Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy - 2017-2021 A clean, green and sustainable community
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 A clean, green and sustainable community
Clean, green and sustainable
Contents
Introduction 4
Background 6
Legislative Context 6
Community Sewerage Program 7
Maroondah in Context 8
Strategic context 9
Maroondah 2040 9
Council Plan 2017 - 2021 9
Maroondah’s Domestic Wastewater Management Profile 11
Risks Associated with Domestic Wastewater
for Maroondah 14
Our strategic response 15
Our vision 15
Future outcomes 15
The way forward 16
Outcome 1 - Healthy Environments 16
Outcome 2 - Collaborative Cultures 18
Outcome 3 - Information Management 20
Implementing the Strategy 21
References 22
Glossary 23
Appendix One 25
Water Sensitive City Strategy 3
Clean, green and sustainable
Introduction
Domestic wastewater as defined within
the Environment Protection Act 1970
means ‘any waste containing human
excreta or domestic wastewater’.
This means any wastewater from the toilet, bathroom, kitchen or laundry of any premises
that generates up to 5000 litres of wastewater per day.
Domestic wastewater management systems can include septic tanks, aerated wastewater
treatment systems, composting toilets, sand filters, reed beds and wetlands. Well
maintained wastewater systems provide a viable, often cost-effective and sustainable
alternative where reticulated sewer is not available. However, wastewater systems that are
poorly operating or inadequate, can pose a serious risk to human health and the
environment. More specifically, the risks associated with wastewater include:
Public Health Economic
• People coming in to contact with • Trying to alleviate years of environmental
recreational water that has been contamination is costly and involves
contaminated by domestic wastewater overcoming a host of practical issues
face significant risk of illness • Unsightly discharges and seepage
• Drinking water supplies becoming leading to a reduction in property values
contaminated with chemicals and • In the event of a contamination incident
bacteria from effluent as a result of there is the cost of advising residents and
poorly drained soils, small lot sizes, high visitors to the area of the risk, managing
usage, ageing systems and inadequately community anxiety and the indirect costs
maintained wastewater systems associated with the perception that the
area is unsafe
Environmental
Legal
• Poorly operating wastewater systems
contribute high rates of nitrogen and • Council has statutory duties to prevent
phosphorous to receiving waters due to off-site discharge of domestic
surface runoff wastewater
• Polluted soils, waterways and • Council has a duty to exercise its
groundwater with the potential to harm enforcement powers where it knows
aquatic species there is a breach of legislation and there
• Malfunctioning wastewater systems is the likelihood of impact to public
create direct bacterial contamination of health and the environment
the environment, with E. coli found in
catchments near residential areas
4 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021
Council has a significant role and legislative This Strategy provides the necessary
responsibility for protecting the health of actions to ensure that existing wastewater
the community. We want to promote systems and any new installations are
environmental best practice in the installed, maintained and monitored as to
management of domestic wastewater in protect the health of the community and
Maroondah. the surrounding physical environment.
Under the State Environment Protection This Strategy, which builds on the work
Policy (SEPP), (Waters of Victoria) (WoV), achieved and the priorities identified under
local governments are required to prepare a the DWMP (2013), has the following
Domestic Wastewater Management Plan purposes:
(DWMP). The SEPP is currently under
• To protect public health and the physical
review (2018). These plans strategically
environment from the impacts of
describe the on-site domestic wastewater
domestic wastewater
management situation within municipalities.
The plan outlines the actions that will be • To promote environmental sustainability
taken, both now and in the future, to by reducing the impacts of domestic
overcome the current environmental, health wastewater on the local receiving
and amenity risks that exist. These actions environments
include Local Government’s commitments • To provide a mechanism for coordinated
to address all issues using a risk-based, domestic wastewater planning,
priority approach. community education and compliance
monitoring by Council and other
The Domestic Wastewater Management
stakeholders.
Strategy is Maroondah City Council’s
strategic plan to enhance the management
of domestic wastewater by not only
improving the current situation but by
ensuring processes are improved to
guarantee environmentally sustainable and
best practice decisions are made in the
future.
WATER SENSITIVE CITY STRATEGY 5
Clean, green and sustainable
Background
Prior to the commencement of Maroondah To address these issues, an action plan was
City Council’s Domestic Wastewater developed and additional resourcing put in
Management Project in 2016, the potential place by Council. A Wastewater Project
risks of failing wastewater systems had been Officer position commenced in 2016 to
reactively managed across the Municipality. support delivery of these actions.
The current legislative framework supported This Domestic Wastewater Strategy 2017-
Council moving to a more strategic and 2021 has been developed to provide a
proactive management regime as a core framework for the continued management
focus of Maroondah City Council’s of domestic wastewater in Maroondah.
Community Health team.
