Did property owners obtain the required septic tank permits?
With respect to conditions for septic tank permits issued by local government, the EPA expects that the conditions within the Certificate of Approval for the system to be installed/used would generally form the basis for permit conditions imposed by local government. However, should local government wish to include other conditions it deemed necessary, it is free to do so. Section 3.3.3 – Conclusion Under the Environment Protection Act 1970, local governments are free to impose any conditions within a septic tank permit they think appropriate. Additionally, there are clear enforcement provisions under the Environment Protection Act 1970 available to local governments with respect to requiring compliance with permit conditions, with associated penalties up to approximately $12000. As such, the conclusion drawn that deficiencies in permit conditions prevent local governments from forcing property owners to address risks caused by failing septic tanks would appear to be incorrect. Section
