Septic Tanks and On-Site Sewerage

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Does your property rely on sewerage disposal by septic tanks or other on-site sewerage treatment facilities?

There are legal requirements that apply to installing and maintaining these systems.

This page provides a bit of information about different systems, how they work and what approvals are needed.

What is an on-site sewerage facility (OSSF)?

An on-site sewerage facility (OSSF) is a system that stores, treats and disposes of household toilet wastewater, on a property. There are many different types, most common are septic systems, aerated wastewater sewerage treatment plants and sand filter systems.

The treated wastewater must be pumped to a designated ‘land application area’ which is a portion of land set aside to take the treated water. It is pumped by either an irrigation system or through absorption trench systems. The size of land needed depends on the type of system.

Do I need approval for a new or changed system?

Yes. All on-site wastewater systems need approval (plumbing permit) from Council, including for:

  • Installing a new system
  • Making an addition/extension to an existing system
  • Converting from a septic system to a different type of treatment system We have developed a checklist to help explain the steps in detail. Key things to note are:
  • A qualified site and soil evaluator will be able to assist you with identifying what type of effluent disposal system is most suitable for your property.
  • A qualified wastewater designer will need to prepare the design of the on-site sewerage facility and the application material.
  • Council’s permit will come with conditions that will need to be met, including for installation and maintenance.

What maintenance is likely to be involved?

Ongoing maintenance is essential! Maintaining a treatment plant or sand filter is a legal requirement under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. The steps involved vary depending on the type of system and can involve:

Septic systems

  • Desludging the tank unit every five (5) years by a professional pumping contractor
  • The land application area must have the grass mowed and plants maintained
  • Regular clean out of grease trap
  • Protect the land application area from vehicles.

Aerated wastewater treatment plants and sand filter systems

  • Are serviced by a licensed service agent in accordance with manufacturer requirements and Council conditions, and generally;
  • Aerated wastewater treatment plants – every 3 months
  • Sand filtration systems – every 12 months.

Checklist - Septic tanks and on-site sewage treatment

Click on the + symbol or the questions below to expand and display each item.

Who will need to be involved?

What do I need to prepare?

On-site Sewerage Facilities Approval

  • You will need an application for all new on-site sewerage facility installations, septic tank installations, additions to existing facilities and conversions from septic to treatment plants.
  • To make an application for a permit, a Site and Soil Evaluator will be required to assess the type of on-site sewerage facility that best suits the property (Please note: Council does not offer this service).

OSSF Designer

A qualified OSSF Designer will be required to prepare the design of the on-site sewerage facility.

Submit your application:

  • A report and design plan prepared by the designer is required to be lodged with Council’s Development Services Section.
  • Applications can be submitted and paid for using Council’s Online Development Application Portal.

Get started:

Once Council has issued your approval, the system will need to be installed by a qualified professional, with inspections to be undertaken by Council’s plumbing inspectors.

Ongoing maintenance is essential! Maintaining a treatment plant or sand filter is mandatory under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. The steps involved vary depending on whether the system is a treatment plant, sand filter or septic system.

Most treatment plants require compulsory servicing every three months or as per the conditions of approval. Owners have a legal responsibility to have the system serviced on time, in full, and any items rectified in a timely manner.

Servicing must be carried out by qualified persons and the report forwarded to the owner and the Council within 10 business days from the date of the service.

Please note that should Council become aware of a treatment plant or sand filter system not being maintained as required, enforcement action may be undertaken and penalties applied.

Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au for further assistance.

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