The DWMP was developed in 2013 and Legislative context
highlighted a number of key issues relating
to domestic wastewater management at There are a number of key pieces of
Maroondah. legislation, policies and guidelines that
These included: assist Council and other stakeholders in
ensuring best practice management of
• Inconsistencies in relation to domestic domestic wastewater. These include:
wastewater data
• Environment Protection Act 1970
• A need to ensure ongoing strategic
alliances with the water authority and • Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008
ensuring the DWMP aligns with future • Local Government Act 1989
Sewerage Management Plans developed • Planning and Enforcement Act 1987
by the authority • Water Act 1989
• Decisions concerning domestic • State Environment Protection Policy
wastewater management at Maroondah (Waters of Victoria) 2003
are not supported by an over-arching
• State Environment Protection Policy
wastewater operational management
(Groundwaters of Victoria) 2002
strategy or decision making framework
(currently under review)
• The need for regional land capability
• Code of Practice Onsite Wastewater
mapping system to assist in the decision
Management (EPA 891.4, 2016)
making process regarding individual
septic tank installations • Land Capability Assessment for Onsite
Domestic Wastewater Management
• The number of failing wastewater
(MAV)
systems in operation within the
municipality is unknown • AS/NZ Standards 1547:2012 Onsite
Domestic Wastewater Management.
• The need for referral processes for
developments within unsewered areas Specifically, the Environment Protection Act
within the municipality 1970 is the primary legislation that regulates
and controls domestic wastewater
• The need to develop a wastewater
management. The Environment Protection
community education program to assist
Authority (EPA) has overall responsibility
in improving the community’s knowledge
for legislation, policy and standards for
of the risks associated with the poor
wastewater management systems. All
maintenance of wastewater systems
domestic onsite wastewater systems need
• The need for a greywater reuse policy to be issued with a Certificate of
and an associated community education Conformance by an accredited conformity
program to ensure greywater is managed assessment body under an Australian
appropriately Standard, before they are permitted to be
• The current legislative framework in installed in Victoria.
Victoria is complex and outdated.
6 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021
The EPA is responsible for any wastewater that set out how unsuitable sites should be
treatment system that discharges capacities assessed and managed. Both the
of 5,000 litres or more of wastewater daily. Environment Protection Act and the SEPP
Generally these are commercial and (WoV) detail specific responsibilities for
industrial applications. Domestic local government and other agencies.
wastewater management in Victoria is one
Section 33 of SEPP (WoV) outlines the
of the environmental health responsibilities
responsibility of water authorities to
delegated to local government, where the
implement sewerage management plans.
Council acts as the permitting authority and
The SEPP (WoV) is currently under review.
approves the installation of wastewater
Further updates will be made to this
systems.
strategy once the review is complete.
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970,
local government is the primary agency
responsible for the management of
Community Sewerage
domestic wastewater, including systems Program
that have a capacity to treat less than 5,000
litres. Under this Act, a property owner Yarra Valley Water (YVW) provides
cannot construct, alter or install a reticulated sewerage services to properties
wastewater system without a permit from located within the Maroondah. If reticulated
Council. Council use permits to regulate the sewerage is identified in a domestic
installation, maintenance and monitoring of wastewater management plan as the
wastewater systems within their municipal preferred option for improved domestic
boundaries. They are also responsible for wastewater management, water authorities,
identifying failing wastewater systems that in conjunction with the EPA and Councils,
are causing environmental, public health and in consultation with the local
and amenity risks. community, need to develop and submit to
Government a sewerage management plan.
State Environment Protection Policies
(SEPP) are pivotal in protecting water YVW have set a Community Sewerage
environments as they set uses and values of Program which has an aim to provide
water environments that communities want sewerage to identified areas in all
to protect and provide clear guidance on municipalities within their catchment.
what we need to do to protect them. These Within their current plan (2013/14 to
policies are legal tools made under the 2017/2018), YVW have prioritised properties
Environment Protection Act 1970 and they within Maroondah to be connected to sewer
set out the community expectations, needs by the year 2030. YVW are currently
and priorities for protecting and sustainably reviewing their prioritisation program.
using Victoria’s water environments. Appendix 1 provides a series of maps which
SEPP (Waters of Victoria (WoV)) states that identify properties in Maroondah that are
Councils, where relevant, need to develop included in the Yarra Valley
MullumWater
Mullum Creek, Ringwood
domestic wastewater management plans Community Sewerage Program.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 7
Clean, green and sustainable
Maroondah in Context
The City of Maroondah is located within the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and covers an
area of approximately 61.4 square kilometres. The area is a substantially developed peri-
urban residential municipality, with an estimated population of 113,944 residents and
44,227 households with an average of 2.58 people per household.
