Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 10 March 2006 Policy 1.4 Land application areas shall be sized to accommodate the volume of domestic wastewater to be discharged, taking into account the characteristics of the site. Policy 1.5 All domestic wastewater shall be discharged evenly over the land application area at a rate that does not exceed the ability of the land to assimilate the wastewater. Policy 1.6 All treatment units shall be located so as to be accessible for maintenance purposes. Policy 1.7 To avoid the use of conventional on-site wastewater management systems where it is proposed to discharge domestic wastewater into or onto poorly draining soils (such as clays) or porous soils (such as gravel, coarse sand or fractured rock). Policy 1.8 To avoid the use of soak pits. Policy 1.9 When considering discharge permit applications to discharge domestic wastewater into or onto land, to have regard to: (a) The soil characteristics of the site and surrounding area, including hydraulic capacity and ability to treat contaminants present within the domestic wastewater; (b) Site constraints including geology, topography, slope, lot size and shape, climate, and existing structures; (c) Alternative options for managing the domestic wastewater, including discharge to an alternative location on the same site; (d) The need for a reserve field; (e) The way in which stormwater is managed on the site and the potential for stormwater to impair the performance of the on-site wastewater management system; (f) Relevant guidelines and standards; and (g) Potential cumulative effects. Policy 1.10 To provide guidance on: (a) Appropriate procedures for the investigation and evaluation of a site for the on-site management of domestic wastewater; and (b) The range of on-site wastewater management systems available. Policy 1.11 To require the designers of new on-site wastewater management systems to certify the installation of the system. Policy 1.12 To enable the use of alternative technologies for managing domestic wastewater. 14 - 10