domestic wastewater management planswan%hill%rural%city%council% %...

Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council% % Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Plan%2013%

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Domestic Wastewater Management Plan

2013 - 2016


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Prepared'by:' ehpic%Consulting%Group%Pty%Ltd%

104%Wills%Street%

Bendigo%%%Vic%%%3550%

[email protected]

[email protected]%

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ABN%38%150%712%575%

www.ehpic.com.au%

Version% Author% Date% Comments%

0.1% J.Maw% 11%Jan%2013% First%Draft%

0.2% J.Maw% 7%Feb%2013% Final%Draft%

0.3% M.Bennett% 1%Aug%2013% Final%Draft%Amendments%

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This%report%has%been%prepared%by%Ehpic%Consulting%Group%Pty%Ltd.%Whilst%the%contents%of%the%report%address%

domestic% wastewater% management% issues% within% the% Swan% Hill% Rural% City% Council,% the% template% report%

remains% the% property% of% Ehpic% Consulting% Group% Pty% Ltd.% You% are% hereby% notified% that% any% use,%

dissemination,% distribution% or% reproduction% of% this% document% without% the% expressed% written% consent% of%

Ehpic%Consulting%Group%Pty%Ltd% is%prohibited.%Ehpic%Consulting%Group%Pty%Ltd%accepts%no%responsibility%for%

any%loss%or%damage,%whether%direct%or%consequential,%suffered%by%any%person%as%the%result%of%or%arising%from%

the%reliance%on%the%statements,%information%or%opinions%in%this%document.%


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Contents'

Executive'Summary' 5%

Introduction' 7%

Goals,'Objectives'and'Outcomes' 9%

Part'1% Legislation'and'Policy'Context' 10%

1.1% Regulatory-Roles-and-Responsibilities-in-Domestic-Wastewater-Management- 10%1.1.1% Regulatory%Policy% 10%

1.1.2% Septic%Tank%Systems% 12%

1.1.3% State%Environment%Protection%Policy%(Waters-of-Victoria)% 14%

1.1.4% Code%of%Practice%–%Onsite%Wastewater%Management% 15%

1.1.5% AS/NZS%1547:2012%Onsite%Domestic%Wastewater%Management% 15%

1.1.6% Public%Health%and%Wellbeing%Act%2008% 16%

1.2% Water-and-Sewerage- 18%1.3% Catchment-Management-Authorities- 20%

Part'2% Swan'Hill'Rural'City'Council'Context' 22%

2.1% Development-Process- 22%2.2% Management- 23%2.3% Council-Policy-Context- 23%

2.3.1% Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%Plan%2009a2013% 23%

2.3.2% Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%Strategic%Resources%Plan% 26%

2.3.3% Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%Stormwater%Management%Plan% 26%

2.4% Domestic-Wastewater-Profile- 27%2.4.1% Reticulated%Sewerage%Services% 28%

2.4.2% Number%of%Septic%Tank%Systems% 31%

2.4.3% Distribution%of%Septic%Tanks% 31%

2.4.4% Sewer%Priority%by%Township%a%2006% 32%

2.4.5% Sewer%Priority%by%Township%a%2013% 32%

2.4.6% Profile%of%Major%Localities%within%Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council% 33%

2.5% Community-Consultation- 39%2.6% Values,-Domestic-Wastewater-Threats,-and-Risk-Assessment- 40%

2.6.1% Environmental%Values% 40%

2.7% Key-Findings- 46%2.8% Management-Strategies- 47%

2.8.1% Management%Approach% 47%

2.8.2% Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Priorities% 48%

Part'3% Management'Action'Plans' 49%

3.1% Strategy-1- 49%3.2% Strategy-2- 50%3.3% Strategy-3- 51%3.4% Strategy-4- 52%3.5% Strategy-5- 53%3.6% Strategy-6- 54%3.7% Strategy-7- 55%

4% References' 56%

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Executive'Summary'

Domestic% wastewater,% if% not% appropriately% and% effectively% managed,% can% pose% significant% risks% to% public%

health,% the% physical% environment% and% local% receiving% environments.% The% Victorian% Governments%

Department%of%Sustainability%and%Environment%(DSE)%had%previously%provided%$3%million%in%funding%to%Local%

Government% through% the% Country- Towns- Water- Supply- and- Sewerage- Program% to% assist% in% the%

establishment% of% Domestic%Wastewater%Management% Plans% (DWMP).% Legislatively,% Councils% are% required%

under%the%provisions%of%the%State%Environment%Protection%Policy%(Waters-of-Victoria)%to%prepare%a%DWMP%in%

consultation%with%the%local%community%and%relevant%stakeholders%including%water%authorities.%

Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%engaged%a%consultant%to%prepare%a%DWMP%under%a%funding%agreement%provided%

by%DSE% in% 2007.% A% key% action% of% the% 2007%DWMP% included% a% review%of% the% original% plan% after% 4% years% of%

implementation.%The%2012%version%of%the%DWMP%provides%the%findings%from%this%review%and%sets%redefined%

goals%and%objectives%and%the%subsequent%action%plans%to%ensure%the%management%of%domestic%wastewater%

in%the%Swan%Hill%region%is%both%current,%realistic%and%measureable.%

State%wide,%in%excess%of%400%small%towns%currently%utilise%septic%tank%systems%for%the%treatment%of%domestic%

wastewater.% The% Swan%Hill% Rural% City% Council% has% 22% rural% towns% and% communities%who% are% reliant% upon%

septic% tank% systems% for% the% treatment% of% domestic% wastewater.% Within% these% 22% townships,% there% are%

approximately%8,500%systems%currently%in%use%and%of%these,%50%%are%considered%to%be%greater%than%25%years%

old.%%

This% plan% provides% the% necessary% strategies% to% ensure% the% existing% septic% tank% systems,% and% any% new%

installations%are% installed,%maintained%and%monitored%as% to%protect% the%health%of% the%community%and% the%

surrounding%physical%environment.%%

As% a% result% of% the% review% of% the% previous% DWMP,% the% following% key% issues% in% relation% to% domestic%

wastewater%management%have%been%identified:%

• The% City’s% septic% tank% profile% in% terms% of% numbers,% location% and% types% of% septic% tank% systems% is%

incomplete%and%does%not%enable%a%quantification%of%the%threats.%

• The%performance%of%septic%tank%systems%and%compliance%with%permit%conditions%by%owners%across%

the%municipality%is%unknown.%

• There% is%a%potential% that% the% receiving%environment,%particularly%watercourses,%may%be%negatively%

impacted%on%by%domestic%effluent,%emanating%from%poorly%maintained%septic%tank%systems%

• Residential% growth% in% unsewered% areas% requires% the% development% of% policies% and% procedures% to%

ensure%that%sites%are%capable%of%retaining%and%treating%domestic%waste%onasite.%

• Council% issues% permits% for% installation% of% systems% but% has% no% organised% compliance%management%

services% to% ensure% owners% or% information% on% the% performance% of% these% systems% complies% with%

permit%conditions.%%

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In% addition,% it% was% identified% during% consultation% with% staff%members% within% the% organisation% that% there%

needs%to%be%a%clearer%focus%on%the%development%of%domestic%wastewater%management%tools%and%guidance%

material%to%guide%officers%in%their%decision%making.%

Subsequently,%seven%(7)%key%priorities%have%been%identified%and%are%provided%in%detail%within%the%action%plan%

in%part%3%of%the%plan.%They%are%summarised%as%follows:%%

1. Review%domestic%wastewater%information%management%system;%

2. Development%and%review%of%operational%policies%and%procedures;%

3. Development%of%a%Community%Information%and%Education%Strategy%on%septic%tank%maintenance%and%

management;%

4. Development%of%a%septic%tank%systemamonitoring%program%for%Council%owned%and/or%operated%

properties%and%facilities;%

5. Development%of%a%septic%tank%systemamonitoring%program%for%high%priority%townships;%

6. Development%of%a%planning%and%management%document%using%a%risk%management%based%approach;%

and%

7. Evaluate%Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Plan.%

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Introduction'

Wastewater% is% water% generated% from% domestic% and% commercial% activities% and% includes% sewage% (all%

wastewater% including%greywater%and% toilet%waste% (also%known%as%blackwater)%and%greywater% (wastewater%

from%the%shower,%bath,%basins,%laundry%troughs,%washing%machine,%and%kitchen).%Blackwater%and%greywater%

both%contain%pathogens%and%chemicals%(nutrients)%that%if%poorly%managed,%could%present%a%public%health%risk%

and%a%potential%risk%to%our%physical%environment.%

The%Environment-Protection-Act-1970-(the%Act)%defines%a%Septic%Tank%System%as%‘a%system%for%the%bacterial,%

biological,%chemical%and%physical%treatment%of%sewage,%and%includes%all%tanks,%beds,%sewers,%drains,%pipes,%

fittings,% appliances%and% land%used% in% connection%with% the% system’.% Septic% tank% systems%are%an%acceptable%

solution% to% treat%domestic%wastewater%provided% the%wastewater% is% contained%and%disposed%of% effectively%

onasite.% If% wastewater% seeps% from% the% property% it% can% pollute% surrounding% soils,% waterways% and%

groundwater,% increasing% the% risks% to% public% health,% environmental% health% and% detrimental% effects% to% the%

local%amenity.%%

There%are%3%principal%ways%to%manage%domestic%wastewater:%

1. Discharge%wastewater%offsite%to%a%reticulated%sewerage%system;%

2. Treat%and%dispose%of%wastewater%on%individual%allotments%via%a%septic%tank%system;%and%

3. Treat% and% dispose% of% blackwater% on% individual% allotments% via% a% septic% tank% system% and% send% any%

greywater%offsite%to%stormwater%drains%or%the%receiving%environment.%

Option%1%above%is%managed%by%statutory%authorities%and%is%not%subject%to%this%plan.%Whilst%options%2%and%3%

require% the% specific% approval% for% installation% by% local% government% authorities% who% are% charged% with% the%

responsibility% of% ensuring% that% only% septic% tank% systems% that% are% capable% of% treating% and% retaining%

wastewater%within%allotment%boundaries%are%installed%in%Victoria.%%

The% Victorian% Government’s% commitment% to% environmental% sustainability% for% water% and% wastewater%

management%is%strengthened%by%the%Environment-Protection-Act-1970-together%with%the%State%Environment%

