Aerobic Treatment Units (ATU's)
ATU's are a more advanced effluent treatment system than septic tanks, however they are not an alternative to a sewer connection. They treat the water via chlorination, and wastewater can be dispersed into garden areas, though it must not be used on vegetable gardens. Phosphates are also required to be removed if the system is near water bodies as they can contribute to algal growth. ATU's are required to be serviced quarterly by a qualified person and a copy of the service report sent to the Shire.
Prior to installing an ATU, contact the Shire's Environmental Health Services on (08) 9071 0676 to discuss your requirements. Applications to install an apparatus for the treatment of sewage are available from the application forms page, and must be submitted to the Shire of Esperance for assessment together with the required fees.
For more information visit the Department of Health website.
Grey Water Re-Use Systems (GRS)
GRS's are used to filter waste water from bathrooms, laundries and sometimes kitchen sources for use in the garden. The systems are not connected to toilets (known as 'black water') because of the high bacterial load which can cause severe illness.
There are many products available on the market, however the system you choose must be on the approved GRS list from the Department of Health. The type of product that suits your household needs will be dependent on your water usage and the dispersal area available. Your plumber should be able to advise you on which system is most suitable for your situation.
To install a GRS an application must be made to the Shire of Esperance together with the applicable fees. It is an offence under the Health (Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) Regulations 1974 to install a GRS without approval and an offence to use the GRS without a permit.
The Department of Health's Using Greywater information sheet provides further details.
Septic Tanks and Decommissioning
Septic tanks are commonly used in areas where sewer connection is not available. The Shire of Esperance has sewer connections available to many suburbs, and as such septic tank systems are not an approved method of disposing of waste water where a connection to sewer mains is available.
If you have an existing septic tank but are not sure where it is located on the property, the Shire may have such records shown on building plans. To request a copy of the plans where available, contact Environmental Health Services on (08) 9071 0676.
If you would like to discontinue the use of your septic tank and connect to mains sewer it is recommended that you decommission the system. Although not mandatory, decommissioning is important as disused systems can become unstable over time and collapse, creating quite a hazard and the potential for accidents.
Septic tank decommissioning is however, a requirement when:
Building extensions encroach on minimum clearances from the system. Septic tanks must be located at least 1.2 metres from any building or boundary and leach drains / soak wells must be located 1.8 metres from any building or boundary; and
The permitted use of the development changes (e.g. from residential to commercial use).
What does Decommissioning a Septic Tank Involve?
Pump out all septic tanks, soak wells, leach drains or other on site disposal systems using a registered liquid waste contractor;
Remove the tanks, or if this is impractical, break the base of the tank;
Backfill all tanks, soak wells and leach drains with clean fill; and
Keep the receipt from the contractor to prove that decommissioning has been completed.
See the Shire's Decommissioning a Septic Apparatus information sheet for further details.
