On-site sewage management (OSSM) systems refer to any system that treats wastewater and disposes of the effluent within the premises. If you live in a house that is not connected to reticulated sewer, you will have an OSSM system.
OSSM systems involve the collection and treatment of wastewater, followed by disposal to an approved land application area (effluent disposal area). This disposal area could be:
- surface or subsurface absorption
- an irrigation system
or - a system whereby a holding well is used and collected by a tanker.
If not maintained and treated properly, there can be serious adverse effects and impacts, including:
- spreading of disease, bacteria, virus and pathogens
- contamination of groundwater and surface water
- degradation of soil and vegetation
- spreading of unpleasant odours
- encouraging insects and vermin.
Approval to install, alter and operate an OSSM system
OSSM systems are regulated jointly by local councils and NSW Health and must be approved by Council before installation. You must ensure your OSSM system is maintained and working well once installed.
Under the Local Government Regulation 2021, Council must not approve of the installation of certain sewage management facilities unless they have been accredited by NSW Health. The types of sewage management facilities to which accreditation applies includes septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems and composting toilets.
If you would like to install a new OSSM system on your property, or alter an existing system, you are required to gain approval from Council and submit an Application to Install/Alter and Operate an On-site Sewage Management System (refer to Section 68 of the of the Local Government Act 1993)
More information
Office of Local Government; On-site sewage management and easy septic guide
Office of Local Government: On-site sewage management – septic tanks
NSW Health: On-site single domestic wastewater management – accredited sewage management systems.
Under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Council must not approve of the installation of certain sewage management facilities unless they have been accredited by NSW Health. The types of sewage management facilities to which accreditation applies includes septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems and composting toilets.
How to lodge your application
Prepare your supporting documents
From 1 July 2021 the NSW Government made the online lodgement of certain applications mandatory on the NSW Planning Portal.
You can lodge a Section 68 application (OSSM) on the Planning Portal as a separate application or as part of a DA.
There are various supporting documents you will need to prepare and upload with your application. Some of these include:
- on-site sewage management report
Lodge your application on the NSW Planning Portal
From 1 July 2021 across NSW it is mandatory to lodge certain applications on the NSW Planning Portal
Contact us
If you need more information about on-site sewage management systems, please contact Council’s Environment and Planning Department on:
- T: 02 48 301 000
- E: council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au
- visit our Crookwell Environment and Planning Office Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm.