection of land - on-site sewage management systems should be selected, sited, designed, constructed, operated and maintained to ensure that land is not contaminated by any flow from treated systems, effluent, rainfall run-off or contaminated groundwater flow.

3.5 Conservation and reuse of resources - the resources in domestic wastewater (including nutrients, organic matter and water) should be identified and utilised as much as possible within the bounds posed by the other performance objectives; water conservation should be practiced and wastewater production should be minimised.

3.6 Protection of community amenity - on-site sewage management systems should be selected, sited, designed, constructed, operated and maintained to ensure that they do not unreasonably interfere with quality of life. Where possible, such systems should enhance the local amenity - special consideration should be given to aesthetics, odour, dust, vectors and excessive noise.

4. GOALS

The goals of this On-site Sewage Management Plan are to:

4.1 Review council development standards and approval criteria for subdivision, development and buildings to ensure that appropriate provision is made for sustainable on-site sewage management when residential development occurs in non-sewered areas.

4.2 Identify the additional resources needed to support on-site sewage management systems.

4.3 Survey and maintain a register of all on-site sewage management systems.

4.4 Identify additional public infrastructure needed to support on-site sewage management systems.

4.5 Adopt a partnership approach with households and service agents to support continual improvement of on-site sewage management.

4.6 Consult with householders on the development and implementation of a strategy to eliminate illegal discharges from pump-out systems.

4.7 Permit the use of appropriate qualifications and accreditation processes for third parties wishing to certify maintenance work and/or compliance with approval standards for all types of systems.

4.8 Consult with local service agents to ensure that they are aware of qualification and accreditation procedures.

4.9 Ensure that all on-site waste management systems assessed as being high or medium risk are inspected by qualified and accredited people at the intervals determined through the risk assessment process.

4.10 To co-operate with householders, to develop site-specific sewage management plans which resolve identified problems.

5. PROGRAMS

The council has identified the following programs as being necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of its On-site Sewage Management Plan. It is Council’s intention to use these programs to ensure the effective delivery and application of the Plan.

5.1 Environmental Assessment Program

Council will undertake assessment of each individual site based on the criteria contained in the Risk Assessment Matrix. (Appendix A)

In undertaking this assessment council officers will be mindful of the individual environment in which the system is to be located and will determine the total impact the system is likely to have on the immediate environment as well as the environment of the council area as a whole.

Council officers will also consider the likely impact of proposed or existing systems on neighbouring council areas.

Council will consult with appropriate organisations that have an interest in the environment where necessary.

¾ New South Wales Health Department ¾ Department of Environment & Conservation ¾ Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Natural Resources ¾ Local Landcare Groups ¾ Department of Local Government.

5.2 Environmental Overview of the Jerilderie Local Government Area

Jerilderie Shire is located in the Murrumbidgee Electorate of southern New South Wales, 170 kilometres north west of Albury, 320 kilometres north of Melbourne and 135 kms south of Griffith. Jerilderie Shire is bounded by Narrandera Shire to the north, Urana Shire to the east, Conargo Shire to west and Berrigan Shire to the South. Jerilderie Shire is also located on the Newell Highway approximately 60 kms north of the Victorian border.

The climate of Jerilderie is described as Mediterranean and rainfall averages between 400 – 500 mm per year. Temperatures vary from below 0 degrees Celsius to above 40 degrees Celsius.

Topography of the area is basically flat with a slight gradient from east to west with some small sand hills (up to 10 metres) being evident through out the Shire.

Jerilderie Shire Council has an area of approximately 339,700h of which 287,000h is in agricultural use.

The natural environment of the Shire has been highly modified by human activity. A large percentage of the rural landscape consists of irrigated farmland so remnant vegetation is generally limited to roadsides, State Forests and public land and small woodlots on privately owned land.

The water table in some areas has risen since settlement intensified and clearing of woodland was undertaken. As for much of the Murray basin, the rising water table has mobilised salts bringing them closer to the surface.

Some areas of the shire have a water table within 3 metres from the surface and this is impacting on perennial vegetation and agricultural production. There are two Land and Water Management Plans that have been prepared to combat water quality issues.

¾ Berriquin Land and Water Management Plan that covers the southern third of the Shire and aims to improve agricultural management so as to improve economic sustainability.

¾ The Coleambally Irrigation area Land and Water Management Plan encompasses the top third of the shire.

At the time of writing West Corugan Irrigation Authority were preparing a Land & Water Management Plan for their irrigation area which encompasses the south eastern section of the Shire.

Jerilderie Shire Council as the consent authority requires major irrigation works to obtain development consent.

The water quality of the streams and rivers is being monitored by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Natural Resources and by the Department of Environment & Conservation through Pollution Control Licensing. This monitoring shows the rivers and streams carry substantial salt, nutrient and occasional chemical loading, which is typical of the region.

