Contract for Installing Septic Tank - DOC - DOC

							                                CITY OF CASEY

       INSTALLATION OF HOUSEHOLD SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS

                       INFORMATION FOR INSTALLERS


1. Permits Required:

   Any installation or alteration of a septic tank system requires Council approval and a
    Permit to Install/Alter from Council prior to works commencing.
   Prior to using a septic tank system final approval from Council and a Permit to Use
    the system is required.
   To apply for a Permit to Install complete the attached application form and return it to
    Council along with the application fee. Council will then conduct a site inspection
    and assess the application. If the application is satisfactory a Permit to Install will be
    issued to the owner, and the applicant will be advised if further information or
    alterations to the proposed system are required.

2. Types of Systems Available:

   Council will only allow the installation of septic tank systems that have been
    approved by the Environment Protection Authority.

   All new septic tank systems installed within the City of Casey must retain
    wastewater within the boundaries of the property and must not discharge
    treated wastewater off-site.

   The most common types of septic tank systems available are:

A. Septic Tank and Absorption Trenches: All household wastewater discharges to a
3200L septic tank and sub-soil absorption trenches. Split systems with sullage and toilet
waste entering separate tanks or absorption trenches will generally not be approved. The
length of absorption trench required within the City of Casey will vary from property to
property, however the Environmental Health Officer may require soil percolation tests to
determine the length of trench required.

B. Mechanical Treatment Plant and Absorption Trenches: All household wastewater
is treated to a higher standard in a mechanical treatment plant and discharged to
absorption trenches. The length of trench required may be reduced by as much as 50%. It
is recommended that you contact the manufacturer prior to installing any mechanical
treatment plant to determine the installation conditions.
C. Mechanical Treatment Plant and Surface Irrigation: All household wastewater is
treated in a mechanical treatment plant and discharged to irrigation lines with drippers
installed to disperse effluent for use by plants. There are strict controls on the layout and
operation of irrigation systems, and it is recommended that you refer to the EPA
Certificate of Approval prior to installing these systems.

3. Installation Conditions:

A: General Installation Conditions

   All systems must comply with the Septic Tanks Code of Practice March 2003 and
    Australian Standard 1547-2000 Disposal Systems for Effluent from Domestic
    Premises and Australian Standard 1546 Small Septic Tanks.
   All plumbing work must be installed in compliance with Victorian Water Supply and
    Sewage Plumbing Regulations 1986 and Australian Standard 3500. As part of the
    approval process Council will require a Certificate of Compliance for all sub-floor
    and internal plumbing works before issuing a Permit to Use the system.
   Inlet drains from the house to the septic tank must be laid in 20-25mm screenings or
    pure sand and with fall of at least 1:60.
   All absorption and irrigation areas must be located with the following minimum
    setback distances:

- 3m from the uphill side or 6m from the downhill side of any building or property
boundary.
- 3m from the high side or 6m from the low side of any swimming pool.
- 15m from any domestic underground water tank or bore well.
- 15m from any cutting or escarpment.
- 60m from any surface waters or 100m if used for human consumption.

   Septic tanks must be located at least 2m from any buildings or property boundary.
   Garbage disposal units are not recommended and if installed will require an
    additional 1800L septic tank after the 3200L septic tank.
   Spa baths over 200L capacity must not be connected to the primary septic tank and
    will require a separate treatment tank.

B. Septic Tank and Absorption Trenches

   Absorption trenches must comply with the attached specification drawings. It is
    recommended that you study these drawings prior to commencing work.
   Effluent distribution can be via 90mm slotted PVC or domed fibre-glass drain (reln
    drain).
   Base of trenches and distribution pipes to be laid level with maximum fall of 1:300.
   All absorption trenches must be 450-600mm wide and 400-450mm deep.
   Sufficient fall must be provided between the outlet of the septic tank and the first
    distribution pit to prevent back flooding.
   Trenches are to be a maximum 30m in length, and there must at least 3m between
    trenches.
   Distribution pit must be provided at start of each trench.
   Weirs must be installed between each trench.
   Screenings must be 20-40mm blue-metal or scoria.
   A cut-off drain may be required above the disposal trenches to divert surface water
    and ground water.
 Trenches must be back-filled with good quality topsoil and mounded to shed surface
    water.
 Absorption trenches are not recommended on land with a slope greater than 1:5.
 All distribution pits and inspection openings must be kept at finish ground level.
 If an effluent pump is required it must comply with the following conditions:
- Pump well must be 600mm diameter and have a capacity of at least 200L.
- Pump must be submersible automatic electric pump and installed according to
Electricity Authority Regulations.
- Pump must have an electrically wired float switch connected to an audible alarm or
warning light to alert property owner of any pump failure.

