Wastewater disposal responsibilities for Robertson

3 September, 2013Posted in: Environment
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Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding residents of Robertson of their sewage disposal responsibilities now that the $33.6 million Robertson Sewerage Scheme has been commissioned.

“Council has received anecdotal feedback from plumbers carrying out connections that some people may be trying to circumvent the process by trying to empty out their septic tanks by pumping directly into the newly constructed transfer system,” said Jonathan Hook, Council’s Water and Sewer Business Services Manager.

“Septic waste, effluent or sludge found in septic tanks is a different type of material that must be treated differently than normal wastewater,” Mr Hook said. “If it finds its way into our sewage treatment plant, it can have a detrimental effect on what is a highly sensitive treatment process.”

Under the Local Government Act and the Protection of the Environment Operation Act, dumping of septic waste can attract penalties ranging from $750.

“Council must therefore insist that until residents have had a licensed plumber professionally connect their house to the new scheme, they retain their current approved wastewater disposal methods and under no circumstances try to short-cut the wastewater treatment process by pumping out their septics directly to the sewer, instead of utilising the services of a pump out contractor.”

Residents of Robertson have until 30 June 2014 to connect. Pump out subsides will continue until 1 December this year.

For a list of waste transporters that have approval to transport and discharge into Council’s wastewater system, or for any other information regarding sewage connections, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/water-sewerage or phone Council on 4868 0888.