There are three permanent watercourses in the Jerilderie Shire.

¾ Billabong Creek is the major stream in the Council area. It dissects the eastern and western boundaries of the shire.

¾ Yanko Creek also dissect the eastern and western boundaries of the shire and is situated to the north of Billabong Creek.

¾ Colombo Creek skirts part of the eastern boundary of the shire.

There is one other significant water body known as Lake Jerilderie. This man made structure has a surface area of 5.3h and is used for recreational activities. It is located within the township of Jerilderie and is serviced by Billabong Creek for its water supply.

8 There are four intermittent watercourses.

¾ Wongamong Creek ¾ Turn Back Jimmy Creek ¾ Delta Creek ¾ Yellow Creek

There has been only one recorded report of blue green algal bloom in the shire.

Areas that are environmentally sensitive or designated flood prone are highlighted in Council’s Local Environmental Plan 1993. Essentially they reflect the permanent and intermittent watercourse and their riparian verge. The Council has assessed two (2) areas of significant tree vegetation, these are identified in Development Control Plan No.3 Tree Preservation. Scattered pockets of small land areas are also environmentally sensitive these includes swampy marshes, wetlands and native vegetation. Some flood prone areas within the shire are currently under review by the Billabong Creek Floodplain Management Committee. This OSSMS Strategy will be reviewed on the completion of the Draft Billabong Creek Floodplain Management Plan.

It is considered that the major potential for damage to public and environmental health exists along the 3 permanent watercourses described above. For this reason, these water courses will be the main target for inspection activities.

Council will be concentrating on OSSMS within 100m of permanent water courses within the Shire. Particular attention will be given to closely settled areas.

Outside the closely settled areas and those within 100m of the permanent water courses, systems will be deemed to be “Low Risk”. These Low Risk systems will be subject to self assessment on a 2 yearly basis.

No formal sludge disposal procedure currently exists. As a result of the upgrade and maintenance works required after inspections it will be necessary to develop a procedure for sludge disposal. This procedure will involve disposal at Councils Sewage Treatment Works.

5.3 Regulatory Program

Council’s regulatory programs to meet the stated goals will include the following:

5.3.1 All existing on-site sewage management systems will be registered with council

5.3.2 Applications will be obtained for all new on-site sewage managements systems. Appropriate application forms can be obtained at Council’s Offices.

5.3.3 Soil testing will be carried out prior to the installation of new systems if deemed necessary by Council.

5.3.4 The specifications of various on-site systems will be checked.

5.3.5 Each system within 100 metres of the three permanent water courses and adjacent to or within environmentally sensitive areas will be assessed as per the established criteria contained in Council’s Risk Management Matrix. (Appendix A). All other systems will be deemed to be Low Risk. Low Risk systems will require approval to operate and will be subject to self assessment on a 2 yearly basis.

5.3.6 Sites will be inspected and categorised with a level of risk from an assessment, determined through the Risk Management Matrix:

Low risk exempt from inspection, self assessment required every 2 years Medium risk inspection to occur between 3 and 5 years to be determined at the time of assessment High risk inspection to occur every twelve months

5.3.7 Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS), inspection to occur according to the assessed risk determined by Council at the time of assessment. The AWTS must be inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions by a service technician approved by the manufacturer, at cost to the owner and the resultant certificate provided to Council for registration. Failure to submit the certificate will result in Council inspecting the AWTS at cost to the owner.

5.3.8 Council will investigate the possibility of providing an AWTS maintenance service by one of it’s staff to ensure the proper maintenance of the system at a reasonable cost.

10 5.3.9 All owners/occupiers with on-site sewage management systems to be advised in writing of the assessment of the site and the need for inspections.

5.3.10 Where sites are assessed as being high or medium risk and inspections are carried out by an accredited provider or Council, such inspections will be paid for by the householder.

5.3.11 Advise the NSW Government Department responsible for funding sewerage schemes of the need to install a sewerage scheme in a particular area or location to serve residents where this is required in the interest of public health and the environment. (Reference is made to Jerilderie Shire Council Strategic Business Plan for Water Supply and Sewage 1997/98)

5.3.12 Council will develop and maintain an electronic register of all on-site sewage management systems operating within its boundaries, see Appendix O.

5.3.13 Council will issue approvals to operate for all new and existing systems, see Appendix G.

5.3.14 Pressure Sewerage Systems are becoming a popular option for servicing premises. This option will be considered when clusters of residences are involved and where it is considered economically feasible to install such infrastructure. Pressure Sewerage Systems have the advantages of small diameter pipes, not reliant on fall. They are also Cost effective. With very little disruption to landholders and the environment, these systems can be installed to service premises that are marginally close to sewerage infrastructure such as mains or pump stations.

