1. What is an On-site Wastewater Management (OSWM) Report?
This is known as the 'wastewater management design'. The design is based on the analysis of a variety of environmental and human factors. Reports from McIvor Environmental always include a clear and concise map of the wastewater management design for your property. The map displays the exact size and position of the components of the wastewater management design. Experienced Environmental Scientists from McIvor Environmental will conduct the on-site sampling and analysis of factors such as soil type and chemistry. We then use the data to create an easy to navigate report, that ticks all the boxes required for local, regional and national regulations. All of our Environmental Scientists have experience in science research, science education and environmental consulting. We are enthusiastic about what we do, and happy to answer questions and explain the processes and outcomes from any of our jobs.
Easy, friendly communication can be expected when working with McIvor Environmental.
Let's break the terms down
On site the wastewater treatment system and effluent disposal area is installed and operates on your property.
Wastewater all wastewater produced from showers, toilets, sinks, etc. This includes all grey-water (sinks, drains) and all blackwater (toilets).
Management the management part of this is the tailored design that we create for your own wastewater treatment facility. It is a 'site-specific' design, meaning the wastewater treatment system will incorporate and address all the influencing variables on your property. The management design includes figuring out the appropriate location and size of the treatment tank and also the location and size of the area where the treated wastewater (aka effluent) will be distributed on your property. Some of the variables that we analyse that influence the specific design your property are:
- Soil type
- Rainfall
- Topography
- Proximity to waterways
- Occupation Rate (anticipated number of people that the system will service)
Report All the variables mentioned above (and more) are analysed and presented in a clear and concise technical report. Solutions for the site-specific variables are provided and an overall On-site Wastewater Management Design is outlined. Maps and verbal descriptions of the design will be published in the report. The report is mandatory for new developments that cannot access mains sewage services. Many Councils also require an On-Site Wastewater Management Report for renovations and additions to existing dwellings. This is to assess the existing wastewater management design and see if it needs modification as a result of the proposed development.
Please note: At McIvor Environmental we see the 'management' part of the report as the creation of a wastewater management design that is safe, environmentally sustainable, and ensures the protection of public health. We produce an expert wastewater management design that, if followed appropriately, will ensure there are no future problems such as waterlogging or smelly systems.
On-site Wastewater Management Assessments can be referred to as a few different names, such as:
- Site and Soil Inspection
- Land Capability Assessment
2. When do I need a Wastewater Report?
You may require a wastewater report for the following reasons:
- There is no access to the mains sewage system from your property, and you need to install on an on-site wastewater system to treat and disinfect wastewater, and then distribute the effluent.
- If you are putting in a Development Application (DA) for a new dwelling, or making an amendment to a dwelling that is serviced by an existing on-site wastewater management system.