Draft Code of Practice for On-site Wastewater Disposal
Overview
The Department of Health is consulting on a Draft Code of Practice for On-site Wastewater Disposal (Code of Practice). The aim is to adopt the Code of Practice within new wastewater regulations to be drafted under the Public Health Act 2016.
Background
Stage 5 of implementation of the Public Health Act 2016 will require the repeal of the Health (Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) Regulations 1974.
In 2021 the Department of Health undertook consultation on a proposed new regulatory framework for on-site wastewater disposal in WA. The Consultation Summary Paper was published on the Department's website.
The consultation and subsequent review feedback identified the need to develop a Code of Practice to provide the detail to support compliance with the proposed regulation.
About the draft Code of Practice for Wastewater Disposal
The draft Code of Practice adopts methodologies based on AS/NZS 1547:2012 for the design, installation and operation of on-site wastewater systems. The draft Code of Practice aims to:
- bring WA into alignment with the rest of Australia
- align with the WA planning framework which recognises AS/NZS 1547:2012 as the appropriate standard for unsewered development
- enable industry innovation in the design and manufacture of on-site wastewater systems.
The draft Code of Practice, when finalised and ready for adoption by the future regulations, will supersede:
- requirements for the sizing of primary treatment systems detailed in the Health (TSDELW) Regulations 1974
- the Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Operation of Aerobic Treatment Units
- the Code of Practice for Greywater in WA.
Why your views matter
The Department of Health invites feedback from state and local government agencies, industry and other interested stakeholders.
Local governments have had, and will continue to have an integral role in the approval of on-site wastewater systems throughout WA. Industry are involved in the design and installation of onsite wastewater systems.
The new regulatory framework proposes changes to both administrative and operational requirements associated with the design, approval, installation and operation of on-site wastewater systems.
The Department seeks your feedback on whether the draft Code of Practice provides:
- appropriate requirements to ensure effective design, sizing, and operation of onsite wastewater systems sufficient to protect public health.
- adequate guidance and a practicable administrative framework for local government to assess and approve applications for onsite wastewater systems.
- adequate guidance to industry on the design and installation requirements for onsite wastewater systems.
- clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved in the design, installation and operation of onsite wastewater systems.
There is no requirement for you to respond to each question and section – you only need to provide feedback to the questions and sections that are relevant to your expertise. You are also welcome to provide any other comments you consider important. Please aim to provide constructive feedback with any suggestions for improvement or solutions to any concerns identified.
If you are responding on behalf of an organisation, please ensure the submission has your organisation’s endorsement and authorisation at the Chief Executive Officer level.
You can preview the online survey questions here.
Submissions can also be emailed to publichealthact@health.wa.gov.au
Alternatively post submissions to:
Science and Policy
Environmental Health Directorate
Department of Health WA
PO Box 8172
Perth Business Centre WA 6849
What happens next
The information gathered from this consultation will be used to refine the draft Code of Practice for On-site Wastewater Disposal. Your input is crucial as it will assist in identifying what areas of the draft Code of Practice need further consideration.
After all submissions have been reviewed and considered, any changes required to be made to the draft Code will be implemented by the Department of Health.
The finalised Code of Practice will be launched with the new Wastewater Regulations as a part of Stage 5 of implementation of the Public Health Act 2016.
Events
-
Metropolitan Information Session - Draft Code of Practice for Onsite Wastewater Disposal - Industry
From 15 Aug 2023 at 14:00 to 15 Aug 2023 at 15:30The Department will host a metropolitan information session to discuss aspects of the draft Code that will be of interest to onsite wastewater industry stakeholders. Local government representatives are also welcome to attend.
For further details and to register visit:
https://WWCodePerth.eventbrite.com.au -
Busselton Information Session - Draft Code of Practice Information Session - Local Government
From 18 Aug 2023 at 10:30 to 18 Aug 2023 at 12:30The Department will host a regional information session to discuss aspects of the draft Code that will be of interest to local government. Industry representatives are also welcome to attend.
For further details and to register visit: https://WWCodeBusselton.eventbrite.com.au
Audiences
- External Agencies
- Public and Aboriginal Health Division
- State government agencies
- Non-government organisations
- Peak bodies and associations
- Local governments
- Public
Interests
- Feedback
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