5.4 Risk Assessment Program

5.4.1 Council has adopted a system of risk assessment; the level of risk will determine the level of inspection.

5.4.2 When assessing the level of risk the Council Officer or Accredited Service Technician will utilise the stated risk assessment criteria (see below) together with information provided by the householder on their application or registration forms, Council’s planning documents, information from relevant authorities and his or her own knowledge of the area.

RISK ASSESSMENT FACTORS LEVEL OF RISK HIGH MEDIUM LOW In an environmentally sensitive area Area of land Distance from nearest body of water Soil type Distance to downhill boundaries Number of bedrooms in residence/occupants of premises Landfall/slope Level of groundwater/nearest bore Arrangements for stormwater diversion Type of system proposed/in use Rainfall Proximity to human activity Other site specific factors:

OVERALL RISK ASSESSMENT

5.4.3 Each of the criteria is considered individually and a risk level determined for each. Council may choose to include additional criteria to reflect specific issues relevant to a particular area. The Council Officer responsible may also choose to determine “weightings” for each criteria to assist in the decision making process.

5.4.4 Once the assessment has been undertaken and the weighting determined (which may vary from site to site) then the assessor determines the overall risk level of the site.

5.4.5 Council will determine a suitable schedule of review of the risk assessments to ensure the protection of the environment.

5.4.6 Council will inspect all existing potentially high risk systems located along the 3 major, permanent water courses. These water courses are mentioned on page 7 of this document and are Billabong Creek, Yanko Creek & Colombo Creek. These systems will be assigned a risk level based on the matrix system described above.

5.5 Monitoring Program

The following processes will be put into place to ensure that both existing and proposed systems are adequately monitored:

5.5.1 Inspections to be carried out on existing sites where deemed necessary by the nominated council officer. As explained previously, the major risk has been identified as existing along the permanent water courses and all those systems within 100 metres of the 3 permanent water courses will be inspected. Closely settled areas on the fringe of Jerilderie township will also require inspection.

5.5.2 Self assessment of Low Risk systems will be carried out by land owners with forms (see Appendix L) submitted to Council on a 2 yearly basis. Council may also carry out random inspections of Low Risk systems to monitor the effectiveness of the self assessment system.

5.5.3 On-going inspections of on-site sewage management systems to be carried out in accordance with the inspection regime determined at the time of assessment.

5.5.4 To ensure a consistency of approach to inspections of on-site sewage management systems all inspections will utilise the appropriate inspection checklist (Appendix B).

5.5.5 Aim to inspect all on-site sewage management complaints within 48 hours of notifications.

5.5.6 Issue orders/notices/penalty infringements where necessary for faulty, defective or unhealthy on-site sewage management systems. Orders under section 124 of the Local Government Act are generally appropriate.

5.5.7 Use the electronic systems to ensure that inspections of on-site sewage systems have occurred by the due date and that the results of those inspections have been recorded or lodged with council.

5.5.8 Where inspections indicate faulty, defective or unhealthy systems notify the owner/occupier and then co-operate with the householder to develop a site- specific sewage management plan which will resolve the identified problem/s.

5.5.9 Where inspections and maintenance certificates have not occurred by the due date, send reminders to owners/occupiers.

5.5.10 Where the inspection or maintenance certificate continues to be outstanding council officers will visit the site and conduct the required inspection, fees to be charged for the visit are to be determined by council.

5.6 Service Program

Council will identify opportunities to improve services to households on an on-going basis.

Council will identify additional resources needed to support on-site sewage management systems and will determine the costs involved.

5.7 Community Consultation

Pre-Adoption of OSSMS Strategy There was a significant level of community consultation prior to the final adoption of its On-site Sewage Management Plan. Council’s consultation process included:

1. Joint article (Berrigan & Jerilderie Shire) in local media entitled “Septic Tanks & Small Sewage Management Systems” advising owners of pending legislative requirements and responsibilities. 2. Advertising the need to register in the local media in late September 1999. 3. Advertising the Plan in local media for a period of 28 days (12/7/2000 to 9/8/2000). 4. Placing the Plan on public exhibition in Council’s Chambers for 28 days (12/7/2000 to 9/8/2000). 5. Writing to all householders in March 2000 reminding of the need to register and advising of the public health & environmental issues related to on-site sewage management operations.

Post-Adoption of OSSMS Strategy 6. Press Release of Council Adoption of OSSMS Strategy 7. Letters to High Risk Properties 8. Letters to Low Risk Properties re – self assessment programme 9. General mail out “Septic Tank Maintenance” brochure

Council will undertake further consultation with the community should it be necessary to make significant amendments or changes to the way in which the Plan is delivered to consumers.