C. Mechanical Treatment Plant

   Any mechanical treatment plant must be installed according to the relevant EPA
    Certificate of Approval and manufacturers specifications.
   Treatment plant must be located at least 2m from any building or property boundary,
    and should be located so that there is no noise disturbance for neighbours caused by
    the unit.
   The property owner must enter into a maintenance contract with an EPA approved
    maintenance contractor.
   Treatment plant must be installed with a warning light or audible alarm to indicate
    pump failure or treatment plant malfunction.

D. Surface Irrigation

   Surface irrigation is permitted only after effluent has been treated in an EPA
    approved treatment plant.
   Surface irrigation systems must comply with EPA Certificate of Approval CA
    035/93. A copy of this certificate can be obtained from Council’s Environmental
    Health Unit.
   The irrigation system must be permanently fixed with distribution pipes buried at a
    minimum depth of 100mm.
   Irrigation area must be a designated area which has been cultivated and planted with
    suitable vegetation, and be clearly marked with warning signs and kept separate from
    livestock, traffic and recreational uses.
   All pipes and fittings must comply with Australian Standard 2698 – Plastic Pipes and
    Fittings for Irrigation and Rural Applications.
   Storm water and surface water must be diverted away from the irrigation area, and a
    cut-off drain may be required.
   Effluent may be distributed via drippers or by spray irrigation.
4. Installation Inspections Required:

A: Inlet drains from the house to the inlet of the septic tank with all materials in place
prior to back-filling.

B: Absorption trenches with all materials installed prior to back-filling.

C: Mechanical treatment plant when fully installed and power connected. Pumps,
timer and warning light/alarm must be operational.

D: Pump well and effluent pump with inlet and outlet drains completed, power
connected, pump and warning light/alarm operating.

E: Irrigation systems with all distribution lines and drippers/sprays installed and
connected to the mechanical treatment plant.

   Please give 24 hours notice for all inspections. Book inspections by calling
    Council’s Environmental Health Unit on (03) 9705 5200.

   Inspections are not required on internal or sub-floor plumbing, however a
    Certificate of Compliance will be required from the plumber.

   Additional inspections may incur a fee.

5. Final Approval of Septic Tank System:

   After all of the required inspections have been conducted and approved and the
    Certificate of Compliance has been received from the plumber, a Permit to Use the
    System will be issued to the property owner.
   If you have any queries regarding the installation of septic tank systems please
    contact Council’s Environmental Health Unit on (03) 9705 5200.
                                   City of Casey

                     Installation of Septic Tank Systems

                        General Installation Conditions


   All systems must comply with the Septic Tanks Code of Practice March 2003 and
    Australian Standard 1547-2000 Disposal Systems for Effluent from Domestic
    Premises and Australian Standard 1546 Small Septic Tanks.

   All plumbing work must be installed in compliance with Victorian Water Supply and
    Sewage Plumbing Regulations 1986 and Australian Standard 3500. As part of the
    approval process Council will require a Certificate of Compliance for all sub-floor
    and internal plumbing works before issuing a Permit to Use the system.

   Inlet drains from the house to the septic tank must be laid in 20-25mm screenings or
    pure sand and with fall of at least 1:60.

   All absorption and irrigation areas must be located with the following minimum
    setback distances:

- 3m from the uphill side or 6m from the downhill side of any building or property
boundary.
- 3m from the high side or 6m from the low side of any swimming pool.
- 15m from any domestic underground water tank or bore well.
- 15m from any cutting or escarpment.
- 60m from any surface waters or 100m if used for human consumption.

   Septic tanks must be located at least 2m from any buildings or property boundary.

   Garbage disposal units are not recommended and if installed will require an
    additional 1800L septic tank after the 3200L septic tank.

   Spa baths over 200L capacity must not be connected to the primary septic tank and
    will require a separate treatment tank.
                                     City of Casey

    Conditions for Installation of Septic Tank and Absorption Trenches

    Absorption trenches must comply with the attached specification drawings. It is
     recommended that you study these drawings prior to commencing work.

    Effluent distribution can be via 90mm slotted PVC or domed fibre-glass drain (reln
     drain).

    Base of trenches and distribution pipes to be laid level with maximum fall of 1:300.