Protection%Policy%(SEPP)%Waters-of-Victoria.%The%SEPP%establishes%the%legal%framework%for%the%state%and%local%

government%agencies,%businesses%and%communities%to%work%together%to%protect%and%rehabilitate%Victoria’s%

surface%water%environments.%

The%SEPP%was%gazetted%in%2003%and%specifically%requires%Councils%to%develop%a%DWMP.%The%SEPP%contains%2%

primary%objectives%relating%to%the%establishment%of%a%DWMP:%

• Review% land% capability% assessment% procedures% and% available% domestic% wastewater% management%

options%to%prevent%the%discharge%of%wastewater%beyond%allotment%boundaries%and%prevent%impacts%

on%groundwater%beneficial%uses;%and%

• Provide% for% the% compliance% assessment% of% onasite% domestic% wastewater% systems% with% permit%

conditions.%

The% Auditor% General’s% Report% –% Protecting- our- environment- and- community- from- failing- septic- tanks%published% in% 2006% reviewed% the% current% legislative% climate% in% Victoria% surrounding% wastewater%

management.% The% findings% from% this% audit% were% critical% of% many% agencies% with% a% responsibility% in%

wastewater%management% including% local% government% and%provided%16% key% recommendations% to% improve%

the%current%situation.%One%recommendation%included:%


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• That% the%EPA,% in% consultation%with% local% government,% strengthen%statutory% requirements% for% local%

government% to% complete% domestic% wastewater% management% plans% by% including% an% approval%

mechanism,%periodic%reviews%and%penalties%for%nonacompliance.%

Most% of% the% 16% recommendations% in% the% Auditor% General’s% Report% have% not% been% implemented% which%

highlights% the% importance% for% local% government% to% have% clear% and% precise% strategies% in% the% absence% of%

guidance% from% state% agencies% to% ensure% that% domestic% wastewater% is%managed% appropriately% within% the%

municipality%to%protect%public%health,%environmental%health%and%the%amenity%of%the%Swan%Hill% region.%One%

such%strategy%is%the%implementation%of%this%plan.%

This%DWMP%contains%3%parts.% The% first%addresses% the%domestic%wastewater%policy%and% legislative% context,%

part%2%provides%an%inside%into%the%domestic%wastewater%profile%of%the%Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%and%Part%3%

provides% strategic% directions% in% the% form% of% management% action% plans% designed% to% manage% the% risks% of%

domestic%wastewater%within%the%community.%

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Goals,'Objectives'and'Outcomes'

The%goals%detailed%in%the%original%version%of%this%DWMP%were%to:%

• Protect%public%health;%and%

• Reduce%the%impacts%of%domestic%wastewater%on%local%receiving%environments.%

These%goals%have%not%differed%since%the%inception%of%the%original%DWMP%in%2007.%

The%objectives%of%the%2007%DWMP%were:%

• Develop%Council’s%policy%for%the%management%of%domestic%wastewater;%

• Identify% wastewater% management% priorities% and% develop% short% and% long% term% strategies% for% the%

management%of%theses%priorities;%and%

• Provide% a% mechanism% for% coordinated% wastewater% planning% and% services% by% Council% and% other%

stakeholders.%

The%outcomes%of%the%first%DWMP%were:%

• Protection% of% ground% and% surface% waters% around% unasewered% townships% and% urban% areas% from%

domestic%wastewater;%

• The% installation% of% appropriately% designed% and% operated% septic% tank% systems% for% difficult% sites%

affected%by%slope,%and%poor%soils;%

• Owners%of%septic%tank%systems%are%informed%as%to%the%appropriate%management%of%systems;%

• Processes%for%developing%assessment%criteria%for%proposed%subadivisions%in%unasewered%areas;%and%

• Processes% for% developing% and% reviewing% operational% policies% for% permitting,% mentoring% and%

compliance.%

These%outcomes%are%still%very%much%current%and%will%be%included%within%this%amended%version%of%the%DWMP%

with%the%addition%of:%

• Establishment% of% a% technical% tool% to% assist% in% the% permitting,% monitoring% and% compliance% of%

domestic%wastewater%and%to%ensure%consistent%assessment%processes%are%in%place.%

Objectives%for%the%2013a2016%DWMP%are%consistent%with%2007%DWMP%as%these%issues%are%ongoing.%

The%objectives%of%the%2013a2016%DWMP:%

• Review%and%redevelop%Council’s%policy%for%the%management%of%domestic%wastewater;%

• Identify% wastewater% management% priorities% and% develop% short% and% long% term% strategies% for% the%

management%of%theses%priorities;%and%

• Provide% a% mechanism% for% coordinated% wastewater% planning% and% services% by% Council% and% other%

stakeholders.%

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Part'1' Legislation'and'Policy'Context'

1.1 Regulatory'Roles'and'Responsibilities'in'Domestic'Wastewater'Management'

1.1.1' Regulatory'Policy'

The%Environment-Protection-Act-1970-at%its%inception%was%only%the%second%Act%in%the%world%that%dealt%with%the%environment% in% its% entirety% in% a% systematic% and% integrated%way.% The%Act% is% outcome%oriented,%with% a%

basic%philosophy%of%preventing%pollution%and%protecting%the%environment%by%setting%environmental%quality%

objectives%and%establishing%management%programs%to%meet%them.%%

The% Act% includes% key% aims% concerned% with% the% sustainable% use% and% holistic% management% of% the%

environment.% It% achieves% these% aims% by% following% the% Principles% of% Environment% Protection% which% were%

adopted%into%the%Act%in%2001:%

Principle)of)integration)of)economic,)social)and)environmental)considerations)

(1)%Sound%environmental%practices%and%procedures%should%be%adopted%as%a%basis%for%ecologically%sustainable%

development%for%the%benefit%of%all%human%beings%and%the%environment.%

(2)%This%requires%the%effective%integration%of%economic,%social%and%environmental%considerations%in%decision%

making%processes%with%the%need%to%improve%community%wellabeing%and%the%benefit%of%future%generations.%

(3)% The% measures% adopted% should% be% costaeffective% and% in% proportion% to% the% significance% of% the%

environmental%problems%being%addressed.%

The)precautionary)principle)

(1)% If% there% are% threats% of% serious% or% irreversible% environmental% damage,% lack% of% full% scientific% certainty%

should%not%be%used%as%a%reason%for%postponing%measures%to%prevent%environmental%degradation.%

(2)%Decision%making%should%be%guided%bya%

(a)% A% careful% evaluation% to% avoid% serious% or% irreversible% damage% to% the% environment% wherever%

practicable;%and%

(b)%%An%assessment%of%the%riskaweighted%consequences%of%various%options.%

Principle)of)intergenerational)equity)

The% present% generation% should% ensure% that% the% health,% diversity% and% productivity% of% the% environment% is%

maintained%or%enhanced%for%the%benefit%of%future%generations.%

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Principle)of)conservation)of)biological)diversity)and)ecological)integrity)

The%conservation%of%biological%diversity%and%ecological% integrity%should%be%a% fundamental%consideration% in%

decision%making.%

Principle)of)shared)responsibility)

Protection%of%the%environment%is%a%responsibility%shared%by%all%levels%of%Government%and%industry,%business,%

communities%and%the%people%of%Victoria.%

Principle)of)wastes)hierarchy)

Wastes%should%be%managed%in%accordance%with%the%following%order%of%preferencea%

(a) Avoidance;%

(b) Reause;%

(c) Reacycling;%

(d) Recovery%of%energy;%

(e) Treatment;%

(f) Containment;%and%

(g) Disposal%

Principle)of)accountability)

(1)% The% aspirations% of% the% people% of% Victoria% for% environmental% quality% should% drive% environmental%

improvement.%

(2)%Members%of%the%public%should%therefore%be%givena%

(a)% Access% to% reliable% and% relevant% information% in% appropriate% forms% to% facilitate% a% good%

understanding%of%environmental%issues;%

(b)%Opportunities%to%participate%in%policy%and%program%development.%

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1.1.2' Septic'Tank'Systems'

Part%IXB%of%the%Environment-Protection-Act-1970-specifically%deals%with%septic%tank%systems%using%a%two%tier%

approval% process.% The% Environment% Protection% Authority% (EPA)% has% overall% responsibility% for% legislation,%

policy% and% standards% for%wastewater%management% systems.%All% domestic% onasite% and%offasite%wastewater%

systems% need% to% be% issued% with% a% Certificate% of% Approval% by% the% EPA% before% they% are% permitted% to% be%

installed%in%Victoria.%During%the%first%publication%of%this%plan,%there%were%approximately%eighty%(80)%different%

types%of%septic%tank%systems%approved%for%installation%in%Victoria%by%the%EPA.%Currently%there%are%only%forty%

five% (45)%septic% tank%systems%approved% in%Victoria%which% is%primarily%due%to%the%current%economic%climate%

resulting%in%much%of%the%wastewater%industry%becoming%insolvent.%%

The%systems%that%have%current%approval% include%primary% treatment%systems,%composting%and% incineration%

systems,% secondary% and% advanced% secondary% treated% aeration% systems% including% greywater% treatment%

systems,%and%land%application%systems%including%absorption%trenches%and%irrigation.%Each%of%these%systems%

has%associated%conditions%of%use.%Councils%cannot%issue%a%permit%unless%the%proposed%system%is%of%a%type%or%

combination%approved%by%the%EPA%via%the%Certificate%of%Approval%program.%

The%EPA% is% responsible% for%any%wastewater% treatment% system%that%discharges%capacities%of%5,000% litres%or%

more% of% wastewater% daily.% Generally% these% are% commercial% and% industrial% applications.% Domestic%

wastewater%management%in%Victoria%is%one%of%the%environmental%health%responsibilities%delegated%to%local%

government%where% the% Council% acts% as% the% ‘permitting’% authority% and% approves% the% installation% of% septic%

tank%systems.%Specifically,%the%Act%provides%that:%

53L.)Permit)required)

A%person%must%not%construct,% install%or%alter%a%septic%tank%system%unless%the%person%holds%a%permit% issued%

under%this%Part.%Penalty:%300%penalty%units.%

53M.)Application)for)a)permit)

(1)%A%person%may%apply%to%a%municipal%council%for%a%permit%under%this%Part.%

(2)%An%application%for%a%permit%must%bea%

(a)%Made%in%accordance%with%a%form%and%in%a%manner%approved%by%the%municipal%council.%

53MA.)Compliance)with)permit)

A%person%must%comply%with%a%permit%and%any%conditions%to%which%it%is%subject.%Penalty:%120%penalty%units.%

53MB.)Approval)of)septic)tank)system)

A%septic%tank%system%must%not%be%used%until%the%municipal%council%has%inspected%the%septic%tank%system%and%

issued%a%certificate%approving%its%use.%Penalty:%120%penalty%units.%

53N.)Maintenance)of)septic)tank)systems)

An% occupier% of% premises% on% which% a% septic% tank% is% located% must% maintain% it% in% accordance% with% the%

requirements%specified%in%the%permit% issued%by%the%municipal%council%for%that%septic%tank%system.%Penalty:%

10%penalty%units.%

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53O.)Annual)return)

(1)%% The%municipal%council%must,% in% respect%of%each% financial%year,% lodge%with% the%Authority%an%annual%

return%in%the%month%of%July%each%year%containing%the%following%particularsa%

(a)% The%number%of%permits%issued%for%septic%tank%systems;%

(b)% The%number%of%septic%tank%systems%disconnected;%

(c)% The%number%of%septic%tank%systems%inspected;%

(d)% The%number%of%septic%tank%systems%which%have%been%in%use%within%the%municipality%during%

the%financial%year.%

The%Act%also%provides%for%the%formulation%and%adoption%of%State%Environmental%Protection%Policies%(SEPPs)%

by%government.%These%policies%identify%beneficial%uses%of%the%environment%to%be%protected,%environmental%

objectives%appropriate%to%those%uses,%and%plans%and%programs%for%the%attainment%of%those%objectives.%The%

State%Environment%Protection%Policy%(Waters-of-Victoria)-(SEPP-(WoV)),-amongst%other%things,%sets%out%the%

provisions%for%managing%domestic%wastewater%in%Victoria.%

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1.1.3' State'Environment'Protection'Policy'(Waters)of)Victoria))

The%SEPP%(WoV)%sets%a%statutory%framework%for%the%protection%of%the%uses%and%values%of%Victoria’s%fresh%and%

marine%water%environments.%As%required%by%the%Environment%Protection%Act%1970,%the%SEPP%includes:%