Map of Maroondah
Maroondah is well known for its leafy streets, broad areas of open space, bushland
reserves, parks and playgrounds. Sustainable transport links include on-road cycling paths
and shared path links to the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail, the EastLink Trail, Taralla Creek
Trail and the Dandenong Creek Trail.
Maroondah’s natural environment is highly valued and our green character is treasured by
locals. There is a strong desire for our green open spaces and bushland reserves to be
enhanced and protected.
Mullum Mullum Creek and Dandenong Creek are the major waterways in the Maroondah
area, with established recreational routes that are well utilised. The waterways within
Maroondah also drain to two of Melbourne Water’s main catchments - Dandenong Creek
and Yarra River which are enjoyed by a broader community, and therefore need to be
carefully managed.
8 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021
Strategic context
Maroondah 2040 Council Plan 2017 - 2021
The Maroondah 2040 Community Vision The Council Plan 2017- 2021 is Maroondah
captures the aspirations, desires, dreams, City Council’s key medium-term strategic
and priorities of the community looking plan that sets out key directions and priority
ahead to the year 2040 and beyond. This actions to achieve the long-term community
long term vision provides a ‘roadmap’ for vision outlined in Maroondah 2040. This
the community, Council and other levels of Domestic Wastewater Management
government to partner together and create Strategy is strongly linked with the
a future that enhances Maroondah as a following three Council Plan key directions:
great place to live, work, play and visit.
The following Maroondah 2040 outcome A safe, healthy and active
areas align this Domestic Wastewater community
Management Strategy with Maroondah’s
1.6 A
ctively promote health
future direction.
and wellbeing principles
and initiatives within the
A safe, healthy and active community community
- Maroondah is a safe, healthy and active
community with local opportunities
A clean, green and
provided for people of all ages and abilities
sustainable community
to have high levels of social, emotional and
physical wellbeing. 4.1 E
nsure the long-term
protection and
rehabilitation of the city’s
A clean, green and sustainable community
waterways and wetlands
- Maroondah is a green leafy community
to improve water quality
with high levels of waste diversion and
and stream flow
sustainable approaches to infrastructure
development, urban design and
management of natural resources. Our A well governed and
community is resilient and has the empowered community
knowledge, capacity and resources to make 8.2 E
nsure responsible and
sustainable lifestyle choices. sustainable management
of Maroondah’s
A well governed and empowered resources, assets,
community - Maroondah is an empowered infrastructure and
community that is actively engaged in natural environment
Council decision making through processes
that consider the needs and aspirations of
all ages and population groups. Council
provides strong and responsive leadership,
ensures transparency, while working with
the community to advocate for and
‘champion’ local needs.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 9
Safe, healthy and active
In addition, there are a wide range of other strategic documents that contribute to the
delivery of outcomes and key directions within Maroondah 2040: Our future together and
the Council Plan. The figure below shows the relationship between the Domestic
Wastewater Management Strategy and many of the other strategic documents adopted
by Council.
Domestic Wastewater Management Plan
2017-2021
Bicycle Carbon Neutral Heritage
Strategy Strategy Study
Ringwood East Bayswater/BN
Pedestrian
Structure Ind. Precinct
Strategy
Heathmont Plan Strategy
Housing Water Sensitive Structure
Strategy City Strategy
Integrated Plan Sites of
Gaming Transport Place-based Biological
Policy Strategy strategic Significance
Issue-based
strategic Sustainability Ringwood planning Open Space
Strategy MAC Structure Masterplans
Arts & Cultural planning
Public Art Plan Parking Policies
Development
Policy & Strategies
Strategy Croydon
Business Structure
Development Physical Plan Open Space
Policy Melb. East
Sport & Rec. Activity Strategy
Strategy Strategy Asset
Management
Asset Mgt Plans Infrastructure
Youth Policy & & Landscape
Children’s Council Plan, Annual Budget and Strategy Guidelines
Plan
Plan
Long Term Financial Strategy Asset-based
Disability
Policy & Road strategic planning
Street
Age and population Action Plan Community Municipal Management activities
group-based strategic Wellbeing Strategic Plan Policy
Plan Statement Stormwater
planning Mobility
Management
Active & & Pedestrian
Strategies Plan
Healthy Ageing
Reconciliation Initiative Domestic Municipal
Action Plan Workforce Animal Mgt Emergency Mgt
People & Culture Plan Plan Other specific
Customer
Strategy ICT asset policies
Service Fire
Strategy
Strategy Management
Risk Mgt Plan
Policy & Community
Strategic Plan Engagement Council organisation Grants
Policy strategic planning Policy Operational
policies and
procedures
HR policies
Fraud
and Councillor & Corruption
procedures Code of Policy
Conduct
Dandenong Creek, Heathmont
10 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021Maroondah’s Domestic
Wastewater Management
Profile
There are 158 domestic wastewater
management systems within the
municipality.