    All absorption trenches must be 450-600mm wide and 400-450mm deep.

    Sufficient fall must be provided between the outlet of the septic tank and the first
     distribution pit to prevent back flooding.

    Trenches are to be a maximum 30m in length, and there must at least 3m between
     trenches.

    Distribution pit must be provided at start of each trench.

    Weirs must be installed between each trench.

    Screenings must be either 20-25mm blue-metal or scoria.

    A cut-off drain may be required above the disposal trenches to divert surface water
     and ground water.

    Trenches must be back-filled with good quality topsoil and mounded to shed surface
     water.

    Absorption trenches are not recommended on land with a slope greater than 1:5.

    All distribution pits and inspection openings must be kept at finish ground level.

 If an effluent pump is required it must comply with the following conditions:
- Pump well must be 600mm diameter and have a capacity of at least 200L.
-     Pump must be submersible automatic electric pump and installed according to
 Electricity Authority Regulations.
- Pump must have an electrically wired float switch connected to an audible alarm or
    warning light to alert property owner of any pump failure.

    If you have any queries regarding the installation of septic tank systems, please
     contact Council’s Environmental Health Unit on (03) 9705 5240.

                                     City of Casey
       Conditions for Installation of Mechanical Treatment Plant


   Any mechanical treatment plant must be installed according to the relevant EPA
    Certificate of Approval and manufacturers specifications.

   Treatment plant must be located at least 2m from any building or property boundary,
    and should be located so that there is no noise disturbance for neighbours caused by
    the unit.

   The property owner must enter into a maintenance contract with an EPA approved
    maintenance contractor.

   Treatment plant must be installed with a warning light or audible alarm to indicate
    pump failure or treatment plant malfunction.

   If you have any queries regarding the installation of septic tank systems, please
    contact Council’s Environmental Health Unit on (03) 9705 5240.
                                    City of Casey

              Conditions for Installation of Surface Irrigation


   Surface irrigation is permitted only after effluent has been treated in an EPA
    approved treatment plant

   Surface irrigation systems must comply with EPA Certificate of Approval CA
    035/93. A copy of this certificate can be obtained from Council’s Environmental
    Health Unit.

   The irrigation system must be permanently fixed with distribution pipes buried at a
    minimum depth of 100mm.

   Irrigation area must be a designated area which has been cultivated and planted with
    suitable vegetation, and be clearly marked with warning signs and kept separate from
    livestock, traffic and recreational uses.

   All pipes and fittings must comply with AS 2698 – Plastic Pipes and Fittings for
    Irrigation and Rural Applications

   Storm water and surface water must be diverted away from the irrigation area, and a
    cut-off drain may be required.

   Effluent may be distributed via drippers or by spray irrigation.

   If you have any queries regarding the installation of septic tank systems, please
    contact Council’s Environmental Health Unit on (03) 9705 5240.
  Trees and Plants Suitable for Planting Near Effluent Absorption Trenches


The following plants are suitable for planting near absorption trenches:

Botanical Name                                             Common Name

Acacia Cyclops                                      Western Coastal Wattle
Acacia Longifolia                                   Swallow Wattle
Acacia Retinoides                                   Wirilda
Callistemon viminalis                               Weeping Bottlebrush
Callistemon lilacinus                               Lilac Bottlebrush
Eucalyptus preissiana                               Bell-fruit Mallee
Acacia howitttii                                    Sticky Wattle
Callistemon citrinus                                Crimson Bottlebrush
Melaleuca ericfolia                                 Swamp Paperbark
Melaleuca halmaturorum                              Salt Paperbark
Tamarix juniperina                                  Flowering Tamarisk


The following plants should not be planted near absorption trenches because of pipe
blockage:

Botanical Name                                      Common Name

Eucalyptus camaldulensis                            River Red Gum
Eucalyptus citriodora                               Lemon Scented Gum
Fraxinus raywoodi                                   Claret Ash
Eucalyptus cladocalyx                               Sugar Gum
Populus nigra                                       Poplar
Salix babylonica                                    Weeping Willow
                                     City of Casey
                             Environment Protection Act 1970
                   Application to Install/Alter a Septic Tank System

I hereby apply for permission to install/alter a septic tank system and supply the following
information:

ADDRESS OF PROPOSED SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM:__________________________
__________________________________________________________________________


FEES: PRIMARY TREATMENT (SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM)                                              $154
       SECONDARY TREATMENT (TREATMENT PLANT/SAND FILTER) $225.50
       ALTERATION TO SEPTIC TANK                                                           $73.50


PLEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SOIL
PERCOLATION TEST PRIOR TO A PERMIT BEING ISSUED.