• the% uses% and% values% of% the% water% environment% that% the% community% and% government% want% to%

protect%–%these%are%known%as%beneficial%uses;%

• the% objectives% and% indicators% which% describe% the% environmental% quality% required% to% protect%

beneficial%uses;%

• Guidance%to%catchment%management%authorities,%coastal%boards,%water%authorities,%communities,%

businesses%and%local%government%and%state%government%agencies%to%protect%and%rehabilitate%water%

environments%to%a%level%where%environmental%objectives%are%met%and%beneficial%uses%are%protected%

–%this%is%known%as%the%attainment%program.%

Whilst%the%Environment%Protection%Authority%is%responsible%for%ensuring%the%overall%implementation%of%the%

SEPP,%its%implementation%on%a%daily%basis%is%the%shared%responsibility%of%protection%agencies,%businesses%and%

communities.%This%includes%both%statutory%responsibilities%and%responsibilities%from%the%principles%on%which%

the% SEPP% is% based.% These% requirements% place% responsibilities% on% all% those% who% live,% use% or% undertake%

activities% that% impact% on% Victoria’s% water% environments,% to% reduce% their% impact% on% the% environment% by%

undertaking%their%activities%in%an%ecologically%sustainable%manner.%

Specifically,% the% SEPP% (WoV)- requires% Councils% to% have% responsibility% for% ensuring% new% residential%subdivisions%are%provided%with%reticulated%sewerage%at%the%time%of%subdivision,%or%allotments%are%capable%of%

treating%and%containing%all%domestic%wastewater%within%the%boundaries%of%each%allotment.%

The%SEPP%also%specifically%requires%Council’s%to:%

• Assess%the%suitability%of%the%land%for%an%onasite%system%prior%to%approving%a%development;%%

• Ensure% that% sewerage% is% provided%at% the% time%of% subadivision% if% the%use%of%onasite% systems%would%

result% in% wastewater% being% discharged% beyond% allotment% boundaries,% or% would% impact% on%

groundwater%beneficial%uses;%%

• Ensure%that%permits%are%consistent%with%guidance%provided%by%the%EPA%and%the%Septic%Tank%Code%of%

Practice;%

• Identify%existing%unsewered%allotments%incapable%of%preventing%wastewater%from%being%discharged%

beyond%allotment%boundaries%and/or%preventing%impacts%on%groundwater%beneficial%uses;%and%%

• Where%relevant%develop%a%domestic%waste%water%management%plan.%%

% %


%

Page%15%

Section%32%(e)%of%the%SEPP%(WoV)%specifically%states%the%following%in%relation%to%the%preparation%of%DWMP’s%

by%Councils:%

Where% relevant,% develop% and% implement% a% domestic%wastewater%management% plan,% in% conjunction%with%

water%authorities%and%communities,%that:%

(i)% Reviews%land%capability%assessments%and%available%domestic%wastewater%management%options%to%

prevent% the% discharge% of% wastewater% beyond% allotment% boundaries% and% prevent% impacts% on%

groundwater%beneficial%uses;%

(ii)% Identifies%the%preferred%options,%together%with%costs,%funding%needs,%timelines%and%priorities;%and%

(iii)% Provides%for%the%assessment%of%compliance%of%onasite%domestic%wastewater%systems%with%permit%

conditions.%

%

1.1.4' Code'of'Practice'–'Onsite'Wastewater'Management'

The% Environment% Protection% Authority% Publication% 891.2% –% Code% of% Practice% –% Onsite% Wastewater%

Management%(the%Code)%applies%to%all%onasite%domestic%wastewater%systems%treating%less%than%5,000%litres%

of%wastewater%per%day.%It%aims%to%ensure%that%septic%tank%systems%do%not%pose%a%threat%to%public%health%or%

the%health%of%the%environment%by%setting%requirements%for:%

• Integrating%septic%tank%management%with%land%development;%

• Designing%septic%tank%systems;%

• Installing%septic%tank%systems;%%

• Specifying%roles%of%all%stakeholders%in%domestic%wastewater%management;%and%

• Setting%the%ongoing%operating,%maintenance%and%compliances%requirements.%

%

1.1.5' AS/NZS'1547:2012'Onsite'Domestic'Wastewater'Management'

The% object% of% the% Australian% and% New% Zealand% Standard% 1547:2012% –% Onsite% Domestic% Wastewater%

Management% is%to%provide%guidance%for%all% individuals%and%agencies% involved%within%domestic%wastewater%

management% in% Australia% and% New% Zealand.% It% covers% all% matters% relating% to% site% investigation,% land%

application,% septic% tank% system% design% and% installation% and% the% ongoing% operation% and% maintenance%

requirements%for%septic%tank%systems%to%achieve%sustainable%outcomes%and%public%health%performance.%

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1.1.6' Public'Health'and'Wellbeing'Act'2008'

The%Public- Health- and-Wellbeing- Act- 2008-provides% for% a%more% general% duty% on% Councils%with% regard% to%

public% health.% Councils% are% required% to% prevent% disease,% prolong% life% and% promote% public% health% through%

organised% programs% including% the% prevention% and% control% of% environmental% health% threats% and% diseases.-This% also% includes,% amongst% other% things,% the% development% and% enforcement% of% upatoadate% public% health%

standards%and%intervention%if%the%health%of%the%community%within%the%municipality%is%affected.%

The%main%objectives%of%the%Act%include:%

(1) The%Parliament%recognises%thata%

%

(a) The%State%has%a%significant%role%in%promoting%and%protecting%the%public%health%and%wellbeing%

of%persons%in%Victoria;%

(b) Public% health% and% wellbeing% includes% the% absence% of% disease,% illness,% injury,% disability% or%

premature%death%and%the%collective%state%of%public%health%and%wellbeing;%

(c) Public%health% interventions%are%one%of% the%ways% in%which% the%public%health%and%wellbeing%

can%be%improved%and%inequalities%reduced;%

(d) Where%appropriate,%the%State%has%a%role%in%assisting%in%responses%to%public%health%concerns%

of%national%and%international%significance.%

%

(2) In% the% context% of% subsection% (1),% the% objective% of% this% Act% is% to% achieve% the% highest% attainable%

standard%of%public%health%and%wellbeing%bya%

%

(a) Protecting% public% health% and% preventing% disease,% illness,% injury,% disability% or% premature%

death;%

(b) Promoting%conditions%in%which%persons%can%be%healthy;%

(c) Reducing%inequalities%in%the%State%of%public%health%and%wellbeing. %

The%nuisance%provisions%of%the%Act%are%important%functions%that%have%often%been%used%in%the%management%

and%compliance%of%domestic%wastewater%problems.%Division%1%of% the%Act% specifically%deals%with%nuisances%

and%states:%

Section'58.'Application'of'Division'

(1) This%division%applies%to%nuisances%which%are,%or%are%liable%to%be,%dangerous%to%health%or%offensive.%(2) Without%limiting%the%generality%of%subsection%(1),%this%Division%applies%in%particular%to%nuisances%arising%

from%or%constituted%by%anya%

%

(a) Premises;%or%

(b) Water;%or%

(c) Animal,% including% a% bird% or% insect,% capable% of% carrying% a% disease% transmissible% to% human%

beings;%or%

(d) Refuse;%or%

(e) Noise%or%emission;%or%

(f) State,%condition%or%activity;%or%


%

Page%17%

(g) Other%matter%or%thing%–%%

which%is,%or%is%liable%to%be,%dangerous%to%health%or%offensive.%

(3) For%the%purposes%of%determining%whether%a%nuisance%arising%from%or%constituted%by%any%matter%or%thing%

referred%to%in%subsection%(2)%is,%or%is%liable%to%be,%dangerous%to%health%or%offensivea%

%

(a) Regard%must%not%be%had%to%the%number%of%persons%affected%or%that%may%be%affected;%and%

(b) Regard%may%be%had%to%the%degree%of%offensiveness.%

%

(4) In%this%section,%offensive%means%noxious%or%injurious%to%personal%comfort.%

60.'Duty'of'Council'

A%Council%has%a%duty%to%remedy%as%far%as%is%reasonably%possible%all%nuisances%existing%in%tis%municipal%district.%

60.'Notification'of'Nuisance'

(1)%% If% a% person% believes% that% a% nuisance% exists,% that% person%may% notify% the% Council% in% whose%municipal%

district%the%alleged%nuisance%exists.%

(2)%% The%Council%must%investigate%any%notice%of%a%nuisance.%

(3)%% If,%upon%investigation,%a%nuisance%is%found%to%exist,%the%Council%musta%

(a)%%% Take%any%action%specified%in%subsection%(4)%that%the%Council%considers%appropriate;%or%

(b)%% If%the%Council%is%of%the%opinion%that%the%matter%is%better%settled%privately,%advise%the%person%

notifying% the% Council% of% the% nuisance% of% any% available% methods% for% settling% the% matter%

privately.%

(4)%% For%the%purposes%of%subsection%(3)(a),%the%Council%maya%

(a) If%section%66%applies,%exercise%the%powers%conferred%by%that%section;%

(b) Issue%an%improvement%notice%or%a%prohibition%notice;%

Bring%proceedings%under%section%219(2)%for%an%offence%against%this%Act.%

% %


%

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1.2' Water'and'Sewerage'

The% Department% of% Sustainability% and% Environment% (DSE)% is% the% lead% government% agency% with% the%

responsibility% of%management%of%water% resources% across% the% state%of%Victoria.%DSE% is% responsible% for% 110%

initiatives%listed%in%the%Government%White%Paper%‘Securing%Our%Water%Future%Together’.%This%policy%is%aimed%

at% every% sector% of% the% community% and% examines% household% water% use,% industrial% and% agriculture% use,%

recreation% and% tourism,% environmental% impacts,% pricing,% population% increases% and% climate% change.% The%

policy%is%specifically%concerned%with:%

• Repair%rivers%and%groundwater%systems;%

• Price%water%to%encourage%people%to%use%it%more%wisely;%

• Permanently%save%water%in%our%towns%and%cities;%and%

• Secure%water%for%farms%through%pioneering%water%allocation%and%trading%systems.%

(Source:%http://www.vicwater.org.au/index.php?sectionid=632)%

Victoria's%water%sector%is%made%up%of%nineteen%water%corporations%constituted%under%the%Water-Act-1989.%

The% water% corporations% provide% a% range% of% water% services% to% customers% within% their% service% areas%

comprising%water%supply,%sewage%and%trade%waste%disposal%and%treatment,%water%delivery%for%irrigation%and%

domestic%and%stock%purposes,%drainage%and%salinity%mitigation%services.%

A%number%of%them%also%manage%bulk%water%storages%and%designated%recreational%areas%throughout%Victoria%

and%assist%the%Minister%in%operating%the%Victorian%Water%Register.%

Sixteen%water% corporations% provide%water% supply% and% sewerage% services% to% urban% customers% throughout%

Victoria.%In%regional%Victoria%these%are:%

• Barwon%Water%

• Gippsland%Water%

• Central%highlands%Water%

• Coliban%Water%

• East%Gippsland%Water%

• Goulburn%Valley%Water%

• Grampians%Wimmera%Mallee%Water%

• Lower%Murray%Water%

• North%East%Water%

• South%Gippsland%Water%

• Wannon%Water%

• Western%Water%

• Westernport%Water%

% %


%

Page%19%

In%urban%Victoria%these%are:%

• City%West%Water%

• South%East%Water%

• Yarra%Valley%Water%

Four%of% the%water% corporations%provide% rural%water% services,%which% comprise%water% supply,%drainage%and%

salinity%mitigation%services%for%irrigation%and%domestic%and%stock%purposes.%%These%are:%