This was determined through cross-referencing data provided by Yarra Valley Water,
Council records, and inspections of properties. Figure 1 provides an overview of the pocket
areas of wastewater systems in Maroondah.
Figure 1: Overview of wastewater systems located throughout Maroondah
There are also approximately 20 vacant properties in these areas that do not have an
available connection point to sewer. Table 1 provides a breakdown of the number of
properties with wastewater systems for each suburb in Maroondah and the number of
properties on the community sewerage program.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 11Clean,healthy
Safe, green and
and sustainable
active
Table 1: Number of wastewater systems per suburb in Maroondah
Suburb Unsewered Community Discharging to
allotments Sewerage Program stormwater
Bayswater North 8 3 2
Croydon 6 0
Croydon Hills 1 0
Heathmont 6 6
Kilsyth South 60 51 5
Park Orchards 5 5 5
Ringwood 4 4
Ringwood North 34 24 5
Warranwood 34 16 4
Total 158 109 21
These systems include septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), sand
filters, greywater treatment systems and worm farms disposing to underground trenches,
subsurface irrigation and discharging to stormwater (figure 2). Of the 158 properties
serviced by a wastewater system, Council has no records for 63 properties. This could be
due to installation prior to Council’s record keeping or due to amalgamations*.
*Note: this is consistent with the findings of the Victorian Auditor General (2006) report.
Council records indicate that 49 properties that utilise onsite wastewater management
systems are not identified in YVW’s Community Sewerage Program.
Wastewater System Type
120
100
No. Installed
80
60
40
20
0
AWTS Septic Worm farm Greywater Pump Out Total Total No Permit
Tank Primary Secondary
Treatment Treatment
System Type
Figure 2: Wastewater system types servicing properties within Maroondah
12 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021From inspections carried out by Council’s Figure 4 shows the percentage of
Wastewater Project Officer, while it was properties discharging wastewater to the
determined that 86% of the systems are stormwater system. These properties were
operating satisfactorily within their permit granted consent to carry out this activity
conditions (figure 3), some systems were under their Permit issued by Council. This
still not compliant with current standards. method of disposing wastewater is no
Systems were assessed against their permit longer permitted in Victoria. Current
conditions and in the absence of records, legislation in place however, prohibits
systems were assessed in accordance the Council from imposing an upgrade to the
EPA guidelines. The systems considered to system.
be operating unsatisfactorily were found to
be discharging wastewater to stormwater,
not being serviced by a contractor and
wastewater discharging to the surface.
Inspection Findings Discharge to Stormwater
vs Disposal Onsite
14% 13%
86% 87%
n Unsatisfactory n Satisfactory n Discharge offsite n Onsite Disposal
Figure 3: Inspection results - Wastewater Figure 4: Percentage of properties
systems operating satisfactorily vs permitted to discharge wastewater offsite
unsatisfactorily to stormwater.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 13Clean, green and sustainable
Risks associated with domestic wastewater for Maroondah
From the 1950s, wastewater systems were used and continue to be used extensively
throughout Victoria in areas not serviced by reticulated sewerage. Wastewater systems are
an acceptable solution to treat domestic wastewater provided the wastewater is contained
and disposed of effectively onsite.
In the past, wastewater systems were a key contributor to the increasing pollution of
Melbourne’s rivers and creeks that threatened the health of Port Phillip Bay. Wastewater
from domestic wastewater management systems, seeps into stormwater drains, waterways
and groundwater whilst also polluting soils and increasing the risks to public health,
environmental health and creating detrimental effects to the local amenity.
Maroondah City Council has a responsibility in ensuring the risks associated with domestic
wastewater are appropriately managed. From the workings undertaken as part of the
domestic wastewater management project, the risks identified for Maroondah include:
Public health risks Legal risks
Domestic wastewater poses a potential Under the Environment Protection Act 1970,
public health risk such as: local government is the primary agency
responsible for the management of
• Human diseases such as gastroenteritis,
domestic wastewater. In addition to the
caused from contaminated water bodies
approval of the installation of wastewater
• Increased capacity of mosquito breeding systems within the municipality, Maroondah
as a result of pooling, stagnant City Council is also responsible for
wastewater resulting in a vector of identifying failing wastewater systems that
disease. are causing environmental, public health
Environmental health risks and amenity risks. The 2006 Auditor
Domestic wastewater poses a potential risk General’s report Protecting Our
to the natural environment: Environment and Community from Failing
Septic Tanks, found that most local
• Contamination of groundwater by governments have not allocated adequate
nitrates and faecal pathogens resources to effectively carry out their
• Seepage can raise the groundwater table legislative responsibilities for domestic
causing salinity wastewater management.
