Effluent disposal systems (septics) are required in the Shire of Mingenew as there is no reticulated sewer scheme, an application should be made to install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewage (effluent disposal system), as approved by the Department of Health.
Application to Construct or Install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewerage
Depending on the type of treatment, sewage effluent may contain:
- disease causing organisms (bacteria, viruses, intestinal worms and protozoa)
- degradable organic matter that depletes dissolved oxygen in water and can cause foul odours
- suspended solids and sediment
- nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that foster algae blooms in waterways and wetlands
- household chemical residues such as cleansers and disinfectants
- detergent residues (which can harm aquatic plants and animals)
- trace metals and organics from plumbing fittings
- any substance flushed into the waste management system.
Wastewater treatment is normally designed to remove gross solids, stabilise degradable organic material and settle out solids as sludge. Disinfection is required if the effluent discharge could contact food crops, people or water supplies.
Some treatment systems are also designed to reduce nutrient levels. Nutrient removal systems may be needed where local soils are poor at absorbing phosphorous and nitrogen and where runoff or groundwater may move this nutrient into a surface water body at risk of algae blooms.
Applications and installations are usually arranged by specialised contractors. Plumbing connections are to be undertaken by a licensed plumber
How to apply
Before approval for construction, installation or alteration of an apparatus can be granted, a completed application to install apparatus for the treatment of sewage form and plans must be submitted.
The application must include:
- A completed application form (Application to Construct or Install an apparatus for the Treatment of Sewerage)
- Fees are made payable to the Shire, calculated from the application form
- A site plan of the premises accurately drawn to scale showing:
- The position of all buildings erected or proposed and the position of the proposed and any existing apparatus including setback distances
- The position, type and proposed use of all fixtures intended to discharge into the apparatus
- The position and setback distances of all drains, pipes, inspection openings, vents, traps and junctions in relation to buildings and boundaries
- The size of pipes and fittings and the fall of the drains
- Details of the proposed and any existing effluent disposal system and its setback distances to buildings, boundaries and trafficable areas
- The source of water supply to be used in connection with the apparatus if premises is not supplied by a non-reticulated mains supply
- All internal plumbing, and the connection to the wastewater system, must be carried out by, or under the supervision of a licenced plumber/drainage plumber whose licence number must be recorded with the applicant’s name on the application form. An owner who applies must provide a written statement from a licenced plumber/drainage plumber accepting liability for all works detailed.
If the premises produce more than 540 litres of waste per day, approval is also required by the Department of Health. Additional fees may apply. Submit the application as per the instructions above and the Shire of Mingenew will contact you to discuss further.
The Shire of Mingenew receives Septic applications electronically and this option is available to all our customers and residents. Although you may submit your application in person or by post all applications are assessed electronically and all approvals are sent out via email unless otherwise requested. You can submit your application as follows;
- The Shire encourages you to lodge applications electronically via the Shire e-mail address. Please submit a PDF version of your application with supporting documentation to building@mingenew.wa.gov.au.
- In Person. You may lodge an application over the front counter at our Administration Office at 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew WA 6522.
- By Post. You may lodge an application via post at PO Box 120, Mingenew WA 6522.
Payment:
All fees must be paid in full at the time of submitting an application. Payments can be made over the phone via credit card details or in person at the Shire of Mingenew Administration Office.
The total fee payment for application and permit to use is $236.00.
If your application is approved, installation, in accordance with the conditions of approval may commence.
Once completed, an appointment must be made with the Shire’s Environmental Health Officer to conduct an inspection of the apparatus. It is recommended that the inspection be arranged by a plumber as certain procedures may need to be actioned to facilitate the inspection.
Please ensure prior to the inspection that:
- The pipe work into the tanks has been left exposed
- All conditions as specified on the approval letter have been completed and
- Power is available and connected to the pump and alarm, if installed.
If the installation is approved a permit will be issued.
It is an offence to occupy a dwelling or building prior to the issue of a Permit to Use.
If an additional inspection is required due to faulty workmanship or incomplete compliance with conditions of approval, a re-inspection fee will apply.