• Southern%Rural%Water%

• Goulburn%Murray%Water%

• Grampians%Wimmera%Mallee%Water%

• Lower%Murray%Water%

Melbourne%Water%Corporation%provides%bulk%water%and%bulk%sewerage%services%to%water%corporations%in%the%

Melbourne% metropolitan% area% and% manages% rivers% and% creeks% and% major% drainage% systems% in% the%

Melbourne,% Port% Phillip% and%Westernport% regions.% It% also% supplies% recycled% water,% through% a% number% of%

retail%water%corporations,%for%irrigation%and%other%purposes.%%

Two%water%authorities%–%Lower%Murray%Water%and%Grampians%Wimmera%Mallee%Water,%service%the%Swan%Hill%

Region.%

(Source:%http://www.water.vic.gov.au/governance/wateracorporations).%

% %


%

Page%20%

1.3' Catchment'Management'Authorities'

There%are%10%Catchment%Management%Authorities%(CMA’s)%in%Victoria.%These%include:%

• Corangamite%CMA%%

• East%Gippsland%CMA%%

• Glenelg%Hopkins%CMA%%

• Goulburn%Broken%CMA%%

• Mallee%CMA%

• North%Central%CMA%

• North%East%CMA%

• Port%Phillip%and%Westernport%CMA%

• West%Gippsland%CMA%

• Wimmera%CMA%

Map%1%below%shows%that%the%Swan%Hill%region%falls%within%two%CMAs,%Mallee%CMA%and%North%Central%CMA.%

Map'1'Catchment'Management'Authorities'

%

%

% % %


%

Page%21%

Mallee'CMA'

The% Mallee% CMA% was% established% in% 1997% under% the% Water- Act- 1989- and% the% Catchment- and- Land-Protection-Act-1994.-The%Mallee%CMA%region%covers%3.9%million%hectares%a%about%one%fifth%of%Victoria.% It% is%

the%largest%catchment%area%in%the%state%and%runs%along%the%Murray%River%from%Nyah%to%the%South%Australian%

border,% through% areas% of% highavalue% irrigated% horticulture% and% National% Parks,% and% south% through% vast%

dryland%cropping%areas%and%public%reserves%to%the%Wimmera.%

The%Mallee%CMA%area%of%responsibility%has%a%regional%population%of%approximately%65,000%people.%Almost%40%

percent% (26,000)% live% in% the% Mildura% urban% area,% while% about% 35% percent% live% in% rural% areas% and% the%

remaining%15%percent%live%in%the%larger%rural%centres%of%Birchip,%Sea%Lake,%Ouyen,%Robinvale,%Red%Cliffs%and%

Merbein.%

(Source:%http://www.malleecma.vic.gov.au/aboutaus/programs/community).%

The% CMA% is% responsible% for% the% coordination% incentives% pertaining% to% catchment% management% and%

sustainable% land% and%water% use.% It% also%has% the% responsibility% for% advising% the% government%on% catchment%

issues%and%the%condition%of%the%catchment%and%its%natural%resources.%

Identified% in% the% Mallee% CMAs% Regional% Catchment% Strategy% 2003a2008% is% the% significant% impact% that%

domestic% wastewater% can% have% on% water% quality% in% the% form% of% nutrient% pollution.% It% is% also% noted% that%

nutrient%pollution% from%point%source,% such%as%septic% tank%systems,% tends% to%be% the%main%nutrient% loads% in%

rivers%during%dry%periods%when%overland%runoff%is%limited%and%river%flow%is%low%(Mallee%RCS%2003a2008).%

North'Central'CMA'

The%North%Central%CMA%was%established%under%the%Catchment-and-Land-Protection-Act-1984-and%Water-Act-1989-and%reports%to%the%minister%for%Environment%and%the%Minister%for%Water.%%

North%Central%CMA%covers%a%region%of%approximately%13%%of%the%state.%It%is%bordered%by%the%mighty%Murray%

River%to%the%north,%the%Great%Dividing%Range%and%Wombat%State%Forest%to%the%south%and%Mt%Camel%Range%to%

the% east.% The% region's% main% waterways% are% the% Campaspe,% Loddon,% Avoca% and% AvonaRichardson% rivers,%

which% form% part% of% the%MurrayaDarling% Basin.% North% Central% CMA% services% a% population% of% over% 200,000%

people% who% live% in% more% than% 50% urban% centres% including% Swan% Hill,% Echuca,% Donald,% Maryborough,%

Castlemaine,%Daylesford,%St%Arnaud%and%Bendigo.%

The%Regional%Catchment%Strategy%(2003a2007)%noted%that:%

Salinity-and-increased-nutrient-levels-contribute-towards-water-quality-decline-and-the-subsequent-reduction- in- aquatic- and- riparian- biodiversity.- Aquatic- biodiversity- has- been- severely- affected- in-areas-where-changes- in-water-quality-have-been-substantial,- such-as- immediately-downstream-of-wastewater- or- stormwater- discharge- or- when- natural- waterways- receive- highly- saline- water.-Water-quality-decline- typically- results- in-a- simplification-of-diversity- in-aquatic-ecosystems- (North%Central%CMA%2007).%

% %


%

Page%22%

Part'2' Swan'Hill'Rural'City'Council'Context'

2.1' Development'Process'

The%development%of%the%original%DWMP%(2007)%was%managed%by%a%project%management%group%consisting%of%

Council%officers%and%consultants.%The%major%planning%process%steps%utilised%during%the%development%of%the%

first%DWMP%included:%%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

This%version%of%the%DWMP%has%been%prepared%after%conducting%a%review%of%the%2007%DWMP.%Therefore,%a%

number% of% steps% in% the% original% development% process% have% been% removed% as% they% were% deemed% to% be%

unnecessary.%%

%

% % %

Preaplanning%

Information%collection%

&%analysis%

Identifying%priority%

management%issues%

Background%paper%

Development%of%

wastewater%

management%strategies%

and%action%plans%

Adoption%by%Council%

Review%

Consultation%


%

Page%23%

The%development%process%for%the%review%of%the%DWMP%is%as%follows:%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

2.2' Management'

The%2007%Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council’s%DWMP%was%developed%through%a%project%team%consisting%of%Council%

officers%and%consultants%and%advice%provided%by%the%DWMP%Project%Advisory%Committee.%The%review%of%this%

plan% did% not% require% a% DWMP% Project% Advisory% Committee% to% be% formed.% Instead,% Council% officers% and%

consultants%were% involved% in% the% review%and% readevelopment%of%wastewater%management% strategies% and%

action%plans.%

2.3' Council'Policy'Context'

This%section%briefly%outlines%Council’s%policies%that%relate%to%and%inform%the%development%of%the%DWMP.%

2.3.1' Swan'Hill'Rural'City'Council'Plan'2013[2017'

The%Council%Plan%2013a2017%articulates%the%City’s%strategic%direction%and%sets%the%vision%for%the%future.%The%

Plan%recognises%that%everything%that%Council%does%benefits%the%community,%economy%and%the%environment.%

It%acknowledges%that%in%order%to%achieve%the%Council’s%vision%and%objectives,%the%Council%need%to%ensure%that%

they%operate%effectively.%

The% document% plays% a% vital% role% in% shaping% the% future% for% the% Swan% Hill% municipality% by% setting% broad%

directions%for%the%four%years%of%the%plan.%Details%of%what%specific%activities%will%be%undertaken%on%a%range%of%

services% and% projects% are% determined% each% year% by% Council% in% the% budgetary% process.% Everything% that%

Council%will%undertake%or%has%undertaken%will%be%based%on%the%strategies%included%in%the%Council%Plan.%

% %

Review%and%rea

development%of%

wastewater%

management%strategies%

and%action%plans%

Adoption%by%Council%

Review%

Consultation%


%

Page%24%

There% are% a% number% of% key% directions% that% have% been% formulated%within% the% Council% Plan%which% directly%

relate%to%a%Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Plan:%

Governance'and'Leadership We%will%govern%and%lead%our%community%by:%

• Providing% direction% to% our% community% and% being% at% the% forefront% of% strategic% planning% and%

development.%

• Delivering%services%that%are%responsive%and%represent%effective%and%efficient%utilisation%of%resources.%

• Working%in%partnership%with%our%community%and%other%stakeholders.%

• Efficient%development%and%utilisation%of%organisational%resources.%

• Facilitating%and%managing%change.%

• Building%relationships%with%regional%stakeholders.%

• Reflecting% good% governance% in% our% decision%making% processes% by% adhering% to% our% organisational%

values.%

• Achieving%the%initiatives%set%out%in%this%plan%and%adhering%to%our%organisational%values.%

Community'Health'&'Wellbeing' %

We%seek%to%achieve%the%following%for%our%community:%

• Engage%communities%in:%

o Working%together%to%develop%a%realistic%long%term%vision%for%their%district.%

o The% preparation% of% a% living% Community% Plan%which% enables% each% community% to% aspire% to%

achieve%its%vision.%

• Provide%and%maintain%the%necessary%infrastructure%assets%and%services%for%our%communities.%

• Empower%our%community%and%nurture%local%leadership.%

• The% development% of% a% sense% of% regional% cohesion% where% everyone% realises% that% they% are%

interdependent,%and%benefit%from%each%other’s%successes.%

• Promote%of%a%sense%of%belonging,%ensuring%that%everyone%has%a%place%in%our%community.%

• Recognition%and%respect%of%the%uniqueness%and%differences%between%our%communities.%

• Support% and%advocate%on%behalf% of% our% communities% to% identify% their% own%needs% and%aspirations%

and%how%to%achieve%them.%

• Build%a%stronger%community%with,%and%between,%established%and%new%arrivals%

'

Economic'Growth%

We%will%actively%promote%and%develop%partnerships%with%government%and%other%sectors%in%order%to%pursue%

economic%growth%and%development%by:%

• Supporting%the%development%of%a%prosperous,%growing,%vibrant%and%diverse%economy.%

• Encouraging%development%and%new%business%establishment%based%on%the%region’s%comparative%and%

competitive%advantages.%

• Promoting% an% economy% that% consists% of% a% number% of% diverse% sustainable% small% and% medium%

industries.%

• Providing%infrastructure%and%a%range%of%services%that%makes%us%a%“region%of%choice”.%

• Supporting%existing%businesses%to%be%sustainable%and%expand.%

• Council% will% support% the% major% regional% change% strategies% as% indicated% by% the% Northern% Loddon%

Mallee%Regional%Strategic%Plan.%


%

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• Take%advantage%of%opportunities%presented%by%regional%groups.%

• Awareness% of% international,% national% and% regional% based% initiatives% including% the%Murray% Darling%

Basin%Plan.%

%

Environmental'Management

Council%will%actively%work%to%manage%our%environment%by:

• Demonstrating%leadership%through%Council’s%own%actions%to%achieve%a%balance%between%the%ongoing%

economic%prosperity%of%our%region%and%safeguarding%our%environment; • Active%involvement%in%decisions%about%the%future%management%of%the%Murray%Darling%Basin; • Advocating% and% facilitating% the% protection% of% indigenous% flora% and% fauna% species% and% of% river,%

wetland%and%dry%land%environs; • Protecting%both%our%natural%and%built%environment%for%the%enjoyment%and%appreciation%of%residents,%

visitors%and%future%generations;%and • Being%mindful%of%the%impacts%of%climate%change.