• Domestic wastewater discharge into
Economic and amenity risks
water catchments stimulates algal growth
and land degradation The impacts of failing wastewater systems
and the associated risks to public health
• Domestic wastewater carries suspended
and the health of our natural environment
solids, ammonia and organic matter,
are easy to obtain in comparison to the long
which can affect fish, aquatic plants and
term effects on the local economy and local
micro-organisms
amenity. Domestic wastewater can affect
• Domestic wastewater can be carried into the local economy and amenity of
other water bodies and cause further Maroondah in the following ways:
pollution.
• Poor septic tank management decreases
land amenity and economic value.
• Contaminated water bodies can
negatively impact aquaculture and
agriculture using recreational water
sources.
• Increased costs for maintenance of
stormwater drains which receive
domestic wastewater due to poor septic
system maintenance.
14 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021Our strategic response
Our vision
The vision of this Domestic Wastewater Management Plan is to:
“Protect public health, the natural
environment and the amenity of the
municipality by promoting environmental
best practice in the management of
domestic wastewater”
Future outcomes
To achieve this vision, we will work towards three key outcomes in order to promote
environmental best practice in the management of domestic wastewater. These outcomes
have been developed through extensive research of industry best practice, from the work
carried out throughout the wastewater project, and legislative requirements. The key
outcome areas align with the Water Sensitive City Strategy (2016).
They are:
Outcome 1
Healthy
Environments
Outcome 2 Outcome 3
Collaborative Information
Culture Management
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 15Clean, green and sustainable
The way forward
Outcome 1
Healthy Environments
Appropriate and effective wastewater
management aids in protecting public
health and the environment. Domestic
wastewater poses a potential public
health and environmental risk.
Key directions
Work in partnership to reduce wastewater Proactively educate and build community
pollution and encourage healthy awareness of environmental health issues
waterways
Education and awareness is an important
Prior to 1997, wastewater systems in Victoria mechanism to support homeowners in
were permitted to discharge to stormwater. maintaining their systems appropriately in
Currently, there are no legislative order to minimise the potential public
mechanisms that enable Council to enforce health and environmental risk. Enhanced
property owners in ensuring wastewater monitoring of properties with wastewater
does not enter the stormwater system from management systems in accordance with
these previously approved systems. For relevant legislation and current standards is
water quality to improve, the quantity of required by Council Environmental Health
wastewater permitted to discharge into Officers.
stormwater systems must be reduced.
Preventing and minimising failing systems is
also required to protect our waterways.
Our journey so far
Council’s Wastewater Project Officer has attended all properties that are serviced by a
domestic wastewater management system in Maroondah. An inspection of the system was
carried out to determine how well the system is operating, the location of the disposal
area and to discuss any concerns the owner may have with the system. Systems that were
found to be operating outside of their permit or the EPA guidelines were required to
rectify the issue. Each property owner was provided with information on how to effectively
maintain their system.
16 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021Priority actions 2017-2021 Measuring our success
• Establish a domestic wastewater • An increase in the number of properties
monitoring and compliance program connected to sewer that are currently
within the unsewered areas of Maroondah serviced by a wastewater management
focusing on properties that are to be system
considered to be high risk • A monitoring and compliance program is
• Increase the number of properties developed
connected to sewer by encouraging • Maintenance reports from servicing
property owners to connect when it agents are reviewed and actioned as
becomes available. appropriate.
• Review all aerated wastewater treatment • Education material is distributed to
system maintenance reports provided to properties with wastewater systems in
Council by wastewater servicing agents accordance with the communication
and action as required strategy.
• Investigation of other funding
opportunities for programs to improve
domestic wastewater management in the
Municipality.
• Provide information through Council’s
media outlets including website and
social media to provide the community
with information on managing their
wastewater systems.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 17Clean, green and sustainable
Outcome 2
Collaborative Cultures
Encourage community participation and
partnerships with key stakeholders for
greater involvement in wastewater issues.
Key directions
Work in partnership to ensure integrated Build engaged and responsible
planning for sewerage connection services communities in the effective maintenance
of wastewater systems
Yarra Valley Water’s Community Sewerage
Program aims to eliminate environmental, Ensuring owners are aware of their
public health and amenity risks caused by responsibilities in maintaining their
failing wastewater systems. It is critically wastewater system and how this can be
important that both YVW and Maroondah achieved is a key strategy in minimising
City Council continue to work together to health risks and possible financial
ensure that this Strategy and future implications of poorly functioning systems.
