10 March 2006 Chapter 14 - Discharges of Waste to Land such procedures exist. This information will be provided to the community on an ongoing basis, to ensure that it reflects the current knowledge of factors that influence the effectiveness of on-site systems. However, it is also recognised that the provision of information and voluntary actions alone will not ensure that property owners appropriately manage and maintain their on-site systems. For example, there is a low rate of septic tank pump-out in the Marlborough Sounds despite the fact that the performance of the septic tank relies upon the periodic removal of the accumulated solids. The isolation of some properties, the inability of contractors to access the septic tank by road or barge, the variable rates of accumulation caused by intermittent use of the dwelling and the cost all act to inhibit appropriate septic tank maintenance. For this reason, the Council will investigate options for co-ordinating the pump- out of septic tanks throughout the Marlborough Sounds, in consultation with the community. Monitoring results may identify priority areas for the implementation of any such programme. If a programme of co-ordinated septic tank pump-out is implemented it must also address the subsequent disposal of the sludge that is removed. Given the isolation of many properties in the Marlborough Sounds and the fact that the Council does not accept septic tank sludge at the Picton Sewage Treatment Plant, a strategy needs to be developed to address this issue. The successful implementation of this regime will also require the details of all on-site systems to be recorded. Liaison with property owners may be necessary to determine the nature and location of any on-site system. There will also be situations where the existing on-site system is not performing at optimal levels despite appropriate use and recent maintenance. Such a situation may result in adverse effects on the surrounding environment and remedial action will be required if this is the case. Any alleged instance of poor performance, as indicated by complaint or state of the environment monitoring, will be followed up with a site inspection. 14.5(a) Issue Several communities in the Marlborough Sounds suffer from a degraded environment and a potential risk to public health due to their reliance on the on-site management of domestic wastewater. Residential activity in the Marlborough Sounds, outside of urban areas, is usually concentrated along the coastal fringe. The resultant density of development is lower than that which exists in urban environments. However, there are areas in the Marlborough Sounds where this is not the case, and communities have developed that are almost urban in character. These communities include, but are not limited to: • Okiwi Bay • Ngakuta Bay • Double Cove • Anakiwa/ Tirimoana • Moenui 14 - 17