% %


%

Page%26%

2.3.2' Swan'Hill'Rural'City'Council'Strategic'Resources'Plan'

A% Strategic% Resource% Plan% up% until% the% years% 2016/17% has% been% developed% as% part% of% Council’s% forward%

financial%planning%and%to%enable%Council% to%consider%the%budget% in%a% longera%term%context.%The%plan%takes%

the%objectives%and%strategies%as%specified%in%the%Council%Plan%and%expresses%them%in%financial%and%resource%

terms% for% the% next% five% years.% The% Plan% will% be% updated% on% an% annual% basis% to% ensure% the% underlying%

assumptions%remain%accurate%and%to%take%account%of%any%unexpected%changes.%The%resources%of%Council%can%

be%grouped%under%three%main%categories:%

• Staff;%

• Infrastructure;%and%

• Financial%resources.%

The% Strategic% Resource% Plan% includes% management% plans% for% each% of% the% three% categories% and% their%

subsidiaries%to%ensure%that%Council’s%resources%are%managed%efficiently%and%effectively.%

2.3.3' Swan'Hill'Rural'City'Council'Stormwater'Management'Plan'

The%objectives%of%Council’s%current%Stormwater%Quality%Management%Plan%are:%

• To%establish%a%cooperative%approach%to%stormwater%quality%management%in%the%Swan%Hill%Rural%City%

Council%involving%all%relevant%stakeholders;%

• To%establish%a%framework%that%recognises%and%promotes%stormwater%quality%management%through%

effective%statutory%and%strategic%provisions,%the%formalisation%of%coordinated%assessment%processes,%

and%the%establishment%and%implementation%of%appropriate%permit%conditions;%

• To%ensure% that% Council% and%other% public% sector% agencies% operate% in% a%manner,%which%meets%Best%

Practice%stormwater%quality%management%objectives%and%outcomes;%

• To%provide% information%to%the%community%on%the%ways% in%which%they%can%contribute%to% improving%

stormwater% quality% and% to% advocate% for% this% with% other% key% bodies% and% government% agencies% in%

Swan%Hill,%Robinvale%and%Nyah;%and%

• To%implement%a%program%of%works%on%the%stormwater%drainage%system%that%improves%the%quality%of%

stormwater%reaching%the%Murray%River.%

The%Rural%City%is%located%within%both%the%North%Central%(Swan%Hill)%and%Mallee%(Robinvale,%Nyah)%catchment%

management%regions.%The%receiving%water%consists%of% the%Murray%and%Marraboor%Rivers,%which%possess%a%

range% of% environmental% values% including;% ecological,% social,% cultural,% recreational% and% economic.% It% was%

identified% that% urbanization% poses% a%major% threat,% in% addition% to% general% risks% from% urban% areas% such% as%

contaminated%runoff%from%properties%and%erosion%at%outfall%drains.

The%Stormwater%Quality%Management%Plan%provides%Council%with%a%policy%basis%for%identifying%threats%and%

formulating% reactive%management% strategies% aimed% at% improving% the% quality% of% the%waterways,%wetlands%

and%natural%environment%within%the%municipality.%

% %


%

Page%27%

2.4' Domestic'Wastewater'Profile'

Swan%Hill%Rural%City% is% located%340%km%NW%of%Melbourne,%and%covers%an%area%of%approximately%6,200%km2%

with%a%population%of%20,830%according%to%the%2011%Census.%The%Rural%City%is%principally%an%agricultural%and%

horticultural%region%deriving%its%income%from%these%industries%and%the%businesses%that%service%them.

The%municipality%is%bordered%by%the%Murray%River%for%over%300%kilometers%and%is%highly%dependent%on%it%for%

irrigation,%domestic%and%industrial%water%supplies%as%well%as%active%and%passive%recreational%pursuits.

Swan% Hill% and% Robinvale% are% the% two% largest% service% centres% in% the% municipality;% however% there% are% a%

number%of%smaller%towns%such%as%Lake%Boga,%Manangatang,%Nyah,%Nyah%West,%Piangil,%Ultima%and%Woorinen%

South.%

Map'2'['Swan'Hill'Rural'City'Council'Wards%

%

% %


%

Page%28%

2.4.1' Reticulated'Sewerage'Services'

Two% rural% water% corporations% –% Lower% Murray% Water% and% Grampians% Wimmera% Mallee% Water,% provide%

reticulated%sewerage%and%water%services%to%the%Swan%Hill%region.%

Lower'Murray'Water'

Lower%Murray%Water%was%created%under%the%provisions%of%the%Water-Act-1989- in%July%2004.%In%accordance%with%the%Water-Act-1989,-Lower%Murray%Water%provide%the%following%services:%

%

% %

• Urban%water% services% to%14% townships%via%nine% treatment%plants% to%approximately%70,000%

customers%along%the%Murray%River%in%Victoria%from%Kerang%to%Mildura;%

• Wastewater%collection,%treatment%and%effluent%reause%and%disposal%services%to%11%towns%via%

10%treatments%plants;%

• River% quality% services% to% 4,715% customers% in% four% pumped% irrigation% districts% of%Merbein,%

Red% Cliffs,% Mildura% and% Robinvale,% the% Millewa% rural% district% and% some% areas% of% the%

waterworks%districts%of%Carwarp%and%Yelta;%

• Management%of%the%region’s%water%entitlements;%

• The% collection% and% disposal% of% surface% drainage% water% from% the% four% pumped% irrigation%

districts,%Nangiloc,%Robinvale%and%Boundary%Bend%diverters;%

• Ensuring% irrigation% and% drainage% designs% in% new% agricultural% developments% conform%with%

salinity%management%plan%development%guidelines;%

• Management%of%the%private%diversion%licences%of%1,102%water%users%along%the%Murray%River%

in%Victoria%between%Nyah%West%and%the%South%Australian%border;%

• The%assessment%and%approval%of%permanent%and%temporary%water%trade%applications;%and%

• Reclaimed%water%for%third%party%use.%

In% addition% to% security% of% supply,% public% health,%water% quality% and% environmental% responsibilities,%

Lower% Murray% Water% recognises% the% crucial% economic% role% of% water% from% a% regional% and% state%

context.%


%

Page%29%

%

% (Source:%http://www.lmw.vic.gov.au)%

Grampians'Wimmera'Mallee'Water'

Grampians%Wimmera%Mallee%Water% (GWMW)%was% established% in% June% 2004%under% the% provisions% of% the%Water-Act-1989.% GWMW% is% a% specialist% rural% and% urban% water% supply% and% environmental% service% provider% and% provides% the%

following%services:%

% %

• Services% a% population% of% approximately% 72,000% people% with% activities% extending% across%

62,000%square%kilometres%which%is%around%25%%of%Victoria;%

• Provides%water%supply%services%to%approximately%32,000%properties%in%71%towns%throughout%

the%region.%Wastewater%services%are%provided%to%25%of%these%towns;%

• Supply% of% bilk% water% to% over% 80% customers% across% the% region,% typically% for% intensive%

agricultural%activities%such%as%poultry%farms,%piggeries%and%commercial%feedlots;%

• Other% rural% activities% such% as% groundwater%management,% river% diversions% and% support% of%

key%regional%catchment%and%environmental%management%strategies,%management%of%8%bulk%

water%supply%reservoirs,%including%recreational%access%to%these%reservoirs.%%

Responsible% for% the% implementation%of% the% $688%million%Wimmera%Mallee%Pipeline%project%which%

provides%a%reliable,%higher%quality%water%supply%to% farms%and%towns%across%the%region,%24%hours%a%

day,%seven%days%a%week.%


%

Page%30%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

(Source:%http://www.gwmwater.org.au)%

% %


%

Page%31%

2.4.2' Number'of'Septic'Tank'Systems'

Swan% Hill% Rural% City% has% a% number% of% unsewered% areas% encompassing% over% twenty% towns% and% rural%

communities.%In%2006%(during%the%preparation%of%the%original%DWMP)%it%was%estimated%that%approximately%

8,000% septic% tank% systems% were% installed% within% the% Municipality.% In% the% 6% years% since% this% data% was%

analysed,%it%is%not%expected%that%this%estimate%would%have%significantly%changed.%As%those%systems%that%have%

been% decommissioned% due% to% connection% to% reticulated% sewerage% services% being% made% available,% and% a%

gradual%drop% in%new% installations%annually% since%2006% it% is% expected% that% the% total%number%of% septic% tank%

systems%has%remained%steady.%

Of% these% systems% it% is% estimated% that% over% 50% percent% of% installations% are% older% than% 25% years% based% on%

annual% permit% issues% and% available% age% profiles.% Based% on% the% age% of% systems% and% permit% history% the%

majority%of%septic%systems%are%conventional%type%systems%with%subasurface%disposal.%The%conventional%septic%

tank%systems%installed%after%1980%provided%for%all%waste%treatment%while%before%this%time%systems%provided%

for% diversion% of% greywater.% These% installations% included% provision% for% approved% offasite% discharge.% The%

number%of%installations%that%are%discharging%offasite%(whether%with%or%without%approval)%is%unknown%and%will%

be%more%clearly%defined%following%future%monitoring%and%auditing.%

Prior% to% the% development% of% the% original% DWMP% in% 2006,% the% number% of% new% septic% tank% systems% being%

installed%was%expected%to%remain%constant%at%around%50%systems%per%year.%This%number%has%dropped%over%

the%past%6%years%with%approximately%30a40%septic%tank%applications%received%annually.%

2.4.3' Distribution'of'Septic'Tanks'

The% current% available% data% relating% to% the% distribution% of% Septic% Tank% Systems% (STS)% is% limited,% more%

information%needs%to%be%gathered%in%this%area.%

' '


%

Page%32%

'

2.4.4' Sewer'Priority'by'Township'['2006'

Swan%Hill% Rural% City% Council% in% the% original% DWMP% previously% identified% the% following% towns,% in% order% of%

priority:%

Table'2'–'Sewer'Priority'for'Townships'

'

Town' No.'of'Houses' Comments'

Manangatang% 127% Total%of%273%allotments%within%the%township,%containing%a%

total%of%127%houses.%Over%50%%of%septic%tank%systems%are%

over% 30% years% old.% With% 30%% of% properties% being% on%

allotment%sizes%smaller%than%1000%m2.%

Councils%Ranking%of%Priority%Needs%=%3%

Boundary%Bend% 12% Total%of%45%allotments%within%the%township.%Containing%a%


30%years%old,%with%20%%of%properties%being%on%allotment%

sizes%smaller%than%1000%m2.%%

Councils%Ranking%of%Priority%Needs:%4%

Woorinen%South% 124% Total%of%156%allotments%within%the%township,%containing%a%


over% 30% years% old% with% 8%% of% properties% being% on%

allotment%sizes%smaller%than%1000%m2.%%


2.4.5' Sewer'Priority'by'Township'['2013'