Sewerage Management Plans are aligned. There are numerous educational
This will provide sewerage connection in publications and materials available to use.
areas of environmental or public health
Advocate for legislative change to meet
concern.
current and future wastewater
Facilitate a collaborative approach to the management requirements
management of domestic wastewater
There are a number of key pieces of
The successful management of domestic legislation, policies and guidelines available
wastewater is not the responsibility of one to Council to endeavour to manage
agency. An integrated approach to domestic wastewater. Many of them are
approving new developments, managing outdated. The Environment Protection Act
complex issues relating to wastewater (1970) in particular. While the mechanism
complaints and advocating for legislative for gaining approval to supply wastewater
change is integral. systems in Victoria changed in 2016, and
now is covered through the Australian
Standards, there is no indication that state
legislation will be reviewed. In mid-2018, the
current SEPP is under review, however, no
major changes are proposed at this stage. It
is evident that there is a need for a
legislative change in Victoria to allow for
Councils to effectively manage domestic
wastewater (Auditor General, 2006).
18 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021Our journey so far
In 2016 Council provided a submission to YVW as part of their Community Sewerage
program prioritisation process. This included recommendations for the inclusion of a number
of properties considered as high risk that are not in the current Sewerage program.
Through this project a new referral process has been implemented internally within Council
to ensure wastewater is captured as a key element to new and existing developments in
areas not connected to sewer. The Wastewater Project Officer and Environmental Health
Officers have provided their technical expertise to other Council departments to raise
awareness of these issues.
Priority actions 2017-2021 Measuring our success
The Leaf Totem in Town Park was
• Continue to work with YVW and • A wastewater portfolio established and
created as part of the Croydon Flood
Mitigation Project.
advocate for all properties serviced by a seen as a key priority area for
wastewater system that cannot contain Environmental Health.
wastewater onsite to be included in the • All new developments and alterations to
Community Sewerage Program. existing properties that are serviced by a
• Advocate to the State Government for wastewater management system, are
improvements to the legislative provided with information to help
framework pertaining to domestic property owners meet legislative
wastewater. requirements.
• Continue partnerships with other • All properties within Maroondah are
Councils and peak associations including included on the Community Sewerage
Environmental Health Professionals Program.
Australia to advocate to the State
Government to accelerate the community
sewerage program and legislative reform.
• Provide technical expertise and
strengthen the relationship between
Community Health, Planning and Building
to ensure all new developments and
alterations to existing properties that are
serviced by a wastewater management
system, are managed appropriately.
• Provide support and guidance to
plumbers, installers, servicing agents and
consultants to improve standards in the
industry and outline Council
expectations.
• Develop a communication strategy to
ensure key wastewater messages
including sustainable re-use of greywater;
are received by the community on an
ongoing basis.
• Increase the community’s understanding
of the importance of managing
wastewater systems appropriately.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 19Clean, green and sustainable
Outcome 3
Information Management
Key directions Our journey so far
Ensure the accuracy of information relating A single database for managing wastewater
to wastewater systems in Maroondah systems was developed in Council’s
information management system (Pathway).
Without complete and accurate information
This involved cross referencing both paper
about wastewater systems, it is not possible
based and electronic recording systems, with
to fully understand the magnitude of
onsite inspections to validate the data. Each
environmental, public health and amenity
wastewater system is now issued with a
risks or the likely emerging risks. A
licence and any information received by
sustainable strategy to treat the risks and
Council is allocated to the licence, and the
the likely cost of doing so would also not be
property. This allows us to:
possible.
• Manage correspondence and information
By having complete and accurate
relating to monitoring of the wastewater
information we are able to share this with
system
other stakeholders including YVW, and
internal departments to better plan for • Create a GIS layer that shows all
sewer and sustainable development. properties that currently have a
wastewater system, location of sewer
Apply a continuous improvement approach pipes, and indicate those properties on
to domestic wastewater management the Community Sewerage Program
Clear and precise policies and procedures Priority actions 2017-2021
for the management of domestic
• Maintain the information management
wastewater are important to assist in
system to ensure all information relating
consistent and transparent decision making
to a wastewater system is stored
to support the Environmental Health
appropriately.
Officers in undertaking their statutory
responsibilities under the Environment • Meet legislative reporting requirements
Protection Act 1970. to the EPA
• Ensure property information from YVW is
updated on an annual basis and
integrated into Council’s GIS system
• Review Council’s wastewater strategy on
an annual basis and update as necessary
• Ensure policies and procedures in relation
to wastewater are updated annually.
Measuring our success
• Monitoring and compliance programs are
developed based on accurate data and
information contained in the information
management system
20 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021Implementing the Strategy
The Domestic Wastewater Management
Strategy forms part of Council’s response
to delivering on Maroondah 2040:
Our future together.
