10 March 2006 Chapter 14 - Discharges of Waste to Land An implication of living, holidaying or providing visitor accommodation in the Marlborough Sounds is the need to appropriately manage the domestic wastewater generated as a result of these activities. In areas not serviced by a reticulated sewerage system, this is achieved by installing and operating an on- site wastewater management system. It is important that the design, location and installation of the on-site system take into account and reflect the site characteristics, as this will ultimately determine whether the domestic wastewater can be treated and contained on-site. To ensure that this is the case, the Council must be able to consider all proposed on-site systems and retain discretion over whether the discharge from the system can commence. As identified in Policy 14.4.1.1.1, a discharge permit is required to authorise the discharge of contaminants from all new on-site systems. A new on- site system includes extensions to, or replacements of, existing land application areas. Any applicant for a discharge permit will need to demonstrate that the design of the proposed on-site system satisfies all of the requirements of Policy 14.4.1.1.2. Policies 14.4.1.1.3 to 14.4.1.1.9 establish principles or identify matters that are relevant to, and will assist, this assessment process. Designers and Council staff alike can therefore use these policies to ensure that proposed on-site systems are appropriate, given the nature of the discharge and the site conditions. A variety of standards exist for the on-site management of domestic wastewater, including AS/NZS 1546.1:1998, AS/NZS 1546.2:2001, AS/NZS 1546.3:2001, AS/NZS 1547:2000. These standards can also be used to assist the assessment of new on-site systems. However, as the Marlborough Sounds presents unique constraints to on-site servicing, there is also the need to interpret these standards in the context of local conditions. The policies therefore also signal the need to provide greater guidance to designers given these unique constraints. This guidance will reflect the Council’s experience with different types of on-site systems in the Marlborough Sounds. The Council is already aware that conventional on-site systems do not perform in certain soil types in the Marlborough Sounds or where soak pits are used. It would therefore be inappropriate to continue to allow such on-site systems to be installed. Historically, conventional on-site systems were the only option for managing domestic wastewater, but many alternative technologies are now available. The appropriateness of alternative on-site systems to the types of environment that exist in the Marlborough Sounds will be investigated by the Council on an ongoing basis. The results of these investigations will be provided to homeowners through educational resources. To ensure that the on-site system is installed according to design, the designer will be required to certify the installation of the system and provide that certification to the Council. By ensuring that the design, location and installation of the on-site system takes into account and reflects the site characteristics, adverse effects on water quality, soil quality and stability, and amenity values can be avoided. The use of these policies will therefore assist in maintaining the very qualities that attract people to live and holiday in the Marlborough Sounds. 14 - 11