Since%the%2006%version%of%the%DWMP%was%implemented,%Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council’s%Priority%Needs%have%

changed.%Domestic%wastewater%threats,%values%and%risk%were%reaevaluated%and%as%a%result,%it%was%found%that%

a%fourth%township,%Piangil,%ranked%highly.%Table%3%highlights%the%specific%data%for%Piangil:%

Table'3'–'Priority'for'Piangil'

'

Town' No.'of'Houses' Comments'

Piangil% 65% Total%of%77%allotments%within%the%township,%containing%a%


over% 30% years% old% with% 8%% of% properties% being% on%

allotment%sizes%smaller%than%1000%m2.%%


Therefore,%Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council’s%Priority%Needs%are%ranked%as%follows:%

'

'


%

Page%33%

Table'4'–'Priority'Needs'Ranking'

'

Town' Priority'

Woorinen%South% 1%

Piangil% 2%

Manangatang% 3%

Boundary%Bend% 4%

%

2.4.6' Profile'of'Major'Localities'within'Swan'Hill'Rural'City'Council'

Swan'Hill'

Detail' Description'

Reticulated%Sewerage% Majority% of% the% township% is% connected% to% reticulated% sewer.% There% are% several%

outlying% areas% that% are% not% connected% to% sewer.% It% is% unknown% whether%

reticulated%sewerage%is%available%to%some/all%of%these%allotments.%

Reticulated%Water% Yes%

Wastewater%Treatment%Systems% The% DWTS’s% are% mainly% located% on% the% outskirts% of% Swan% Hill% in% lowadensity%

residential%areas.%

Allotment%Sizes% Allotment% sizes% vary% significantly.% A% majority% of% the% allotments% that% have%

domestic%wastewater%management%systems%are%approximately%1%acre%and%above.%

Problems% Southern%side%of%town%has%had%a%considerable%amount%of%development%and%there%

are%plans%for%further%development%in%this%area.%A%majority%of%the%development%in%

this% area% of% Swan%Hill% is% not% connected% to% reticulated% sewer% and% soil% quality% is%

poor.%There%are%pockets%within%the%township%that%are%still%using%septic%tanks%but%

they%are%surrounded%by%other%properties%that%are%connected%to%sewer.%There%are%

properties%located%on%the%Murray%River%in%the%northern%area%of%Swan%Hill.%

Development% Development%is%ongoing%and%fast%in%the%Swan%Hill%area%however%more%so%in%areas%

that%have%reticulated%sewerage%available%

Predominate%Industry% Retail% Trade% (19.3%),% Health% &% Community% Services% (12.4%),% Wholesale% Trade%

(7.9%),% Manufacturing% (7.8%),% Property% &% Business% Services% (7.5%),% Education%

(7.1%).%

Number%of%Allotments% 4,695%

Number%of%Vacant%Lots% 310%

Units/Flats% 781%on%221%properties%

Number%of%Houses% 3,327%

Properties%Connected%to%Sewer% 4,661%

Population% 9,894%

' '


%

Page%34%

Manangatang'


Reticulated%Sewerage% Not%available.%

Reticulated%Water% Yes%(Not%potable)%

Wastewater%Treatment%Systems% DWTS’s%are%the%only%means%of%household%wastewater%dispersal.%A%large%

proportion%of%these%systems%would%be%in%excess%of%15%years%of%age.%

Allotment%Sizes% Most%allotments%in%Manangatang%are%below%half%an%acre%in%size.%

Problems% This%area%is%a%‘natural%basin’.%During%wet%years%the%area%has%systems%that%show%

signs%of%stress%due%to%the%natural%trough%in%the%area.%Small%allotment%sizes.%Older%

systems.%

Development% Development%is%minimal%in%this%area.%

Number%of%Allotments% Not%known%

Number%of%Vacant%Lots% Not%known%

Number%of%Houses% 126%

Population% 445%

Boundary'Bend'

' '


Reticulated%Sewerage% Not%available.%

Reticulated%Water% No%

Wastewater%Treatment%Systems% DWTS’s%are%the%only%means%of%household%wastewater%dispersal.%

Allotment%Sizes% Some%allotments%are%quite%small%in%this%township.%There%is%also%a%large%proportion%

of%septic%tanks%on%farming%land.%

Problems% The%township%is%located%right%on%the%Murray%River.%A%large%proportion%of%the%

systems%treating%the%residence%close%to%the%river%are%the%older%ones.%

Development% Development%in%this%area%has%increased%in%recent%years%mainly%due%to%the%

horticultural%industry%in%the%area.%Some%of%these%horticultural%farms%have%more%

than%one%septic%tank%on%a%title.%

Number%of%Allotments% Not%known%

Number%of%Vacant%Lots% Not%known%


Population% 183.%Presuming%that%this%is%the%population%for%the%area%not%just%the%township.%

However,%the%population%does%fluctuate%in%this%area.%


%

Page%35%

Robinvale'


Reticulated%Sewerage% Available%to%a%majority%of%the%township.%


Wastewater%Treatment%Systems% The%outlying%areas%of%Robinvale%have%DWTS’s%as%reticulated%sewerage%is%not%

available.%Types%of%systems%vary%but%a%majority%are%classic%conventional%systems.%

Older%homes%in%the%farming%areas%have%split%systems.%

Allotment%Sizes% Sizes%vary%significantly.%There%are%several%house%blocks%in%farming%zones%that%

have%been%subdivided%off.%

Problems% Subdivisions%and%possibly%a%number%of%the%DWTS’s%in%this%area%do%not%have%

permits%issued%by%SHRCC.%

Development% Development%is%ongoing%in%this%area.%A%lot%of%development%on%the%outskirts%of%

Robinvale%and%also%in%the%farming%areas.%

Predominate%Industry% Agriculture,%forestry%&%fishing%(27.7%),%Retail%Trade%(14.1%),%Health%&%

Community%Services%(12.3%),%Education%(8.6%)%

Number%of%Allotments% 874%


Units/Flats% 112%on%51%properties%


Properties%Connected%to%Sewer% 871%

Population% 2,216.%The%population%fluctuates%substantially%during%the%harvest%peak%between%

February%and%April.%

Piangil'


Reticulated%Sewerage% Not%available%



Allotment%Sizes% Most%of%the%allotment%sizes%in%the%township%are%very%small%(<quarter%acre).%The%

blocks%surrounding%the%township%are%larger%farmland%allotments.%

Problems% Small%allotments%limit%the%size%of%the%development%on%each%block.%Usually%not%

enough%room%for%a%conventional%septic%tank.%

Development% Development%in%Piangil%is%continuing%steadily.%




Population% 653.%The%population%does%fluctuate%in%this%area.%

' '


%

Page%36%

Ultima'



Reticulated%Water% Yes%(not%potable)%




Problems% Small%allotments.%

Development% There%is%minimal%development%in%this%area.%




Population% 161%

Tresco'







Problems% Small%allotments.%There%is%a%variety%of%soil%types%in%Tresco%ranging%from%clay%

loams%and%sandy%lunettes.%





Population% Unknown%

' '


%

Page%37%

Lake'Boga'


Reticulated%Sewerage% Yes%


Wastewater%Treatment%Systems% DWTS’s%on%the%outskirts%of%the%township%and%on%the%eastern%side%of%the%lake.%

Allotment%Sizes% Most%of%the%allotment%sizes%in%the%township%are%very%small.%The%blocks%

surrounding%the%township%are%larger%farmland%allotments.%

Problems% Small%allotments.%Flood%prone%areas.%Several%houses/septics%in%close%proximity%to%

the%lake.%There%is%a%variety%of%soil%types%ranging%from%clay%loams%and%sandy%

lunettes.%

Development% There%is%a%reasonable%amount%of%development%in%this%area.%

Predominate%Industry% Retail%Trade%(17.7%),%Agriculture,%forestry%&%fishing%(15.9%),%Manufacturing%

(15.5%),%Health%&%Community%Services%(13.3%),%Education%(6.6%)%



Units/Flats% 13%units%on%3%properties%




Wood'Wood'



Reticulated%Water% No%




Problems% The%township%is%on%a%hill%with%a%slope%towards%the%river.%

Development% Development%in%this%area%is%predominantly%on%large%farming%allotments.%




' '


%

Page%38%

Nyah'


Reticulated%Sewerage% Available%to%most%of%the%township.%


Wastewater%Treatment%Systems% The%outer%edges%of%the%township%only%have%DWTS’s%available%for%household%

wastewater%dispersal.%

Allotment%Sizes% Allotment%sizes%vary%

Problems% Located%on%the%Murray%River.%







Nyah'West'


Reticulated%Sewerage% Available%to%the%township.%


Wastewater%Treatment%Systems% DWTS’s%are%the%only%means%of%household%wastewater%dispersal%for%the%outer%

edges%of%the%township.%

Allotment%Sizes% Allotment%sizes%vary%

Problems% Poor%soil%quality.%






Woorinen'South'





Allotment%Sizes% Most%of%the%allotment%sizes%in%the%township%are%very%small.%The%blocks%

surrounding%the%township%are%larger%farmland%allotments.%

Problems% Small%allotments.%Failing%septic%tanks.%Soil%type%is%not%favourable.%

Development% Development%in%this%area%is%constant%and%will%potentially%increase.%

Number%of%Allotments% Unknown%

Number%of%Vacant%Lots% Unknown%


Population% 317%

' '


%

Page%39%

2.5' Community'Consultation'

Swan% Hill% Rural% City% Council% understands% the% importance% of% community% consultation% and% endeavors% to%

ensure% that% the%aims%and%outcomes%of% the%Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Plan%are% shared%with% the%

community%by%allowing%a%chance%for% feedback%and%discussion%as%outlined%under%Council’s%Communication%

Strategy%(2010a2013).%%

Two% community% consultation% evenings% were% conducted% in% February% 2007% in% Swan% Hill% and% Robinvale.%

Although% the% main% objectives% and% outcomes% of% the% amended% DWMP% have% not% differed% since% 2007,%

community% consultation% will% be% undertaken% as% a% result% of% the% amended% plan.% The% draft% DWMP% will% be%

advertised,% displayed% on% the% Council% website% and% be% available% at% key% locations% with% comments% from%

community%members%encouraged.%

Swan%Hill% Rural% City% Council’s% Communication% Strategy% 2010a2013% encompasses% 9%major% Communication%

Objectives:%

• To% increase% awareness% of% the% Swan% Hill% Rural% City% Council,% its% functions,% activities% and%

responsibilities;%

• To%continue%to%improve%internal%communication%across%the%organisation;%

• To%ensure%elected%representatives%are%kept%informed%and%are%skilled%in%dealing%with%the%media%and%

public;%

• To%maintain%and%develop%the%Council%website%as%another%point%of%communication;%

• To%reach%and%engage%younger%members%of%the%community;%

• To%continue%to%recognise%and%engage%our%Aboriginal%community;%

• To%communicate%effectively%with%our%multicultural%population;%

• To%increase%the%level%of%effective%consultation%with%the%community;%and%

• To% receive% and% respond% to% queries,% complaints,% suggestions% and% feedback% from%members% of% the%

community.%

% %


%

Page%40%

2.6' Values,'Domestic'Wastewater'Threats,'and'Risk'Assessment'

2.6.1' Environmental'Values'

Values% reflect% the% perception% of% public% health% and% the% protection% of% beneficial% uses% of% the% receiving%

environment.% Value% categories% include% public% health% (infectious% disease% transmission% and% exposure% to%

disease),% environmental% (surface% water,% land% and% groundwater% quality),% amenity% (aesthetic% values),%

economic% (development% potential,% property% value)% location% (density% of% systems% and% effluent),% land%

capability%(soil%characteristics),%indigenous%values,%and%agricultural%values.