5.8 Educational Program

Council will undertake the following educational activities in relation to on-site sewage management systems:

5.8.1 Council will ensure its own staff are appropriately trained to assess, monitor and inspect on-site sewage management systems.

5.8.2 Council will conduct public awareness activities for on-site sewage householders to ensure they understand the best and most effective ways to maintain their systems.

14 5.8.3 As part of Councils inspection program along the 3 major water courses, a specific program of education will be undertaken. This will include a letter box drop to all affected properties covering the philosophy behind the inspections and the responsibility of landowners in protecting human and environmental health see Appendix M. Additional face to face education of occupants will also occur as part of the inspection (where occupiers are present).

6. RESOURCES

The following resources identified will assist council staff and householders to make effective and efficient assessments about the operation of their on-site sewage management system.

6.1 Funding

Council may adopt a user-pays approach to the implementation of facets of the on-site sewage management planning however full cost recovery may not be considered economically viable for the individual.

Council recognises that it is able to raise revenue for the programs and services provided through the following avenues: a) ordinary rates for general council administration purposes. b) special rates (including fixed-term capital rates) levied on particular parcels of land that have access to, benefit from or contribute to the needs for particular programs and services. c) charges for on-site sewage management services actually provided to particular properties. d) approved fees for services (including regulatory services) to people. e) developer charges. (levied under s.64 of the Local Government Act and s.94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act)

Council will determine the appropriate revenue mix for the on-site sewage management activities during estimates each year. Council’s revenue policies are detailed in the latest Council Management Plan.

6.2 Legislation

In implementing this Plan Jerilderie Shire Council shall take into consideration the:

¾ Local Government Act 1993 ¾ Part 3 of the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1999 ¾ Local Government (General) Regulation 1999 ¾ Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, ¾ Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 1994

6.3 Standards Applying to On-site Sewage Management Systems

In implementing the On-site Sewage Management Plan Council will adhere to the following standards

¾ All new human waste treatment devices shall be accredited by NSW Health Department. ¾ NSW Local Government Act 1993 and Regulations ¾ NSW Plumbing and Drainage Code

¾ AS3500 Plumbing and Drainage Code as amended ¾ AS1546 On-site Domestic Wastewater Treatment Units (part 1 applies to septic tanks) ¾ AS1547 Disposal Systems for Effluent from Domestic Premises ¾ AS4419 Soils for Landscaping and Garden Use ¾ AS2698 Plastic Pipes and Fittings for Rural Applications Part I Polyethylene, micro irrigation pipes Part II Polyethylene, rural pipes Part III Mechanical joint fittings for use with polyethylene micro irrigation pipes ¾ AS3000 Wiring Rules – Electrical Installation – Buildings , Structures and Premises ¾ AS1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

6.4 Council Planning Instruments & Documents

The following Council planning instruments will impact or are likely to impact on the implementation and delivery of the On-site Sewage Management Plan:

¾ Jerilderie Shire Council Local Environmental Plan 1993 ¾ Jerilderie Shire Council Development Control Plan No.1 Village ¾ Jerilderie Shire Council Development Control Plan No.2. Rural Residential ¾ Jerilderie Shire Council Development Control Plan No.3. Tree Preservation ¾ Jerilderie Shire Council State of the Environment Report (Current) ¾ Jerilderie Shire Council Strategic Business Plan for Water Supply & Sewerage 1997/1998

16 ¾ Jerilderie Shire Council Development Control Plan No. 8. Exempt & Complying Development.

7. ENFORCEMENT

Council will use its powers, when required, as contained in the:

¾ Local Government Act 1993 ¾ Public Health Act 1991 ¾ Protection of Environment Operation Act 1997 ¾ Environmental Offences and Penalties Act 1989

8. EVALUATION

Council will maintain an on-going evaluation of the Plan. Results of the assessment, monitoring and evaluation may be included in Council’s State of the Environment Report.

9. ACTIONS SUMMARY SHEET

Council proposes to carry out the Actions proposed in Appendix P to fulfil the goals stated in Section 4 of this Management Plan.

10. CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT – REVIEW OF THE PLAN

Jerilderie Shire Council makes a commitment to the continuing improvement in the regulation and operation of on-site sewage management systems.

To that end, Council undertakes to review this Plan on an annual basis to ensure that it reflects the needs and concerns of Council’s residents as well as meeting the changing needs of the environment in which Council operates.

In addition, Council will review its other planning instruments to ensure they reflect the decisions and actions of this Plan.

Other documents affected: 1. Sludge disposal policy 2. Strategic Business Plan for Water Supply & Sewerage 3. Jerilderie Shire Council L.E.P. 1993 4. Jerilderie Shire Council D.C.P. No. 8 Exempt and Complying Development.