It will be implemented with an integrated Over time, these measures will be used to
whole-of-Council approach to promoting identify how successful Council and its
environmental best practice in domestic partners have been in working towards the
wastewater management preferred outcomes and key directions
outlined in this Strategy. These indicators
The Strategy outlines priority actions to be
are not intended to form a definitive list,
undertaken to work toward three outcome
rather they will be helpful in revealing
areas which support the overall vision for
progress over time.
domestic wastewater management in
Maroondah. Additional priority actions and An update on progress towards delivery of
projects that support this vision and adapt the Domestic Wastewater Management
to the changing needs of the Maroondah Strategy will be reported to the Director
community may be identified and resourced Planning & Community on an annual basis.
over the period of the Strategy. This report will incorporate an update on
progress towards the priority actions and
Some measures of success have been
the measures of success identified in the
identified in this Domestic Wastewater
Strategy. A full review of the Domestic
Management Strategy to monitor progress
Wastewater Management Strategy will be
over the 2017-2021 period.
undertaken in 2020/21.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 21Clean, green and sustainable
References
Victorian Auditor General, 2006,
Protecting our environment and
community from failing septic tanks,
Victoria
Environment Protection Act 1970.
Environment Protection Authority,
2016, Code of Practice – Onsite
Domestic Wastewater Management
(EPA Publication 891.4)
Environment Protection Authority,
2003, State Environment Protection
Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003.
Maroondah City Council, 2017,
Council Plan 2017-2021.
Maroondah City Council, 2016, Water
Sensitive City Strategy.
Maroondah City Council, 2013,
Maroondah 2040 – Our Future
Together
Yarra Valley Water, 2012, Water Plan
2013/14 to 2017/18.
22 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021Glossary
Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems Effluent
Aerated wastewater treatment systems Wastewater discharging from a wastewater
treat all household wastewater and have management system.
several treatment compartments. They
comprise of a septic tank, aeration chamber, Environmental Health Officer
settling chamber and chlorination tank. An individual who has the qualifications
They are a secondary treatment system. and/or experience necessary to be
appointed as an Environmental Health
Blackwater Officer (EHO) and be authorised to
Wastewater from toilets containing faeces undertake responsibilities of relevant Acts
and urine. such as the Environment Protection Act
1970.
Community Sewerage Program
A legislative requirement under the SEPP Environment Protection Act 1970
(WoV) that requires Water Authorities to Provides for the control of water, air and
implement a Sewerage Management plan land pollution, waste and noise. EPA
that reviews available wastewater administers the Act. PART IXB of the Act
management options, costs, funding and specifically deals with septic tank systems
timelines for provision of services. The and sets out a two-tier approval process for
program is to identify how the wastewater septic tanks and onsite wastewater
collected will be sustainably managed in treatment systems.
accordance with the waste hierarchy and
reviewed every three years. Environment Protection Authority
The Victorian Environment Protection
Domestic Wastewater Authority administers the Environment
Wastewater arising from a domestic Protection Act 1970 and State Environment
dwelling. Domestic wastewater can Protection Policies and is responsible for
comprise of blackwater or greywater (from producing guidance for onsite wastewater
bathrooms, laundry and kitchen) or a management, including the Code of
combination of both. Practice and other documents, and issuing
Certificate’s of Approval for particular
Domestic Wastewater Management Plan onsite wastewater treatment systems.
A planning and management document to
minimise the impact of domestic Greywater
wastewater on public health and the local Domestic wastewater from sources other
environment using a risk management than the toilet, urinal or bidet (showers,
approach. baths, hand basins, laundry, dishwashers
and kitchen sinks). Greywater may still
Domestic Wastewater Management System contain pathogens, nutrients and potentially
or Wastewater Management System harmful chemicals. Also known as sullage.
A system for the bacterial, biological,
chemical or physical treatment of sewage Sand Filter
includes all tanks, beds, sewers, drains, A secondary treatment method.
pipes, fittings, appliances and land used in
connection with the system. Septic Tank
A conventional septic tank that temporarily
Disposal Area holds wastewater. The septic tank provides
An area of land specifically designated for primary treatment of wastewater.
the disposal of wastewater.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 23Clean, green and sustainable
Sewage
Any waste containing human excreta or 5. Develop a domestic wastewater
domestic wastewater (Environment management plan that:
Protection Act). 5.1 I. R
eviews land capability assessments
and available domestic wastewater
Sewer management options to prevent the
Pipe used to transfer sewage from one discharge of wastewater beyond
location to another. allotment boundaries and prevent
impacts on groundwater beneficial
Sewerage uses;
The infrastructure used to carry, treat and 5.1 II. Identifies the preferred options,
dispose of sewage. together with costs, funding needs,
timelines and priorities; and
State Environment Protection Policy 5.1 III. P rovides for the assessment of
(Waters of Victoria) compliance of on-site domestic
A policy which provides a legal framework wastewater systems with permit
for State and Local Government agencies, conditions.
businesses and communities to work
together to protect and rehabilitate
Victoria’s surface water environments. The Subsurface Irrigation
SEPP (WoV) sets out the provisions for The disposal of wastewater through a series
managing domestic wastewater in Victoria. of pressure-compensating pipes and
In particular, the SEPP requires Council’s to: emitters at a depth of 100 mm to 150 mm
below ground surface level.
