Apply to install or alter a septic tank system

Step 1.Land Capability Assessment

Before applying for a permit, contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer to check if a Land Capability Assessment (LCA) is required.

A Land Capability Assessment needs to be conducted by an accredited practitioner in accordance with EPA Publication 746. This is usually required in the following circumstances

• Allotment size is less than 10,000m² (1 Hectare)
• Allotment is in a flood prone area
• Multi lot subdivision
• Allotment has poor soil absorption
• Replacement of a failing septic tank system

Step 2.Download and complete the application

Application to Install or Alter a Septic Tank System(PDF, 683KB)

Step 3.Prepare supporting documents

Along with your application you need to provide:

1. An allotment plan (to scale or detailing appropriate measurements) which includes:
   • Proposed septic tank system/treatment plant location and layout including setback distances
   • Wastewater disposal field (distribution pipes, trenches, individual irrigation line, vacuum breakers, flush/scour valves, return lines, flushing trenches/pits)
   • Location of all existing and proposed buildings
   • Location of any sheds, swimming pools, driveways, water pipes, underground power, phone or gas lines
   • Fall of the land in the vicinity of the effluent disposal area
   • Position of North
2. Locality Plan that clearly identifies the location of the property including the street or lot number and shows the names of the surrounding streets.
3. A Land Capability Assessment (LCA), if required. Please contact Council during the planning of the development to determine whether an LCA is required.

Step 4.Email us

Email your application form along with supporting documents to health@swanhill.vic.gov.au. 

Step 5.Assessment

An Environmental Health Officer will conduct a desktop assessment and an initial site inspection. If there are any changes to the proposed system, this process must be repeated. If you wish to meet the Environmental Health Officer onsite, an appointment must be arranged.

Step 6.Permit issued or rejected

If the proposal is accepted, a Permit to Install or Alter a Septic Tank System will be issued.

Do not start any work until you receive this permit.

Step 7.Notify Council of wastewater system installation

Your licensed plumber/drainer can now proceed with installing the wastewater system.

Notify Council to arrange an inspection of the system during installation.

Step 8.Notify Council of completion

Once installation is complete, they must notify the Council and provide:

1. A completed Plumbers Final Approval Checklist
2. An as constructed plan of the septic tank system (if it slightly differs from the proposed plan)
3. A copy of the Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) Certificate
4. A copy of a Commissioning Certificate (for treatment plants only)

Step 9.Final inspection

An Environmental Health Officer will conduct a final inspection of the septic tank system to ensure it complies with permit conditions.

Step 10.Approval to use

If the septic tank system is installed correctly, Council will issue an Approval to Use. Please note that this approval must be obtained before the Permit to Install expires (within 5 years).

Do not use the system until you receive this approval.

Step 1.Land Capability Assessment

Before applying for a permit, contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer to check if a Land Capability Assessment (LCA) is required.

A Land Capability Assessment needs to be conducted by an accredited practitioner in accordance with EPA Publication 746. This is usually required in the following circumstances

• Allotment size is less than 10,000m² (1 Hectare)
• Allotment is in a flood prone area
• Multi lot subdivision
• Allotment has poor soil absorption
• Replacement of a failing septic tank system

Step 2.Download and complete the application

Application to Install or Alter a Septic Tank System(PDF, 683KB)

Step 3.Prepare supporting documents

Along with your application you need to provide:

1. An allotment plan (to scale or detailing appropriate measurements) which includes:
   • Proposed septic tank system/treatment plant location and layout including setback distances
   • Wastewater disposal field (distribution pipes, trenches, individual irrigation line, vacuum breakers, flush/scour valves, return lines, flushing trenches/pits)
   • Location of all existing and proposed buildings
   • Location of any sheds, swimming pools, driveways, water pipes, underground power, phone or gas lines
   • Fall of the land in the vicinity of the effluent disposal area
   • Position of North
2. Locality Plan that clearly identifies the location of the property including the street or lot number and shows the names of the surrounding streets.
3. A Land Capability Assessment (LCA), if required. Please contact Council during the planning of the development to determine whether an LCA is required.

Step 4.Visit us

Please drop your application and supporting document to

Step 5.Assessment

An Environmental Health Officer will conduct a desktop assessment and an initial site inspection. If there are any changes to the proposed system, this process must be repeated. If you wish to meet the Environmental Health Officer onsite, an appointment must be arranged.

Step 6.Permit issued or rejected

If the proposal is accepted, a Permit to Install or Alter a Septic Tank System will be issued.

Do not start any work until you receive this permit.

Step 7.Notify Council of wastewater system installation

Your licensed plumber/drainer can now proceed with installing the wastewater system.

Notify Council to arrange an inspection of the system during installation.

Step 8.Notify Council of completion

Once installation is complete, they must notify the Council and provide:

1. A completed Plumbers Final Approval Checklist
2. An as constructed plan of the septic tank system (if it slightly differs from the proposed plan)
3. A copy of the Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) Certificate
4. A copy of a Commissioning Certificate (for treatment plants only)

Step 9.Final inspection

An Environmental Health Officer will conduct a final inspection of the septic tank system to ensure it complies with permit conditions.

Step 10.Approval to use

If the septic tank system is installed correctly, Council will issue an Approval to Use. Please note that this approval must be obtained before the Permit to Install expires (within 5 years).

Do not use the system until you receive this approval.