Septic Tanks

The Council undertakes assessment of sites and developments involving on-site wastewater management systems (traditionally septic tanks, but now incorporating a number of alternative technologies).

A Special Plumbing Permit constitutes an approval to use a system or device (e.g. a septic tank) and a plumbing permit is also required before installation can proceed.

A Special Plumbing Permit is needed in a number of circumstances such as:

• a fixture located on a floor which is wholly or partly below ground level
• a waste disposal unit
• trade waste
• drainage from a swimming pool
• an inlet to a sewerage installation at a level which is lower than 150 mm above a declared drainage flood level for the land on which the sewerage installation is located
• the retention of any plumbing product which does not comply with the Tasmanian Plumbing Code
• the use of a product that does not comply with the Tasmanian Plumbing Code in a building of architectural or historical interest
• the installation of an on-site wastewater management system in accordance with AS/NZS 1547:2000 on-site domestic-wastewater management
• testable and registrable backflow prevention devices

On-site disposal systems must be maintained according to the Special Plumbing Permit. To obtain a special plumbing permit you must make application to the Council with the required documentation. An application form and information on the application process can be obtained from the Building counter or to download and print a copy click on the link below.

On-site Wastewater Management Application process

For further information, download and print the following brochures:

Your Septic System
Your AWTS
Waterless composting toilets