Wastewater management is essential for maintaining environmental health and water quality, especially in rural and semi-rural regions across New South Wales. For residential properties without access to municipal sewage, on-site systems such as Home Sewage Treatment Plants (HSTP) play a crucial role. However, each NSW council has its own specific wastewater policies, impacting the design, installation, and maintenance of these systems. Here, we’ll look at key wastewater policies across various NSW council areas, offering homeowners and developers a guide to navigating local requirements for residential wastewater systems.

What are HSTPs and On-Site Wastewater Systems?

Home Sewage Treatment Plants (HSTP) and other on-site wastewater systems treat and manage wastewater directly on a property. These systems are common in areas where sewerage infrastructure is unavailable, providing a sustainable solution to wastewater disposal. HSTPs generally consist of a multi-stage treatment process, which may include aeration, sedimentation, and disinfection, producing treated water suitable for irrigation or other non-potable uses.

Different councils in NSW have distinct regulations for installing, operating, and maintaining HSTPs and residential wastewater systems. Understanding these policies ensures compliance and helps protect local ecosystems and waterways.

Key NSW Council Wastewater Policies for HSTP and Residential Systems

1. Northern Beaches Council

Northern Beaches Council has stringent guidelines for on-site sewage management due to the region’s environmental sensitivity. Properties in this area must submit an application for new installations and follow council-approved design standards.

• Design and Installation: The council requires certified designs for HSTPs to minimise environmental impact. Systems must adhere to the Australian Standards (AS1547:2012) and local council requirements. The council typically conducts on-site assessments for all new applications.
• Maintenance Requirements: Ongoing maintenance is essential, and the council mandates regular inspections, typically every six to twelve months, to ensure compliance with health and environmental standards.
• Approval Process: Property owners must submit a detailed plan, including site assessments and soil tests, to obtain council approval.

2. Blue Mountains City Council

The Blue Mountains region prioritises environmental preservation, particularly due to its proximity to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Stringent wastewater policies are in place to prevent pollution and preserve local waterways.

• Design and Installation: Council guidelines recommend secondary or tertiary treatment systems, such as HSTPs, with disinfection to protect sensitive areas. For installations, applicants need a qualified consultant to complete a wastewater assessment, including site and soil analyses.
• Maintenance and Reporting: Regular maintenance is required, with reports submitted to the council every one to two years. Homeowners must engage licensed service providers to carry out inspections and servicing.
• Environmental Protection: The council encourages the use of vegetation as part of the land application area to help absorb excess nutrients and prevent runoff into sensitive habitats.

3. Wollongong City Council

Wollongong City Council regulates HSTPs and septic tanks through their Local Government Act, focusing on public health and safety, given the area’s population density and environmental significance.

• Design Standards: HSTPs must be designed to suit the property’s landform and drainage characteristics. The council requires secondary treatment systems with suitable nutrient removal, particularly for properties near water bodies.
• Approval Process: Applicants need council approval for new installations or alterations. This includes submitting detailed site plans, soil and wastewater analyses, and system designs from accredited professionals.
• Inspection and Maintenance: The council requires routine inspections, often on an annual basis, to ensure systems operate effectively and pose no risk to health or the environment.

4. Central Coast Council

The Central Coast area’s policies are informed by its mix of residential and semi-rural areas, with strict guidelines to protect the area’s waterways and environment.

• Design Requirements: Central Coast Council mandates that new HSTPs and wastewater systems are designed and installed in line with AS1547 standards. Systems require secondary or tertiary treatment with nutrient reduction, especially for properties near water-sensitive zones.
• Permit and Approval: Homeowners must apply for a permit, which includes submitting site-specific reports like soil tests and hydraulic design plans.
• Maintenance Policy: The council requires service reports from accredited service agents every 12 months, focusing on nutrient levels, system functionality, and environmental impact.

5. Shoalhaven City Council

Shoalhaven’s policy for wastewater management is shaped by its coastal and riverine areas, with measures to prevent contamination and maintain public health.

• Design and Installation: Shoalhaven City Council enforces AS1547 compliance for all new HSTP installations. The council encourages systems with high-level disinfection and nutrient reduction capabilities.
• Maintenance and Inspection: Inspections are required every six to twelve months, with maintenance logs submitted to the council annually. Property owners are responsible for engaging licensed providers to manage maintenance.
• Effluent Disposal: Shoalhaven’s guidelines recommend irrigation and subsurface disposal for treated effluent to minimise environmental impact.

6. Hawkesbury City Council

Hawkesbury City Council has specific wastewater policies due to its combination of urban and rural land, aiming to reduce environmental degradation from untreated effluent.

• Design Standards: Systems must be designed to suit the topography and hydrology of the property. Hawkesbury’s policies favour HSTPs with disinfection for properties close to watercourses.
• Approval and Inspection: Approval includes submitting design plans, effluent disposal area plans, and soil tests. The council mandates biennial inspections and reports from qualified providers.
• Public Health Measures: Hawkesbury City Council maintains strict public health regulations, requiring emergency provisions in cases of system failure, such as temporary containment options.

7. Byron Shire Council

Byron Shire’s wastewater policies are strict due to its coastal and tourism-centric areas, prioritising environmental sustainability.

• System Requirements: Byron Shire requires systems to include secondary or tertiary treatment, with nutrient and pathogen reduction, especially for homes near beaches and rivers. Systems must be installed according to AS1547 standards.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Property owners must have systems inspected and serviced at least every six months. Annual reports are submitted to the council, confirming system functionality.
• Environmental Safeguards: The council encourages the use of constructed wetlands or vegetative buffers in effluent disposal areas to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff.

Applying for Approval and Choosing the Right System

When planning an HSTP or wastewater system installation, consult your local council’s regulations. Most councils require site-specific documentation, such as soil tests, hydraulic designs, and effluent disposal plans. Engaging an accredited wastewater consultant familiar with NSW’s standards can streamline the process and ensure compliance.

Each NSW council also offers resources and guidelines to support property owners in understanding requirements. Choosing a system that meets both council standards and the property’s needs—such as secondary or tertiary treatment with nutrient reduction—is crucial to avoid penalties and protect the environment.

Why Council Compliance Matters

Non-compliance with council policies can lead to fines, required system upgrades, and potential legal liabilities, especially if the system impacts public health or the local ecosystem. Regular maintenance and inspection help prevent these risks, ensuring that systems operate efficiently and meet environmental standards.

Understanding and adhering to wastewater policies in your NSW council area supports environmental sustainability, enhances property value, and protects your community’s health.