APPLICANT:
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________
If the applicant is not the property owner, the owner must complete the
authorisation on the reverse of this form.

CONTRACTOR (SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM INSTALLER):
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________              License Number:_______________________


PLUMBER:
Name:_____________________________________________________________ ________
Address:____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________              License Number:_______________________


MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPECTED TO USE THE SYSTEM DAILY:____
NUMBER OF BEDROOMS: _____
METHOD OF EFFLUENT TREATMENT/DISPOSAL:
__ Septic Tank – Subsoil Absorption         __ Treatment Plant – Subsoil Absorption
__ Treatment Plant – Surface Irrigation __ Other (please specify)____________________


NUMBER OF PLUMBING FIXTURES TO BE CONNECTED TO THE SYSTEM:
__ Water Closets                            __ Sinks                  __ Showers
__ Baths                                    __ Basins                 __ Troughs
__ Waste Disposal Units
__Others (please specify) ______________________________________________________

CAPACITY OF SEPTIC TANK/TREATMENT PLANT (In Litres):_______________

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: __________________________ DATE:_____________

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS: Please submit two copies of the plans and specifications of the
proposed septic tank system. These plans should contain the following information:
1. Location of property including street number and/or lot number
2. Dimensions of all property boundaries and location of all other streets abutting the property
3. Location and dimensions of all buildings or proposed buildings, streams, water tanks,
    swimming pools, excavations, driveways, storm water drains and other service pipes
4. Location of proposed septic tank system including sewer drains
5. House floor plan showing the location of all plumbing fixtures
6. Fall of land


INSPECTIONS: A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for all inspections.


AUTHORISATION OF PROPERTY OWNER:

I hereby authorise _________________________________________ (insert applicant’s name)
to apply for a permit to install/alter the septic tank system at this property.
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________
Signature of Property Owner _____________________________________Date________
               CITY OF CASEY – SEPTIC TANK APPLICATION

                              SITE INSPECTION REPORT




Septic Tank Application Number: _________              Inspection Date: ___________

Address of Property: __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________


__ Plans accurate, complete     __ Alterations to plan required      ___ Site Identified

Type of System:   __ Septic Tank and Absorption Trench
                  __ Treatment Plant and Absorption Trench
                  __ Treatment Plant and Surface/Sub-Surface Irrigation
                  __ Other (please specify)________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________


Soil Type: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________


__ Soil Percolation Tests Required
Comments:__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________


Description of System:________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________


Conditions: (1)_______ (2)________ (3) ________ (4) ________ (5) _______ (6)_______
Other (please specify)_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

__ Issue PTI/PTA
Environmental Health Officer:                                          Date:
          CITY OF CASEY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH UNIT

            SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM INSTALLATION CONDITIONS


1. The property owner must enter into a maintenance contract for the sewage treatment plant
with an approved maintenance contractor that includes at least four services per year. Copies of
treatment plant service records must be submitted to City of Casey Environmental Health Unit.
2. Absorption trenches must be laid level along the contour of the land
3. Absorption trenches must be commenced at a point where ground level is lower than the
invert of the septic tank outlet. If adequate fall cannot be achieved from the septic tank an
effluent pump and warning light will be required.
4. Absorption trenches must be a maximum 30m in length
5. Absorption trenches must be located at least 60m from open drains, dams and watercourses
6. Distribution pits and weirs must be installed on each absorption trench
7. The effluent pump must have an external warning light or audible alarm.
8. A cut-off drain is required above the effluent disposal area.
9. Imported sandy-loam topsoil must be provided as backfill over absorption trenches.
10. Proposed additional plumbing fixtures must be connected to the existing septic tank
system.
11. The existing absorption trenches must be extended by _____ metres.
12. Stormwater drains must not discharge through effluent disposal area.
13. Septic tank inspection opening and access lid must be kept at finish ground level.
14. Septic tank must be pumped out at least every three years.
15. Bottom of absorption trenches must be located at least 1.5 metres above ground water
table.
16. Surface irrigation system must comply with the conditions of EPA Certificate of Approval
No. CA/035/93.
17. Mechanical treatment plant must be installed and maintained in accordance with the
relevant EPA Certificate of Approval.
18. Fencing of proposed waste disposal area is required prior to house construction.
19. Provision must be allowed for future extension of trenches.