The%values% for% the%unsewered%population%centres% in% the%municipality%are% seen% to%be%good%environmental%

amenity% and% aesthetics,% high% values% relating% to% surface% water% quality,% and% health% protection% and% are%

complementary%to%those%values%identified%in%the%Stormwater%Management%Plan.%The%values%associated%with%

domestic%wastewater%have%been%summarised%in%the%following%table:%

Table'5'–'Receiving'Environmental'Values'

Population'

Centre'

Receiving'Environmental'Values'

Manangatang% The% township% is% situated% in% a% natural% basin,% with% the% soil% characteristics% not%

favourable% for% the%disposal%of%wastewater.%The%surrounding%environment% is%used%

for% horticultural% and% agricultural% purposes,% with% some% environmentally% sensitive%

vegetation%areas.%The%smaller%allotment%sizes%and%density%within%the%township%may%

result% in% public% health% issues,% particularly% infectious% disease% transmission,% if%

systems% fail.% While% the% township% is% principally% residential% in% nature,% the% lack% of%

reticulated%sewer%is%an%impediment%to%further%development.%

Boundary%Bend% The% township% is% located%directly% adjacent% to% the%Murray%River,% and% the%potential%

for% adverse% environmental% impacts% need% to% be% considered.% The% surrounding%

environment% is% used% for% horticultural% and% agricultural% purposes.% The% smaller%

allotment%sizes%and%density%within%the%township%may%result%in%public%health%issues,%

particularly% infectious%disease%transmission,% if% systems% fail.%While% the%township% is%

principally%residential%in%nature,%the%lack%of%reticulated%sewer%is%an%impediment%to%

further%development.%

%

Woorinen%

South%

The% township% is% located% in% close% proximity% to% a% Native% Reserve% and% the% soil%

characteristics%are%not% favourable% to% the%disposal%of%wastewater.%The%majority%of%

the% surrounding% environment% is% used% for% agricultural% purposes% The% smaller%

allotment%sizes%and%density%within%the%township%may%result%in%public%health%issues,%

particularly%infectious%disease%transmission,%if%systems%fail.%Further%development%in%

the%township%is%expected,%with%a%corresponding%likelihood%of%an%increase%in%failing%

systems.% While% the% township% is% principally% residential% in% nature,% the% lack% of%

reticulated%sewer%is%an%impediment%to%further%development.%

Piangil% The% township% is% situated% within% 800m% of% the% Murray% River,% with% the% soil%

characteristics% in%most% parts% are% not% favourable% for% the% disposal% of% wastewater.%

The% surrounding%environment% is%used% for%horticultural%and%agricultural%purposes,%

with%some%environmentally%sensitive%vegetation%areas.%The%smaller%allotment%sizes%

and% density% within% the% township% may% result% in% public% health% issues,% particularly%

infectious% disease% transmission,% if% systems% fail.%While% the% township% is% principally%

residential% in% nature,% the% lack% of% reticulated% sewer% is% an% impediment% to% further%

development.%


%

Page%41%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

NOTE:%In%the%following%matrixes,%the%threat%priority%is%based%on%the%number%of%potential%overall%threats%

applicable%to%that%township.


Page%42%

Table&7&Preliminary&assessment&of&potential&domestic&wastewater&threats&in&sub8catchments&

% %

Township/Urban&Centres&

Potential&Threats&=&X& Threat&Indicators& Threat&Priority&(High,&Medium&&&Low)&

Manangatang& ! No.%of%systems/density%Proximity%to%watercourses%Located%in%water%catchment%

! Allotment%size%! Type%(onKsite%v%offKsite)%of%systems%! Age%of%systems%! Reticulated%water%available%

Slope%Water%quality%

! Soil%characteristics%Flood%prone%Rainfall%

! Poor%maintenance%%

7&of&13&perceived&threats&&

• 273%allotments%–%only%30%%smaller%than%1000m2%• 50%%of%septic%tank%systems%>%25%years%old%• The%town%is%not%located%within%a%potable%water%supply%

catchment%• Reticulated%water%supply%is%present%• Evidence%of%offsite%discharge%(15%)%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

&&&&Medium%&&&&&&&&&&&&


%

Page%43%

% %


Potential&Threats&=&X% Threat&Indicators& Threat&Priority&(High,&Medium&&&Low)&

Boundary&Bend& No.%of%systems/density%! Proximity%to%watercourses%

Located%in%water%catchment%! Allotment%size%! Type%(onKsite%v%offKsite)%of%systems%! Age%of%systems%

Reticulated%water%available%Slope%Water%quality%Soil%characteristics%Flood%prone%Rainfall%


5&of&13&perceived&threats&&&&&&&&

• 45%allotments%–%only%30%%smaller%than%1000m2%• 30%%of%septic%tank%systems%>%25%years&• The%town%is%not%located%within%a%potable%water%supply%

catchment%• No%reticulated%water%supply%is%available%• Evidence%of%offsite%discharge%is%unknown%• Soil%type%has%minimal%effects%on%effectiveness%of%septic%

tank%systems&

&&&Medium%%%%%%%%%


%

Page%44%

% %


Potential&Threats&=&X% Threat&Indicators% Threat&Priority&(High,&Medium&&&Low)&

Woorinen&South& ! No.%of%systems/density%Proximity%to%watercourses%Located%in%water%catchment%





7&of&13&perceived&threats&&&&&&&&&&&&%

• 156%allotments%–%only%8%%smaller%than%1000m2%• 50%%of%septic%tank%systems%>%25%years&• The%town%is%not%located%within%a%potable%water%supply%

catchment%• Reticulated%water%supply%is%available%• Close%proximity%to%a%Native%Reserve%• Evidence%of%offsite%discharge%(10%)%• Soil% type% (clay)% has% negative% effects% on% effectiveness% of%

septic%tank%systems%

%%%Medium%%%%%%%%%


%

Page%45%


Potential&Threats&=&X% Threat&Indicators% Threat&Priority&(High,&Medium&&&Low)%

Piangil& ! No.%of%systems/density%Proximity%to%watercourses%Located%in%water%catchment%





7&of&13&perceived&threats%

• 77%allotments%–%only%40%%smaller%than%1000m2%• 80%%%of%septic%tank%systems%>%25%years%old%• The%town%is%not%located%within%a%potable%water%supply%

catchment%• Reticulated%water%supply%is%present%• Evidence%of%offsite%discharge%is%unknown%• Soil%type%(clay)%%in%most%parts%of%the%town%has%negative%

effects%on%effectiveness%of%septic%tank%systems%

%%Medium%


Page%46%

2.7$ Key$Findings$

The%following%were%identified%as%the%key%issues%in%domestic%wastewater%management%within%the%Rural%City%during%the%original%implementation%of%the%DWMP.%These%findings%have%not%differed%as%a%result%of%the%review%of%the%DWMP.%However,%there%has%been%some%progression%in%addressing%some%of%the%findings.%

• The% City’s% septic% tank% profile% in% terms% of% numbers,% location% and% types% of% septic% tank% systems% is%

incomplete%and%does%not%enable%a%quantification%of%the%threats.%

• The%performance%of%septic%tank%systems%and%compliance%with%permit%conditions%by%owners%across%

the%municipality%is%unknown.%

• There% is%a%potential% that% the% receiving%environment,%particularly%watercourses,%may%be%negatively%

impacted%on%by%domestic%effluent,%emanating%from%poorly%maintained%septic%tank%systems.%

• Residential% growth% in% unsewered% areas% requires% the% development% of% policies% and% procedures% to%

ensure%that%sites%are%capable%of%retaining%and%treating%domestic%waste%onKsite.%

• Council% issues% permits% for% installation% of% systems% but% has% no% organised% compliance%management%

services% to% ensure% owners% or% information% on% the% performance% of% these% systems% complies% with%

permit%conditions.%%

In% addition,% it% was% identified% during% consultation% with% staff%members% within% the% organisation% that% there%needs%to%be%a%clearer%focus%on%the%development%of%domestic%wastewater%management%tools%and%guidance%material% to% guide% officers% in% their% decision% making.% This% acknowledgement% is% further% outlined% in% the%Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Priorities%discussed%in%Section%2.8%of%this%plan.%

% %


%

Page%47%

2.8$ Management$Strategies$

This%section%outlines%Council’s%approach%to%the%management%of%domestic%wastewater%issues%that%have%been%identified%through%the%development%and%review%of%the%DWMP,%the%major%strategies%and%the%specific%actions%planned%to%implement%these%strategies%over%the%next%three%years.%

2.8.1$ Management$Approach$

Council’s%management%strategies%for%wastewater%are%informed%by%three%factors:

1. Council’s%statutory%duty; 2. Council’s%capacity%to%undertake%wastewater%management%services;%and 3. The%risks%posed%by%ineffective%septic%tanks%systems.

Council% has% a% statutory% duty% as% it% issues% permits% for% the% installation% of% septic% tank% systems.% Currently%Council’s%domestic%wastewater%management%and%regulatory%services%are%limited%to%permitting%activities%and%complaint% investigation.% The% management% of% council’s% statutory% duty% in% relation% to% septic% tank% systems%would%require%that%it%undertakes%activities%relating%to%the:

• Monitoring%of%septic%tank%system%performance%and%compliance%with%permit%conditions%(particularly%in%identified%high%risk%areas);%and%%

• Community%information%services%relating%to%septic%tank%systems.%%

The%capacity%of%Council%to%undertake%these%activities%and%services%requires%a%range%of%resources%including:%%

• The% collection% of% appropriate% data% at% the% point% source% through% an% ongoing%monitoring% program,%development% of% a% domestic% wastewater% information% management% system,% and% analysis% of% this%information;

• Review%and%development%of%operating%policies%and%procedures; • Establishment%of%a%management%tool%designed%to%assist%officers%in%the%assessment%and%permitting%of%

septic%tank%installations;%and • The%development%of,%and%access%to,%a%range%of% information%by%owners%of%septic%tank%systems%and%

other%stakeholders.

