When you need a permit for this activity
You must get a permission from us to conduct certain activities that have risk of harm to human health and the environment. These are called prescribed activities and are defined in Schedule 1 of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021.
An onsite wastewater management system (OWMS) treats sewage. Sewage is wastewater that contains human excreta, urine or toilet flush water. This includes greywater.
Under the Regulations, you need an A20 – Onsite wastewater management system permit to construct, install or alter an OWMS. The OWMS must not have a design or actual flow rate of more than 5,000 litres on any day. This includes all beds, sewers, drains, pipes, fittings, appliances and land used in connection with the treatment system.
You need to apply for an A20 permit from your local council before starting works.
Local councils can enforce the requirements set out in Part 5.7 of the Regulations.
Local councils and water corporations also have obligations. These are set out in an order for obligations of managers of land or infrastructure for onsite wastewater management.
For more information on constructing, installing or altering an OWMS, visit Manage an onsite wastewater management system.
Exemptions
You can apply to the relevant local council for an exemption from an A20 permit.
Your application must:
- follow the application instructions
- specify the activity involved
- include the fee
- include all the requested information.
You must comply with the exemption conditions.
In some circumstances, you may be exempt from having a certificate of conformity for a treatment plant – for example, for innovative onsite wastewater treatment plants. For more information, visit Section 459 exemptions.
Related activities
You need an A03 – Sewage treatment development licence and operating licence for a wastewater management system with a design or actual flow rate exceeding 5,000 litres per day or on any day.
You need an A04 – Industrial wastewater treatment development and operating licence to discharge or deposit industrial wastewater when:
- the wastewater was generated at another site, and
- the design or actual flow rate exceeds 5,000 litres per day or on any day.
Apply now
To apply, contact your local council. A fee applies.
Your system must meet requirements under both the planning and environment protection frameworks.
The OWMS must be certified to show it conforms with AS/NZS 1547:2012 On-site domestic wastewater management.
Your application must include a copy of a valid certificate of conformity for the system. To get a copy of the certificate, contact the manufacturer.
For more information about applying, refer to:
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