On-Site Wastewater Management Systems

wastewater management

On-site wastewater management systems (OSWMS) are used for the treatment of sewage where the reticulated sewerage system connection is unavailable.

Common examples of these systems include:

  • Septic tanks
  • Composting toilets
  • Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS) 

Prior to installation

Approval must first be obtained by Council. This can be done by: 

  1. Getting a suitably qualified person to undertake a site and soil evaluation, design a system for you, and produce a report, and
  2. Submitting this report with a completed Plumbing Permit application.

Any proposed system must be accredited under the Tasmanian Plumbing Code, or certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person as complying with AS/NZS 1547:2012 – Onsite Domestic Wastewater Management.

Please note that the installation of an on-site wastewater system must only occur after a Plumbing Permit has been applied for and approved by Council.

After installation

Once the system is installed the owner must ensure that it complies with all conditions placed on the permit, and that it does not create a nuisance through odour, run-off, vermin or by any other means.

For further information or advice you can contact Council’s Plumbing Compliance or Environmental Health Department on 03 6430 5700 or email burnie@burnie.net