% %


%

Page%48%

2.8.2$ Domestic$Wastewater$Management$Priorities$

The% review% of% the% original% DWMP% has% resulted% in% a% number% of% management% actions% that% need% to% be%implemented% so% as% to% improve% the% effectiveness% of% domestic% wastewater% management% within% the%municipality.% Some% of% the% actions% identified% are% those% that% appeared% within% the% original% DWMP.% This% is%because%of%a%number%of% factors,%being%that% they%were%either% incomplete%or%are%no% longer%relevant% to% the%current%domestic%wastewater%issues.%

New% actions% have% been% allocated% that% did% not% feature% in% the% original% DWMP.% This% was% as% a% result% of%consultation%undertaken%with%internal%stakeholders%and%the%acknowledgement%of%differing%priorities%in%the%6%years%since%the%inception%of%the%DWMP.%

The%seven%(7)%identified%Management%Priorities%are%as%follows:%

1. Review%domestic%wastewater%information%management%system;%

2. Development%and%review%of%operational%policies%and%procedures;%

3. Development%of%a%Community%Information%and%Education%Strategy%on%septic%tank%maintenance%and%

management;%

4. Development%of%a%septic%tank%systemKmonitoring%program%for%Council%owned%and/or%operated%

properties%and%facilities;%

5. Development%of%a%septic%tank%systemKmonitoring%program%for%high%priority%townships;%

6. Development%of%a%planning%and%management%document%using%a%risk%management%based%approach;%

and%

7. Evaluate%Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Plan.%


Page%49%

Part%3% Management%Action%Plans%

3.1% Strategy%1%

% %

Strategy% Action%Step% Team/Partners% Person%Responsible%

Due%Date% Monitoring%and%Performance%Indicators%

1. Strategy%%

Review%Domestic%Wastewater%Information%Management%System%%Operational%Objectives:%%• To%maintain%and%review%an%

Information%Management%System%matching%the%requirements%of%both%current%and%future%services%in%domestic%wastewater%management.%

%

a) Develop% a% profile% of% all% septic% tank%systems% within% the% four% priority%townships%

Public%Health%Services%

Public%Health%Services%Team%

Leader%

December%2013% Profiles%completed%

b) Develop% a% visual% profile% of% septic% tank%systems%on%the%corporate%Geographical%Information%System%(GIS)%N%Exponare%

Public%Health%Services/Inform

ation%Technology%Services%


Leader%

December%2013% Profiles%imported%into%

GIS%

c) Conduct% a% full% threat% and% risk%assessment% for% all% population% centres%using% the% risk% assessment% tools% of% the%MAV%Model.%



Leader%

December%2013% Risks%identified%and%

documented%


%

Page%50%

3.2 Strategy%2%Strategy% Action%Step% Team/Partners% Person%

Responsible%Due%Date% Monitoring%and%

Performance%Indicators%

2. Strategy%%

Development%and%review%of%operational%policies%and%procedures.%%Operational%Objectives:%%• To%develop%a%range%of%

operating%and%other%policies%relating%to%domestic%wastewater%management;%

• To%manage%Council’s%exposure%and%statutory%duties%in%domestic%wastewater%management;%

• To%improve%the%effectiveness%of%service%provision;%and%

• Proactively%work%with%Water%Authorities%to%encourage%sewer%connections%where%reticulated%sewerage%is%available.%

a) Establish% a% scope% of% policies% and%procedures% relating% to% the% following%areas:%

%• Permitting% (new% and% alteration)%

policies% and% procedures%(assessment% criteria,% land%capability% assessments,% fees,%permit% conditions,% site%inspections),%

• Review% operating% procedures% with%internal%service%units,%

• Exploration% of% common% protocols%and%benchmarks%with%neighbouring%Councils.%

%

Public%Health%Services/External%Consultant%


Leader%

April%2013% Policy%scope%completed%

b) Draft% policies% and% procedures% and%consult% with% internal% (and% external%stakeholders%if%necessary)%to%produce%a%policy%and%procedures%manual.%

Public%Health%Services,%Lower%Murray%Water,%

adjoining%municipalities%


Leader%

June%2013% Development%of%policy%and%procedures%manual%

c) Undertake% review% of% the% policy% and%procedures%manual%and%make%changes%as%necessary.%



Leader%

April%2014% Redevelopment%of%policy%and%procedures%manual%


%

Page%51%

3.3% Strategy%3%Strategy% Action%Step% Team/Partners% Person%



3. Strategy%%

Development%of%a%Community%Information%and%Education%Strategy%on%septic%tank%maintenance%and%management.%%Operational%Objectives:%• To%reduce%loading%on%septic%

tank%systems%and%reach%the%designed%are%for%individual%systems;%

• To%increase%owners’%awareness%of%the%importance%of%managing%septic%tank%systems%appropriately;%

• To%increase%plumbers,%drainers%and%the%wider%wastewater%industries%knowledge%of%the%appropriately%design,%installation,%maintenance%and%management%of%septic%tank%systems;%and%

• To%improve%compliance%with%conditions%listed%on%septic%tank%permits.%

a) Ascertain%information%needs%of%owners%of%septic%tank%systems.%



Leader%

April%2013% Information%ascertained%and%reported%to%management%

b) Undertake% research% into% existing%Community%Information%and%Education%Strategies% such% as% the% Towards% Better%Onsite% Wastewater% in% Victoria%Community% Education% Series% and% the%MAV’s%Smart%Septics%resources.%



Leader%

April%2013% Information%ascertained%and%reported%to%management%

c) Develop%a%communication%strategy:%• Consultation% with% internal%

stakeholders% (customer% service,%planning,%building);%

• Develop%information%material;%• Dissemination% via% dedicated%

website%and%hardcopy%materials.%

Public%Health%Services/Media%

Liaison%


Leader%

December%2013% Completed%and%approved%strategy%

d) Evaluation:%• Evaluate%strategy;%• Revise% and% continue%

implementation%of%strategy%



Leader%

December%2014% Evaluation%strategy%

developed%and%implemented%


%

Page%52%

3.4% Strategy%4%

% %

Strategy% Action%Step% Team/Partners% Person%Responsible%

Due%Date% Monitoring%and%Performance%Indicators%

4. Strategy%%

Development%of%a%septic%tank%system%monitoring%program%for%Council%owned%and/or%operated%properties%and%facilities.%%Operational%Objectives:%%• To%ensure%that%Council%septic%

tank%systems%are%operating%effectively%and%meet%the%permit%and%licensing%requirements;%

• To%develop%a%complete%septic%tank%system%profile%on%each%priority%township.%%

a) Identify% all% unsewered% Council% owned%and/or% operated% properties% and/or%facilities.%



Leader%

December%2014% Council%properties/facilities%identified%

and%data%uploaded%into%database%

b) Develop% and% implement% a% monitoring%regime% for% all% unsewered% Council%owned% and/or% operated% properties%and/or%facilities.%



Leader%

December%2014% Monitoring%schedule%

developed%and%implemented.%

c) Review%and%revise%monitoring%program.% Public%Health%Services%


Leader%

December%2015% Completion%of%review%on%monitoring%program.%


%

Page%53%




5. Strategy%%

Development%of%a%septic%tank%systemLmonitoring%program%for%high%priority%townships.%%Operational%Objectives:%%• To%develop%a%complete%septic%

tank%system%profile%on%each%priority%township;%

• To%ascertain%specific%systems’%performance;%

• To%assess%surface%water%and%ground%water%quality;%

• To%monitor%and%assess%the%impact%of%wastewater%management%strategies;%

• To%assist%priority%townships%in%exploring%alternative%wastewater%treatment%options.%

a) Assess% legislative% options% to% address%monitoring%and%monitoring%limitations.%



Leader%

June%2014% Report%to%Council%on%legislative%options.%

b) Implement% a% risk% based% program% for%monitoring%septic%tank%systems.%



Leader%

June%2014% Development%of%draft%program%for%approval.%

c) Implement% a% system% for% the% periodic%reporting% of% monitoring% and% auditing%results%to%relevant%stakeholders.%



Leader%

June%2014% Development%and%reporting%on%monitoring%

results%%

d) Investigate%options%for%the%introduction%of%a%Municipal%Charge%or% funding% from%an%external%agency% to% recover% the%cost%of%monitoring.%

%Public% Health%Services%


Leader%

June%2014% Adopted%report%by%Council%

e) Investigate% alternative% options% for%wastewater% treatment% for% priority%townships.%

%Public% Health%Services%


Leader%

June%2016% Adopted%report%by%Council%


%

Page%54%




6. Strategy%%

Development%of%a%planning%and%management%document%using%a%risk%management%based%approach.%%Operational%Objectives:%• To%develop%a%tool%to%assist%

Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%in%assessing%requirements%for%sustainable%onNsite%domestic%wastewater%management%options.%

• Provide%guidance%to%officers%when%assessing%applications%for%the%installation/alteration%of%septic%tank%systems.%

• Ensure%a%consistent%approach%to%the%governance%of%domestic%wastewater%management%in%line%with%relevant%legislation,%guidance%and%codes%of%practice.%

a) Undertake% a% review% of% existing%domestic% wastewater% planning% and%management%tools%from%other%agencies%and%neighbouring%municipalities.%



Leader%

January%2014% Information%ascertained%and%reported%to%management%

%b) Undertake% consultation% with% internal%

stakeholders% relating% to% the%development% of% the% planning% and%management%document.%



Leader%

June%2014% Consultation%undertaken%and%

findings%considered%

%c) Develop% and% implement% the% planning%

and%management%document%Public%Health%

Services%Public%Health%Services%Team%

Leader%

December%2014% Document%developed%and%implemented.%

%d) Undertake% training% with% all% staff%

members%with%delegated%responsibility%in% assessing% domestic% wastewater% to%ensure% they% are% aware% of% the%requirements% of% the% planning% and%management%document.%



Leader%

January%2015% Training%conducted%with%all%relevant%internal%staff.%

e) Review% and% revise% planning% and%management%document.%



Leader%

January%2016% Completion%of%review%of%

planning%and%management%document%


%

Page%55%




7. Strategy%%

Evaluate%Domestic%Wastewater%Management%Plan.%%Operational%Objectives:%%• To%assess%implementation%of%

strategies%and%progress%towards%objectives;%

• To%identify%successes%and%constraints%to%implementing%strategies;%

• To%report%progress%to%executive%management%team,%councillors,%stakeholders%and%the%community;%

• To%reNdevelop%the%plan.%

a) Develop% evaluation% objectives% and%design%evaluation%process.%



Leader%

December%2015% Development%and%approval%of%

evaluation%process,%evaluation%

undertaken%and%report%to%Council.%

b) Undertake% evaluation% and% analyse%results.%



Leader%

March%2016%

c) Draft%report%for%executive%management%team% and% community% on% progress% in%domestic%wastewater%management.%



Leader%

May%2016%

d) ReNdevelop%DWMP% Public%Health%Services%


Leader%

June%2016% Redevelopment%of%DWMP%and%

report%to%Council%for%Adoption.%


Page%56%

4" References"

Auditor%Generals%Report%(2006)%–%Protecting*our*environment*and*community*from*failing*septic*tanks.*

Australian%and%New%Zealand%Standards%1547:2012%–%Onsite%Domestic%Wastewater%Management.%

Environment%Protection%Act%1970.%

Environment% Protection% Authority% Code* of* Practice* –* Onsite* Domestic* Wastewater* Management* (EPA*

Publication*891.2)*

Environment%Protection%Authority,%State*Environment*Protection*Policy*(Waters*of*Victoria)*2003.*

Mallee%Catchment%Management%Authority,*Regional*Catchment*Strategy*2005N2008.*

Municipal%Association%of%Victoria%(2001)%Model*Municipal*Domestic*Wastewater*Management*Plan,*MAV,*

Melbourne.*

Municipal%Association%of%Victoria%(2002)%Municipal*Domestic*Wastewater*Management*Planning,*Issues*and*

Options*Paper,*MAV,*Melbourne.*

Municipal% Association% of% Victoria% (2005)%Domestic*Wastewater*Management,* a* planning* guide* for* Local*

Government,*MAV,*Melbourne.*

North%Central%Catchment%Management%Strategy,%Regional*Catchment*Strategy*2003N2007.*

Public%Health%and%Wellbeing%Act%2008.%

Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%–%Council%Plan%2009V2013%%

Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%–%Strategic%Resources%Plan%2012/2013%to%2016/2017.%

Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%–%Stormwater%Quality%Management%Plan.%

Swan%Hill%Rural%City%Council%–%Communication%Strategy%2010V2013.%%

%

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