ii. Public Health Sewage Code
A technical code of practice has been developed based in part on the Australian and New Zealand standards taking into account local socio-economic and climatic conditions. The Sewage Code:
- Outlines permitting fees
- Defines the Lagoon Protection Zone
- Sets AS/NZS 1546.1 as the septic tank standard
- Sets AS/NZS 1547 as the standard for the design of on-site sewage management systems including Land Application Systems (trenches, beds, mounds and subsurface irrigation systems)
- Sets AS/NZS 3500, Surface Water Clause E1 and Foul Water Clause G13 2nd Edition of the New Zealand Building Code as the drainlaying standards
- Defines the frequency of sludge removal
- Establishes setback distances from surface water bodies, dwellings and land boundaries
Sets the frequency for owners of Moderate and High Load Systems to report daily sewage flow
- Sets the frequency for owners of Moderate and High Load Systems to report effluent quality results and outlines the testing procedure
- Establishes effluent quality standards and treatment unit categories
- Outlines standards for effluent outlet filters, noise and sewage discharge
Outlines criteria for registration of Sanitary Professionals and Technicians, Septic Tank Manufacturers and Sewage Treatment Unit Designs
- Describes the process for applying for registration
- Provides guidelines for wastewater flow design allowances
Lists classifications of buildings for wastewater design purposes
- Outlines requirements for the positioning of a Land Application System
- Describes the various soil types and how soil texture is determined
- Outlines the contents of a Land Information Memorandum (Drainage)
- Outlines standards of treatment in the Lagoon Protection Zone and other zones
- Provides for alternative wastewater management systems
The Public Health Sewage Code currently being updated six-monthly. To obtain a copy of the most recent Public Health Sewage Code click here.
(iii) Septic Tank Standard
