On-site sewage system inspections resume

Eurobodalla Council’s routine on-site sewage management system inspection program has resumed following the extensive support provided to bushfire-affected properties.

So far this year the team has been assisting bushfire-affected residents by conducting free checks to see if septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems and composting systems were operating properly. Assistance has also been provided to those trying to rebuild.

The additional work resulted in delays to the normal scheduled inspection program, however Council’s environmental health technical officer Jonathan Trotman said Council was working hard to bring it back on track.

“For properties due for inspections, we’re aiming to get to your place soon,” he said.

Council is required by NSW Government legislation to approve and inspect on-site sewage management systems to ensure they are working efficiently to minimise risk to human health and the environment.

An inspection fee is charged for the service and the frequency of inspections – either annually, biannually or every five years – is based on risk. Inspection frequency can be reduced for systems in good working order, thereby reducing the costs.

Of the inspections conducted in 2019/20, 90 per cent were compliant.  The main non-compliance issues were associated with effluent pump-out systems, where there was a failure to have effluent pumped out prior to wells being full.  If these systems overflow there is significant risk to public and environmental health and fines can be issued.

Anyone with questions about their system or the inspection service can call Council’s environmental health team on 4474 1310 or email environmental services.