Small areas within the municipality do not have access to reticulated sewerage. For these properties sewage (toilet wastewater) and sullage (wastewater from baths, sinks, laundry, showers etc), must be treated and contained within the boundaries of the property using a septic wastewater system. Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 property owners must obtain a permit to connect additional wastewater fixtures, install, alter or use a septic system.
Permit to install or alter a septic system
It is your responsibility to apply for a septic system permit to undertake such works. Plans must be submitted for approval before works commence. It is our responsibility to ensure that all new septic systems are installed in accordance with the Guidelines for Onsite Wastewater Management May 2024 and Guidelines for Effluent Dispersal and Recycling systems May 2024
Council will conduct a site inspection when the septic system is being installed/altered to ensure the installation is in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority’s Guidelines for Onsite Wastewater Management May 2024 and Guidelines for Effluent Dispersal and Recycling systems May 2024. On completion, and before the property is occupied (unless the works are for an alteration to an existing system or additional fixtures are being connected), a ‘certificate to use’ will be issued along with an approved septic tank plan.
NOTE: We require 48 hours’ notice for septic tank inspection appointments.
You must provide the following when lodging an application:
- Completed Septic Tank Permit application form
- Appropriate fee according to the application form
- Land Capability Assessment (if required)
- Floor plan and block plan of house
- Description of the system including proposed location being installed
Greywater Reuse
Greywater is wastewater that comes from showers, baths, hand basins, washing machines, laundry troughs and kitchens. Greywater can contain pathogens, and if poorly managed, can present a risk to human health and the environment.
Both raw and treated greywater contain salts, especially sodium from powdered detergents, which can have a detrimental effect on soil structure and health. Raw kitchen wastewater which contains fats, oils and grease should not be diverted to gardens because such wastewater can reduce the availability of air to plants and harm micro-organisms. However, when greywater is treated using an JAZANZ approved wastewater treatment system the resultant effluent can be applied to land by following the guidelines in this Code and the most recent version of AS/NZS 1547: On-site Domestic Wastewater Management.
If you want to reuse greywater, please contact Latrobe City Council's Health Services on 1300 367 700 for approval.
Land Capability Assessments
Land Capability Assessments (LCA) Consultants can be found in the yellow pages directory under Engineers/Geotechnical Engineers or Soil Testers.
Where is my Septic Tank System Located
If you move into a property and you are unsure of the type and/or location of your septic tank and disposal field is located, contact our Health Services team and submit a request for Request for a Septic Tank Plan(PDF, 106KB) form with payment of the appropriate fee.
Council will review records to see whether we have details on the septic system. If plans are not available the fee will be refunded.
Related Documents