Annual Report 2009/2010 - Hawkesbury City Council - NSW ...

Failed On-site Sewage Management Facilities.
450
400
406
Number of Failed Systems
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
198
264
227
165
0
2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010
Financial Year
Response to the issue and Future Directions
Outcome 2
The Septic Safe program in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area continues to improve the
management of the on-site sewage management systems and to encourage and support property owners
to improve the management and performance of their on-site systems.
Sydney Water and Hawkesbury City Council are working together to provide a sewage reticulated service
to satellite towns. Glossodia, Agnes Banks, Freemans Reach and Wilberforce Sewerage Scheme will
provide improved sewerage services to the urban areas and help protect local creeks and the
Hawkesbury River.
Centralised (package) Sewage Treatment Plants
The 64 package plants in the Hawkesbury include privately owned commercial plants, and plants owned
by community neighborhood associations on multi-lot subdivisions.
It is essential to achieve a consistently high level of environmental performance, which incorporates good
management practices. Best environmental management practices for wastewater plants include:
• Commitment from management which is communicated to all potential residents
• Adherence to best practice environmental management guidelines
• Alert and informed supervision
• Regular operator/maintenance training
• Exercising control over the treatment process
• Detailed written procedures for each activity established and used by operation staff
• Contingency plans
• High level of housekeeping on the site
• Continuous improvement
Council is constantly reviewing these practices and implementing further controls through 'Prevention
Notices' served in accordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations Act.
Page 64
2009/2010 Annual Report