1. Assess the suitability of the land for an
on-site system prior to approving a Trenches
development; A disposal area which uses the principle of
absorption where wastewater is distributed
2. Ensure that sewerage is provided at the
via underground trenches.
time of sub-division if the use of on-site
systems would result in wastewater being
Waterway
discharged beyond allotment boundaries,
River, creek, stream, watercourses, natural
or would impact on groundwater
channel in which water regularly flows, lake,
beneficial uses;
lagoon, swamp, marsh or dam.
3. Ensure that permits are consistent with
guidance provided by the EPA and the
Yarra Valley Water
Septic Tank Code of Practice;
Local Water Authority
4. Identify existing unsewered allotments
incapable of preventing wastewater from
being discharged beyond allotment
boundaries and/or preventing impacts on
groundwater beneficial uses; and
24 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-20211 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Program.
A A
B B
C C
Appendix 1
D D
E E
F F
G G
This plan provides the timing for a sewerage service to the
0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 HEATHMONT BACKLOG AREAS backlog area as at July 2014, and is subject to change at any
Backlog Area Current Timing time.
Kilometres Timing is also subject to change depending upon a complete
H Heathmont Suburb Boundary BA039 H
review of the backlog program every 5 years, to ensure the
date prepared Melway
program reflects the latest available data. Properties within a
BA039 - 2028/29 backlog area that have sufficient space to manage wastewater
17 July 2014 Pages 49/50 and 63/64
on site are not on the backlog program.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021
Properties in Maroondah that are included in the Yarra Valley Water Community Sewerage
25Clean, green and sustainable
A B C D E F G H
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
11 11
This plan provides the timing for a sewerage service to the
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 KILSYTH SOUTH BACKLOG backlog area as at July 2014, and is subject to change at
Backlog Area Current Timing AREAS any time.
Kilometres Timing is also subject to change depending upon a complete
12 12
BA017 review of the backlog program every 5 years, to ensure the
Kilsyth South Suburb Boundary
program reflects the latest available data. Properties within
date prepared Melway a backlog area that have sufficient space to manage
BA017 - 2028/29 17 July 2014 Pages 51 and 65 wastewater on site are not on the backlog program
A B C D E F G H
26 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-20211 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
G G
prepared by
Backlog Planning Sustainable Development
date prepared project
17 Oct 13
0 250 500 750 1000 approved by
Legend engineer David Scott MAROONDAH BACKLOG AREAS
date revised BA049 Park Orchards / Ringwood North (Middle)
H H
BA049 Meters drawing no.
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021
Sheet 1 of 1 Melway
Municipality Boundary
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2728
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A A
B B
Clean, green and sustainable
C C
D D
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021
E E
F F
G G
This plan provides the timing for a sewerage service to the
0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 WARRANWOOD BACKLOG AREAS backlog area as at July 2014, and is subject to change at any
Backlog Area Current Timing time.
Kilometres Timing is also subject to change depending upon a complete
H Warranwood Suburb Boundary BA003 H
review of the backlog program every 5 years, to ensure the
date prepared Melway
program reflects the latest available data. Properties within a
BA003 - 2027/28 backlog area that have sufficient space to manage wastewater
17 July 2014 Page 36
on site are not on the backlog program.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 121 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
G G
This plan provides the timing for a sewerage service to the
Backlog Area Current Timing 0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 BAYSWATER NORTH BACKLOG AREAS backlog area as at July 2014, and is subject to change at any
time.
Bayswater North Suburb Boundary Kilometres Timing is also subject to change depending upon a complete
H BA038 and BA017 H
review of the backlog program every 5 years, to ensure the
BA017 - 2028/29 date prepared Melway
program reflects the latest available data. Properties within a
backlog area that have sufficient space to manage wastewater
Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021
17 July 2014 Pages 50-51
BA038 - 2029/30 on site are not on the backlog program.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
29Clean, green and sustainable
Notes
30 Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021Domestic Wastewater Management Strategy 2017-2021 31
To contact Council
• phone 1300 88 22 33 or (03) 9298 4598
• visit our website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au
• email maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au
• call in to one of our service centres:
City Offices Service Centre
Braeside Avenue
Ringwood
Realm Service Centre
Maroondah Highway
Ringwood
Croydon Service Centre
Civic Square
Croydon
Translating and Interpreter Service
13 14 50
National Relay Service (NRS)
13 36 77
MaroondahCityCouncil
@CityofMaroondah
CityofMaroondah
Maroondah City Council
MaroondahCityCouncilYou can also read
